From almost-too-pretty-to-eat feta bites to impressively dignified meatball parm skewers.
co*cktails put the co*cktail in co*cktail party—but what would one be without fancy and delicious appetizers? Few things get a party started quite like a bubbling spinach and artichoke dip or a mouthful of a bite-size bruschetta toast. Plus, as all good hosts know, tasty food is the warmest welcome you can offer guests.
However, the key to throwing a successful co*cktail party is making food that's easy to grab and enjoy (easy to make is a welcome bonus), while still packing a major punch in the flavor department. It certainly doesn't hurt if it's pretty, too. Think: baked feta bites with a kick of roasted red pepper. Or a stunning pre-sliced galette baked to utter perfection. How about grissini served with endless dips? Or dainty finger sandwiches bursting with minty pea flavor?
Whether your party features cozy dips, tiny toasts, elegant sandwiches, irresistible stuffed bites, or picture-perfect skewers (the options are truly endless), we're here to present you with the crème de la crème of appetizer ideas. Trust us when we say you'll never host a co*cktail party without fancy steak frites bites ever again.
1
Baked Feta Bites
Store-bought crescent dough means these bites are way easier to make than they look—and are almost too pretty to eat.
Get the recipe from Delish.
2
Grissini
Sometimes simplicity steals the show. These Italian breadsticks can be dipped in anything your heart desires.
Get the recipe from Country Living.
3
Minty Pea and Pecorino Finger Sandwiches
These are too pretty to eat—but also too delicious not to. Not a fan of peas? There are pimiento cheese and crab versions too.
Get the recipe from Good Housekeeping.
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4
Antipasto Skewers
Do all the work for your guests (and your day-of hostess self) with this make-ahead appetizer. So much goodness in one colorful bite.
Get the recipe from Delish.
5
Buttered Leek and Gruyère Galette
You can enjoy this gorgeous savory pie hot or cold, making it a delicious option any time of year.
Get the recipe from Country Living.
6
Benedictine Spread
This understated cream cheese and cucumber dip, created by Louisville caterer and tea room owner Jennie Carter Benedict, is best served with crudités or crostini.
Get the recipe from Country Living.
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7
Steak Frites Bites
This is quite possibly the most genius appetizer we've ever laid eyes on.
Get the recipe from Delish.
8
Bruschetta
No party guest has ever gotten mad at bruschetta. It's the trifecta: Pretty, easy, and delicious.
Get the recipe from Delish.
9
Meatball Parm Skewers
Meatball parm has never looked this dignified—and the easy-to-eat, one-bite serving will keep guests mess-free and dignified, too.
Get the recipe from Delish.
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10
Gingery Pork and Chive Wontons
The spicy chili oil really completes these already-mouthwatering wontons, so we wouldn't skip this recipe if we were you.
Get the recipe from Good Housekeeping.
11
Peach and Prosciutto Flatbreads
This perfectly-charred flatbread deserves an invite to your summer co*cktail party.
Get the recipe from Good Housekeeping.
12
Spinach Artichoke Cups
Skip the dip version and opt for these adorable spinach and artichoke cups instead.
Get the recipe from Delish.
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13
Brown Butter Radish Crostini
Have you ever seen a more sophisticated appetizer? Radishes have a way of elevating any dish and the brown butter spread is divine, too.
Get the recipe from Delish.
14
Beef Wellington Bites
While these sound fancy and will absolutely elevate any party you're throwing, they're easier to make than they seem.
Get the recipe from Delish.
15
Garlicky Shrimp Dip
This garlicky shrimp dip is quite the crowd-pleaser. Serve it with pita chips for one satisfying bite.
Get the recipe from Delish.
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16
Tomato-Manchego Tartlets
Easy to grab and enjoy? Check. Bursting with flavor? Also check.
Get the recipe from Country Living.
17
Stuffed Mushrooms
There's always room for stuffed mushrooms at a co*cktail party. Just don't be surprised if they're gone before you say "cheers!"
Get the recipe from Delish.
18
Garlicky Shrimp co*cktail
Nothing screams sophistication like shrimp co*cktail—and this garlicky twist will be the only way you want to serve it from here on out.
Get the recipe from Delish.
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19
Loaded Cheese Ball Bites
The pretzels in place of toothpicks really put these bites over the top.
Get the recipe from Delish.
20
Melon Prosciutto Skewers
A sweet-and-salty appetizer is the ultimate chef's kiss. Nothing says hostess with the mostest like a homemade balsamic glaze.
Get the recipe from Delish.
Cristina Corvino
Senior Editor
Cristina Corvino is a senior editor for Hearst Magazines. A few of her favorite things include all things Christmas, cheese, coffee, and baseball. (Let’s go Mets!) She loves rewatching Gilmore Girls and Downton Abbey, and her favorite new(ish) shows are Ted Lasso and Trying. (Seriously, try it!)
