Hosting a party can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to planning the food. You want something that’s easy to make, delicious, and will please a crowd. The key is to keep things simple yet impressive. That’s why we’ve put together 20 mouth-watering recipes for you to try at your next gathering.
From classic party favorites like nachos and sliders to creative twists on deviled eggs and cheese straws, these easy-to-make treats are sure to be a hit with your guests. Whether you’re hosting a birthday bash, holiday party, or just a casual get-together, we’ve got you covered with our top 20 picks.
In this article, we’ll take you through each of these recipes, sharing the secrets to making them perfect for crowds. You’ll find inspiration for appetizers, main courses, and even sweet treats. So go ahead, take your party planning to the next level, and get ready to wow your guests with these 20 delicious easy party foods recipes!
Mini Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Add a touch of elegance to your next gathering with these bite-sized Mini Caprese Skewers, topped with a rich and tangy Balsamic Glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– 1/2 cup balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thread a cherry tomato half, a mozzarella round, and a basil leaf onto each skewer.
3. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers, lightly coating them.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tomatoes are tender.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
A creamy and savory twist on classic stuffed mushrooms, this recipe combines the flavors of spinach, artichokes, and mozzarella cheese for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (any variety)
– 1 cup cooked spinach
– 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese until well combined.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the spinach-artichoke mixture, dividing it evenly among the caps.
4. Sprinkle lemon juice over the stuffed mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar Glaze
These bite-sized appetizers combine the smoky flavor of Little Smokies sausages with the sweetness of brown sugar and the crunch of bacon. Perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering where you want to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 package Little Smokies sausages
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each sausage with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
3. Place the wrapped sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
5. Brush the glaze over the bacon-wrapped sausages.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Loaded Nacho Cheese Dip with Tortilla Chips
Get ready for a game-day party favorite that’s easy to make and always a hit! This creamy, cheesy dip is loaded with flavor and perfect for dipping tortilla chips.
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 ounce) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
– 1/2 cup diced green chilies
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth.
3. Add chopped bacon, diced green chilies, lime juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until warm and bubbly.
6. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Blue Cheese Dressing
Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
These spicy sliders pack a punch of flavor from the buffalo chicken, topped with crumbled blue cheese and served on toasted buns. Perfect for game day or any snack attack!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Add Frank’s RedHot sauce to the skillet and stir to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Split hamburger buns in half and toast until lightly browned.
5. Assemble sliders by placing buffalo chicken on each bun, followed by a dollop of blue cheese dressing (see below).
6. Sprinkle with cilantro if desired.
Blue Cheese Dressing:
1. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and crumbled blue cheese until smooth.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Puff Pastry Cheese Straws with Herbs
Elevate your snack game with these buttery Puff Pastry Cheese Straws infused with fresh herbs! Perfect for a quick gathering or as a delicious accompaniment to your favorite soup or salad, these straws are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
3. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, cheese, and herbs. Spread mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Fold the edges up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
5. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., strips or curves).
6. Place straws on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Greek Yogurt Ranch Veggie Dip Platter
This colorful platter is perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer, featuring a creamy Greek yogurt ranch dip paired with a variety of crunchy veggies. With its refreshing flavor and healthy ingredients, it’s a great option for any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup shredded carrots
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning until smooth.
2. Arrange the veggies on a large platter or board.
3. Serve the dip alongside the veggies, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time only)
Garlic Butter Shrimp Cocktail Bites
Elevate your cocktail party with these succulent shrimp bites infused with the richness of garlic butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cocktail sauce (store-bought or homemade), for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together butter, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
7. Serve warm with cocktail sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
BBQ Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks
Elevate your meatball game with this unique fusion of sweet and savory flavors, featuring juicy pineapple chunks. Perfect for a casual gathering or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– Optional: toothpicks for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
4. Use your hands to shape into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
5. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. While the meatballs are cooking, heat BBQ sauce in a separate pan over medium-low heat.
8. Add pineapple chunks and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Serve warm meatballs with pineapple chunks spooned over the top. Optional: use toothpicks to hold meatball and pineapple chunk together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including baking time)
Avocado Deviled Eggs with Crispy Bacon
Elevate your deviled egg game with the creamy richness of avocado and the satisfying crunch of crispy bacon. This recipe is perfect for brunch gatherings or as a unique appetizer for your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
– Chopped chives or paprika for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mix together the yolks, mashed avocado, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Stuff each egg white with the yolk mixture, mounding slightly.
4. Top each deviled egg with a piece of crispy bacon and garnish with chives or paprika if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes (includes cooking time for eggs and bacon)
Pesto Pinwheels with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Pesto Pinwheels with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Elevate your party appetizers with these flavorful pinwheels, perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup pesto
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness. Spread pesto evenly, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes and shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto.
4. Roll up the pastry tightly, starting from one of the long sides. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
5. Place pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Taco Cups with Ground Beef and Cheese
Quick and easy to make, these mini taco cups are perfect for parties, snacks, or lunches on-the-go. With a crispy shell and flavorful beef and cheese filling, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of mini taco shells
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook ground beef in a pan over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stuff each mini taco shell with about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture and top with shredded cheese.
5. Place the filled shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crispy Parmesan Potato Wedges with Aioli
Get ready for a flavorful twist on traditional potato wedges! This recipe combines the crispy, cheesy goodness of parmesan potatoes with the tangy creaminess of homemade aioli.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Aioli ingredients (see below)
Aioli:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut potatoes into wedges and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, mix aioli ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
6. Serve potato wedges hot with a dollop of homemade aioli.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Ham and Cheese Sliders with Honey Mustard
These bite-sized sliders are a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, featuring caramelized ham, melted cheddar cheese, and a tangy honey mustard glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thinly sliced ham
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 slices cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
2. Butter the buns on both sides.
3. Place the ham slices on the griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, assemble the sliders by placing a cooked ham slice on each bun, followed by a slice of cheese.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard to create the glaze.
6. Brush the glaze over the ham and cheese for added flavor.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries with Sprinkles
Sweet Treat: Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries with Sprinkles
Elevate your snack game by combining the classic combination of chocolate and strawberries with a pop of colorful sprinkles. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick dessert or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large strawberries, washed and dried
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon shortening (such as Crisco)
– Sprinkles of your choice (e.g. rainbow, heart-shaped, etc.)
– Optional: chopped nuts or shaved coconut for added texture
Instructions:
1. Melt the white chocolate chips and shortening in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
2. Dip each strawberry into the melted white chocolate, coating about 3/4 of the fruit.
3. Place dipped strawberries on parchment paper or a silicone mat.
4. Melt the milk chocolate chips in the same manner as the white chocolate.
5. Drizzle the melted milk chocolate over the white-coated strawberries.
6. Immediately sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before they harden.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cook Time: None (since it’s a dessert!)
Baked Brie with Honey and Walnuts
Elevate your entertaining with this sweet and savory Baked Brie with Honey and Walnuts recipe! A perfect combination of creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and warm honey, this appetizer is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 wheel of brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, softened
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the brie cheese on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the honey and softened butter until well combined.
4. Spread the honey-butter mixture evenly over the surface of the brie cheese.
5. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of the brie cheese.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the nuts are toasted.
7. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Sesame Seeds
Transform your backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner into a taste sensation with these easy-to-make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. This recipe combines the sweetness of teriyaki sauce with the crunch of sesame seeds for a flavor combination that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat.
4. Thread chicken and sesame seeds onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Brush sesame oil on both sides of the skewers.
6. Grill for 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, turning occasionally.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread with Garlic Butter
Elevate your snack game with this addictive and flavorful pull-apart bread, packed with melted cheese and infused with the richness of garlic butter. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the butter layer.
6. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a rustic pull-apart shape.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with Marinara Sauce
A classic comfort food that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser! These Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are perfect for a quick snack or as a fun twist on traditional pizza.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 12 slices of pepperoni
– 1/4 cup marinara sauce
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Place 2-3 slices of pepperoni on one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni.
5. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Place rolls on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each roll.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping!
Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Parfait Cups
Brighten up your day with these refreshing Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Parfait Cups! Layers of creamy yogurt, sweet blueberries, and tangy lemon zest come together in a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup granola (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, and honey until smooth.
2. Layer the yogurt mixture in small cups or glasses, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Top with blueberries, followed by a sprinkle of granola.
4. Repeat the layers one more time, finishing with a dollop of yogurt on top.
5. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your party guests with these delicious and easy-to-make recipes perfect for crowds! From savory bites like Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms and Garlic Butter Shrimp Cocktail Bites, to sweet treats like Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Parfait Cups, there’s something for everyone. Also included are tasty dips like Loaded Nacho Cheese Dip and Greek Yogurt Ranch Veggie Dip Platter, as well as finger foods like Mini Taco Cups and Crispy Parmesan Potato Wedges. These 20 easy party food recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.