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25 Cold Appetizers Finger Food Recipes for Easy Party

Are you throwing a party and you want to make a good impression? These cold appetizers finger food recipes are easy and delicious.

These easy cold appetizers are a fun way to get the party started.

The best part is that the vast majority can be made in advance, so you don’t have to worry about slaving over the stove while your guests are ringing your doorbell. 

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Close-up of a bowl filled with creamy spinach and artichoke dip, showing pieces of artichoke and spinach leaves mixed into a thick, beige-colored sauce.

Spinach and artichoke dip is one of the most popular and part-pleasing appetizers! Even though it is traditionally warm you can serve it cold. 

Combined with sharp cream cheese, very fine olive oil, and the chopped hearts of artichokes and spinach, this dip deserves to be served alongside platters of finger food at parties.

The spinach and artichoke dip, is a creamy, cheesy, and savory masterpiece that takes almost no time to make and is the guaranteed hit of every party.

Mini Caprese Skewers

This make-ahead appetizer includes fresh produce and your favorite cheese perfect for a snack on those hot summer days. 

Plate with skewers of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves, arranged in a pattern.

These skewers turn the classic Italian combination of creamy mozzarella, tart cherry tomatoes, and fragrant fresh herbs such as fresh basil into a bite-size, enticing nibble. 

Just thread onto a toothpick: one piece of mozzarella, a cherry tomato, and a basil leaf, then drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 

Chicken Salad Bites

Crunchy, and bite-sized, these are a great cold starter that pairs perfectly with a main dish

You’ll love how easy it is to make these finger foods ahead of time.

First, you can make the chicken salad and then add a spoonful of bite-sized crackers. You can even top it with some fresh dill or a cucumber. 

Perfect for a delicious, stress-free gathering.

Deviled Eggs Recipe

Close-up of deviled eggs on a wooden board, garnished with paprika and chopped parsley.

If you’re looking for a cold appetizer that’s as impressive and elegant as the chicken salad bites, but with even less fuss, few things are better than a plate of deviled eggs, made even classier with relatively easy changes to the classic recipe. 

You can improve your devilled eggs by using farm-fresh eggs, real mayonnaise, and not overmixing your egg salad. 

These cold appetizer finger foods are easy and sure to please all your guests. 

Bruschetta With Tomato

It’s hard to beat a classic bruschetta recipe featuring the sweetness of fresh tomatoes, the creamy ricotta of mozzarella, and the gentle tang of basil all on top of a toasted baguette slice.

A white plate with two slices of bread topped with ricotta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and herbs, with one slice cut in half.

Consider the following variations:

  • Sun-dried tomatoes go well with parmesan cheese and olive tapenade on a baguette.
  • Substitute goat cheese for a creamier, more pungent taste.
  • Mix fresh veggies and red onion with your tomato and basil.

You can make your baguette slices into small bites for easy picking and eating. 

Provolone cheese is also an option.

Cold Cut Platter Ideas

A close-up of an assorted deli meat platter, including salami, ham, and prosciutto, garnished with parsley and cherry tomatoes.

A cold-cut platter, made up of the best-cured meats and cheeses, as well as a variety of crackers and garnishes, can take any event to the next level.

You could pair it with cured meats, as well as a cheese ball shrimp cocktail, or anything else you fancy.

Pair that up with some fresh vegetables and dips, and your charcuterie boards and your appetizer spread will be complete. 

Fruit and Cheese Platter

Combine the sweetness of fresh fruit with artisanal cheeses to create a vibrant and balanced fruit and cheese platter for outdoor entertaining in the summer months or snacks.  

A wooden board displays an assortment of cheese, fruits, nuts, breadsticks, and dips arranged in a visually appealing manner.

You will be delighted at how easy it is to make appetizing canapés to go with your next special occasion or dinner party. 

  • Choose your favorite fruits for the best flavor and texture.
  • Select a variety of artisanal cheeses for a rich and creamy taste.
  • Add some crackers or bread for a satisfying crunch.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.

Mini Quiches Lorraine

They can be ready in under an hour and can be made in batches of several dozen, making them an ideal choice for a cold appetizer at a larger party or event. 

You can serve them at room temperature, perfect for parties or baby showers.

Stick with the traditional recipe or jazz it up with a sprinkle of bagel seasoning. 

Serve with French onion dip and chips as a finger food for good fortune. 

Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Stuffed mushrooms are more rustic, more earthy, and just as effective at making your dinner guests love you as much – and if you’re using the right ingredients, just as tasty. 

To create this easy cold appetizer, consider the following:

Just make sure you let these mushrooms cool before serving. 

Smoked Salmon Canapés

A plate of five bruschettas with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and herbs, garnished with parsley, on a white lace-trimmed cloth.

Home cooks everywhere can up their cold appetizer game with Smoked Salmon Canapés; this sophisticated and deliciously stimulating finger food is surprisingly simple to prepare and made with just a few high-end ingredients. 

Smoked salmon canapés with cream cheese and thinly sliced red onion on toasted phyllo cups are perfect for a party. 

A simple yet impressive hors d’oeuvres recipe that’s sure to impress.

Pesto Pinwheels Recipe

Given the simplicity and taste of a good pinwheel, it’s no surprise that a Ppesto pinwheel recipe is considered one of the best and easy cold appetizers. 

Three savory bread rolls containing herbs and mushrooms stacked on a wooden surface.

For an elevated finger food, mix pesto, cream cheese, garlic, and spinach.

Key elements include:

  • Using high-quality pesto as the base for the dough
  • Adding a tangy cream cheese to balance the flavors
  • Incorporating garlic for depth without overpowering
  • Adding fresh spinach for a burst of freshness

Meatballs With Dipping Sauce

Making good meatballs takes a combination of flavors and textures, as well as the right dipping sauce, which enhances rather than overwhelms. 

For a cocktail party, serve meatballs as finger food or hors d’oeuvre.

While these are usually served hot you can let them cool and serve warm or cold. 

Choose a dipping sauce that complements the meatballs’ flavors. Be sure to serve these once they cool. 

This combination makes for a great finger food recipe that’s perfect for cold appetizers.

Mini Tacos Recipe

With so many options for filling and toppings, the mini taco is great for your party’s theme and the tastes of your guests. 

You can top them with a variety of ingredients, such as:

You can serve these once they have cooled!

Cucumber Salad

A white bowl filled with a cucumber salad containing thinly sliced cucumbers, chopped onions, and green peppers on a rustic wooden surface with parsley garnishes.

There’s nothing better than the sweetness of fresh cucumber. You can slice your cucumbers however you like and add them to a large bowl

You can mix in some mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar. 

It’s a refreshing break from summer heat, lighter than creamy egg salad or avocado, and won’t go bad like other perishable foods.

Veggie Tray

This delicious appetizer is filled with colorful vegetables and a creamy dip to go along with it. 

A silver platter with fresh vegetables including broccoli, celery, baby carrots, cauliflower, and cherry tomatoes, arranged around two bowls of white dipping sauce.

You can choose to add vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and more. 

Alternate vegetables to create a balanced flavor and pattern.

This classic appetizer is easy to serve and enjoy. 

Avocado Hummus With Pita Chips

A red bowl filled with guacamole topped with lime slices and red chili peppers, surrounded by tortilla chips and baby carrots.

Are you looking for a delicious finger food option to serve? You won’t be able to resist some chips and hummus! 

With creamy avocado, and some lemon zest you’ll have the best hummus around. 

It is a great recipe for dinner parties, as it is quick to prepare and it is very difficult to resist one of these delicious little snacks. 

Pimiento Cheese

Pimiento cheese is a classic spread that’s a must-have for your next party.

Known for its creamy texture and rich flavor, it’s one of those cold dips that everyone loves. 

With easy recipes that require just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have this delicious appetizer ready in no time.

Serve it with crackers or fresh veggies, and it’s sure to be a hit. Good luck keeping this crowd-pleaser on the table!

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon

Thin slices of prosciutto wrapped around pieces of cantaloupe, arranged on a dark wooden surface.

You’ll also be pleasantly surprised by the zing and burst of sweetness you’ll get from pairing up some prosciutto with fresh melon to make a cold appetizer that’s easy to put together. 

This simple recipe will have you ready for an easy party with a sophisticated and tingly snack

It’s a great addition to your hors d’oeuvres and finger food repertoire.

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

A wooden bowl containing a salad made of black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green bell peppers, and cilantro with lemon wedges in the background.

Black Bean and Corn Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful cold dip that’s perfect for easy cold party appetizers.

Combining the freshness of corn and the richness of black beans, this dip quickly becomes one of your favorite dips, offering a delicious twist on traditional cold foods. 

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding ground beef for a heartier option.

This salsa is an easy way to elevate your party spread and is one of those great ideas that’s sure to impress your guests. 

Mini Crab Cakes

With a couple of hours of prep time, these mini crab cakes will be the talk of the party. 

These bite-sized treats combine the sweetness of fresh crab with a hint of citrus and herbs, creating a refreshing taste that stands out among cold appetizers. 

These tiny finger foods are great party snacks – each mini crab cake is packed with an entire seafood experience.

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

A white bowl filled with creamy hummus topped with chopped red peppers and fresh green herbs, drizzled with olive oil. Red peppers and green herbs are also scattered around the bowl.

Get ready to add the best appetizer dip to your serving platters!

It’s perfect for a party starter, along with small toasts, or as a side to hot appetizers.

  • Serve as a dip for crudités or crackers
  • Pair with blue cheese for a bold flavor combination
  • Use as a topping for hors d’oeuvres or as a side dish
  • Make a homemade version for tons of flavor in a little bit of time

Asparagus With Lemon Aioli

A springtime spread won’t be complete without asparagus paired with tangy lemon aioli, and it’s balancing bright, citrusy, and bitter notes with rich, creamy, and nutty flavors is as good a place as any to start.

This zesty appetizer is a wonderful addition to your party menu and is especially enjoyable when served with other cold appetizers such as Texas caviar, or a fruit tray filled with your choice of fruits. 

Mini Beef or Turkey Sliders

For some easy appetizers, you can make some mini sliders. Whether you want beef or turkey is up to you! 

To help you up your slider game, here are some tips: 

  • Use high-quality meat, fresh buns, and crisp veggies.
  • Don’t overdo the condiments; balance flavors carefully.
  • Offer a mix of cheese, meats, and vegetarian options.
  • Toast buns for added crunch and texture.

This tasty appetizer is perfect for your party time. 

Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

Black-eyed pea hummus is one of the best appetizers for any gathering, offering a delicious dip that stands out among cold appetizer recipes. 

With simple ingredients like black-eyed peas, lemon juice, green chiles, and good olive oil, it’s an easy appetizer to whip up using a food processor. 

This original recipe is a good idea for those looking to serve elegant appetizers or cold finger foods alongside hot appetizers. 

Edamame and Mint Dip

Edamame and Mint Dip cuts through the richness of any savory pastry with its subtle sweetness (provided by the edamame) and bright, cooling mint flavor.

Appetizers for Your Party

You’ve now got a solid foundation for hosting a stress-free and impressive gathering.

Whether you like them hot or cold, spicy or mild, these 25 cold appetizer finger food recipes are packed with flavors and textures that will please any taste.

Simple dips or full-on canapés, each has been curated for ease of prep and presentation. 

Armed with these recipes, you should be ready to feed your friends in a memorable and satisfying way that won’t leave them hungry.

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