Here is an extensive list with 97 Fun Mini Appetizer Ideas that are perfect for Christmas, birthday parties, holidays, dinner parties or even a fancy cocktail hour! All appetizers are easy and simple and many can be made well in advance!
Mini appetizers are fun to eat and can take a party to another level if done right. Whether served hot, cold or at room temperature, crowds always tend to hang around the spread of appetizers or finger foods at any gathering.
Below you will find the ultimate list of FUN appetizer ideas from canapes to hors d'oeuvres and everything in between. that you can either bring to a celebration or make at home for a crowd.
Make sure to check out this list of 16 Of The BEST Brie Appetizers
These clam stuffed mushrooms are a deliciously fun appetizer your guests will go crazy over! They come out crispy on top and juicy in the middle making them the perfect finger food and absolutely irresistible.
These shrimp tempura boats are a delicious Asian appetizer that is unique and will quickly be the talk of the event!
These empanadas are made vegetarian style using pie crust. They remind me of mini burritos! They are a quick and easy finger food that can be made in advance!
These roll ups are a deliciously easy appetizer that you can throw together with just a few simple ingredients. I love making these days in advance so I can pull them out last minute.
5. Cucumber Appetizers With Sardine Spread
These cucumber appetizers with sardine spread are very easy to prepare, are gluten-free and dairy-free and absolutely healthy.
6. Feta Cheese Fries (w/ Yogurt Sauce)
Greek feta cheese fries smothered in a creamy tzatziki sauce! This appetizer is super quick and will be a hit with everyone!
7. Air Fryer Brown Sugar Buffalo Shrimp (Crispy)
Skip the buffalo wings and kick it up a notch by serving these crispy buffalo shrimp. They are sweet and spicy and ready in less than 20 minutes!
These EASY Beer Battered Onion Rings are a classic appetizer! The beer batter helps to create a SUPER crispy and light exterior while adding another layer of flavor. Serve your onion rings with this tasty roasted red pepper aioli dipping sauce and of course, a cold beer.
9. Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bombs (Using Biscuit Dough)
These biscuit bombs are stuffed with mozzarella cheese and smothered with a delicious garlic butter. Baked in the oven, they are the ultimate finger food that friends and family will go crazy for!
10. Goats Cheese Crostini with Griddled Apricots, Basil & Honey
Tangy goats cheese, caramelised charred apricots and a sweet honey drizzle make these easy crostini delicious and sophisticated!
Mini bell pepper strips layered with seasoned ground turkey, beans, corn, and topped with cheese, jalapeños and onions. Customize these loaded mini bell pepper nachos anyway you want. This is the ultimate “healthier” nacho!
These sausage balls are the perfect bite sized appetizer for holidays, breakfast or brunch parties! Sweet and spicy and full of flavor!
13. Spinach n' Feta Phyllo Pies
Crispy buttery phyllo dough stuffed with spinach, feta and ricotta cheese. A delicious make-ahead Greek appetizer people will love paired with tzatziki sauce!
14. Burrata and Pepper Phyllo Cups
This bite-sized, crowd pleasing cold appetizer is totally irresistible, and made with just THREE ingredients! You can whip these up in less than 10 minutes but your guests will think it took you hours!
15. Stuffed Celery With Pimento Cheese
Celery sticks stuffed with pimento peppers, cheddar cheese and cream cheese. A delicious and easy cold appetizer that can be made ahead of time.
16. Creamed Spinach and Feta Phyllo Cups
These no bake crispy phyllo cups are filled with a creamed spinach and feta cheese mixture. They are a delicious vegetarian appetizer that is quick to prepare!
Chicken Tikkas... the most classic of Indian appetizers. These chicken skewers are anything but lacking flavor! Made with 8 difference spices, your guests will going back to more. Serve with naan or just by themselves as a delicious appetizer!
18. CHERRY BOCCONCINI BALLS WITH CHILLI
Cherry Bocconcini Balls with Chilli - smooth, milky mouthfuls of cherry bocconcini that have been marinated in chilli, lemon and fresh herbs. Serve with mini toothpicks for a fun appetizer!
19. Greek Shrimp and Feta Appetizer
Serve this straight out of the oven and your guests mouths will be watering. A traditional Greek appetizer made with baked shrimp, feta cheese, tomatoes and ouzo. Serve with crusty bread for a delicious finger food!
These cheesy bread sticks are made using store-bought pizza dough so they are super easy to make and require little to no time to in the oven! Get ready for cheese pull heaven.
21. Mini Feta Stuffed Roasted Peppers
This appetizer is a deliciously easy finger food and is made to be served COLD. Roasted in the oven, cooled, then stuffed with feta cheese, onions, and oregano. Great for making ahead or the day before.
Hawaiian Pizza Muffins are an easy savory appetizer best made with crescent roll dough and baked in a muffin tin. These pizza muffins topped with ham, cheese and pineapple, are great for a quick dinner for the whole family or as an appetizer for a game day.
23. Baked Brown Sugar Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Chicken meatballs baked and coated in a brown sugar hot sauce. There is a reason this is the most liked recipe on my site.
These fun & easy to make choux pastry Cheese Puffs or French Gougères are light, cheesy and super moreish. Perfect nibbles to accompany drinks, impressive appetizer or just something little to snack on – you decide!
25. 'Disco' Fries
Disco fries are a delicious snack or finger food that kids and adults LOVE. Crispy french fries topped with a flavorful gravy and lots of cheese! It is your basic poutine recipe with minor tweaks.
26. Sesame Ginger Lollipop Wings
These are a fun way to serve your classic wings. They are 'frenched' and made into mini lollipops. They take some time to cut but are an impressively fancy appetizer that your guests will absolutely rave over!
27. PARTY SAUSAGES WITH HONEY & MUSTARD GLAZE
Delicious & sticky sausages wrapped in bacon & glazed with mixture of honey & mustard for added sweetness & gentle heat. Easy, fun food loved by all! Perfect little nibble for any occasion!
This cracker bacon appetizer is so simple to put together, can be frozen for later, and tastes AMAZING! Salty, sweet, and a little spice will be perfect for your next event!
29. Jalapeno Popper Pigs In A Blanket
Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket ~ mini smoked sausages wrapped in warm, flaky, golden crescent dough filled with two kinds of cheese, spicy jalapenos and crispy bacon bits.
30. Maple Bacon Wrapped Pork Bites
Tender pieces of pork wrapped in bacon, brushed with maple syrup and then baked until brown. Serve with toothpick skewers and a maple dijon sauce for dipping!
31. Whipped Feta with Truffled Mushrooms Appetizer
Serve this Whipped Feta with Truffled Mushrooms Appetizer at your next holiday party! The creamy, tangy whipped feta spread pairs perfectly with savory quickly sautéed mushrooms that have a dash of truffle oil added for a touch of decadence.
An easy salami appetizer is perfect for snacking and entertaining: Salami and cheese wrapped around an olive. These are always the first to disappear at any gathering! They can be made a day in advance and travel well, perfect for parties and potlucks.
33. Sweet and Spicy Bacon Palmiers
These puff pastry palmiers are made with bacon and a spicy cheddar cheese. They are finished with maple syrup to give them a sweet and spicy bite! Simple to make and delicious!
34. Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Frozen cocktail meatballs made with an easy sweet and sour glaze, your guests will pop multiples of these! Plus, the fact that they're slow cooker friendly, makes them great for making ahead of time!
35. Shrimp and Rangoon Mini Bell Peppers Appetizer
This cheesy Shrimp Rangoon Mini Bell Pepper appetizer is always a favorite! Stuffed with sweet shrimp and tasty Gouda, your guests will gobble these up.
36. Pesto and Tomato Crostini with Balsalmic Drizzle
This two-bite appetizer is bursting with fresh flavors from homemade pesto and roasted tomatoes. Definitely make your own pesto instead of using jarred stuff, if you have an extra few minutes and can get fresh basil. And DEFINITELY don't skip the balsamic glaze.
37. Blue Cheese Crostini with Roasted Grapes
Have you ever roasted grapes? They are so tasty, juicy, and sweet when roasted. Pair them with a creamy whipped blue cheese spread, a crispy cracker or baguette, and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for an amazing combination of sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
38. Mushroom Bruschetta Appetizer
A deliciously easy vegan appetizer that everyone will go crazy over. Plus, it's filling so your guests will be full enough until dinner is ready!
39. Easy Yellow Gazpacho Soup with Spicy Shrimp
These vegan cucumber hummus bites are an easy VEGAN appetizer that’s perfect for get togethers. They can be made ahead and served cold!
40. Vegan Cucumber Hummus Bites
These vegan cucumber hummus bites are an easy appetizer that’s perfect for get-togethers. They can be made ahead and served cold!
41. Baked Panko Crusted Eggplant Fries
These fries are such a fun appetizer! Strips of eggplant cut and dipped in a panko, parmesan egg mixture. They are baked so they are healthier and easier to make in batches for a crowd!
42. Mini Baked Stuffed Potato Appetizer
Mini baby potatoes are baked until crispy and filled with a cheesy sour cream filling. Topped with chives, they are the ultimate finger food appetizer for parties!
43. Zucchini Pizza Bites Appetizer
Made with a few easy to find ingredients, these keto zucchini pizza bites are amazing. Plus, they're made in only 30 minutes!
44. Parmesan Cheese Cookies (Savoury Shortbread)
Parmesan Cheese Cookies made with freshly grated parmesan cheese, fennel seeds and red pepper flakes for a little kick. These savoury shortbread biscuits are whipped up using a food processor so are super easy! Serve as part of an antipasto platter, cheese board or simple snack!
45. Fried Gnocchi, Prosciutto and Pecorino Appetizers
These Fried Gnocchi, Prosciutto and Pecorino Appetizers are simple and elegant, perfect for parties and entertaining! The perfect combination of flavors all in one bite!
46. Spicy Creamy Sausage Biscuit Bombs
These biscuit bombs are made with sausage, jalapenos and cream cheese and stuffed into mini biscuit cups. They are one of my most raved over finger foods.
These Air Fryer Pretzel Bites are so easy to make and taste amazing! Chewy, soft, and perfectly salty, you’ll love this pretzel bites recipe for an afterschool snack, game day treat, or anytime you need the perfect fun appetizer.
48. Puff Pastry Garlic n' Herb Pinwheels
These pinwheels are made with fresh herbs, butter and minced garlic. They are baked until golden brown and crispy. A fun and easy finger food to serve at any event.
49. Smoked Salmon Potato Appetizers
Elegant and easy, these smoked salmon potato skewers are always a hit at parties. Sour cream and dill sauce perfectly pairs this tasty appetizer.
50. Tempura Fried Imitation Crab Bites with Old Bay
These crab bites are an inexpensive but fun appetizer that is easy to make using imitation crab and uses only three ingredients. Lightly fried and seasoned with Old Bay seasoning, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
51. Loaded Irish Pub Nacho Fries
These waffle fries are everything you want from nachos. Crispy, crunchy and loaded with bacon, tomatoes and cheese. The thing that makes these 'Irish' are the waffle fries and the horseradish sour cream. People will go crazy for them!
52. Baked Shrimp Tostadas Bites
These mini shrimp tostadas are packed with flavor and always a crowd favorite! Served on a crispy tortilla round and topped with refried beans, guacamole, sour cream and a chipotle shrimp!
53. Bruschetta Caprese with Melted Mozzarella
This is not your typical bruschetta. Made with sundried tomatoes and melted mozzarella cheese, this is made to serve warm! A filling appetizer that people can't get enough of!
Polenta fries are the new french fry! They are hearty, so tasty and look very impressive! This recipe is easy to make and because they're baked, easy to do in large batches for a party!
55. Southern Relish Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic fun appetizer that I feel are losing their popularity. This version is simple to make and made with sweet relish which adds a delicious flavor everyone will love!
These fried red tomatoes are a fun twist on those green tomatoes! Lightly fried and served with a yummy basil red pepper aioli, they are the perfect appetizer for any gathering!
57. Part Sausages with Honey Mustard Glaze
Delicious, sticky sausages wrapped in bacon & glazed with mixture of honey & mustard for added sweetness & gentle heat. An easy fun appetizer loved by all!
59. QUICK AND EASY ANTIPASTO SKEWERS
These Antipasto Skewers are a little different but still delicious! They are a quick keto appetizer recipe that is perfect for weekday snacking or parties!
60. Caramelized Mushroom and Thyme Flatbread
Flatbread is one of the most popular fun appetizers around. It is fun to eat, so versatile and fills you up! This version has caramelized onions, sherry wine, mushrooms, thyme, and cheese! An upscale but easy recipe!
61. Garlic & Herb Bread Dipping Oil
This fun appetizer reminds me of those oils served at Italian restaurants before dinner. Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping and I promise, everyone will be happy!
62. Baked Figs with Goat Cheese
Easy 15-minute Baked Figs with Goat Cheese, walnuts, honey and sage recipe. This fun appetizer makes for an easy finger food your guests will love!
63. Sweet Cheese and Caramelized Onion Canape Toasts
These adorable canape toasts appetizer are elegant and so tasty! They are made to be served at room temperature so you don't need to worry about keeping these warm!
Bacon Deviled Eggs are a crowd-favorite appetizer and finger food for your next event. These deviled eggs have just a pinch of cayenne pepper for flavor, and are topped with plenty of crumbled bacon.
65. Herbed Vegetable Potato Pancakes
Herbed Vegetable Potato Pancakes are perfect appetizers. Top them with Smoked Salmon and Lemon Chive Cream for an elegant nibble.
67. Prosciutto-Wrapped Caprese Salad Bites Appetizer
This Prosciutto-Wrapped Caprese Salad Bites Appetizer makes food easy and effortless.Just four ingredients and a few minutes of prep and you’re all set to impress.
68. EASY PIEROGI STUFFED MUSHROOMS- WEIGHT WATCHERS FRIENDLY
If you love perogies, you'll love these! They are quick and easy to make with instant mashed potatoes and can be made vegetarian by simply leaving out the bacon bits. Only 1 Weight Watchers Freestyle Smart Point per serving!
69. Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich Sliders
These chicken bacon ranch sandwich sliders are SO tasty and filling! They come together so quickly and are perfect for a crowd. Everyone is sure to love them at your next party!
Cajun Butter Steak Bites are the best 10 minute appetizer recipe you’ll ever try! They’re tender, flavorful, easy, and perfect served with toothpicks for a delicious snack!
71. BUFFALO CHICKEN ZUCCHINI PIZZA BITES
A healthy zucchini pizza bite with spicy buffalo chicken added to the mix! It's the perfect healthier game day appetizer that's low carb and only 1 Weight Watchers points (blue plan) each!
72. JIAOZI CHINESE PAN FRIED POTSTICKERS
These low carb potstickers are made with turnip wrappers! With golden, crispy skin outside, and a soft juicy filling inside, they are the perfect appetizer everyone will love!
73. Pressure Cooker Sriracha Mayo Deviled Eggs
Sriracha Deviled Eggs with jalapeño juice made in your pressure cooker! A tasty spicy twist to your average deviled eggs that everyone will love!
74. CHEDDAR CUPS WITH AVOCADO FETA MOUSSE
These Cheddar Cups with Avocado Feta Mousse are the best ever appetizer. The cheese cups require one ingredient and the entire appetizer is so easy to put together!
75. GARLIC & HERB SAVORY PROFITEROLES
These garlic & herb savory profiteroles are just what your next party (or tea party) needs. They’re impressive, herbaceous, and packed with rich flavor. Get ready for them to be flying off the table faster than you can imagine!
76. Cheeseburger Skewers with Burger Sauce
These cheeseburger skewers are always a hit at family parties especially in the summer time! The sauce is what takes these over the top! They can be made in advance! Tip* skewer the lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles hours or the day before!
77. Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Bites
These Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Bites are the perfect bite sized appetizers for holiday gatherings, game days, baby showers or a girls night! These mini cheese balls are great with crackers, bagel chips or with pretzels
78. Kale and Craisin Stuffed Mushrooms
These stuffed mushrooms are a great vegetarian appetizer option. Made with cream cheese and topped with a crispy panko crust, this recipe is always a hit at my house!
79. Air Fryer Cheesy Loaded Nachos (5 Minutes!)
These Air Fryer Loaded Nachos are hands down, the quickest appetizers I have on my blog thanks to the speediness of my air fryer. Ready in just 5 minutes, nothing could be easier or more delicious!
80. Cheesy Pepperoni Stuffed Pizza Cones
Handheld cones made from pizza dough and stuffed with a ricotta cheese filling! These are a HUGE hit always at our parties! Kids love them as well as adults! Use refrigerated pizza dough to save time!
81. Ritz Bites with Ham, Cranberries and Brie
Looking for a fast and simple but fun appetizer? Here it is! These cracker bites are ready in about 10 minutes and require no cooking so you can make them hours ahead of time and forget about them!
82. BAKED CHIPOTLE BARBECUE WINGS
These Baked Chipotle Barbecue Wings are tossed in an easy BBQ Sauce and baked to perfection! This appetizer is such a winner and always has people licking their fingers clean!
83. Roast Beef Crostini with Horseradish Cream
Delicious and savory roast beef crostini with a creamy horseradish sauce – served two ways! These simple roast beef crostini with horseradish cream appetizer is perfect for holiday entertaining or your next dinner party.
85. Goat Cheese and Blackberry Crostini
Easy and delicious, this goat cheese, blackberry, and mint crostini makes the perfect appetizer all year round!
Cheesesteaks made into fun mini appetizers! These wonton bites are easy and require little prep! Made with store-bought wonton wrappers, the shell gives them a super crunchy texture that everyone will love!
These bacon-wrapped scallops are a true crowd-pleaser. They are marinated to perfection and so delicious that you will watch them fly off the plate at your next event.
Banh mi is a scrumptious Vietnamese sandwich that hits ALL flavors of the palate. This slider piles grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and quick-pickled veggies on slider rolls. They are the perfect handheld appetizer people will love!
89. Air Fryer Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Fun to eat and easy to make – these loaded tater tot skewers are the ultimate appetizer! Crispy little tater tots are topped with gooey cheese and bacon and served on skewers to make for easy eating.
This chicken crostini recipe is fun for easy entertaining. These will go fast at your next gathering! If you think about it, the chicken Caesar salad is basically sitting on a large crouton (the crunchy toasted baguette slice). Adults and kids alike will love this classic salad in bite-size form.
91. Tiny Tuna Melts
The classic tuna melt goes tiny. Use ritz crackers to make this simple appetizer in just a few minutes that everyone will love!
92. Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Asaparagus
Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Asparagus baked in the oven is a fun finger food paired with wine and cheese! This recipe is so delicious you will want to upgrade it from appetizer to the main dish!
93. Easy Ham, Pear, and Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizers
Such an easy hand held appetizer that looks elegant as well! Features fresh ham, sliced pear and cranberry crusted goat cheese on top of fluffy puff pastry rectangles!
94. Spicy Bombay Potatoes (Instant Pot Pressure Cooker)
If you like spicy food, this is going to be your new favorite! Baby Potatoes cooked with aromatic spices, as a one-pot dish, are perfect to serve as an appetizer with skewers. They take just 20 minutes to make in the Instant Pot or on stovetop.
An easy recipe for savory rosemary spiced nuts you can prep & bake in less than 30 minutes. Each bite has an addicting blend of salty, herbaceous, and slightly spicy + sweet flavors.
96. Pan Fried Zucchini Squash Chips (With Tzatziki Sauce)
These Pan Fried Zucchini Squash Chips are made without flour or breading so they are gluten free! They are so simple to make requiring less than 4 ingredients! Paired with a good tzatziki sauce they are a deliciously light but fun appetizer!
97. Avocado Cream Cheese Wontons With Sesame
These Avocado Cream Cheese Wontons are an Asian twist on the classic cream cheese appetizer. Simply adding some toasted sesame oil and avocado makes these fun but keeps them super easy!
Mini appetizers do NOT have to be complicated to be FUN! Just remember that when planning a party, keep it simple and spend the most time on the food because that's what people remember and love.
Make sure to check out this list of room temperature appetizers you can make in advance or these pinwheel party sandwiches.
If you're throwing a fancier party, check out The Ultimate Guide To Serving Hors d’oeuvres!
avleen
Hi! I love how informative and great your articles are.
Elaine Benoit
Such a great collection! I bet I could eat every one of these just not in one sitting. 🙂
Aleka Shunk
Thank you Elaine!
Gloria
WOW....now this is a GREAT collection. Certainly lots of delicious party foods to make and eat. Love the sound of the smoked salmon and potato appetizers. These will be the first on my list.
Aleka Shunk
Thank you Gloria! I hope you try them! 🙂