It doesn’t matter whether you are hosting a super bowl party, baby shower, or even a birthday party, everyone loves finger foods. And it’s easy to see why, as finger foods are tasty and easy to eat—what more can you ask for?
But sometimes it can be difficult to think of the perfect finger food for your specific celebration, so scroll down to discover 40 amazing finger foods that you can use for any occasion.
What is Finger Food?
If you’ve never heard of finger foods before, this name can leave a not-so-tasty imagine in your mind. But don’t fret, as the words finger foods simply mean any kind of snack or dish that is served in individual portions that can be eaten by hand.
This makes them ideal for large social gatherings where silverware could be a hassle to gather. Finger foods are also characterized by the fact that they typically don’t create any mess. This also makes them ideal when you don’t want a huge mess left behind following an event.
What Are Considered Finger Foods?
As mentioned above, finger foods are classified based on their low amount of mess and ease of eating. This means that many foods that are fried or baked, and don’t require a fork and knife, are considered finger foods. Vegetables and a side of dip are also commonly classified as finger foods.
Fruits can be sometimes, but their affinity for mess (or the necessity of removing seeds) typically keeps them out of this category.
40 Amazing Finger Foods for Any Occasion
Now that you know what finger foods are, it’s time to get cooking! Below are some of the best finger food recipes on the internet, and many can be customized to suit your palate.
Come bridal shower or game day these finger food recipes will ensure you are never caught unprepared—or empty handed!
1. Tex Mex Hush Puppies
If you have never had a hush puppy, then you are missing out. They are cornmeal balls that can be mixed with any sort of ingredients you may desire, then fried to keep everything in one neat package. This recipe for Tex Mex Hush Puppies will for sure have your guests asking for more!
There are stuffed with peppers and cheese and dusted with a ranch powder to bring out all the savory flavors. And they only take 35 minutes to make, so you and your guests will be snacking in no time!
2. Lemon Pepper Dry Rub Chicken Wings
Nothing says super bowl finger food quite like chicken wings. Not only are they tasty, but they also provide some much-needed protein to a table filled with lots of starches and veggies. But wings can also be messy, which is why these Lemon Pepper Dry Rub Chicken Wings are a godsend.
All the healthy flavor of a wing, with none of the mess! Additionally they are baked, giving you a nice reprieve from all the typically fried super bowl finger food recipes.
3. Mini Taco Hand Pies
Although finger foods are traditionally mess free, all this talk can go out the window when it comes to finding finger foods for a 1-year-old! So when you are preparing finger foods for a party with young children, it’s time to pull out this recipe for Mini Taco Hand Pies.
They are little dough pockets that are stuffed with beans, meat and cheese. But for those who are vegetarian, not to worry as the meat can easily be replaced with an extra portion of beans.
4. Oven Fried Pickle Chips
No party is complete without some sort of pickles! And everyone knows that frying things only makes them better. Thus, when you are looking for finger foods for a party, reach for this recipe for Oven Fried Pickle Chips.
There are only 4 ingredients, and they only take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook—making them one of the easiest finger foods on this list!
5. Baked Arancini
Have you ever been to an Italian restaurant and seen Arancini on the menu? Arancini are small balls of risotto that are deep fried to make eating them mess free.
And they are the perfect finger food appetizer to accompany any dish you may be making. This recipe for Baked Arancini can walk you through the process of creating these tasty delights, as well as freezing them for future use.
6. Southwest Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs have long been known as a popular Christmas finger food. But when you are bored of the same old recipe year after year, it’s time to pull out this recipe for Southwest Deviled Eggs.
They are just like the same recipe you have grown to know and love, with the added flair of some avocado, cumin, jalapeno, and Roma tomatoes. For those who have spice adverse family members, not to worry as you can switch the jalapenos out for a non-spicy pepper if you wish!
7. Queso Fundido Bites
Sometimes, finger foods can get a bit redundant as it can seem like every party you go to has the same ones! When this happens, consider making these Queso Fundido Bites for your next party.
They are easy finger foods to make, and taste great! Just be sure you make enough for all the guests at your party because these bite size savory pastries will go fast!
8. Strawberry Tomato Bruschetta
Looking for finger foods for a baby shower? Then look no further than these Strawberry Tomato Bruschetta bites. They are easy to eat, as well as fresh and tasty for all the guests and mother to be! They only take fifteen minutes to make, and don’t need to be heated, making this a stress-free appetizer to make on party day.
Also, this recipe is easy to double, triple, or even quadruple when you need lots of snacks to feed a hungry crowd.
9. BBQ Chicken Nachos
Nachos are another popular finger food for parties, but they can be a little messy so make sure you keep the napkins nearby. This recipe for BBQ Chicken Nachos is a unique take on the typically game day snack and is the perfect super bowl finger food for your party.
It calls for banana peppers to keep them mild enough for all palettes, but for those who want a spicier version, pickled jalapenos can be used instead.
10. Tortellini and Parmesan Ranch Dip
Toddlers are picky, not to mention messy, and this can make it very difficult to find finger foods for toddlers. Therefore when you have a party with multiple toddlers involved, it’s time to prepare this recipe for Tortellini and Parmesan Ranch Dip.
The dip is easy to make, as it only takes about 15 minutes, and is paired with plain tortellini. This means that if you’ve got picky snackers on hand, they can just as easily enjoy the plain pasta as an easy and mess free finger food.
11. Ranch Soft Pretzel Bites
It’s impossible to find someone who doesn’t like pretzel bites. After all, the warm, bready goodness is a taste that takes everyone to their happy place! Twisting a soft pretzel to perfection can be difficult, so when in doubt, grab this recipe for Ranch Soft Pretzel Bites.
This is an easy finger food idea that will keep everyone happy. Don’t forget to serve these with buffalo wing sauce for an extra flavorful kick!
12. Shrimp Ceviche Bites
The best finger foods always include seafood, this is because seafood gives your party a more refined feel, but the small size of finger food portions helps to keep your costs down. This recipes for Shrimp Ceviche Bites makes it easy to enjoy the delicacy of shrimp ceviche, even when you are on a budget.
Although shrimp ceviche can be served raw, this recipe in particular is one for cooked shrimp—ensuring that you won’t have to stress about having raw seafood and keeping it at a cool enough temperature for food safety.
13. Mexican Street Corn Flatbread
Another great idea for those making finger foods on a budget is to make a flatbread. Flatbreads don’t cost much to make and can feed lots of guests.
But don’t just stick with the regular old tomato and cheese flatbread and be sure to branch out so your table includes this Mexican Street Corn Flatbread. It is unique, delicious, and the perfect end of summer or fall snack!
14. Sriracha Chicken Bundles
So you want to serve wings, but you have a party of toddles. It’s easy to see that this is a no-go as the bones could present a choking hazard. That’s when you should prepare the Sriracha Chicken Bundles instead. They are made with chicken, but rather than being left on the bone, you’ll fold the chicken into a tasty biscuit recipe.
This will keep the mess contained, as well as make this a toddler friendly finger food. And with a side of ranch dipping sauce, this will be one snack the kids can’t say no to!
15. Pina Colada Pudding Shots
When you are having a more adult party, you may find that you want some more, well, boozy desserts. But these can also be messier to serve. One of the best ways to serve a messier item like a dessert, is to turn it into a shot which therefore makes it into a finger food.
This way it can be eaten in one go without silverware. Struggling on what type of dessert shots to start with? These Pina Colada Pudding Shots are perfect for any finger food occasion.
16. Vegan Wraps
During your search for finger food ideas, you might realize that one of your guests has special dietary restrictions like being vegan. This might make your search very difficult. Not to worry though, as these tasty Vegan Wraps are here to save the day.
Packed full with vegetables, these filling vegan finger foods are easy to slice and divide to create a platter for your party.
17. Honey Pistachio Whipped Goat Cheese Cups
Goat cheese is a delicacy. With a sweet, but savory flavor, it can be added to almost any recipe with ease. But if you want to make goat cheese into a finger food, this can be a bit more difficult. That’s when it’s time to pull out this recipe for Honey Pistachio Whipped Goat Cheese Cups.
It combines the sweetness of honey, with the flavorful punch of goat cheese, to finish off with the salty taste of pistachios. You can’t go wrong having these as a finger food at your party.
18. Memphis BBQ Wings
Although wings have already appeared on this list with a dry rub, sometimes this just won’t cut it, especially when you need super bowl finger food ideas.
These Memphis BBQ Wings are sure to quench even the hungriest of football fans while also not being too spicy for the younger party goers. Just make sure you put these right next to the pile of napkins because you will need them!
19. Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites
If the ranch soft pretzel bites mentioned above aren’t for you, then it’s time to check out this similar recipe for Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites.
The basic recipe is the same, but you’ll swap out the topping for a garlic and parmesan mixture rather than tossing the pretzel bites in ranch dressing mix. Feeling extra adventurous? Consider making both of these easy finger foods for your next party.
20. Rueben Loaded Potatoes
Preparing for a party on a budget can be difficult, but don’t fret, as there are lots of party finger food ideas for when you are on a budget.
Case in point, check out these Rueben Loaded Potatoes that only require some potatoes, cheese, corned beef, and sauerkraut. And since you are loading the toppings onto the potato wedges, this is a recipe where a little bit of topping can go a long way.
21. Roasted Veggie Bruschetta
Bruschetta is another easy finger food idea that can be adjusted easily to meet dietary restrictions or the theme of your party. If the strawberry tomato bruschetta above wasn’t for you, then check out this Roasted Veggie Bruschetta.
With an ingredient list that includes peppers, tomatoes, and cream cheese, this dish is definitely more savory than sweet. You will have to roast the peppers however, meaning this recipe will take you a bit longer to cook than traditional bruschetta.
22. Stuffed Mushrooms
Looking for the perfect Christmas finger food? Look no further than these Easy Stuffed Mushrooms with Andouille. They are warm, filling, and the perfect bite size appetizers to put out on a tray Christmas day.
They only take about 35 minutes to cook, meaning you can get these out of the kitchen before you need to put that Turkey in the oven. The recipe makes two dozen, but you might want to double it as people will definitely be asking for more!
23. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These Easy Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the perfect finger food for any summer party. Not to mention that they can easily be made gluten free (just use gluten free soy sauce) making them an excellent choice when you know you have guests with special dietary needs.
The trick to making these finger foods work for your party is being sure you get lettuce that forms an ample cup shape, and then don’t overfill them—as this could make them a bit messy to enjoy.
24. Crispy Onion Rings
If fries are the original finger food, the onion rings are the second. This recipe for Crispy Onion Rings is an excellent choice to put out on game day, or for a party that includes children. They are easy to eat, and fun to dip in the blue cheese sauce included in the recipe.
But of course, if you don’t like blue cheese, a ranch dipping sauce could go well with this easy finger food as well.
25. Baked Brie & Caramelized Onion Cups
Like goat cheese, brie is another delicious cheese that many people like to feature at their event. But it can also be a bit messy, so consider making these Baked Brie & Caramelized Onion Cups to keep the brie, and all the delicious toppings, contained as your guests enjoy.
Besides caramelizing the onion, they only take a few minutes to bake, making this an easy finger food recipe to prepare in advance and pop in the oven when your guests arrive.
26. Mini Taco Tortilla Cups
Putting things in cups is the easy way to make anything a finger food. You can see for yourself in this recipe for Mini Taco Tortilla Cups. Filled with black beans, veggies, and cream cheese, kids and adults alike will love these decadent bite size treats.
And this recipe can also be easily adjusted to fit dietary needs like gluten free or vegan just by swapping out a few ingredients.
27. Almond Crusted Baked Ravioli
Finding finger foods for 1-year-olds can be a difficult task. They want something that is easy to eat, but they also don’t have the developed tastes to enjoy some of the fancier items just yet.
Take a look at these Almond Crusted Baked Ravioli which has enough flavor and pizazz to keep your guest interested, while also being plain (and mess free) enough for your 1-year-old to enjoy.
28. Mini Grilled Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a classic dish that is often served as the main meal. But if you reduce the size, and skip the heavy meat, these Mini Grilled Stuffed Peppers can take the spotlight at any party.
And because they are smaller in size than large peppers, the time to cook them is reduced, meaning you can have these easy finger foods on the table in less than 30 minutes.
29. Fillo Wrapped Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Meatballs are one of the best finger foods on the market. But when you want to do a new twist on an old recipe, give these Fillo Wrapped Chicken Parmesan Meatballs a try. You’ll be taking ground chicken, forming them into meatballs, then combining them with cheese and wrap them both into a pastry.
After you bake them for 15 minutes, these bite size chicken parmesans are ready to be served with a side of homemade marinara that can also be found in the recipe.
30. Pimento Cheese Fillo Cups
While you are buying fillo for the above recipe, consider making these Pimento Cheese Fillo Cups as well. They are an easy finger food, that have a nice little kick to them. Just grab some cheese, bacon, pimentos, and a little mayo to stuff them with, and these tasty bites can be baked and served within 20 minutes.
31. Buckeye Marshmallow Pops
Finding desserts that can qualify as finger foods can be quite the challenge. But when you have this recipe for Buckeye Marshmallow Pops on hand, you’ll definitely satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth even with silverware.
All this recipe entails is placing marshmallows on sticks, then dipping it in different mixtures and letting it set. Besides being a nice sweet treat for adults, this is also a great finger food for kids!
32. Buffalo Shrimp Deviled Eggs
Want to spice up your deviled egg recipe? These Buffalo Shrimp Deviled Eggs are the perfect way to do so. You’ll be making the same yolk mixture as normal, but then adding savory shrimp and some blue cheese crumbles to increase the flavor.
Then you will toss some shrimp in buffalo sauce and use it as a garnish. With these modifications, even deviled eggs can become an awesome super bowl finger food idea.
33. Bacon Wrapped Roasted Potatoes
Who doesn’t like roasted potatoes? Exactly. This next recipe for Bacon Wrapped Roasted Potatoes is ideal for any occasion. Not to mention that the ingredient list is small and the preparation is minimal.
Beware however, as potatoes cut like wedges do take while to cook so you will want to set aside at least an hour and fifteen minutes to prepare this finger food.
34. Hoagie Pull Apart Bread
Pull-apart bread is another great way to make something that may not be a finger food, into a dish that is easy to eat with your hands and share. This Hoagie Pull Apart Bread is especially a good idea when you love Italian sub sandwiches.
Using all the ingredients you would usually find on a hoagie; you’ll be stuffing it into a pre sliced bread instead. Then you just pull apart the piece you want to eat and enjoy!
35. Goat Cheese Appetizer
There may be times when you need to prepare for a party last minute and want to bring an easy finger food. That’s when you need this recipe for Goat Cheese and Honey Bruschetta.
With ingredients like goat cheese and honey, it will seem like you planned something fancy, when in reality this easy appetizer finger food only takes 15 minutes for you to prepare from start to finish.
36. Mini Ranch Chicken Salad Rolls
Mini Ranch Chicken Salad Rolls are the perfect baby shower finger food. They are filling, making your guests feel like they’ve had a full meal, while also being small and easy to eat.
Plus, you can prepare the chicken salad the day before, and stuff the rolls the morning of if you are running short on time.
37. Hummus Topped Irish Nachos
Although nachos have already been covered on this list, the great thing about nachos is there can be multiple variations. This variation, of Hummus Topped Irish Nachos, will have you surprised at its delicious flavor and filling nature.
You will be using potatoes instead of chips however, which means you need to plan a little extra cooking time for this particular finger food.
38. Roasted Garlic Asiago Cheese Ball
Cheese balls are the perfect finger food, they are so simple, yet will have your guests raving for hours. This recipe for Roasted Garlic Asiago Cheese Balls is sure to leave your guests especially impressed, and they are one of the easiest finger foods to make!
Be careful not to sample these while you are making them, otherwise you may look down to find there are none left!
39. Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos
Stuffed jalapenos are another common finger food to find at baby showers and Superbowl parties alike. But have you ever tried them wrapped in bacon? Everyone knows the minute you wrap anything in bacon it gets even better than before!
When your next party is on the horizon, pull out this recipe for Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos and enjoy the spicy treat wrapped in greasy perfection.
40. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
While you’re buying bacon to wrap your stuffed jalapenos in, might as well pick up some shrimp and make these Bacon Wrapped Shrimp as well.
This is an easy finger food to make, and it requires very few ingredients and barely any preparation—making this the perfect solution for finger food for a busy individual who still wants to host a party!
Conclusion
Whether you are preparing for a baby shower, birthday party, or game day, finger foods can help you to design a menu that is both tasty and easy to eat. And if you make a few, or all of the recipes on list, you can be sure that your guests will leave with smiles on their faces. So grab that apron and chef’s hat and start cooking some of these amazing finger foods!
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