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25 Easy Party Food Ideas to Please a Crowd

Have the most fun and memorable party ever by serving fantastic finger foods and appetizers!

From sausage rolls to pretzel bites, these easy party food ideas are sure to please a crowd.

Homemade Lemon Pepper Wings with Herbs on a Baking Dish
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There’s nothing like having your friends and family over for quality time, and no get-together is complete without food.

The occasion doesn’t matter. Good party food is imperative whether it’s Game Day, gameboard night, a birthday party, or something else.

If you’re tired of serving the same old thing, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with these 25 recipes for MY favorite dips, snacks, and finger foods.

Sweet and Tangy Grape Jelly Meatballs

1. Grape Jelly Meatballs  

Meatballs are always perfect for any party. They’re tasty, easy to make, and, most of all, quick. Especially these grape jelly meatballs.

You’ll start with a pack of frozen meatballs, which saves you a ton of time. Then, it’s just a matter of whipping up the sauce and letting the Crockpot do its thing!

Russet potato halves loaded with cheese and bacon, baked until fluffy and tender, and topped with sour cream and scallions.
Source: Dinneratthezoo.com

2. Potato Skins

Picture this: Russet potato halves loaded with cheese and bacon, baked until fluffy and tender, and then topped with sour cream and scallions.

Is there a better party appetizer than that? Maybe, but it sounds pretty awesome!

No one can resist the complementing flavors and textures from the spuds, bacon, sour cream, and cheese. And they’re effortless to prepare!

Baked sausage covered with pastry rolls with dip served on a plate.
Source: Recipetineats.com

3. Sausage Rolls

These tasty party appetizers are where pigs in a blanket and sausage rolls meet. They’re pretty much the best of both worlds.

They have all the savory, spicy flavor of homemade sausage rolls. However, they look and are as convenient to snack on as pigs in a blanket!

And do you want to know the secret behind their phenomenal taste? You’ll mix the ground pork with bacon! Mmm mmm mmm!

Chocolate truffles covered with nuts, sprinkles and chocolate powder.
Source: Sallybakingaddication.com

4. Chocolate Truffles 

I have a massive sweet tooth. So, when I host a party, there are always tons of sweet snacks on the table.

These sinful chocolate truffles are frequently one of them!

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You’ve never had homemade truffles so smooth, indulgent, and addictive as these. But if you think these fancy balls require pro-baking skills, think again.

You’ll only need four ingredients: chocolate, heavy cream, butter, and vanilla.

Chicken empanadas on a cooling rack.
Source: Foxyfolksy.com

5. Chicken Empanadas

Looking for party food ideas that are tasty AND filling? Empanadas are perfect!

Empanadas are popular in Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines, but they’ll also be a hit at your next party.

I mean, what’s not to love? You have a perfectly seasoned meat filling wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. Then, the whole thing is deep-fried or baked until golden.

These half-moon snacks are chock full of flavor.

Bruschetta topped with sliced tomatoes and herbs served on a wooden board.
Source: Gimmesomegrilling.com

6. Quick and Easy Bruschetta

I’m crazy about bruschetta.

Seriously. I would buy it as an appetizer at every Italian restaurant we visited. (Despite how overpriced it was!) Then, I discovered this bruschetta recipe.

I’ve tried several others in the past, but none ever satisfied me the way this one does.

It’s cool and fresh, full of robust Italian flavors. It’s also a breeze to make.

Garlic Parmesan Wings

7. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

When I’m coming up with party recipes, my two biggest concerns are deliciousness and convenience.

I want my food to taste great, but I also don’t want to spend a ton of time making it. These copycat Wingstop garlic parmesan wings are the ideal combo of both.

They’re incredibly scrumptious and are ready in just over 30 minutes.

Cut in half fresh spring rolls in blue plate served with dipping sauces.
Source: Natashaskitchen.com

8. Fresh Spring Rolls

I don’t know which one of these foods is better: the spring rolls or the drool-worthy dipping sauces.

They’re all impossible to stop eating once you start. The rolls themselves are delightfully crunchy and full of flavor.

The dipping sauces are wonderful, too. The Vietnamese sauce is savory and full of umami goodness. The peanut sauce is a bit sweeter but still yummy.

Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe

9. Jalapeno Popper Dip

Jalapeno poppers were always a highly requested snack at my parties. Of course, that was until I made this jalapeno popper dip. Now, it’s what everybody wants.

It has the perfect balance of rich, savory, and spicy flavors. As long as you aren’t heat-sensitive, it’s one of the most delicious dips you’ll ever try.

Chewy and Gooey Godiva Chocolate Brownies

10. Godiva Chocolate Brownies

When planning your party menu, you can’t overlook the sweet treats. Sure, the savory finger foods are excellent, but who doesn’t love dessert?!

These Godiva brownies are some of my favorites.

They have a spectacular balance of flavors. They’re sweet but not too overpowering and have the softest, fudgiest texture imaginable.

It’s everything I love about brownies and more.

Pineapple chunks wrapped with bacon strips and sealed with a stick.
Source: Shewearsmanyhats.com

11. Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

These bacon-wrapped pineapple bites are a testament to the fact that you can never go wrong combing sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.

They’re the easiest appetizers to make, too! All you need is to wrap pineapple chunks in bacon and bake.

You can even prep them in advance, refrigerate them, and bake them when ready to serve them.

Bunch of Soft Pretzel Bites on a parchment paper.

12. Soft Pretzel Bites 

These homemade pretzel bites are so good, they’ll give Auntie Anne’s a run for their money.

Trust me, you definitely want to give this recipe a try. It yields the tastiest, most pillowy, bite-sized pretzels ever!

And when dipped in thick and creamy cheese sauce, they’re just heavenly. 

Puff pastry made with basil pesto and covered in grated parmesan cheese baked on a sheet pan.
Source: Twopeasandtheirpod.com

13. Pesto Parmesan Cheese Straws

These pesto parmesan cheese straws are every bite as good as they look.

They’re twisted strands of puff pastry smeared with basil pesto and covered in grated parmesan cheese.

Move over, garlic bread. These “straws” are about to blow you out of the water.

They aren’t just great party appetizers, either. You can also serve them alongside pasta for dinner!

Pigs in a Blanket with Dipping Sauces

14. Pigs in a Blanket

Take your pigs in a blanket game up this year with one simple tweak. Add cheese!

That’s right. Adding cheese to your pigs in a blanket will give them an even better flavor. They’ll be richer, gooier, and even more addictive.

Luckily, they’re just as easy to make as ever!

Breaded mac and cheese balls with stick served on a plate.
Source: Foodiecrush.com

15. Mac and Cheese Balls

Speaking of incredibly rich and mouth-watering morsels, let’s talk about these mac and cheese balls. These guys are delicious!

This recipe has all the flavors and texture we love in the popular comfort food but in bite-sized, easy-to-eat form.

They’re also coated in potato chips. The added crunch makes them phenomenal!

Buffalo chicken dip with crostini on background

16. Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip

Do you and your friends love buffalo chicken wings? Are you looking for tasty, budget-friendly food for a crowd?

If you answered yes to both of those questions, Frank’s buffalo chicken dip is the answer to your unspoken prayers.

It’s thick, creamy, and indulgent, with all the flavor of buffalo chicken wings. It DOES contain real shredded chicken, after all!

Bunch of sweet corn fritters on a bowl.
Source: Thechunkychef.com

17. Sweet Corn Fritters

These sweet corn fritters are perfectly fluffy, sweet, and savory. Serve them at your next party, and your guests will ask for the recipe.

Aside from the corn fritter itself, the honey sriracha dip is another thing that makes this recipe so special.

It’s a delicate balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and spicy. Together, the two make a fantastic appetizer.

Cookie dip with cream cheese, butter, toffee bits, and chocolate chips! in a bowl.
Source: Bellyfull.net

18. Cookie Dough Dip

It may not be the most popular party food, but you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who won’t enjoy this cookie dough dip.

This dessert/appetizer is loaded with cream cheese, butter, toffee bits, and chocolate chips! Can you just imagine all those rich, sweet flavors in one bite?

A crisp graham cracker is the perfect vessel for this sweet dip, but a regular spoon will also do the trick.

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip with Chips

19. Spinach Artichoke Dip

Perfect for dipping all sorts of chips, crackers, and fried food, this spinach artichoke dip is the creamiest, cheesiest dip any party could ask for.

Every bite takes me to eternal bliss, and I’m not even exaggerating. It’s REALLY that good.

The best part? It’s so easy to make! You just heat all the ingredients in a pot, and boom, you’re done.

Mozzarella Sticks

20. Mozzarella Sticks

We can’t have a list of party food ideas without including mozzarella sticks!

Mozzarella sticks will instantly win your guests over. They’re crisp, creamy, and fun to eat!

Who doesn’t enjoy tearing into a mozzarella stick and stretching out the stringy cheese inside?

These mozzarella sticks are a breeze to make, too! (Spoiler alert: The trick is string cheese.)

Devilled Eggs

21. Pioneer Woman Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs have such a sinister name, but they taste like heaven! They’re perfect for all sorts of parties, too.

Whether you’re celebrating Easter, hosting a backyard party, or attending a church function, deviled eggs are always a must.

These guys are insanely creamy and packed with flavor. And best of all, they’re easy and affordable!

Spinach Quiche

22. Classic Spinach Quiche

When it comes to party recipes that’ll wow the crowd, quiche is an excellent choice.

It’s cheesy, flavorful, and a real crowd-pleaser. No one can say no to that fluffy, cheesy, savory egg filling on a buttery pie crust.

I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

Cowboy Caviar Recipe

23. Cowboy Caviar

Can you ever have too many filling, veggie-packed dip recipes for parties and other get-togethers? The answer is unequivocally NO!

So, here’s one more!

Cowboy caviar features a mix of corn, black beans, onions, cilantro, and a myriad of other yummy ingredients.

It’s relatively healthy, loaded with Tex-Mex flavor, and perfect for dipping with warm tortilla chips.

Antipasto skewers with grape tomatoes, olives, fresh basil, mozzarella, small cuts of deli meat.

24. Easy Antipasto Skewers

Speaking of “relatively healthy” and delicious! Check out these easy antipasto skewers. They, too, are packed with things that are good for you.

There are grape tomatoes, olives, fresh basil, mozzarella, small cuts of deli meat, and more!

And it’s all covered in Italian seasoning and a zesty balsamic glaze. It doesn’t get much more flavorful than that!

25. Mini Cheesecakes

You may not believe me when I say this, but mini cheesecakes are far superior to full-size cheesecakes. 

I know what you’re thinking. “When it comes to cheesecakes, bigger is always better!” But alas, I must disagree. 

With these mini cheesecakes, you can decorate them in different ways, giving you tons of variety. And because they’re tiny, you can eat many more than one. 😉 

See? Told you they were better! 

25 Best Party Foods to Feed a Crowd

Course: AppetizersCuisine: American
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

177

kcal

Make your party unforgettable with yummy finger foods and appetizers like these incredible lemon pepper chicken wings. Only four required ingredients and about 20 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooking oil

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning

  • 12 chicken wings

  • 1 (optional) lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

  • Heat the cooking oil in a Dutch oven or large pot until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. (Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the temperature is accurate.) 
  • While the oil is heating, combine the olive oil and seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Mix well and set aside. 
  • Rinse the wings, then pat them dry with clean paper towels. If the oil still isn’t ready, set them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. 
  • Once the oil reaches 375 degrees, drop a few wings at a time into the oil and fry for 7 to 8 minutes per batch. The wings should have an internal temp of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when ready. 
  • As the wings finish cooking, place them on a wire baking rack. Continue frying the remaining wings until all 12 are ready. 
  • Toss the still-hot wings in the lemon pepper-oil mixture. Toss well to ensure they’re evenly coated. 
  • Serve with optional lemon wedges and dipping sauces, and enjoy! 

Notes

  • If you don’t have a kitchen thermometer, invest in one! It’s the most effective and safest way to check for doneness in meats. It’s also useful when checking the temperature of the cooking oil.
  • The provided nutrition facts for this dish do not account for the optional dipping sauce.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 177kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 42mg
  • Sodium: 42mg
  • Potassium: 7mg
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Calcium: 12mg
  • Iron: 1mg
Party Food Ideas

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INSANELYGOOD

Hey there! I'm Kim. I love running, cooking, and curling up with a good book! I share recipes for people who LOVE good food, but want to keep things simple :)

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