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Party food differs from other types of food. For one, the best party food is passable and ideally does not require a plate or a fork. It should be delicious and pair well with different types of alcoholic beverages. Also, the best party food shouldn’t cost that much or involve very complicated preparation. You can meet all these requirements without resorting to just chips and dip. Read on to find out the 20 best party food ideas everyone will love.
Party Food Ideas FAQ
1. What Are the Best Party Food Ideas?
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The best party food ideas are delicious and healthy enough to cater to your guests’ dietary preferences. That is why many of our picks are vegetarian and vegan or can be made gluten-free.
2. Will the Best Party Food Ideas Make My Party Better?
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Yes. The best party food ideas mean your guests will drink more responsibly and wake up with less of a hangover. They will thank you.
3. How Does the Best Party Food Work?
The best party food serves as a centerpiece for your party. Hopefully, your guests will be duly impressed and may even ask you for the recipe on their way out. Pro hosting tip: it is good to have the recipe on hand for every dish you serve.
4. Where Can You Buy the Best Party Food Ingredients?
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You can buy ingredients for the best party food ideas at your local grocery store. Try your local farmer’s market to spruce up your party food with the freshest ingredients, or hit your local cheese shop or butcher.
How We Reviewed
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The following party food ideas were reviewed on the following parameters: price of ingredients and complexity of directions. We considered whether it was more suitable for beginners or advanced cooks.
Overall Price Range of the Best Party Food Ideas
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The price range depends on the ingredients. Some of these recipes are vegan but may require specialty items like almond milk or cashews. Certain cheeses tend to cost more as well.
What We Reviewed
- Spicy Crispy Kung Pao Cauliflower
- Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini
- Vegan Broccoli Balls
- Jalapeno Popper Turnovers
- Chocolate Coconut Balls
- Guacamole Deviled Eggs
- Chilled Veggie Dip in Bread Bowl
- Jalapeno Popper Dip
- Cucumber Bites with Creole Shrimp and Guacamole
- Cauliflower Hot Wings (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
- Healthy Apple Cheese Bites
- Vegan Basil Ricotta Pinwheels
- Cherry Bacon Blueberry Kebabs
- Restaurant Style Guacamole
- Spinach Feta Pinwheels
- Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates with Chocolate
- Mango Salsa
- Roasted Vegetable Antipasto
- Maple Pecan Baked Brie
- Lamb Kofta Flatbread
Spicy Crispy Kung Pao Cauliflower
Make this as spicy as you like. You have a sure-fire Game Day hit on your hands. This is a modern-day vegetarian take on the classic Chinese takeout dish.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this great party dish are not too extensive. You need cauliflower, breadcrumbs, and cornstarch, along with cashews, chilies, and pantry staples like soy sauce for the kungpao sauce. If you have a well-stocked pantry, this should be no problem.
Directions
The directions require an oven and dealing with cornstarch may be tricky as it hardens quickly. Not for beginners.
See This Recipe on Vegan Richa
Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini
Perfect for holiday parties, this appetizer is tangy and smokey. Delicious. The cranberry bacon jam will be a hit at holiday parties throughout the winter.
Ingredients
Most ingredients are easily accessible. The only ingredient that might be unusual is the sherry vinegar.
Directions
The majority of the prep time is spent baking the bacon in an oven for 30 minutes. Besides that, this is easy to prepare and the cranberry bacon jam is simple to assemble.
See This Recipe on Life Tastes Good
Vegan Broccoli Balls
Everyone loves spaghetti and meatballs. This new rendition, totally vegan, means you don’t have to give up old favorites. These vegan broccoli balls are fun and flavorful. You can use them as you would meatballs.
Ingredients
The ingredients are specifically geared towards vegans and some are unusual. Nutritional yeast, almond meal, and chia seeds are not common in most pantries. Also, the recipe calls for vegan “cheese,” which not everyone has access to.
Directions
Directions are not the simplest since they require both a food processor and an oven. With the equipment though, the steps are straightforward.
See This Recipe on Vegan Richa
Jalapeno Popper Turnovers
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Flaky, cheesy, flavorful and smooth. These are a quick and easy way to make one of our favorite appetizers, jalapeno poppers, at home. And they’re just as delicious.
Ingredients
A delicious mix of cream cheese, bacon, hummus, and jalapenos wrapped up in puff pastry. The puff pastry can be found in any frozen aisle. If you cannot find hummus near you, you could easily omit this ingredient.
Directions
Preparation is fairly easy. Rolling out the puff pastry is the most time-intensive part. And you need an oven. Crimping the edges may take technique. Not for complete novices.
See This Recipe on The Adventure Bite
Chocolate Coconut Balls
These chocolate coconut balls are one of our favorite party ideas because who doesn’t like chocolate? The presentation is beautiful and if you arrive at a party with these, your hosts will be suitably impressed. They are like a Bounty bar without all the artificial ingredients.
Ingredients
Some ingredients such as coconut flour and coconut oil are difficult to find and you may have to visit your local Whole Foods or other local health food store.
Directions
The good thing about this recipe is that it does not require an oven. The recipe calls for a double boiler but it is possible to do it without one. Not for beginners but not too advanced either.
See This Recipe on One Clever Chef
Guacamole Deviled Eggs
One of the best party food ideas because it is quick and easy while also being a little different.
Ingredients
The ingredients are straightforward. In the United States, you can usually find avocados at all times of the year. But timing is important. Use them right when they’re ripe. Instead of the guacamole spice packet, you can use your own spices such as cilantro, lime, and tomato salsa.
Directions
Directions are simple. Making guacamole is fun and maybe impossible to mess up. Boiling eggs is perhaps the only part where one could go wrong.
See This Recipe on Eating Richly
Chilled Veggie Dip in Bread Bowl
Let this deliciousness marinate overnight and your guests will be blown away.
Ingredients
All the ingredients for the chilled veggie dip in a bread bowl are easily bought. If you do not have Greek yogurt on hand, it’s fine to add more mayonnaise instead. This won’t break the bank. Bread may require a visit to your local bakery.
Directions
Chop, mix, hollow out and serve. This really couldn’t be easier. Just remember to let the dip marinate overnight for an added flavor experience. Anyone can make this.
See This Recipe on Peas & Crayons
Jalapeno Popper Dip
This is definitely one of the best party food ideas for vegans. No need to turn your back on creamy dips when you can make a vegan version like this one.
Ingredients
The ingredient list is extensive. Ingredients like cashews, coconut oil, tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and diced green chiles are less common in the average pantry and may have to be bought at specialty stores.
Directions
The directions call for roasting, blending, and baking. If you have all the equipment, such as a top-end blender, you may have no problem, but the rest of us may find this arduous. This party food is not for cooking novices.
See This Recipe on The Curious Chickpea
Cucumber Bites with Creole Shrimp and Guacamole
This is on our best party food ideas list because it’s fresh, healthful and delicious. We love the creole flavoring of the shrimp. And adding a sweet apricot glaze to the shrimp will take it to another level.
Ingredients
The ingredient list is short and simple. The shrimp are the most expensive ingredient. You also need an avocado or two for the guacamole. Overall this won’t break the bank. And everything is healthy. Creole seasoning may not be in everyone’s cupboard.
Directions
Cook the shrimp, make the guacamole, top a cucumber slice with some guacamole, add on a glazed creole shrimp and you are good to go. Good for beginners.
See This Recipe on Our Life Tastes Good
Cauliflower Hot Wings (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Buffalo wings made with cauliflower? Yes, it works. Cauliflower hot wings are crispy on the outside while being tender on the inside – exactly what you want from a hot wing. This recipe is just as tasty as the real thing, much healthier, and saves an animal too. Pro-tip: eat these as soon as they come out of the oven.
Ingredients
Most of the ingredients are commonly stocked in pantries such as BBQ sauce and garlic powder. Cauliflower is easy on the budget too. Paprika powder, panko breadcrumbs, and a plant-based milk such as almond milk are the only ingredients you may have to spring for.
Directions
These take time to prepare since it’s a two-step baking process but the directions couldn’t be more straightforward. This is one of the best party food ideas for beginners.
See This Recipe on Vegan Heaven
Healthy Apple Cheese Bites
These cute bites of apples smeared with goat cheese, a drizzle of honey, and pomegranate seeds are sure to please friends and kids alike. They’re easy—you just have to find the smallest apples you can.
Ingredients
The recipe calls for tiny apples. These may not be available year-round. Also, goat cheese is a specialty item but can be bought at nice grocery stores. Overall, not too expensive.
Directions
The directions could not be easier. This recipe is fine for beginners.
See This Recipe on The Adventure Bite
Vegan Basil Ricotta Pinwheels
These cute pinwheel sandwiches incorporate basil-infused ricotta “cheese”, and the fresh flavors of olives and tomatoes. Great for big family gatherings.
Ingredients
To make the vegan ricotta cheese, you will need ingredients such as almond milk, tofu, and fresh basil. These can usually be bought at your local health food store or at a better supermarket near you.
Directions
You need a food processor to make the basil ricotta cheese. Not for complete beginners.
See This Recipe on Vegan Heaven
Cherry Bacon Blueberry Kebabs
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These adorable red white and blue kebabs are best served in the summer when you can find fresh cherries and blueberries. They are oh-so-cute and perfect for the Fourth of July. Cherry, mint, blueberry, mozzarella, and bacon together on a toothpick. Sounds patriotic and delicious.
Ingredients
Few ingredients are required. Check the cheese department of your local market for the small mozzarella pearls.
Directions
Preparation is simple. This is good for beginners.
See This Recipe on Cooking On The Weekends
Restaurant Style Guacamole
Going out to Mexican restaurants is the best, let’s face it, because of chips and guacamole. We didn’t know it was possible, but you too can make restaurant style guacamole at home with this example of our best party food ideas.
Ingredients
The ingredient list is deceivingly short and simple. Avocados, some spices, a little garlic and onion, some lime juice, some chips, and Voila. The only tricky part is finding avocados at the perfect ripeness.
Directions
Mash everything together with a fork. This is one of the easiest party food ideas on our list.
See This Recipe on My Darling Vegan
Spinach Feta Pinwheels
This is a delicious take on the Greek spanakopita, or spinach pie, you can do with puff pastry.
Ingredients
Look for all-butter puff pastry at your local market. Mozzarella and feta are readily available nowadays.
Directions
Difficult. Working with the puff pastry is not for beginners.
See This Recipe on That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates with Chocolate
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These dates are for those of us who have outgrown the days when a Snickers bar would cut it. Opt for high-quality Medjool dates and let your mouth water.
Ingredients
Just four ingredients—dates, peanut butter, peanuts, and dark chocolate. Dates are available at fine markets and specialty stores.
Directions
De-pitting the dates is necessary. Other than that, this is easy and no special appliances are required. Okay for beginners.
See This Recipe on Vegan Heaven
Mango Salsa
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First, there was just tomato salsa in our lives. Then came mango salsa, and it rocked our worlds with its sweet and tangy flavor. Make this at home and impress anyone you come across.
Ingredients
The ingredient list is short: mangoes, red onion, jalapeno, bell pepper, and lime. Best made in summer.
Directions
Couldn’t be simpler. Mix and serve. Good for beginners.
See This Recipe on We’re Parents
Roasted Vegetable Antipasto
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Inspired by travels to Italy where food is often simple, this is a great dish for the winter months and Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
Simple ingredient list. Not too expensive.
Directions
This dish requires two total hours. There is technique involved in the cutting and preparation. For advanced cooks.
See This Recipe on Panning The Globe
Maple Pecan Baked Brie
Maple pecan baked brie is a sumptuous dish that’s always welcome on special occasions. Melt in your mouth smooth dreaminess.
Ingredients
You can find the brie at the cheese department of your local market. The rest of the ingredients you may already have on hand.
Directions
The directions require an oven for baking but are otherwise straightforward.
See This Recipe on Fake Ginger
Lamb Kofta Flatbread
Lamb is a less-eaten dish but after trying this lamb kofta flatbread you may re-think. This dish requires grilling.
Ingredients
Requires specialty ingredients such as lamb and wooden skewer for grilling.
Directions
Extensive preparation required. Not for beginners.
See This Recipe on The Adventure Bite
The Verdict
After considering all the options, our verdict for the best party food idea is… Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini. It’s easy to make and delicious. It is great for the holidays.
For vegans, our favorite is Cauliflower Hot Wings. The two-step baking process really makes the crispiness on the outside and tenderness on the side that we crave.