26+ Party Food Ideas For All

Make sure your next party is a hit with these finger-licking appetizers!

When you entertain, you want to have some delicious snacks and party foods to serve to your guests. Preparing for a party can be stressful, but the food you serve doesn’t have to be complicated. If you want gourmet appetizers, go for it. However, your guests will be happy with simple far.

Your next birthday party food will be talked about for years when you serve up delicious pretzel bites or chocolate truffles.

Canapes

These snacks will be perfect for the outdoors, indoors, or at a special event because they are small enough to take with you anywhere.

Don’t know the perfect recipe for your next party food? We’ve got you covered with 26 different recipes that are easy to make.

You can even make several of these party food ideas at the same time to give everyone a chance to eat something delicious.

Ready to fill up your guests with the perfect party food ideas? Let’s jump in and get started.

Source: thegalleygourmet.com

1. Shrimp Chorizo Bites

There are fewer party food ideas more simple to make than the shrimp chorizo bites.

Prep some shrimps and chorizo slices together in a pan and stick in the oven to cook.

Stick a toothpick through them to make a kabob of sorts and your friends will be gobbling them up in no time.

A fresh shrimp with the savory chorizo makes the perfect combination for finger foods.

Source: sallysbakingaddiction.com

2. Potato Skins

Think of a loaded potato with all the fixings like cheese, bacon, sour cream, and scallions but in little bite-sized pieces that everyone can enjoy.

That’s exactly what these delicious potato skins bring to your next party food.

The savory potato skins with the different combinations of flavors from the bacon, scallions, and cheese make this app irresistible.

The perfect part about this dish is you don’t even need a bunch of time to prep and make it. Load up your skins and stick them in the oven till they’re done.

Source: thetoastykitchen.com

3. Mini Cheesecakes

Instead of busting out an entire cheesecake at the end of your party, you can serve up mini cheesecakes so everyone can have as much as they want!

Packed with the same great flavor, these mini cheesecakes still rest on a crumbly graham crust and you can pick any fruit topping you want.

Have several compotes available so your guests can get exactly what they want.

Source: tornadoughalli.com

4. Sausage Rolls

Who doesn’t love a savory sausage roll wrapped up in a flaky and soft bread?

Also known as pigs in the blanket, these party food favorites go quick so make sure to make extra.

Although you can buy your own sausages at the store you can even make homemade ones that take this recipe to the next level.

These are birthday party food favorites so you can always count on them to leave your guests satisfied at the end of a night.

Source: bakerbynature.com

5. Meatballs

Need a quick and easy party favorite that all your attendees will love?

Meatballs are a classic that you can use beef or pork for and they’ll still turn out delicious.

Add your favorite Italian seasonings and sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top and you’ll see how fast they go.

Source: savoryexperiments.com

6. Cuban Sliders

All the same ingredients you love in a Cuban but in a tiny slider.

Pickles, cheese, mustard, onion, butter, and ham are all jam-packed inside this tiny dish.

These are sure to be a hit among your other dishes because they are as small as they are delicious and your guests won’t be able to have just one.

It’s super easy to make too because you just stack up the ingredients on your slider and stick in the over to melt together.

Source: iheartnaptime.com

7. Chocolate Truffles 

Savory apps can get everyone filled up but if you want your crowd to really enjoy themselves, you need to bust out the dessert trays.

These chocolate truffles not only satisfy the pickiest taste buds but also show a level of class and sophistication to your dessert options.

These smooth treats don’t need a master baker to pull off, even with no baking background you can still get them ready for your next dinner party.

Source: cakewhiz.com

8. Honey Barbecue Chicken Bites

Who needs chicken wings when you have chicken bites?

Wings are so messy and require a ton of napkins but these chicken bites can be devoured with one toothpick.

Serve them up with a side of ranch or other kinds of dipping sauce and you’ll have to keep a close eye to keep refilling.

Source: themodernproper.com

9. Chicken Empanadas

These beautifully portioned chicken empanadas are not only great as party food ideas but they also work great as a normal meal.

The savory seasoned filling with a flaky crust on the outside makes for a perfectly balanced snack.

You’ll be a hit at the next party with these Spanish-inspired appetizers.

Source: wilton.com

10. Ham and Cheese Mini-Quiches

These bite-sized quiches are a favorite at any party. They are the perfect size to keep on eating without ever feeling full.

That means you’ll need to make some extras so that everyone has a chance to get one!

With savory cuts of ham mixed with cheese and stuffed into a pie crust outside, who can resist these tiny treats?

Your only restriction with these quiches is your imagination. You can add it any number of ingredients to take this appetizer to the next level.

Source: spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com

11. Steak and Cheese Quesadilla

Another south-of-the-border-inspired party food to bust out at your next get-together are these steak and cheese quesadillas.

You can put them together in no time and stick them in the oven to melt the cheese thoroughly.

Once they’re ready you can serve them up with a side of sour cream or salsa.

If you need a snack in a jiffy, make several ahead of time and keep them in the freezer to reheat another time.

Source: shesnotcookin.com

12. Deviled Eggs

Mostly reserved for adult party food ideas, deviled eggs have the perfect combination of bacon, chives, salt, mayo, and pepper.

It doesn’t matter where you go, deviled eggs are always an easy dish to make and take with you to any party.

Source: spendwithpennies.com

13. Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes

These perfectly sized baby potatoes are the perfect birthday party food ideas because the combination of flavors is unlike other appetizers.

The delicious potato inside is balanced perfectly with the parmesan crust outside.

Cut your baby potatoes in half and then sprinkle your parmesan cheese to create the crispy outer layer.

These take no time and are a crowd favorite.

Source: spendwithpennies.com

14. Mozzarella Sticks

Nothing beats the simplicity and fried goodness of mozzarella sticks.

Cheesy and gooey in the middle with a crisp fried outer layer, you’ll need to prepare a couple of sheets because these won’t last long.

Especially if you want to add a little marinara sauce on the side to give them that perfect Italian feel.

Source: mommysfabulousfinds.com

15. Chicken Tenders

What more can you want from a flavorful and crispy outside with juicy tender chicken on the inside?

Don’t go to your local chicken restaurant to round up some tenders when you can be the hero of the party right from your home.

Serve up plenty of tenders because these tend to go fast. Mix up some ketchup or remoulade sauce on the side and your guests will be licking their fingers it’s so good.

Source: cookingclassy.com

16. Spinach Artichoke Dip 

The classic spinach artichoke dip is a great way to add some veggies to a kid’s birthday party food.

Stocked full of spinach and cheese, kids won’t even realize they’re eating vegetables until you mention it.

You can use crackers, chips, or fried food to grab a mouthful of dip.

What’s even better about this dip is the time it takes to make. Just add all your ingredients together and heat them up for a delicious snack.

Source: foodfolksandfun.com

17. Jalapeno Poppers

These party food classics ride the perfect line between spice and savory.

When you cut the jalapeno in half you create a boat you can stuff full of cheese and bacon pieces!

Garnish with a little parsley and your poppers will be the talk of the party.

Source: aturtleslifeforme.com

18. Cookie Dough Dip

All cookie dough fans won’t be able to stop eating this scrumptious dip recipe.

It may not be the favorite among all your snacks but those who do enjoy won’t need anyone else to help them devour it.

Filled with toffee bits, chocolate chips, and cream cheese, every bite is a mouthful of flavors.

You can eat the dip straight with a spoon but the real treat is having it with some cinnamon graham crackers.

Source: thestayathomechef.com

19. Brownies

Who doesn’t love a rich and chocolatey brownie? No one that’s who!

Your guests will be asking for more once you put out a tray of delicious chocolatey brownies.

The smell alone will get a crowd gathering near the food table. With a nice solid outer layer and a fudgy center, the only thing these brownies could use is some powdered sugar.

Of course, you could add some more ingredients like pecans or raspberries to mix it up.

Source: busycooks.net

20. Sweet Corn Fritters

These corn fritters are stacked full of delicious herbs with a crunchy outer texture.

You can even set up a side of honey sriracha dipping sauce to give your corn fritters another element that makes them irresistible.

The combination of sweet, creamy, spicy, and savory makes this well-balanced app a perfect party food.

Source: mamalovesfood.com

21. Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

You might not think bacon and pineapple go together but the balance of savory and sweet is more than satisfying!

Super simple to make, just cut your pineapple down to bite-sized pieces and wrap each one with a small piece of bacon and you’re good to go.

If you don’t have time to prep them right before the party no problem, just make them earlier in the day and stick them in the fridge to take out when you’re ready.

You can always choose to go with the canned pineapples but cutting your own will really make your dish stand out.

Source: kitchenmeetsgirl.com

22. Carrot Cake Shooter

Although there isn’t any actual carrot cake in this shooter the combination of Irish creme, cinnamon schnapps, and butterscotch schnapps create the same flavor.

Throw a little whipped cream on top and every sip will be worth the time it took to make it.

Give your shooter an expensive look by serving it up in a rimmed glass.

Source: midgetmama.com

23. Pretzel Bites 

Soft and chewy pretzel bites are the best birthday party food because they are extremely easy to make and take no time.

You can focus on getting all the decorations up while these treats cook in the oven.

Get yourself a creamy cheese sauce on the side to put these over the edge. Just make sure you brought enough for the entire party.

Source: dinneratthezoo.com

24. Vodka Jello Shots

Instead of serving the boring beer and liquor with your party, spice things up and make some jello shots!

You can make them in any color and use different kinds of vodka to change the flavor to your liking.

They’re easy to make and stack really well so you can get a bunch going for your next party and have enough for the whole night.

Source: mommymusings.com

25. Mac and Cheese Balls

Holy smokes these mac and cheese balls are mouth-watering.

Whoever thought to stick mac and cheese inside a fried ball was a genius because you won’t be able to stop having these.

You won’t be able to make enough for the party so just make sure you grab yourself one before they run out.

Source: eatthelove.com

26. Potato Croquettes

These fried balls of deliciousness might not seem like much on the outside but one bite reveals the melted cheese waiting for you in the middle.

Not only that, but you can add some bacon and other ingredients to really load up your potato croquettes.

Not many people have the self-control to only have one so you’ll need to stock up when serving for your next party.

Canapes

+26 Party Food Ideas For All (+Crispy Chicken Tenders)

These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
5 from 6 votes
Total Time 29 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloin strips
  • 3 beaten eggs
  • 1/3 cup crunchy panko crumbs
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon each sea salt and black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Dredge chicken strips in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
  • Cook in an air fryer at 165°F for 14 minutes.
  • Serve with dipping sauces.

Notes

Select your favorite recipe.
Organize all the required ingredients.
Enjoy the food.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal
Keyword crispy chicken tenders, party food ideas
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
Cassie Marshall
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