45 Best Finger Food Ideas to Get the Party Started
Tasty bite-size appetizers to feed a crowd.
Whether you're dreaming of game day snacks or just want to mix things up for a weeknight dinner, these delicious finger foods are the way to go. You might think of finger foods as kid-friendly fare like chicken strips and pizza (we've included plenty of these recipes here!), but finger foods can also be very elegant party appetizers. Think marinated feta cubes or Manchego-stuffed dates wrapped with prosciutto or chips topped with salmon roe. Of course, if you're looking to keep things simple and delicious, we've got plenty of finger food ideas for tacos, mini sandwiches, meatballs and more.
These finger foods are perfect for taking to a potluck or tailgate since they're simple and don't require a fork, knife or even a plate in some cases. Once you've found your favorites, they're sure to become a part of your family's appetizer rotation at every event. Even better, some of these recipes come together in the air fryer or slow cooker, making cleanup a breeze.
From easy party dips to surprisingly healthy snacks, these are the best finger food ideas to try now.
Spice-Rubbed Chicken Lettuce Cups
This flavorful, crunchy meal is made with a simple spice rub, chicken breast, and fresh lettuce leaves. These handheld bites make for a hearty appetizer or a filling lunch or dinner when you eat a few of them.
Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizzas
Pizza night just got an upgrade! These mini pies — which are topped with onion, pepperoncini, honey and pepperoni — come together in the air fryer for easy cleanup.
Get the Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizzas recipe.
Chips and Roe
Everyone at your next party is going to applaud your creativity when you set these out. Just get a bag of your favorite kettle-cooked chips and top it with a homemade lemony crème fraîche and salmon roe for an impressive appetizer.
Get the Chips and Roe recipe.
Air Fryer Strawberry-Thyme Mini Scones
These handheld pastries are the perfect addition to your next brunch. They're made with jammy roasted strawberries, thyme leaves, heavy cream and butter.
Smoky Chorizo Tacos
When you think about it, tacos are absolutely finger food! These delicious ones bring together crispy chorizo, golden potatoes, and salsa verde.
Get the Smoky Chorizo Tacos recipe.
Manchego Devils on Horseback
These elegant bites, featuring sweet dates and salty Manchego, are the ideal appetizer for your New Year's Eve spread.
Get the Manchego Devils on Horseback recipe.
RELATED: 60 Best New Year's Eve Appetizers to Get the Party Started
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Toss storebought meatballs in a delectable fruity sauce. Can you say easiest-ever finger food?
Get the Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe.
Picnic Sandwich Pinwheels
These party-ready bites, stacked with tasty cold cuts, cheese and a zesty mustard sauce, are perfect for a crowd.
Get the Picnic Sandwich Pinwheels recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Strips
Your Super Bowl spread deserves to feature these crispy kid-friendly chicken strips.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Strips recipe.
Parmesan-Chive Chips
Upgrade a store-bought party staple with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh chives.
Get the Parmesan-Chive Chips recipe.
Applesauce Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pile slow-simmered pulled pork and a flavorful slaw atop soft rolls for easy handheld sliders the whole crew will enjoy.
Injera
If you've ever tried Ethiopian food, you know it is typically eaten with your hands. Injera is a delicious Ethiopian flatbread used to scoop up meat, vegetables, stews and more.
Get the Injera recipe.
Loaded Ranch Potato Skins
These handheld potato bites filled with bacon and melty cheddar are sure to disappear as soon as you set them down at the table.
Get the Loaded Ranch Potato Skins recipe.
Ranch Croquettes
Use the inside of the potatoes from the loaded ranch potato skins to make these delicious potatoey croquettes with cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning.
Get the Ranch Croquettes recipe.
Spicy Soppressata Pizza
Make it a pizza party with this spicy, savory pizza. Drizzle a bit of honey on top for that extra special touch.
Get the Spicy Soppressata Pizza recipe.
Zucchini Fritters
Shredded zucchini, ricotta, and parmesan come together in this delicious and simple recipe that's perfect topped with a bit of flaky salt.
Get the Zucchini Fritters recipe.
Butter Chicken Meatballs
Pop some toothpicks into these gorgeous Indian-inspired meatballs for an easy finger food everyone will love.
Get the Butter Chicken Meatballs recipe.
RELATED: 51 Juicy Meatball Recipes That Are Simple Enough for Any Weeknight Dinner
Pepper and Onion Pizza
Pizza is the ultimate finger food. Serve up some slices of this satisfying pie topped with peppers, jalapeños, onions and cheddar cheese.
Get the Pepper and Onion Pizza recipe.
Beef Empanadas
These flakey savory pastries filled with ground beef, spices and briny olives are sure to disappear quickly at any party.
Get the Beef Empanadas recipe.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Is there anything better than garlic bread? This one is made with focaccia and topped with a butter infused with lemon zest and Dijon mustard.
Get the Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe.
Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.
Expertise: Food writing and editing.
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas (rock chalk!)
About Me: As the Assistant Digital Food Producer at Delish, Taylor writes and updates recipe intros with an SEO-focus, co-creates and sends the daily newsletter, and offers team-wide support to ensure that recipes are the best they can be. She worked previously as a Freelance Editor on the Hearst Lifestyle group, where she updated recipes and galleries and contributed ideas for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, Prevention, and more. Taylor loves to try out different restaurants and bakeries around Brooklyn and is always hunting for her new favorite coffee shop and wine bar. When she's not writing about everything lemon-blueberry or one of our many margaritas, she can most likely be found reading, browsing her favorite bookstores, or enjoying a little treat.
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