From dinner parties to casual game-day gatherings, a good platter of finger food is welcome everywhere. These best finger food ideas are sure to become favorites!
The best finger food goes down with no cutlery required, and tastes good enough to make your guests salivate. Building a menu for your next get-together? I’ve got your back.
This list is packed with thirty-one of the best finger food ideas I could find, ready to build you the menu of a lifetime. Read on, stock up, and impress everyone with your delicious culinary skills.
1. Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
Source: allnutritious.com
I’ve seen plenty of charcuterie boards in my day, and all of them could be improved with these goat cheese stuffed dates on board. These are gluten-free, healthy, and most importantly, delicious!
You’ll only need about twenty minutes to prepare these rich and delicious date morsels. The more practice you have, the faster the dish will come together.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 123
• Fats: 3.7g
• Protein: 2.8g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fiber: 2.3g
• Sugar: 19g
2. Mini Pepper Nachos
Source: allnutritious.com
Nothing derails a healthy eating plan quite like a plate of cheesy, tempting nachos. But what if I told you that you could enjoy all those flavors without compromising on your health goals?
These mini pepper nachos make for great party food. Delicious, rich with nutrients, and super refreshing, they’re a great pick for your next game day spread.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 243
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 14g
• Carbs: 13g
• Fiber: 5.5g
• Sugar: 6.5g
3. Baked Brie with Apples
Source: allnutritious.com
We absolutely couldn’t have a list of finger foods without featuring a baked brie. This is an intimidating dish for some people, but it’s actually one of the easiest things on this list to make!
Not to mention, the luxury of having a melted wheel of brie in the center of your snack spread will blow your guests away.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 381
• Fats: 27g
• Protein: 13g
• Carbs: 26g
• Fiber: 2.9g
• Sugar: 21g
4. Cheddar Cheese Bites
Source: allnutritious.com
Rather than serving a store-bought bag of cheese bites, why not make a higher-quality version at home? These bites only have four ingredients, and they come together in a scant few minutes.
Because they’re made with almond flour, these bites are also gluten-free, which is a major bonus.
This is a great healthy recipe for picky eaters too!
Per Serving:
• Calories: 103
• Fats: 5.6g
• Protein: 5.6g
• Carbs: 1.9g
• Fiber: 0.8g
• Sugar: 0.4g
5. Beet Hummus
Source: allnutritious.com
There’s nothing wrong with a classic hummus recipe, but sometimes you want to change things up, right? That’s where this beet hummus comes in.
This went viral on TikTok for a reason. It’s friendly to the full spectrum of dietary restrictions, looks amazing, and tastes even better.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 491
• Fats: 39g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 27g
• Fiber: 7.8g
• Sugar: 2.3g
6. Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Source: allnutritious.com
I don’t know about you, but reclaiming brussels sprouts as a genuinely delicious vegetable was a really big moment for me. Because seriously, these delicious little guys get too much slander.
All you need to do is smash them with a drizzle of olive oil, bake them to a crisp, and dip them in a creamy sauce. This dish will convert your guests too, guaranteed.
Did you know Brussels Sprouts are one of the best vegetables to roast?
Per Serving:
• Calories: 305
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 8.2g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 5.2g
7. Cream Cheese Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers
Source: theroastedroot.net
Baby bell peppers are a great ingredient to rely on when you’re whipping up a platter of finger food. They’re naturally small, crispy, delicious, and super appealing.
Not to mention, they’re perfect for stuffing! Give this cream cheese stuffing a try for a seriously addictive platter of bites.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 114
• Fats: 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
8. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Source: currytrail.in
Bacon, shrimp, and a spicy sweet glaze. Need I say more? These bacon wrapped shrimp are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering.
I love that you can prepare these appetizers in mere minutes. This easy high protein recipe is best if you have a grill handy, but you can also fry them on your stove top.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 151
• Fats: 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Carbs: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6g
9. Blistered Shishito Peppers
Source: twohealthykitchens.com
Trendy, tasty, and surprisingly healthy, shishito peppers are turning up on restaurant menus everywhere. They might not look like much, but trust me, these little morsels pack a punch.
These are almost impossible to mess up, which is why I love making them as a side dish or starter. No stress, all flavor. Sign me up.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 31
• Fats: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbs: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
10. Peach Bruschetta with Ricotta and Honey
Source: keepingitsimpleitalian.com
You know the classic savory Italian dish, bruschetta? Well, what if we gave it a sweet twist by using peaches instead of tomatoes? These are absolutely perfect for summer.
Fresh peaches, sweetened ricotta, and a small drizzle of honey turn a standard Italian appetizer into the finger food of the century.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 209
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g
11. Antipasto Kabobs
Source: jugglingactmama.com
A standard antipasto is a salad, with a collection of cheeses, meats, olives, and other little tasty morsels stirred together. But here’s a trendier way to present the same ingredients.
Rather than stirring them together in a bowl, why not assemble them as kabobs? This is a healthy snack for picky eaters too!
Per Serving:
• Calories: 257
• Fats: 22g
• Protein: 15g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
12. Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Source: therebelchick.com
I don’t know about you, but anyone who brings chicken wings to a gathering immediately becomes my favorite person. There’s something so satisfying about chowing down on great wings.
So, want to be everyone else’s favorite guest? Take five minutes to prep these wings and half an hour to cook them while you get ready to leave.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 141
• Fats:
• Protein: 9g
• Carbs: 1g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Sugar: 1g
13. Cheesy Puff Pastry Asparagus Bundles
Source: blackberrybabe.com
Looking for a healthy finger food that doesn’t compromise on taste? These asparagus bundles are perfect for you. They’re so easy to throw together, and they look super elegant.
The shredded cheese really takes these bundles over the edge in terms of flavor. Fresh, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying, these just might steal the show.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 117
• Fats: 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
14. Avocado Goat Cheese Cucumber Appetizers
Source: hauteandhealthyliving.com
If you’re looking for something a little fancy for your next dinner party, this dish is for you. They’re super easy to pull together, so you will still have energy to focus on your main meal.
The key is presentation. Whip out a piping bag and take two extra minutes to pipe the avocado mixture on top of the cucumber rounds for a restaurant-worthy look.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 36
• Fats: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
15. Shrimp Fritters
Source: spoonforkbacon.com
Shrimp fritters are absolutely fool-proof. No matter where you’re going or whom you’re hosting, these crunchy-yet-sweet morsels will always please a crowd.
The spicy honey drizzle makes these fritters extra special, so make sure to whip up plenty of it!
Per Serving:
• Calories: 117
• Fats: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
16. Cranberry Brie Crostini
Source: neighborfoodblog.com
Cranberry and brie is a flavor combination as old as time itself, and just as well-loved. So, why not present that combo in a new way? Introducing: cranberry brie crostini!
Crunchy, sweet, jammy, and creamy, this style of finger food will have everyone falling in love with your sophisticated culinary skills. (But they won’t take you more than ten minutes to make).
Per Serving:
• Calories: 144
• Fats: 7g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
17. Sweet Potato Round with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts
Source: theroastedroot.net
Sweet potato is one of the most versatile vegetables out there. Mash it, boil it, roast it… or in this case, use it as a cracker. These herbed sweet potato rounds are a guaranteed hit.
While this recipe recommends herbed ricotta, you can copy this technique for anything you like.
Did you know sweet potatoes are one of the best high protein vegetables?
Per Serving:
• Calories: 59
• Fats: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g
18. Loaded Tater Tot Cups
Source: thefeatherednester.com
Tater tots are a guaranteed hit, no matter who you’re serving. They just have a superpower to be appealing to absolutely everybody.
So, if you’re whipping up finger foods for a new crowd, these tater tot cups are your ace in the hole.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 115
• Fats: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
19. Spinach Balls
Source: sweetashoney.co
You’ve probably seen the spinach and cheese combination before, but you’ve never tasted it like this! Cheesy, chewy morsels with hints of garlic and spinach. What’s not to love here?
These spinach balls are simple and comforting, so they’re great for picnics or potlucks.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 49
• Fats: 1.6g
• Protein: 3.4g
• Carbs: 1.8g
• Fiber: 0.8g
• Sugar: 0.3g
20. Cheesy Mini Biscuits
Source: thefeatherednester.com
Don’t give in to the urge to buy your cheese crackers from the store. Those aren’t as good, and they’ve got all sorts of weird things in them! That’s why I love these cheesy mini biscuits.
They’re great on their own or as a base for your favorite topping.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 267
• Fats: 17g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
21. Easy Prawn Canapes
Source: greatbritishrecipes.com
When summer comes around and you need a refreshing canape, these prawn cucumber rounds will serve you well.
Sweet, refreshing, and crunchy, these rounds symbolize everything good about summer finger food.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 59
• Fats: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
22. Jalapeno Popper Bites
Source: thegunnysack.com
We’ve all heard of jalapeno poppers at this point, because they’re just that good. Well, did you know they’re also wildly easy to make?
These popper bites are deep fried melted cheese balls, stuffed with diced jalapenos and bacon. In other words, they’re heaven in a bowl.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 153
• Fats: 10g
• Protein: 7g
• Carbs: 8g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1g
23. Caprese Skewers
Source: cubesnjuliennes.com
Give the classic Caprese salad a new lease on life with these delicious skewers. These are drizzled with a delicious balsamic dressing to add a luxurious touch.
Plus, these skewers come together so quickly that it almost feels like cheating.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 172
• Fats: 14g
• Protein: 10g
• Carbs: 3g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Sugar: 1g
24. Deviled Eggs without Mayo
Source: healthyseasonalrecipes.com
Deviled eggs are absolutely out of this world, but they’re also packed with mayonnaise! If you’re not looking to add that much mayo to your diet, don’t worry. There’s another way.
This recipe uses Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. It’s still creamy, still rich, but now the eggs are zippier (ideal for a light summer finger food).
Per Serving:
• Calories: 40
• Fats: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
25. Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
Source: pinchandswirl.com
That’s right, I said bacon stuffed mushrooms. Stuffed mushrooms have a long-standing place in the appetizer world, but there’s nothing like some bacon to take them to a whole new level.
Savory, salt, and packed to the gills with umami, your batch will be gone in seconds once your guests get a hold of these.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 42
• Fats: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
26. Pierogi Stuffed Mushrooms
Source: foodmeanderings.com
Usually pierogi – Ukrainian dumplings – are stuffed with mushrooms. But this time, we’re flipping the script.
These delicious stuffed mushrooms taste just like pierogi, but without all the prep time!
Per Serving:
• Calories: 33
• Fats: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbs: 2g
27. Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Balls
Source: thefoodblog.net
Next up, let’s talk fried cheese. These fried goat cheese balls take just thirty minutes in your air fryer. And honestly, after you try them, you might not want to use your air fryer for anything else.
Every bite is a taste of heaven, both in taste and texture. These are a must-try for cheese lovers.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 51
• Fats: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 3g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 0.3g
28. Goat Cheese and Honey Bites
Source: suburbansimplicity.com
Speaking of goat cheese, have you ever tried enjoying that salty goodness with a drizzle of honey? If not, you have to try these amazing pastry bites.
These only require four ingredients, making them the perfect dish to whip up as part of a dinner party. No stress, just a high-quality appetizer that won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 85
• Fats: 5g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 7g
• Sugar: 3g
29. Vegan Crab Bites
Source: veganhuggs.com
Need to accommodate a vegan dietary restriction, but craving some crab? Don’t worry, there’s a way. These vegan crab bites taste like they stepped straight out of a restaurant.
Don’t worry, not a bite of real crab to be seen anywhere nearby! This recipe uses hearts of palm, and comes together in just twenty minutes.
Check out these other yummy vegan snack recipes!
Per Serving:
• Calories: 211
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
30. Cheeseburger Spring Rolls
Source: pipercooks.com
Put a unique spin on the classic spring rolls with a hearty cheeseburger filling. There’s never been a better way to celebrate game day than with these deep fried delights.
If you want to pull back on the oil content, these will also deliver after a stint in your air fryer.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 127
• Fats: 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1g
31. Taco Wonton Cups
Source: thefeatherednester.com
Finally, finger food is a chance to play with some fusion flavors! Blend Chinese and Mexican sensibilities with these crispy taco wonton cups.
You can even put the fillings on the side and let your guests build their ideal cups one by one.
Per Serving:
• Calories: 111
• Fats: 7g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 5g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Sugar: 0.4g
At the end of the day, finger food is its own culinary category. Nailing this type of food is all about two things: taste and portability. If you’ve got those down, you’ll win anyone’s heart in no time.
I hope you found a finger food worth trying on this list! These are the best finger food ideas I’ve come across in a while, but there’s a lot more out there. Which finger foods are your favorites?
I’ll see you in the next one. Happy snacking!