8 Easy Party Snacks for Low-Stress Entertaining

2015-06-09
8 Easy Party Snacks for Low-Stress Entertaining

Nothing kicks off a gathering like a showstopping snack table. Use one (or more) of these easy party snacks to complete your menu. Many of these simple party snacks can be made in advance, or shortcut ingredients can be used to keep the prep as stress-free as possible. From indulgent peppermint bark to healthy chickpeas, you'll find sweet and savory recipes to satisfy every guest's cravings.

01 of 08

Party Crostini Bites

This easy party snack can be customized with whatever flavors you wish. Start with your favorite crostini base (bread, mini naan, or party rye), then go to town by piling them up with one of our ten tantalizing toppers, including shrimp cocktail, hot honey apple, and layered chutney.

02 of 08

Warm Potato Chips with Parmesan and Herbs

Turn a plain bag of potato chips into a simple party snack that will have everyone raving. Kettle chips are dressed in an irresistible combo of parmesan, herbs, garlic, and lemon zest. Warmed for just a few minutes in the oven, it's an easy party snack you'll make again and again.

03 of 08

Roasted Chickpeas

These crunchy, slightly spicy beans are a healthful alternative to chips and make for a perfect party snack. Plus, they pack in some plant-based protein! Double the recipe to feed a larger crowd.

04 of 08

Gluten-Free Tex-Mex Cheese Dip

Make a double batch of this party snack for a crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone can enjoy. This creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy dip is perfect for chips and veggies. Be sure to use a gluten-free taco seasoning mix (or make your own), as some purchased versions might contain wheat ingredients.

05 of 08

Sweet Potato Fritters with Yogurt-Chive Dipping Sauce

A bit of brown sugar is added to the batter of these easy party snacks, resulting in the ultimate savory-sweet bite. Whip up the creamy yogurt dip before you start frying up these soft, flavorful fritters to enjoy them while they're still warm and supremely tender.

06 of 08

Parmesan-Ranch Sweet Potato Snack Mix

Everyone loves ranch, so our Test Kitchen turned it into an easy party snack. Simply toss together pretzels, chips, and nuts in melted butter spiked with ranch-flavor seasoning. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this finger-licking-good party snack is going to disappear fast.

07 of 08

Candy Cane Bark

No sweet says holidays quite like this classic candy. This easy party snack combines vanilla and chocolate candy coating for a beautiful swirled design.

08 of 08

Pickle Wraps

You need just three ingredients to whip up this simple appetizer recipe. Spread cream cheese on a piece of deli meat (we like to use ham) and roll it around a large dill pickle. Slice and serve with toothpicks for the ultimate holiday snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How many finger foods do I need for parties and celebrations?

    How much food you buy depends on the number of people that you've invited, and how long the gathering is going to last. A good rule of thumb is to buy 4-6 pieces of food per person, per hour.

  • What are the best snacks for poker or board game nights?

    Finger foods that are easy to eat with one hand and aren't going to cause much of a mess are the best snacks to serve during game nights. Some great options include chips, sliders, pretzels, cookies, and charcuterie boards.

  • What are safe finger foods for children's parties?

    Make sure the food you choose is soft, easy to swallow, and cut into tiny pieces. Soft fruit, cheese, crackers, and cookie-cutter shaped sandwiches are all great options when you're trying to feed younger guests. Just avoid anything that's too tough, large, or slow to dissolve.

Related Article

How to Make Ultra-Crispy Korean Fried Chicken

How to Make Ultra-Crispy Korean Fried Chicken

This Korean fried chicken recipe is spicy, sweet, and perfectly crispy.
15 Creative, Alternative Lasagna Recipes with Layers of Flavor

15 Creative, Alternative Lasagna Recipes with Layers of Flavor

These traditional and alternative lasagna recipes cover variations on everyone's favorite layered dish. Go for the classic or try something new.
Our Best-Ever Fall Recipes from Better Homes & Gardens

Our Best-Ever Fall Recipes from Better Homes & Gardens

Every year, our Test Kitchen staff and Better Homes and Gardens editors test hundreds of recipes to find the perfect ones for you. We've collected the top-rated favorite fall recipes for you to try, such as hearty casseroles, spiced desserts, savory side dishes, and lush cheesecakes. We suspect these will become part of your treasured recipe collection, too.
18 Healthy Summer Desserts Made with In-Season Fruit

18 Healthy Summer Desserts Made with In-Season Fruit

These light and healthy summer desserts (under 300 calories per serving) are the perfect fruit-filled finish to warm-weather dinners.
Can You Eat Strawberry Leaves? You Bet—Here’s How, and Why You Should

Can You Eat Strawberry Leaves? You Bet—Here’s How, and Why You Should

Can you eat strawberry leaves? Absolutely, and by doing so, you’ll generate less food waste and score some nutrition benefits. Learn why you should eat strawberry leaves, how to clean them, and snag the best strawberry leaf recipes whether you want to sneak them in or let them shine.
Our Test Kitchen's Top Substitutes for Chocolate of Every Type

Our Test Kitchen's Top Substitutes for Chocolate of Every Type

Discover the best substitutes for semisweet, baking, and unsweetened chocolate in your favorite recipes with our Test Kitchen-approved alternatives.
Easy Lemon Chicken Recipes to Perk Up Your Dinner Routine

Easy Lemon Chicken Recipes to Perk Up Your Dinner Routine

Add some zest to your meal plan with these easy lemon chicken recipes. Ranging from family-friendly sheet-pan lemon chicken breast recipes to air-fryer roast chicken that’s perfect for dinner party menus, these easy lemon chicken recipes are definitely worthy of a spot on your regular rotation.
This Smothered Chicken Recipe Is So Good, I Make It Once a Week

This Smothered Chicken Recipe Is So Good, I Make It Once a Week

This one-pan meal is made with chicken thighs that are smothered with a rich, creamy sauce. Here's how to make smothered chicken, including the secret to the most delicious pan gravy.
Roasted Vegetables with Sorghum

Roasted Vegetables with Sorghum

This roasted vegetable and sorghum recipe is the perfect combination of a salad and a side dish. Toss together sorghum and smoky paprika roasted beets, red onion, and fennel as well as arugula and green beans. Finish it with a zesty lemon-honey dressing and enjoy.
Oven Baked Pancakes

Oven Baked Pancakes

Instead of fussing over a skillet, try this easy oven baked pancake recipe that cooks the fluffy breakfast food in a sheet pan.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Quiche In the Slow Cooker

How to Make Ham and Cheese Quiche In the Slow Cooker

Ham and cheese quiche is good, but ham and cheese quiche from your slow cooker is an ideal winter meal. Fill homemade pastry with cheese, ham, eggs, and peppers, and let your slow cooker take care of the rest.
Zoe's Creme Fraiche Pancakes

Zoe's Creme Fraiche Pancakes

Add richness to fluffy pancakes with a touch of creme fraiche and sour cream.
Hasselback Squash

Hasselback Squash

Make butternut squash even more delicious by stuffing it with goat cheese or caramelized onions.
Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Prep these sweet and tangy slow cooker pulled pork sliders when you're serving a crowd—or plan to feed a family through a day of tailgating or potluck dining.
Beef and Cabbage Wraps

Beef and Cabbage Wraps

Set out the tortillas, filling, and condiments and let everyone begin wrapping and rolling. This easy meal is ready in 20 minutes.
10 Gluten-Free Family Meals That Taste Great!

10 Gluten-Free Family Meals That Taste Great!

Gluten-free family meals don't have to be boring. Try our recipes for delicious dinners that are full of flavor but sans gluten.
How to Make Vegetarian Biscuits and Gravy

How to Make Vegetarian Biscuits and Gravy

You can make delicious vegetarian biscuits and gravy and enjoy an old-school dish with updated ingredients.
Vegetable Lasagna with Labneh

Vegetable Lasagna with Labneh

Labneh, a spreadable cheese made from strained yogurt, stands in for ricotta in this skillet lasagna. If you can't find labneh at your grocery store, use whipped cream cheese.
Parrillada Recipe

Parrillada Recipe

Parrillada is a meal that consists of a variety of meats that are grilled or barbecued.
5 Steps for Successfully Grilling Salmon on a Cedar Plank

5 Steps for Successfully Grilling Salmon on a Cedar Plank

Learn about grilling salmon on a cedar plank for a smoky flavor without additional ingredients.