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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    Don’t Host Without These 41 Finger Foods and Appetizers

    Published: Jul 4, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    I’ve learned the hard way that a party can fall flat without the right snacks on the table. That’s why I don’t host without these finger foods and appetizers—they’re the secret to keeping everyone happy and grazing all night long. Whether it’s a last-minute get-together or something more planned out, these bites always disappear fast. Trust me, once you serve them, there’s no going back.

    Quick & Easy Green Goddess Dip With Fresh Herbs

    A bowl of creamy herb dip is surrounded by fresh vegetables, including broccoli, cucumber slices, baby carrots, celery sticks, and round crackers. The dip is garnished with chopped herbs and black pepper. The background features a textured, dark surface.
    Quick & Easy Green Goddess Dip With Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Vibrant, herby, and oh so creamy, this homemade Green Goddess dip gets its robust flavor from fresh parsley, basil, and tarragon.
    Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Green Goddess Dip With Fresh Herbs

    10-Minute Cream Cheese, Cocktail Sauce & Shrimp Dip

    A scoop removed showing the layers of a shrimp dip.
    10-Minute Cream Cheese, Cocktail Sauce & Shrimp Dip. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    This 10-minute appetizer recipe layers cold cream cheese, jarred cocktail sauce, and pre-cooked shrimp. Top with grated cheddar cheese, and enjoy!
    Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Cream Cheese, Cocktail Sauce & Shrimp Dip

    Sweet Potato Bites With Waffle Fries

    A platter of sweet potato appetizers next to glasses of wine.
    Sweet Potato Bites With Waffle Fries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    What happens when you top crispy sweet potato waffle fries with grape salsa and goat cheese, you get sweet potato crostini.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Bites With Waffle Fries

    Franks Red Hot Buffalo Dip

    A baking dish of buffalo chicken dip
    Franks Red Hot Buffalo Dip. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This classic appetizer brings the bold flavors of rotisserie chicken and tangy Buffalo sauce. It’s like enjoying hot wings in a creamy, irresistible dip.
    Get the Recipe: Franks Red Hot Buffalo Dip

    Stuffed Roasted Peppers

    A black platter full of mini stuffed peppers.
    Stuffed Roasted Peppers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Cheese stuffed roasted peppers with a Muenster cheese and sausage filling is not just spicy but bursting with flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Stuffed Roasted Peppers

    Vidalia Onion Dip

    A scoop of onion dip on a pita chip.
    Vidalia Onion Dip. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This simple yet flavorful dip is a must-have that always pleases the crowd. With just a few ingredients, it’s the ultimate onion dip for any party.
    Get the Recipe: Vidalia Onion Dip

    20-Minute Baked Buffalo Chicken Cups

    A platter of Buffalo chicken bites.
    20-Minute Baked Buffalo Chicken Cups. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These buffalo chicken-filled cups are the perfect bite-size appetizer! They’re made with tortilla chip scoops, cooked shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese.
    Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Baked Buffalo Chicken Cups

    From Scratch Sour Cream And Onion Dip With Caramelized Onions

    A bowl of sour cream dip with caramelized onions next to a bowl of chips.
    From Scratch Sour Cream And Onion Dip With Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Take a classic appetizer to the next level with this from-scratch Sour Cream and Onion Dip using caramelized onions.
    Get the Recipe: From Scratch Sour Cream And Onion Dip With Caramelized Onions

    Flaky Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls

    A platter of puff pastry sausage rolls.
    Flaky Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Making flaky puff pastry sausage rolls at home is quite easy, actually! Assembly is straightforward. A terrific bite-size appetizer, these can also be made ahead.
    Get the Recipe: Flaky Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls

    Cold Corn Dip With Sour Cream And Rotel Tomatoes

    Corn dip in a bowl next to chips.
    Cold Corn Dip With Sour Cream And Rotel Tomatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This easy corn dip combines canned corn, canned Rotel tomatoes and chilies, sour cream, mayonnaise and cheddar cheese. Ready in 10 minutes, serve cold.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Corn Dip With Sour Cream And Rotel Tomatoes

    Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped In Bacon

    A platter of bacon wrapped stuffed dates.
    Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped In Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Dates stuffed with blue cheese and a spicy glaze that will get your attention. Throw these dates wrapped in bacon together in 15 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped In Bacon

    Cold Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese

    Cold Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Cold shrimp dip made with cream cheese, Old Bay, mayo, and seasonings all blended together to make an easy-to-scoop cold party appetizer.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese

    Swiss Cheese Crackers Recipe

    A bowl of gruyere cheese crackers with salt sprinkled around them.
    Swiss Cheese Crackers Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Gruyère cheese crackers are the grown up version of a childhood favorite; homemade but still easy to make with just 4 ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: Swiss Cheese Crackers Recipe

    Hot Pimento Cheese Dip In A Crock Pot

    A skillet of pimento cheese dip next to a bowl of corn chips.
    Hot Pimento Cheese Dip In A Crock Pot. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This warm, cheesy dip is a quick crowd-pleaser that stays perfectly gooey in a slow cooker. Add it to your bbq spread for an easy, flavorful snack.
    Get the Recipe: Hot Pimento Cheese Dip In A Crock Pot

    Cheesy Sausage Phyllo Cups With Ranch Dressing

    A platter of sausage cups.
    Cheesy Sausage Phyllo Cups With Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Sausage and cheese phyllo cups are a simple but AMAZING 4-ingredient appetizer that you can prepare in 10 minutes! Great for game days, brunch, or a party.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Sausage Phyllo Cups With Ranch Dressing

    Homemade White Queso Dip In Just 15 Minutes

    A bowl of white queso dip with chips on a plate.
    Homemade White Queso Dip In Just 15 Minutes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Smooth, creamy, and ready in just 15 minutes, this queso is a bbq essential. It’s the perfect pairing for chips or your favorite dippers.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade White Queso Dip In Just 15 Minutes

    Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers With Mushrooms

    A serving platter with mushroom crescent rolls
    Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers With Mushrooms. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Follow these steps at home to make this easy vegetarian crescent roll appetizer with cream cheese and chopped mushrooms. Yields 48 bite-size rolls.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers With Mushrooms

    Irresistible Hot Crab Dip Recipe

    Irresistible Hot Crab Dip Recipe. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    This rich and cheesy crab dip is a party staple that’s quick to prepare. Serve it warm with crackers or chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
    Get the Recipe: Irresistible Hot Crab Dip Recipe

    The Best Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe (No Bisquick!)

    A platter of cream cheese sausage balls.
    The Best Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe (No Bisquick!). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Cream cheese sausage balls are the perfect snack food for your next party. Serve these any time of day for a savory finger food that’s full of flavor.
    Get the Recipe: The Best Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe (No Bisquick!)

    Hot Cheese Dip Recipe With Ham And Bacon

    Hot Cheese Dip Recipe With Ham And Bacon. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    Let your slow cooker do the work for this comforting and gooey cheese dip. It’s perfect for snacking or weekend indulgence.
    Get the Recipe: Hot Cheese Dip Recipe With Ham And Bacon

    Crispy Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots

    A bowl of bacon wrapped tater tots next to a bowl of dip.
    Crispy Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Crispy tater tots wrapped in bacon with a brown sugar glaze will be the hit of your next party or game day. So easy to make.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots

    Easy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip

    Easy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip is easy to make and delicious with vegetables and crackers. Be careful though because it’s SO addicting! Yummy!!
    Get the Recipe: Easy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip

    Stuffed Potato Skins

    A platter of stuffed potato skins with chives and sour cream in bowl next to it.
    Stuffed Potato Skins. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Bacon and cheese stuffed potato skins are loaded up into mini potatoes and baked for an easy crispy appetizer. Perfect finger food!
    Get the Recipe: Stuffed Potato Skins

    Olive Dip With Cream Cheese

    Olive Dip With Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    Olive dip with cream cheese only requires a handful of ingredients and can be made in less than 5 minutes. Serve with crackers or chips!
    Get the Recipe: Olive Dip With Cream Cheese

    Bacon Chicken Bites

    Baked chicken bites on a wire rack.
    Bacon Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Chicken bites wrapped in bacon served with Boursin and jalapeño and you have a melt-in-your-mouth, amazing low carb appetizer.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Chicken Bites

    Feta Cheese Dip

    Feta Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    Feta Cheese Dip takes 10 minutes to make and it is ridiculously delicious. I’d tell you it’s a good party food, but it never makes it there!
    Get the Recipe: Feta Cheese Dip

    Pinwheel Recipe With Puff Pastry

    A serving dish of puff pastry appetizers.
    Pinwheel Recipe With Puff Pastry. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Puff Pastry Pinwheels with spinach and prosciutto are rich and flavorful. This recipe is a great make-ahead appetizer.
    Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Recipe With Puff Pastry

    Cold Knorr Vegetable Dip

    Cold Knorr Vegetable Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Learn how to make the famous Knorr Vegetable Dip with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for parties, this dip is always a crowd favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Knorr Vegetable Dip

    Sausage Balls Recipe Without Bisquick (Non Greasy)

    A platter of homemade sausage balls.
    Sausage Balls Recipe Without Bisquick (Non Greasy). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Sausage balls without Bisquick are a favorite at our house. Less greasy than the traditional recipe making them perfect for game days!
    Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls Recipe Without Bisquick (Non Greasy)

    Hot Maryland Crab Dip Recipe

    Hot Maryland Crab Dip Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Packed with sweet crab meat and classic crab seasoning, this creamy dip is a seafood lover’s dream. Let your crock pot handle the cooking while you enjoy the bbq.
    Get the Recipe: Hot Maryland Crab Dip Recipe

    Mini Zucchini Appetizer Quiches

    A platter of zucchini quiches with basil leaves.
    Mini Zucchini Appetizer Quiches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Serve a zucchini appetizer right out of the oven or at room temperature, baked in prepared phyllo cups, they’re a breeze to make.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Zucchini Appetizer Quiches

    Hot Onion Dip Recipe (3 Ingredients!)

    Hot Onion Dip Recipe (3 Ingredients!). Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    With only three ingredients, this quick and easy appetizer is always a hit. Serve it with chips, bread, or veggies for a versatile cookout treat.
    Get the Recipe: Hot Onion Dip Recipe (3 Ingredients!)

    Strawberry Appetizer With Pretzel Crackers

    Pretzel crackers topped with cream cheese and strawberries.
    Strawberry Appetizer With Pretzel Crackers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This easy Strawberry Crostini is a sweet and salty appetizer that combines pretzel crackers with cream cheese & berries for a bright pop of flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Strawberry Appetizer With Pretzel Crackers

    Feta Dip

    Feta Dip. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

    Easy Feta Dip that you can make in less than 10 minutes! Bring the flavor of the Greek islands to your next party with this simple smooth and creamy dip!
    Get the Recipe: Feta Dip

    Grilled Dates Stuffed With Goat Cheese

    A platter of grilled dates.
    Grilled Dates Stuffed With Goat Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Grilled dates stuffed with goat cheese and then wrapped with prosciutto, the perfect marriage of salty and sweet. Cook them on the grill for an easy appetizer for any occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Dates Stuffed With Goat Cheese

    Pimento Cheese with Cream Cheese and Chipotle Peppers

    Two crackers with pimento cheese next to a bowl of cheese dip.
    Pimento Cheese with Cream Cheese and Chipotle Peppers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage

    Pimento cheese is a Southern classic you’ll find at just about any potluck or party. It’s creamy and ultra cheesy, with that perfect zing only real mayo provides.
    Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese with Cream Cheese and Chipotle Peppers

    Kentucky Benedictine Sandwiches With Cream Cheese And Cucumbers

    A tray of cucumber sandwiches.
    Kentucky Benedictine Sandwiches With Cream Cheese And Cucumbers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Elegant and charming, these Benedictine Tea Sandwiches are a delightful blend of cream cheese and cucumber on soft white bread.
    Get the Recipe: Kentucky Benedictine Sandwiches With Cream Cheese And Cucumbers

    Reuben Dip (Served Cold)

    Reuben Dip (Served Cold). Photo credit: Southern Plate.

    With corned beef and cream cheese, this cold Reuben dip recipe tastes like a Reuben sandwich but as an easy, spreadable, and tasty snack.
    Get the Recipe: Reuben Dip (Served Cold)

    Baked Mini Tortilla Pizzas In A Muffin Tin

    Pepperoni pizza bites on a plate.
    Baked Mini Tortilla Pizzas In A Muffin Tin. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    15 minutes and 4 ingredients, that’s all you need for these mini pizza appetizers baked in a muffin tin. The secret is in how long you allow them to bake!
    Get the Recipe: Baked Mini Tortilla Pizzas In A Muffin Tin

    Cold Crab Dip

    Cold Crab Dip. Photo credit: Southern Plate.

    It takes just 5 minutes and 4 ingredients to create this easy cold crab dip recipe, which is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful seafood dip.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip

    30 Minute Bacon-Wrapped Mini Potatoes

    A platter of bacon wrapped potato bites.
    30 Minute Bacon-Wrapped Mini Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These bacon-wrapped mini potatoes are the perfect party finger food! The bite-size appetizer is ready within 30 minutes! Serve with dipping sauce.
    Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Bacon-Wrapped Mini Potatoes

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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