If you’re looking for pre-dinner dishes that are mess free and easy to eat without utensils, try something from this collection of Finger Food Appetizers!
More Collections: Mexican Appetizers, BBQ Appetizers, Cold Appetizers
What makes an appetizer Finger Food?
Finger Foods are often served with other appetizers before dinner to whet your guests’ appetites. All finger foods are appetizers, but not all appetizers are finger foods.
I classify things as finger food appetizers when they are small, individual portions of food. Ideally, they can be eaten in 1-2 bites and do not create any mess. No sticky fingers, no drips or crumbs. Although plates and utensils can be provided, finger foods can be easily eaten without them.
We’ve compiled a list of our appetizers that also classify as finger foods including meatless options, mini versions, and just our favorites!
Planning Tips
Deciding how many appetizers to make depends on the occasion and how you’re planning to serve the dishes.
Before Dinner: Plan for guests to have 3-4 appetizer pieces per person.
Appetizer Only Event: Prepare enough appetizers for guests to have 10-12 pieces during a 2 hour party, adding 4-5 more pieces per person for every hour after. Toothpicks can often make finger food easier and more sanitary to eat but aren’t necessary.
Deciding on Different Dishes: Deciding how many different dishes to make depends on the amount of people you will be hosting. Try to pick dishes that have different colors and textures, warm & cold, protein filled & produce bases, all while making sure the flavors of the different dishes are complementary.
- If you have 10 or fewer guests, plan to have 3 different appetizers. Add another appetizer selection for every 8 more guests.
Best finger foods
We definitely have our go-to’s when it comes to get togethers, and here is a list of some of the appetizers we like to serve the most at functions.
Appetizer
Buffalo Wings Recipe
Crispy tender chicken wings tossed in the most wonderful buffalo sauce! The best party appetizer for a crowd!
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins Recipe
This easy potato skin appetizer is loaded with bacon & cheese and crusted with parmesan, making it the best potato skins ever!
Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe
Bacon wrapped little smokies sprinkled with brown sugar, and baked to perfection. These bacon wrapped weenies are the ultimate appetizer for any party, and always the first to disappear!
Total Time: 37 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Egg Roll Recipe
These homemade Egg Rolls are the perfect appetizer or side to any Asian meal! They’re filled with chicken and veggies and fried to perfection.
Total Time: 20 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Teriyaki Chicken Wings Recipe
Homemade Teriyaki Wings – one of the best recipes you’ll ever try! Lots of flavors make these chicken wings a great appetizer for any get together!
Total Time: 35 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Recipe
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are simple, quick , and delicious. Chicken smothered in barbecue sauce and wrapped in bacon make for a popular appetizer at any gathering!
Total Time: 55 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Fried Pickles Recipe
Deep fried pickles are crunchy, flavorful, and SO tasty! These pickle slices are breaded and fried to perfection, making them a crowd-favorite party appetizer!
Total Time: 25 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Southwest Egg Roll Recipe
These delicious Southwest Egg Rolls are fried to perfection and are filled with chicken, corn, peppers, beans, spices and more! Serve them with salsa, sour cream or guac and they are sure to be a favorite party appetizer.
Total Time: 40 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Spicy fried jalapeño poppers are a classic appetizer that everyone wants! Bite into these cheesy poppers for a flavor explosion!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Cheese Puffs Recipe
Cheese puffs are light and fluffy on the inside with the perfect crunch on the outside. This little appetizer is bursting with cheesy flavor!
Total Time: 50 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Fried Green Beans Recipe
Crispy green bean fries making all of your appetizer dreams comes true! Breaded with seasoned bread crumbs and fried to crunchy perfection!
Total Time: 25 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Sausage Stuffed Jalapeño Recipe
These sausage stuffed jalapeños are also filled with cream cheese and baked to perfection. Trust us when we say they’re a must-have appetizer at your next party.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Side Dish
Fried Zucchini Recipe
Whether you serve it as a side or an appetizer, this restaurant style Fried Zucchini is a family favorite. Fried to perfection, this dish is simply addicting, especially dipped in ranch and marinara!
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Everyone is obsessed with these ooey gooey homemade mozzarella sticks, breaded with a flavorful coating and fried to a golden perfection.
Total Time: 35 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Main Course
Chicken Taquitos Recipe
You will love these Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos filled with cream cheese, salsa, cheese, sour cream and spinach.
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Easy finger foods
Want a few easy finger foods that are quick and simple? Here are our go-to’s that are made in minutes or prepped in little time.
Appetizer, Side Dish
Bacon Wrapped Potatoes Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Potatoes are a delicious appetizer combing two favorite ingredients – bacon and potatoes. Just add your favorite dip!!
Total Time: 40 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Crockpot Meatball Recipe
These crockpot meatballs are full of so much flavor, and perfect for parties. Best of all, they only require 5 minutes of prep work!
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Bites are made from spicy buffalo chicken wrapped in buttery crescent dough and served with a tasty Bleu Cheese Ranch Dressing.
Total Time: 25 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Breakfast
Sausage Roll Recipe
Sausage mixed with delicious seasonings, all wrapped up in puffy pastry make these Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls delicious and addicting!
Total Time: 25 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
Sweet and savory bacon wrapped dates make a tasty appetizer. The contrasting flavors combine for the perfect bite!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Cream Cheese Wonton Recipe
Crispy fried Cream Cheese Wontons are filled with cream cheese, lemon and garlic pepper, paprika & fried to golden perfection!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Breakfast, Snack
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
This simple 3-ingredient appetizer is great for parties and get togethers and is so full of flavor! Everyone will love these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls.
Total Time: 18 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Sausage Balls Recipe
Sausage balls are cheesy, savory, and delish. It only takes 5 ingredients to make this savory appetizer!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe
Delicious 3-ingredient Grape Jelly Meatballs. They take just minutes to prep and are the perfect dinner or appetizer for any party or get together.
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Cold finger foods
We love to have a few cold finger foods to serve at parties, not only because they’re delicious but because they can be made ahead of time.
Appetizer
Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
These delicious Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups are made from a rolled tortilla filled with Ranch Veggie dip, and chopped veggies, making them the perfect bite-sized party appetizer!
Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Fiesta Pinwheels Recipe
Fiesta pinwheels are bite-size tortilla rolls filled with a spiced cream cheese mixture. They are a party in your mouth!
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Veggie Cups Recipe
Quick and Easy Veggie Cup Appetizers – filled with dressing and veggies, this mess-free snack is great for so many occasions.
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Greek Cucumber Cups Recipe
Simple Greek Cucumber Cups are a light and delicious appetizer that whips up in minutes. They are a perfect low calorie snack!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Deviled Egg Recipe
Nothing better than a smooth deviled egg appetizer! You’ll be surprised with how easy these are to make. Tons of flavor, super delicious and perfect for parties and holidays.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Main Course
Lunch Kabobs Recipe
Kid-friendly lunch kabobs are filled with savory meats and fresh veggies. They're perfect for parties and BBQs!
Total Time: 8 minutes
Check out this recipe
healthy finger foods
Finger foods don’t all have to be unhealthy! There are a lot of healthy options, including:
Snack
Kale Chips Recipe
Grab a healthy snack like these crunchy baked kale chips! So much better for you than regular potato chips and super tasty too!!
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Caprese Kabobs Recipe
Simple, quick and delicious Caprese Kabobs take minutes to throw together and are perfect for any party or get together.
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Best Charcuterie Board
We all love to graze during holidays and parties, and what better way to do it than with a Charcuterie board?! Customize with all your favorite meats, cheeses, crackers, veggies, fruits and dips!
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Deliciously crispy baked chicken wings have endless possibilities. Bake in the oven, and dip in your favorite sauces!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Check out this recipe
Side Dish
Zucchini Chips Recipe
If you’re looking for a tasty side, these Baked Zucchini Chips are your answer! Sliced zucchini baked to perfection with a bread crumb and parmesan crust. These bite-sized veggies taste amazing and are a great alternate to the classic fried zucchini recipe.
Total Time: 40 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe
Hot wings are a staple at any get together or party. This easy recipe will show you how to make this appetizer in the oven resulting in crispy, Baked hot wings.
Total Time: 25 minutes
Check out this recipe
Side Dish
Zucchini Fries Recipe
These baked zucchini sticks are crusted and baked in panko, parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil. Zucchini fries are healthy AND delicious!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Check out this recipe
Vegetarian Finger Food
Don’t want the meat? No worries. There are loads of vegetarian finger foods that are simple and delicious. Here are our favs:
Appetizer
Bruschetta Caprese Recipe
Toasted bread rounds are topped with a mixture of juicy tomatoes, ripe avocado, and fresh mozzarella to make this Bruschetta Caprese.
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Main Course
Avocado Taquitos Recipe
Avocado Taquitos aka "Flautas" are filled with avocados and cheese and fried to perfection! They're perfect for a main dish or appetizer.
Total Time: 11 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Spinach Puffs Recipe
Buttery spinach puffs are cheesy and savory with pops of bacon. As you can imagine, they are a hit at parties!
Total Time: 40 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Bruschetta Recipe
This yummy appetizer is quick, simple and perfect for any party! This easy Homemade Bruschetta Recipe only requires 5 ingredients!! Everyone loves how easy it is!
Total Time: 5 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Spinach Artichoke Cups Recipe
Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Cups are simple to make, and packed full of delicious spinach and cheese flavor! They are baked to perfection.
Total Time: 22 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Make these buffalo cauliflower bites for your next football party! No one will even notice they are healthier or even made with cauliflower. They’re our new go-to appetizer!
Total Time: 55 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Main Course
Spinach Rolls Recipe
These crescent rolls stuffed with spinach and cheese make for a quick and simple lunch, dinner or appetizer! Cheesy Spinach Roll Ups are so yummy, the kids won't even mind the spinach!
Total Time: 20 minutes
Check out this recipe
Mini finger foods
Turning some of your favorite dishes into mini versions is a great way to create new appetizers. Here are a few of our favorites mini finger foods.
Appetizer
Spinach Dip Bites Recipe
Spinach Dip Bites are crunchy, bite-size treats are cheesy and buttery, making them a great appetizer. They are a hit every time!
Total Time: 20 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Main Course
Hot Dog Nuggets Recipe
Hot Dog Nuggets only require TWO ingredients and make a perfect for lunch, dinner or even a party appetizer! Kids and adults alike will love these little bites.
Total Time: 18 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Monte Cristo Sliders Recipe
Sweet and Salty Monte Cristo Sliders are the ultimate party food!! Just like their name-sake, but as an appetizer.
Total Time: 40 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Pizza Muffin Recipe
These cheesy and delicious Pizza Muffins make for the perfect appetizer. They're filled with melty mozzarella, and topped with a yummy garlic butter, more cheese, and mini pepperonis.
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Marinated and grilled chicken breast, melty cheese, marinara sauce, and lettuce all sandwiched between a ciabatta bun. These chicken parmesan sliders make for the perfect appetizer, but can hold their own as a main dish too!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Main Course
Mini Pizzas Recipe
Mini Pizzas are bite-sized pizzas topped with cheese, tomatoes, fresh basil and more. They're perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer at parties!
Total Time: 18 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Simple + Savory Buffalo Chicken Sliders pack just the right amount of heat. They are great served as a dinner or appetizer!!
Total Time: 35 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Salad
Caesar Salad Cups Recipe
Caesar Salad Cups are a quick, simple and tasty side dish or appetizer. They're mini salads in a cup and great for parties and get togethers!
Total Time: 14 minutes
Check out this recipe
Main Course
Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Everyone loves these Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders because they’re easy, cheesy and addicting! They don’t take long to make, and are perfect for any get together—always a crowd pleaser!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer
Loaded Pulled Pork Cups Recipe
Savory and delicious Loaded Pulled Pork Cups have all of the tasty flavors of a BBQ dinner in one convenient bite!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Main Course
Mini Corn Dog Muffins Recipe
Mini corn dog muffins are yummy and kid friendly. These tasty bite-size snacks are ready in under 20 minutes!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Main Course
Mini Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
Mini Deep Dish Pizzas are our new favorite dinner recipe. They're easy, quick and can be made custom for each person with their favorite toppings!
Total Time: 17 minutes
Check out this recipe
We hope you enjoy these appetizers!
Be sure to check out all of our Appetizer Recipes.
And for more collections, check out:
Those cheeseits are so clever and awesome! I love recipes like that, that you can make at home, it cuts out all the preservatives and chemicals!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.blogpsot.com
These are all such fun ideas!
My kids are very picky, but I think they might like a lot of these. Great collection!
So cute and fun ideas! I would love for you to link up at SHOW-licious Craft Showcase! Just follow this link……http://sew-licious.blogspot.com/2013/03/show-licious-craft-showcase-25.html.
Marti
I love all of these. I don’t know which one to try first. My son is super picky and doesn’t like to get sticky hands, so toothpicks look like a good idea.
Thanks for the GREAT snack ideas! They’re great rewards for spring cleaning breaks. Check out more fun ideas and get a spring cleaning checklist here: http://whatsinyourmomgenes.com/spring-cleaning-5-tip-for-making-it-enjoyable-for-the-whole-family/