Party-Ready Finger Food Ideas

The salty-sweet flavor of sausage links wrapped in bacon is addictive. Make them a day ahead so they're ready to pop in the oven just before party time.

Editor's Tip: For no-stress party planning, use our free Appetizer and Beverage Quantity guides, available below, to make it easy to estimate your party food and drink needs.

Light and fresh, these mini salads are served in their own edible appetizer-size bowls. Baked miniature phyllo shells come ready to fill with tangy turkey salad that can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes.

Editor's Tip: Mini phyllo shells are great containers for other party salads, too. Make your own salad or purchase tuna, ham, or seafood salad at the supermarket deli.

Hot and hearty, these appetizers are easy to make on the grill or in the broiler. Filled with ground beef, Spanish rice, cheese, raisins, and olives, the stuffed jalapeno peppers are bite-size bursts of flavor.

The slow cooker makes these hearty mini sandwiches so easy. The sliders offer a satisfying combination of flavors for the meat lovers at your party.

Give traditional chicken wings a sweet-spicy attitude with Asian flavoring and a splash of fizzy cola. The saucy goodness is worth using a few napkins.

Editor's Tip: To make an easy dip, mix up a second batch of the wings marinade in a small pan. Simmer the sauce until reduced by half, and serve in a small bowl.

Wrapped in tender dough, party-favorite shrimp gets a kick from wasabi powder and richness from cream cheese filling. The flavor-filled buns are delicious fresh from the oven, or bake them ahead and simply reheat for the party.

Editor's Tip: Wasabi powder, sometimes called Japanese horseradish, is a pale lime-green condiment with a sharp, pungent, fiery flavor. If you can't find it in the Asian section of your supermarket, look for it at Asian markets.

Drench melons and papaya in a sweet-spicy syrup for a kicky, refreshing appetizer. Serve the skewered fruit ice-cold, sprinkled with crispy prosciutto and cilantro.

Party guests will devour these two-bite cheese puffs. The delicate pastry balances the creamy goat cheese filling's tangy, herb-infused flavor.

Glaze bacon-wrapped chicken with teriyaki sauce for a little piece of sweet-salty heaven at your party. Skewered with red pepper and green onion, the presentation is party-perfect, too.

The filling in these wontons is spicy; the cool cucumber salsa is a refreshing accompaniment. Ground chicken or turkey makes a tasty filling for this appetizer, too.

While a big burger may be too much for a party spread, these sliders pack a wallop of flavor inside a cocktail bun. Flavorful and juicy, no condiments are required.

For a garden-picked approach to a classic appetizer, the peppery bite of arugula tops tangy goat cheese swirled on toasted French bread slices. If you select baby arugula, use a few extra leaves to top the toast for plenty of flavor.

Include a classic in your appetizer buffet. These stuffed mushrooms are overflowing with cheese, bacon, garlic, and onion.

Creamy Gorgonzola, fresh pears, red onion, and toasted walnuts top mini focaccia wedges for a flavor-filled party star.

The creamy smoothness of honey and cream cheese deliciously complements the crunch of crispy apples and spicy candied nuts. A sprinkling of Gorgonzola cheese finishes this appetizer with just-right sharpness.

When spice-infused chocolate is mixed with the crispy goodness of caramel-coated popcorn, the result is a snack that will earn praise from your party guests.

A twist of lime gives each of these tiny cheesecakes a taste of the tropics. The salted pretzel crust and fresh strawberry topper combine for a sweet appetizer sensation.

Editor's Tip: Plan about three mini sweets per party guest.

Cut these chewy bars into petite strips or squares so party guests won't feel guilty about savoring the big-time flavor and nutty crunch of this sweet bite.

Editor's Tip: Look for make-ahead recipes that can be stored, refrigerated, or frozen for a few days to reduce last-minute preparations.

Marvelous milk chocolate meshes with sweet strawberry jam in these flaky pastries. Cut them in half to show off the filling and make the turnovers even more party-friendly.

Squeeze a little citrus into your buffet. With a tart lime filling and a pecan-studded crust, the sunny bars add fresh zest to your party.

These cupcakes add a touch of sophistication with raspberry liqueur and a swirl of meringue. To make them even more party-friendly, bake mini cupcakes so guests can taste without overindulging.