Better Homes And Gardens Lemon Bar Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

Credit: Blaine Moats

Get a gathering of any size started with easy and delicious finger foods. From cold appetizers, sweet bites, and make-ahead treats, we've got plenty of finger food ideas. Our easy appetizers will keep everyone happily munching while mingling.

Herb- and Goat Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Look back in your oldest cookbook, bet you'll find a stuffed mushroom appetizer recipe. It's a classic because it's so well-loved. Always include stuffed mushrooms among your party finger foods. The herbed mushroom stuffing provides a savory crunch and golden brown finish. With pine walnuts, panko bread crumbs, and crumbled tangy goat cheese, these mini appetizers can be enjoyed in one bite!

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Credit: Andy Lyons

A quick marinade of lemon and chili-garlic sauce provides the perfect amount of heat and tang in this party appetizer idea. And since everything is better with bacon, we've wrapped those succulent shrimp in bacon strips for a crispy, salty bite. Instead of long skewers, use mini ones for easy finger food grabbing.

Buy It: Bamboo Knot Skewers ($4, World Market)

Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bites

Credit: Rachel Marek and Emily Hemmingsen

If you haven't made homemade pretzels before, just watch what happens when you serve these mini pretzels at your next get together. They will disappear so fast! We've stuffed these beauties with cheddar and some pickled jalapeños for a bit of kick, but you can leave out the peppers if you prefer less spice. Serve with prepared mustard for an easy dipper.

Sweet Potato Fries with Roasted Garlic Ketchup

Credit: Jacob Fox

This sweet and crunchy fry recipe includes a dipping sauce that just might steal the show. The onion-and-garlic ketchup incorporates caramelized veggies and agave-sweetened ketchup for a flavorful kick. Your homemade ketchup might be even more popular than the fries, once your guests realize how much better it is than store-bought.

Buy It:Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet ($11, Target)

Picadillo Poppers

Credit: Scott Little

Hot and hearty, these poppers are easy to make on the grill or under the broiler. Filled with ground beef, Spanish rice, cheese, raisins, and olives, the stuffed jalapeño peppers offer bite-size bursts of flavor. If you want to serve this finger food with a dipping sauce, try stirring together sour cream, a splash of milk, toasted almonds, lime juice, and a pinch of cinnamon.

Buy It: Chip and Dip Bowl Set ($18, Target)

Sloppy Joe Bombs

Credit: Matthew Clark

These "Joes" are really anything but sloppy. Enveloping the ground beef, sweet pepper, and pickle filling in biscuit dough eliminates the mess of the classic sandwich and turns it into one of our favorite finger food recipes. You won't have to worry as much about losing the best part of this appetizer to gravity, and it still tastes like one of our favorite sandwiches.

Root Veggie Chips with Sea Salt

Credit: Karla Conrad

This counts as a veggie platter, right? Sweet potatoes, blue potatoes, beets, parsnips, carrots, rutabagas, and celery root can be sliced and dehydrated for a deliciously crisp and salty snack. Since this is a party, feel free to serve your favorite dip recipe alongside this easy finger food.

Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

Credit: Blaine Moats

The salty-sweet flavor of sausage links wrapped in bacon and tossed in brown sugar makes it hard to stop after just one. Prep them a day ahead so they're ready to pop in the oven just before party time. They'll be hot and ready when guests arrive, and you'll be less tempted to start snacking on this finger food appetizer before everyone else has a chance to try some. Oh, and with only three ingredients (plus nonstick spray) it's one of those easy finger foods you'll make again and again.

Grilled Drunken Shrimp and Scallop Skewers

Credit: Karla Conrad

A good party calls for tequila. Well, tequila-coated seafood, at least. Marinate shrimp and scallops in a mix of lime juice, olive oil, and tequila, then grill 8 to 10 minutes for a finger food recipe everyone will be clamoring to try. Yes, you'll have enough time left to whip up a margarita, too.

Avocado Fries

Credit: Karla Conrad

Forget the guacamole and chips. Turn silky smooth avocados into the ultimate fiesta snack: fries! Coat them in tortilla chips and a sprinkle of chili powder for spicy crunch, then enjoy dipping this creamy, crunchy finger food into your favorite sauce.

Related: 10 No-Potato French Fry Recipes

Pickle Poppers

Credit: Hannah Bigot

If you make this easy party finger food, we guarantee you won't have any leftovers. This snack hits just about every flavor: Briny pickles, slightly spicy cream cheese filling, salty ham, and a touch of sweetness from a brush of jelly. Even at a small party, 24 servings will disappear fast.

Tofu Spring Rolls

Credit: Andy Lyons

Once you know how to make spring rolls. you'll be wanting to stuff those chewy rice paper wraps all the time. These no-bake vegetarian spring rolls combine savory baked tofu, English cucumber, and shredded carrots for the filling. Bonus: this cold finger food takes only 20 minutes to make.

Sweet and Smoky Nut Mix

Throwing a cocktail party? Try these flavorful nuts as an easy party food that will pair nicely with a variety of beers and cocktails. This finger food's coating of brown sugar, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and a bit of fresh rosemary is simple, but it can easily elevate your favorite nuts to a special snack.

Spicy Kale Chips

Credit: Karla Conrad

For a hotter upgrade to traditional kale chips, look no further than the chili powder in your spice cabinet. These four-ingredient veggie crisps take only 15 minutes to prepare and will spice up any party. Plus, they're a healthier finger food option for anyone who wants to snack on veggies.

Soy Sauce Chicken Wings

Credit: Andy Lyons

Our soy sauce-marinated wings include five-spice powder for an interesting punch of flavor. A nice variation from expected buffalo wings, you'll be serving up a favorite food with a flavor twist. It's one of the best finger foods for a party filled with more adventurous palates.

Buy It: Chinese Five Spice 2.2-ounce Jar ($8, The Spice House)

Pepperoni Pizza Cups

Credit: Andy Lyons

Turn a universally loved entrée into a delightfully cheesy appetizer! These finger food appetizers use ingredients you're familiar with (frozen pizza dough, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese) to transform party pizza slices into bites. Choose a variety of toppings to customize the easy finger food idea.

Buy It:Wilton Advance Select Premium Nonstick 12-Cup Muffin Pan ($13, Bed Bath & Beyond)

Tuscan Mac and Cheese Cups

Tuscan Mac-and-Cheese Cups

Credit: Karla Conrad

Mac and cheese is already a favorite comfort food. Add prosciutto and bread crumbs and it becomes irresistible. Baking melty mac and cheese into prosciutto cups turns this traditional fork food into finger fare.

Chocolate-Ricotta Phyllo Shells

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

This sweet treat tastes like the filling of a chocolate cannoli, in a cute little package! Buying packaged mini phyllo shells allows for these finger foods to come together super fast. Prepare these and chill up to two hours ahead of time to get the rest of your appetizers ready.

Stuffed Sausage Sliders

Credit: Scott Little

Cheese-stuffed sausage slider patties pair well with our apple-fennel slaw. So much flavor in such a small party appetizer, we can hardly believe it! A toothpick can help hold this finger food together, but you can also use it to make your sliders look a little more festive and fun.

Air-Fried Buffalo Cauliflower

Air Fried Buffalo Cauliflower

Credit: Matthew Clark

Want wings that your vegetarian guests can enjoy, too? Just substitute cauliflower for the chicken! Once cauliflower florets are coated in spicy buffalo sauce, they have all the flavor of chicken wings turned healthier. To cool these hot "wings" down, serve this finger food with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Buy It: Instant Pot 6qt Vortex Air Fryer ($100, Target)

Caprese Surprise Meatballs

Credit: Scott Little

Bite into these meatballs and reveal prosciutto, mozzarella, and olives inside. Dipped in marinara sauce, pesto, and Alfredo sauce, this dish serves up loads of Italian flavors! Plus, you can mix and match this finger food recipe (try different fillings with different sauces) so, really, it's like having a whole spread of appetizers in one.

Nutty Gorgonzola Apple Rings

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Honey and cream cheese deliciously complement the crunch of crisp apples and spicy candied nuts. A sprinkling of Gorgonzola cheese finishes this appetizer with just-right sharpness. We're planning to take this party finger food to all of our fall gatherings, though we'll eat it any season.

Lemon-Zest Snacker Mix

Credit: Andy Lyons

You can hardly go to a party without seeing a snack mix on the appetizer table, but this recipe stands out from all the rest. The zippy flavor of lemon peel and mixed herbs guarantees this party mix will be a major hit. Save any leftovers for an easy on-the-go snack.

Buy It: White Porcelain Flared Rim Coupe Serving Bowl ($11, World Market)

Herb and Cheese Mini Quiches

Credit: Mike Dieter

Mini quiches—they're a standby appetizer for a reason. Give these bite-size hors d'oeuvres an update with the addition of fresh herbs and two types of cheese. The cream cheese-infused pastry base makes a deliciously tender crumb. Cheesy and savory, we love everything about this easy finger food.

Barbecue Phyllo Bites

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Let your slow cooker simmer up some sliders for your next party. Smoked cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce combine with tender pulled pork for unforgettable finger food. You could also swap the pork for purchased rotisserie chicken for easier prep.

Grilled Arugula Bruschetta

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Turn a fresh loaf of Italian bread into a simple party stunner: bruschetta! Give your guests a new culinary experience by switching up this classic finger food with arugula in place of the usual tomatoes. Every bite of the crisp, golden appetizer brims with rich mozzarella and peppery pesto flavors.

Pork Empanadas with Jicama Pico de Gallo

Credit: Blaine Moats

These flaky empanadas are oozing with cumin-coated pork that's simmered in a slew of savory spices. Cool them down with fresh pico de gallo. Be sure to set out more than one bowl of pico so your guests can easily dunk away as they snack on this simple finger food.

Glazed Churros

Fiesta-Ready Churro Bar

Credit: Andy Lyons

Brown-sugary churros are a happy addition to any dessert tray. Make yours party-ready by decking them in our fabulous glazes: lime and pistachio, orange, birthday cake, and Mexican chocolate. Or set up this finger food as a churro bar so guests can create their own combo of churros, glaze, and toppings.

Buy It: Calphalon Non-Stick Bakeware Cooling Rack ($8, Target)

Cheesy Snack Mix

Credit: Andy Lyons

Easy-to-scoop snack mix is a party essential. This cheesy version features a crispy assortment of rice cereal, crackers, nuts, and mini breadsticks. Coat it lightly in Italian dressing and grated Parmesan, then step out of the way to allow the snackers to descend.

Jalapeño-Peach Wonton Poppers

Jalapeno-Peach Wonton Poppers

Credit: Andy Lyons

Get the party poppin' with a batch of jalapeño-peach wontons. The restaurant-quality poppers are crisp and golden on the outside and sweet and snappy on the inside. This finger food tastes like the best combination of jalapeño poppers and crab rangoons.

Zesty Fajita Bites

Credit: Andy Lyons

Liven up your fiesta with a tray of bite-size fajitas. The wraps feature lime-zest chicken and colorfully crisp peppers rolled into easy-to-grab pinwheels. Serve this finger food appetizer alongside a spicy bowl of salsa.

Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

Credit: Andy Lyons

Lush and fruity, these strawberry cheesecake bars are a sweet break from a lineup of salty snacks. Best of all? One batch makes a whopping 54 servings! Keep them in mind the next time you need easy finger food recipes for a crowd with a sweet tooth.

Related:16 Fast and Fresh Strawberry Recipes

Party-Ready Potato Skins

Credit: Matthew Clark

Potato skins are always ready to party! This finger food idea takes plain potato skins and loads them up with a slightly spicy seasoning, bacon, tomato, green onion, and cheese. All those toppings might sound like too much for a finger food to handle, but once the cheese melts over everything, it hangs onto stray tomato chunks and bacon bits.

Chinese Coca-Cola Wings

Credit: Blaine Moats

Give traditional chicken wings a sweet-spicy attitude with Asian flavoring and a splash of fizzy cola. The saucy goodness is worth using a few napkins to clean up your fingers afterward.

Test Kitchen Tip: For an easy dip, mix together a second batch of the marinade.

Marinated Cheese

Credit: James Carriere

For simple vegetarian-friendly finger food, serve up some cubes of marinated cheese on your charcuterie board. This make-ahead toothpick appetizer is one of our favorite finger foods because it makes snacking and cleanup super simple.

Greek Stuffed Meatballs

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Nestle traditional Greek Kasseri or feta cheese inside these meatballs before tossing them in your slow cooker for an easy make-ahead appetizer. A homemade Mediterranean tomato sauce drizzled on top heightens the flavor and helps keep the meat nice and tender as the meatballs simmer.

Buy It: Crock-Pot 4qt. Slow Cooker ($35, Bed Bath & Beyond)

Mini Caramel Cheesecakes

Credit: Karla Conrad

Six-ingredient mini cheesecakes are rich, creamy, and coated in sweet caramel. These treats prove what we knew all along: Dessert is sweeter when it's fun-sized and served finger food style.

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