Finger Food Recipes: Elegant Appetizers For The Perfect Wedding Reception
Weddings are often one of the biggest events of one’s life. It’s a day that you’ll never forget and a big part of the planning is dedicated to the food and drinks you’ll be fueling you and your guests. Generally speaking, we want our guests to feel just as excited as we do about a wedding.
Many weddings have a time gap between the actual ceremony and the reception. During this time guests are often encouraged to mingle amongst one another and enjoy some delicious appetizers until the bridal party arrives. We’ve found 31 elegant finger food ideas that you’ll definitely want to include at your wedding. Whether you’re planning a simple backyard wedding or an extravagant one these recipes can help you build your own personalized appetizer menu. They’re relatively simple to make but will look gourmet which is why they deserve a spot at your wedding.
1. Dairy-Free Sun-Dried Tomato And Basil Pinwheels
Pinwheels are awesome finger foods because they’re filled with loads of tasty ingredients rolled up into one delicious bite. Having food options at your wedding is important to ensure all your guests with different diets are accommodated. This recipe is plant-based which makes it suitable for any guests that are vegetarian or vegan.
This recipe uses vegan cream cheese for the creamy filling. Then, sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic give the pinwheels a bold flavor. Pinwheels may be easier than making finger sandwiches because you can get about 10 individuals appetizers out of each roll up.
https://minimalistbaker.com/sun-dried-tomato-and-basil-pinwheels/#_a5y_p=4084707 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MINIMALIST BAKER2. Muffin Tin Meatloaf
If you’re looking to serve your guests something more hearty and filling during cocktail hour then you’ll definitely want to include these mini meatloaves. They also happen to be conveniently made in a muffin tin which means you’ll be able to make 12-24 at a time.
Ground beef makes up the base of this meatloaf recipe. Then, by adding crushed bread crumbs, loads of seasonings and a few sauces these delightful bites will come to life. They have a lot of flavor on their own but you could serve them with a drizzle of a sauce of your choice.
http://somethewiser.danoah.com/2014/04/muffin-tin-meatloaf-freezer-friendly-meal.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SOME THE WISER3. Bacon Wrapped Cheesy Stuffed Jalapenos
Jalapeno poppers are a fun way to heat up a celebration. These aren’t your traditional store-bought prepackaged kind, these are the real deal.
They’re so easy to throw together and would make a great addition to your appetizer menu. All you’ll need are fresh jalapeno peppers and cream cheese to give it that ooey-gooey additive center. Then to finish, wrap bacon around prior to cooking for a savory treat. Lastly, add a toothpick for easy accessibility and display on a nice tray for presentation.
https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/09/25/bacon-wrapped-cheesy-stuffed-jalapenos/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SALLY’S BAKING ADDICTION4. Baked Brie, Pear, And Pecan Bites
Puff pastry treats are delightful because they’re deliciously light with a cloud-like texture. This appetizer would surely stand out because of its bold flavor.
This appetizer starts with puff pastry and is then topped off with a piece of bold brie cheese and a piece of sweet Bosch pear. To garnish you’ll want to add a toasted pecan and drizzle a balsamic reduction.
https://unsophisticook.com/baked-brie-pear-pecan-bites/#_a5y_p=3972915 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: UNSOPHISTICOOK5. Stuffed Mushrooms
To some, mushrooms may taste bland on their own, however, with the right seasonings and perfect ingredients to pair they can really impress you. This stuffed mushroom recipe is definitely worthy of earning a place at your wedding.
Preparing these stuffed mushrooms is as easy as filling a mushroom cap with a creamy garlic cream cheese filling. Top it off with a slice of parmesan cheese and bake until the cheese has reached a gooey consistency. Your guests will definitely eat these up quickly.
https://allshecooks.com/stuffed-mushrooms-2/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: ALL SHE COOKS6. Braised Short Ribs On Garlic Crostini
Crostini’s make a great appetizer because they’re filling and satisfying enough to tide you over until your next meal. This recipes takes simple ingredients and turns it into an elegant and rustic appetizer that your guest will eat up!
This appetizer starts with a crusty baguette and is finished with braised short ribs on top. The garlic adds a warm and inviting flavor that will have your guests wanting more.
https://thecozyapron.com/braised-short-ribs-on-garlic-crostini/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE COZY APRON7. Mini Pizza Potato Skins
One bite appetizers are great for parties, especially at a wedding. This recipe is so easy and if you make them ahead all that will have to be done is pop them in the oven before cocktail hour.
The secret to achieving the perfect potato to pizza sauce and cheese ratio is to use baby potatoes. Otherwise, you may have too little potato and too much sauce leaving you with a saucy mess.
https://www.recipetineats.com/mini-pizza-potato-skins/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: RECIPE TIN EATS8. Smoked Paprika And Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp can make another great one-bite appetizer. These shrimp skewers are easy to put together and offer a lot of flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Make sure to soak the skewers in water prior to grilling, this will help prevent the wood from burning. You also may want to marinade the shrimps for at least 30 minutes or more so they can soak up as much flavor as possible.
http://www.spoonforkbacon.com/2017/08/smoked-paprika-garlic-shrimp-skewers/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SPOON FORK BACON9. Greek Inspired Antipasto Platter
If you’re not familiar with antipasto platters, they’re essentially made up of an assortment of colorful marinated vegetables, delicious pieces of bread, deli meats, rich cheese and sometimes small pieces of seafood.
Antipasto platters are great especially for cocktail hour at weddings because they offer an array of flavors and foods that will satisfy almost everyone. This particular platter is Greek-inspired and full of rich enticing flavors.
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/mediterranean-antipasto-platter/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: HALF BAKED HARVEST10. Antipasto Skewers
If a platter feels like too much work or you’d rather your guests have singer servings available then this recipe may be a great fit for your wedding. It takes on the flavors and ingredients that make an antipasto platter delicious and puts them onto a skewer for a stunning appetizer.
The great thing about this recipe is it uses all store-bought ingredients. The hardest work you’ll put into this appetizer is the assembling.
https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/antipasto-skewers-ideas-for-an-awards-show-party/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: DINNER AT THE ZOO11. Cajun Avocado Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs quite often make the appetizer menu. They’re a timeless classic that many enjoy.
If you want to serve deviled eggs during your cocktail hour you may just want to try this recipe instead of a traditional one. This recipe doesn’t require any additional work from a traditional recipe but it does, however, offer new delicious cajun flavors that will excite your guests.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/cajun-avocado-deviled-eggs/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKYL12. Smoked Salmon And Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites
Cucumber slices might lack excitement on their own. However, by combining cucumber with a slice of smoked salmon and a bold cream cheese you’ll achieve a gourmet appetizer in no time.
Fresh dill and horseradish are what provides the cream cheese with a zingy flavor. To make a perfect single serving appetizer, use a toothpick to hold all the delicate layers together.
https://bakerbynature.com/smoked-salmon-cream-cheese-cucumber-bites/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: BAKER BY NATURE13. Prosciutto Caprese Bites
This appetizer is great for those searching ideas that take minimal effort but still hold a lot of flavors. These prosciutto Caprese bites will look stunning at your wedding and your guests will enjoy them.
All this recipe requires is 6 simple ingredients and toothpicks to assemble. The salty prosciutto pieces pair perfectly with the bold bocconcini cheese balls and sweet grape tomatoes. String a basil leaf in between the layers to balance all the beautiful flavors.
https://www.aprettylifeinthesuburbs.com/prosciutto-caprese-bites/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: A PRETTY LIFE IN THE SUBURBS14. Shrimp And Goat Cheese Tarts
With just 5 minutes of preparation time and 15 minutes of cook time, this delicious appetizer can come together quickly. Better yet, it requires all store-bought ingredients.
These tarts begin with puff pastry as the base. Then, they’re filled with garlic and herb goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, fresh thyme and cooked shrimp. They will taste amazing whether you serve them warm or cold.
https://www.thecookierookie.com/shrimp-goat-cheese-tarts/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE COOKIE ROOKIE15. Cajun Crab Dip
Finger foods are great for grab and go appetizers and dips are great for those who like to graze the food table. This Cajun crab dip has the perfect spicy kick to really heat up your cocktail hour.
This crab dip is made up of crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheeses, and onion. Then to give it the perfect kick you’ll add in hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and horseradish. You can serve this dip with bagel chips or any crackers of your choice.
https://www.gogogogourmet.com/cajun-crab-dip/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: GO GO GO GOURMET16. Baked Spinach Artichoke Won-Ton Cups
This recipe takes the idea of spinach artichoke dip and turns it into the perfect single-serving appetizer that will fit in nicely during cocktail hour. The secret to achieving a perfect handheld snack is to use wonton wrappers.
The dip is made from spinach, marinated artichoke hearts and lots of cheese that makes this dip ooey-gooey irresistible. Make sure to crisp up the won-ton wrappers prior to adding the dip so they will hold their shape. Then, once the dip is added bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is hot and melted.
https://peasandcrayons.com/2018/04/baked-spinach-artichoke-won-ton-cups.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: PEAS AND CRAYONS17. Watermelon Brie Bites
Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing treat, especially during the hot months. It is delicious on its own but by adding in a few other ingredients you can quickly achieve this gourmet appetizer that deserves a spot at your wedding.
These one-bite appetizers will hold together with a toothpick. Assembling this appetizer is as easy as creating layers of watermelon, arugula, and brie. Then to make all the flavors pop, add a sweet balsamic vinegar drizzle that you’ll prepare prior to assembling.
https://www.mysuburbankitchen.com/watermelon-brie-bites/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MY SUBURBAN KITCHEN18. Vegetable Pizza
This vegetable pizza is light and delicious and is a great option for vegetarian guests. These pizzas are meant to be served cold which means they can be prepared ahead of time.
They start with a bottom layer made from crescent roll dough. A mixture of cream cheese, mayonnaise and ranch dressing is added to give the pizza flavor and to hold all the veggie toppings. Then to finish the pizza, add chopped fresh veggies and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
http://wannabite.com/easy-vegegable-pizza/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: WANNA BITE19. Sweet Potato Bites With Avocado And Bacon
If you didn’t get excited about the vegetable pizza then you may enjoy these veggie bites a little bit more. They start with baked sweet potato slices.
If you want to achieve perfect and evenly sliced sweet potatoes then this recipe recommends using a mandolin. Once the sweet potatoes are done baking this appetizer is finished with a spoonful of fresh avocado and sprinkled bacon to garnish.
https://www.wellplated.com/sweet-potato-bites/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: WELL PLATED20. Prosciutto Wrapped Brie Bites With Rosemary Crusted Walnuts
You could serve prosciutto and cheese cubes on a platter or you could serve these prosciutto wrapped brie bites and your guests will definitely thank you.
Before wrapping up each bite you’ll cook walnuts in a skillet with jam, sugar, salt, and rosemary. Once they’ve been toasted and coated you’ll add a walnut to each brie cube and then wrap with prosciutto. Secure with a toothpick and watch your guests gobble these bites up.
http://www.yammiesnoshery.com/2017/01/prosciutto-wrapped-brie-bites.html?m=1 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: YAMMIE’S NOSHERY21. 5-Minute Million Dollar Dip
Make sure to add this dip to your appetizer menu because it’s a great make-ahead recipe that requires 5 simple ingredients. It also will only require 5 minutes of your time which we know is precious.
All you’ll need is chopped green onion, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, real bacon bits and slivered almonds. This dip comes together as simple as mixing all the ingredients together and chilling for at least 2 hours. Serve with crackers of your choice.
https://therecipecritic.com/5-minute-million-dollar-dip/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE RECIPE CRITIC22. Baked Ham And Cheese Rollups
Finger sandwiches or roll-ups are great appetizers that are often a crowd favorite. These ham and cheese rollups combine classic flavors into a delicious appetizer that your guests will enjoy.
They begin with store-bought crescent roll dough and are then topped with layers of thinly sliced black forest ham and swiss cheese. Prior to baking, you’ll want to whip up the delicious poppy seed dressing. Pour the sauce over the rolls and then bake until perfection.
https://www.highheelsandgrills.com/baked-ham-and-cheese-rollups/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: HIGH HEELS AND GRILLS23. Guacamole Shrimp
This scoopable appetizer is fun, delicious and a perfect single serving treat. Using store-bought guacamole will save you a lot of time and effort.
The only “hard” work required for this recipe whisking together the savory sauce for the shrimp. To assemble this appetizer you’ll scoop a spoonful of guacamole into each Chinese soup spoon. Then, In a separate bowl coat the shrimp in the delicious sauce. This appetizer is finished by placing a shrimp on top of each heaping of guacamole.
https://lifecurrentsblog.com/guacamole-shrimp-appetizer-recipe/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: LIFE CURRENTS24. Spicy Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs
Meatballs are great appetizers especially for big events like a wedding because you can make a large batch at once without a lot of effort. For this recipe, you’ll only need 3 simple ingredients.
To make things even easier they can be prepared in the slow cooker. Then, when ready to serve all that needs to be done is add a toothpick to each meatball for the perfect single sized serving.
https://www.yellowblissroad.com/spicy-cranberry-barbecue-meatballs/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: YELLOW BLISS ROAD25. Firecracker Chicken Meatballs
Following the meatball trend, this recipe uses chicken instead of beef for a delicious one-bite appetizer. These chicken meatballs are smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce that will get all your guests excited for the night of festivities.
This recipe even comes equipped with its own homemade firecracker sauce that makes these meatballs so irresistible. Once again, when they have finished cooking add a toothpick to each meatball to make it an easy grab and go snack for your guests.
http://littlespicejar.com/firecracker-chicken-meatballs/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: LITTLE SPICE JAR26. Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta
If you love variety especially when it comes to a food table then you’ll definitely want this smoked mozzarella fonduta served during cocktail hour. It’s smokey, ooey-gooey and extremely alluring.
The secret to achieving a smokey flavor is to use either smoked provolone or smoked mozzarella cheese. Both of which you can often find a local grocery store in the specialty cheese section. The dip has a creamy texture supplied from cheese’s and sour cream and is seasoned with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a few other delicious ingredients.
http://www.centercutcook.com/smoked-mozzarella-fonduta-olive-garden-copycat/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: CENTER CUT COOK27. Garlic Butter Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
These prosciutto wrapped asparaguses would be a great low carb addition to your appetizer menu. These asparaguses are brushed in a dreamy garlic butter that makes the flavor highly addictive.
Prior to baking in the oven, you’ll want to wrap each asparagus with prosciutto. Then they’ll only need roughly 5 minutes either on the grill or in the oven on broil.
https://cafedelites.com/garlic-butter-prosciutto-wrapped-asparagus/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: CAFE DELITES28. Pimento Cheese And Bacon Mini Cheeseball Bites
Cheeseballs can be delicious on their own but once again single servings are way better especially for an event like your wedding. Your guests will definitely love these adorable cheeseball bites for one.
First, you’ll make a homemade pimento cheese ball. Next, you’ll roll the cheeseball in a mixture of diced bacon, chopped pecans, and minced jalapenos. Finally, serve each mini cheeseball with a pretzel stick for the delicious treat.
https://www.fivehearthome.com/pimiento-cheese-bacon-mini-cheese-ball-bites/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FIVE HEART HOME29. Spicy Bloody Mary Gazpacho And Shrimp Shooters
We’ve talked about shrimp skewers and shrimps in a Chinese soup spoon and now we’re showing you another fun way to display and serve shrimp as an appetizer to your guests. The fun thing about this treat is it combines a cocktail and an appetizer into one.
If you aren’t familiar, gazpacho is a Spanish style soup that is often made from tomatoes and other vegetables and is served cold. This is why this soup makes for a great cocktail. This recipe combines ingredients from a traditional gazpacho with flavors of a bloody mary for a fun appetizer. The vodka is definitely optional but we highly recommend it!
https://www.nospoonnecessary.com/spicy-bloody-mary-gazpacho-shrimp-shooters/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: NO SPPON NECESSARY30. Green Goddess Veggie Dip Cups
Veggies and dip are a classic, especially for parties. Instead of displaying veggie trays and risk having double dippers you could serve your guests these green goddess veggie dip cups.
This recipe comes with a homemade dip for the veggies along with the perfect shopping list to fill the cups. The hardest work you’ll put into making this appetizer is assembling these colorful cups.
https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/green-goddess-veggie-dip-cups/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE VIEW FROM GREAT ISALND31. Quick and Easy Party-Pleasing Charcuterie Kabobs
Buckle up, friends. This is about to blow your minds! Charcuterie. Kabobs. It’s all the deliciousness of charcuterie without the mess and lingering around (read, crowding) the table. We guarantee it’ll be the talk of the town at your next event! But the best part is that it takes next to no effort despite looking like something you might find at a high-end restaurant or catered event.
https://www.forkly.com/recipes/quick-and-easy-party-pleasing-charcuterie-kabobs/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY