Looking for a few fantastic party food ideas? These appetizers, dips, and finger foods are sure to be crowd pleasers at any party.
What makes the perfect party food? Things that can be served in individual portions, can be eaten with one hand and on the move, single-bite snacks, and food that is good even at room temp. We’ve got some great party food ideas to share with you so whether you’re hosting or just bringing something to share, you can prepare something that noshable.
Scroll Down for the Fabulous Party Food Ideas ⬇

Party Food Planning
When it comes to planning a party, especially a good sized one, you want to keep a few things in mind and have a variety of styles of food and drink on hand for guests. If you’re hosting yourself, make a checklist and plan out your provisions. If it’s going to be potluck style, make a sign up list for everyone to note what they are bringing to avoid too many duplicates.
Here are a few things to think about when planning your party food ideas.
Drinks
- Have non-alcoholic beverages as well as beer, wine, and/or cocktails
- Have drinks for the kids
- Have individual water bottles for guests
- Have plastic cups for beverages
- Be sure to have plenty of ice
- Consider having coffee and tea available
Hearty & Filling Food
- Make a big batch of a main dish style food that can be self-served, like crockpot chili or slider-style sandwiches
- Have bowls or paper plates on hand as well as plastic utensils
- Wraps and crescent roll rings are other types of hearty and filling foods to keep on hand
- Casseroles are also great hearty options that are easy to make in large batches
Snack Foods
- Cheese and crackers
- Chips and dip – choose a variety of chips (tortilla strips, regular potato chips, corn chips)
- Bread and dip
- Popcorn
- Candy or snacky sweets
- Mixed nuts
Finger Foods & Appetizers
- Make a few big batches to serve a crowd
- Have a variety of warm and cold style apps, but choose things that are still good at room temp
- For things that are best kept warm, have a warming tray or crockpot keeping them warm throughout the party – this is perfect for meatballs
- Try hot wings or chicken drumsticks, puff pastry appetizers, and crescent roll appetizers
Other Things To Keep In Mind
- Have a variety of both healthy and not-so-healthy items
- Think about food allergies and if your guests may have something they need to avoid
- Make a vegetarian or vegan option or two if you have guests with specific dietary preferences
- Use seasonal ingredients when making your menu to keep costs down
- Have plenty of paper towels and napkins
- Make sure there is plenty of variety, for example, don’t make 6 different cheese-based items
- Keep most of the food in one place
- Keep hot food hot and cold food cold where possible
- Choose recipes that are easy to make – you don’t want to spend days in the kitchen prepping and cooking
- Pick a few things that can be made in advance to cut down on prep time on the day of the party
- Be sure there will be enough food to serve the number of guests coming to the party
- Consider the duration of the party as well – longer parties will require more food
- If you’re having a theme party, make food that matches the theme
- Grab a few pre-made store-bought items to cut down on prep time such as sliced cheese platters, veggie trays, a few packages of rolls or garlic bread, and pre-cut fruit
Time to party! Check out these fabulous party food ideas.
Party Food Ideas
Balsamic Glazed Italian Meatballs
Store-bought meatballs are coated in a sweet balsamic glaze for the easiest appetizer ever!
Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Swedish meatballs are a wonderful mix of flavors with a creamy sauce that will literally have you licking your plate clean! And they are just as good as an appetizer as they are for a weeknight meal.
Chimichurri Chicken Bites
These Chimichurri Chicken Bites are a great party appetizer that always fly off the plate!
Potato Skins Recipe - Crispy & Loaded!
This loaded potato skins recipe will show you how to make skins that are actually crispy on the outside + soft on the inside!
Crispy Baked Lemon Pepper Wings - 4 ingredients!
These lemon pepper wings are baked until crispy then basted with lemon pepper seasoning and melted butter. They’re an easy appetizer that everyone will love.
Smoked Chicken Wings
Looking for a finger-licking good appetizer? These smoked chicken wings are seasoned perfectly and cooked low and slow so they’re tender and juicy.
Korean Chicken Wings
This baked Korean Chicken Wing recipe is easy to make and has a wonderful sweet & spicy flavor.
Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
Make a big batch of deliciously crispy chicken tenders for a party food that is finger licking good! Serve with your favorite sauces like BBQ, Ranch, and Honey Mustard for dipping.
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Make these delicious little cauliflower bites in the oven or the air fryer for a delicious appetizer that is a great healthy of vegetarian option for your next party!
Chipotle Candied Bacon (Pig Candy)
This Chipotle Candied Bacon recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and slightly spicy flavors. With just three ingredients it’s incredibly easy to make. For a party, make a few pounds of this (yes, a few! it'll go fast!) and serve it with the slices standing in mason jars.
Tater Tot Nachos
Use store bought tater tots to cut down on the prep time, and make a big batch of this to serve at your next party. They're so good, and the perfect spin on traditional nachos.
Salami and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer
This Salami and Cheese Puff Pastry appetizer brings together the best of flavors and textures and is one of my favorite hors d’oeuvres to bring to a party!
Old Bay Goldfish Crackers
Make a batch of these zesty goldfish crackers and set them out for the party as a snack. The bowl is guaranteed to be empty by the end of the night.
Smoked Queso Dip
It's not a party without queso dip, and this smoked queso dip will definitely be the star of the party.
Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Keto-friendly party dip has the flavor of buffalo wings packed into a creamy, cheesy dip that is perfect for parties.
Hot Mexican Corn Dip
Cheesy, gooey and so tasty – but with loads of crunchy, sweet, fresh summer corn! This Hot Mexican Corn Dip is THE go-to party dip!
Hot Caramelized Onion Dip with Bacon & Gruyere
This is a different dip than you'll usually find at a party, but it's the one that NEEDS to be at every party. You can dip literally anything in it -- veggies, bread, chips, you name it! It's both simple and sophisticated, and perfect for any party.
Easy Shrimp Ceviche
A quick and easy shrimp ceviche recipe that is made with pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp, avocado and marinated in Pico de Gallo. Serve it with tortilla chips for party guests to scoop.
Hawaiian Roll Ham Sliders
These Hawaiian roll ham sliders are loaded with ham, two types of cheese, and finished with garlicky herb butter. This is sure to be a party hit.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Bacon Wrapped Smokies are sweet and savory, quick and easy to make, and are perfect for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls
Soft, creamy cheese is formed into balls then rolled in a mixture of chopped cranberry, nuts, and fresh herbs. This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball recipe will be a holiday showstopper!
Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup
These easy Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup are insanely addictive. Perfect for a party or a low-carb snack. Great for keto followers or anyone wanting an indulgent yet still healthy treat!
Easy Air Fryer Pigs In A Blanket
Air fryer pigs in a blanket are quick and easy, flavorful, and fun to eat. This classic finger food is perfect for serving at any party.
Beet-Pickled Deviled Eggs
Pickled Deviled Eggs use beets to add gorgeous color and they’re very simple to make. Deviled eggs are perfect party food at its finest.
Fried Deviled Eggs with Sausage
A spin on the classic deviled eggs...The texture of the fried whites is a perfect contrast to the creamy yolk filling and the diced sausage adds even more flavor!
Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers with Mexican Chorizo & Smoked Gouda
A party favorite with a twist! If you like a little spice mixed with smokey, gooey cheese and the best-tasting sausage around, you’re going to want to give these stuffed jalapeño poppers a try.
Easy Spanakopita
These easy spanakopita triangles are simple to make, coming together with just a few ingredients, to make a great party food that is easy to grab and eat on the go.
Chicken Empanada Recipe
These easy empanadas are so flavorful and the perfect addition to the party food spread.
Easy Patatas Bravas (Spanish Roasted Potatoes)
Crispy roasted patatas bravas make for a flavorful side dish for your party tables. Serve them as is, or with a dipping sauce on the side such as salsa brava, chimichurri, or a delicious aioli.
Fried Ravioli
Fried Ravioli Bites are crispy on the outside and hot and cheesy on the inside, and are such a tasty party snack served with a side of marinara sauce.
Mac and Cheese Bites
Another fried, cheesy, gooey party favorite! Mac and Cheese bites are delicious on their own or dipped in marinara, spicy sriracha mayo, or ranch.
Oysters Rockefeller
If you want an idea for an upscale party or holiday celebration, these Oysters Rockefeller are exactly what you need.
Beef Wellington Bites
Take a classic and refined dish and turn it into an upscale party food. This recipe for beef wellington bites are impressive and surprisingly easy to make.
Blooming Quesadilla Ring Recipe by Tasty
This Blooming Quesadilla Ring is impressively plated and packed with flavors and makes enough to serve a crowd.
Texas Chili - Award Winning Chili Recipe
This award-winning Texas Chili is a must for any party! Set it up in a slow cooker to keep warm for guests to serve their own portions as desired and you've got the perfect hearty addition to your party spread.
Bacon Blue Cheese Bread
This bacon blue cheese bread is a great pull-apart bread to serve for a party!
Cheesy Chive & Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Another great pull-apart bread option covered with cheese, garlic, and chives, make a few of these and set them out for the party. Perfect for dipping!
Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip
This recipe for Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip takes just a few minutes to throw together. A great appetizer that’s hot and cheesy with a ton of flavor and an essential at every party!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip (+Video)
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip is a great party dessert dip and its easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Mini Cheese Tarts with Blackberries
The perfect tiny bite-sized dessert that is packed full of deliciousness! These blackberry cheese tarts are easy and elegant.
Buttermilk Texas Sheet Cake
This chocolatey, rich Buttermilk Texas Sheet Cake recipe combines moist and tender chocolate cake with a delicious layer of smooth chocolate frosting. You can make this to serve a crowd and all that will be left is crumbs.
OREO Pops
Whatever you are celebrating, these Oreo Pops are perfect individual party desserts! Decorate them to match your theme and let the guests enjoy!
The BEST Cheesecake Brownies
Brownies are the best and they are a quick and easy dessert to make that everyone can enjoy. Whip up a batch of these brownies with a swirled layer of cheesecake to wow the crowd.
Chocolate Truffles
Easy to make, and easy for party guests to grab for a quick sweet bite that is smooth and silky!
Keto Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bites
These Keto-friendly cookie dough bites are so, so good! Make a batch of these for your party and they are sure to disappear.
Marzipan Chocolates
Wow your party guests with these marzipan chocolates. The shiny chocolate shell looks pretty and elegant, making them perfect individual dessert bites for any party.
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
This bacon ranch cheese ball is the ultimate appetizer. What could be better than a creamy, crunchy, cheesy ball of goodness? You’re right, nothing!
Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate-Stuffed Raspberries
This is the best Mini Cheesecakes recipe, made with a Nutella crust, topped with chocolate hearts & a chocolate-stuffed raspberry center. You can even leave the chocolate heart topping off, or swap it for a different topping to match your party theme.
How To Make Jello Shots {Easy Vodka Jello Shot Recipe} Key To My Lime
Jell-O Shots are a fun addition to the party for the adults. And they're so colorful. Make a rainbow, or use the colors that match your party theme.
Melon-Fresh Irish Frog Shooters
This is a fun, colorful shot that has a great flavor so it goes down smooth. It's easy to make and great for parties.
Sparkling Grapefruit Sangria Recipe
Make a pitcher or two of this Sparkling Grapefruit Sangria for a fresh party drink with a citrusy twist that is easy to make and beautiful to serve.
Pineapple Water with Mint
Fresh Pineapple Water with Mint is a delicious non-alcoholic party drink that is healthy and refreshing. But bonus, add a splash of your favorite vodka or rum and it doubles as a mixer.
- 80+ Taco Toppings - March 20, 2024
- 150+ Pizza Topping Ideas - February 20, 2024
- Lentil Soup With Ham - February 14, 2024