• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Appetizers
  • Pasta
  • Soups
  • Salads
  • Vegan
  • Oven baked
  • Sweets
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    The clever meal
    • Home
    • Recipe Index
      • Appetizers
      • Pasta & Grains
      • Soups
      • Salads
      • Vegan
      • Oven-baked
      • Sweets
    • About

    FOR FREE WEEKLY RECIPES!

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    .

    25+ Party food ideas

    Nov 30, 2021 by Katia · Leave a Comment

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more details.

    If you look for delicious and easy party food ideas for the upcoming holidays, you’ve got to the right place! From crispy crostini to creamy dips and savoury fritters, here you’ll find a ton of ideas to feed a crowd.

    5-Ingredient carrot fritters

    The party season is around the corner, and there’s nothing more exciting than planning a holiday table for family and friends. It’s such a great fun to share a variety of appetizers and finger food while sipping a glass of sparkling wine (or two, maybe three! : ).

    Here I’ve gathered more than 25 party food ideas, from crostini topped with the most delicious ingredients, to savory patties fresh from the oven, yummy dips, focaccia and cheese board ideas. Easy appetizer recipes that come in handy all year round.

    Most of them are vegetarian, economical, and can be made ahead of time. They’re also grouped into categories, so you can find easily what you’re looking for!

    And if you prefer only vegan recipes, don’t miss out this collection of 50 vegan appetizers.

    Let the party begin! : )

    Crostini

    Crostini recipes are inexpensive, crispy, and guaranteed to please everybody. Slice and toast a French baguette, top each crispy slice of bread with some scrumptious topping… and you’re done!

    1. Artichoke bruschetta

    This artichoke bruschetta is super easy to assemble and ready in less than 15 minutes! The crispy bread is topped with a mix of artichoke hearts, creamy ricotta, tangy lemon juice, herbs and extra virgin olive oil. It tastes delicious!

    Top view of artichoke bruschetta over a black background.

    2. Smoky beans on toast

    These little toasts are topped with fluffy cannellini beans cooked with smoked paprika, thyme, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. They’re so crispy, easy to make, inexpensive, and full of flavor.

    Crostini with cannellini beans on white background.
    The Clever Meal

    3. Hummus crostini appetizer

    Crostini with hummus is one of the easiest party food ideas ever! It’s quick to throw together with garlic hummus, fresh parsley, crispy baguette and a lovely balsamic drizzle. And they look stunning too!

    Party food ideas: crostini with hummus and balsamic drizzle on a black tray.
    Found on Salt & Lavender

    4. Crostini with ricotta and peas

    If you think that peas sound boring, this simple recipe will surprise you at first bite. These vegetarian crostini are so economical, full of fresh flavor, and easy to whip up. They’re simply perfect for any gathering all year round.

    Crostini with ricotta, peas and lemon zest are served on a small wooden board and make great party food ideas all year round.
    The Clever Meal

    5. Chicken Caesar crostini

    These crostini are super easy to make, and they can be ready in less than 30 minutes. To make these as easy as possible, use some rotisserie chicken, a bottled Caesar dressing, and pre-washed lettuce. Done!

    Top view of several crostini topped with chicken, crispy bacon, salad and grated parmesan.
    Found on Salt & Lavander

    Fritters & mini cakes

    It’s hard to resist crispy, golden fritters, patties, and mini cakes! Their delicious texture make them inviting and they’re so easy to whip up with simple ingredients.

    6. Carrot fritters

    These delicious babies are baked instead of fried, and they are packed with cumin, garlic, and fresh coriander. Serve with a last-minute tangy yogurt-hummus dip. They require only 5  inexpensive ingredients and they’re ready in 30 minutes.

    Carrot fritters with coriander and a small bowl with hummus dipping sauce are another brilliant party food idea.
    The Clever Meal

    7. Mini shallot Bajhis & minted yoghurt

    Spicy and crispy, these little bite-sized bhajis are great for a party or as part of an Indian feast. These irresistible little nuggets are a pleasure to eat, economical, and they’re vegan too!

    Several crispy onion fritters over a white back ground with a blue bowl full of minted yoghurt.
    Found on Claire Justine

    8. Greek zucchini tots

    These golden bites packed with zucchini are from the Greek Island of Alonnisos. You can make them in the oven and shape them into tater-tot shapes, or you can cook them on the stove too. They’re amazing served as appetisers at a party!

    A bowl full of baked zucchini tots served with a white sauce and lemon wedges.
    Found on Recipe Tin Eats

    9. Butternut squash fritters

    These fritters are savory, crispy, soft. Best of all, they’re baked, not fried in oil, and they’re packed with budget-friendly butternut squash. 

    Crispy squash fritters over a white background.
    The Clever Meal

    10. Easy crab cake bites

    These delicious mini crab cake bites are more sophisticated then the previous recipes and perfect to impress! They taste just like the real thing but require way less work and are perfect to pass around for parties or for the holidays!

    Several crab bites garnished with chives and served on a small tray with some mayo sauce on the side.
    Found on Little Spice Jar

    Focaccia & crackers

    More party food ideas? Think of moist and soft Italian focaccia, crispy homemade crackers and breadsticks. They’re a must on each party table, they pair beautifully with dips and cheese, and are made with basic ingredients such as flour, water, and olive oil. Here are some of my favorites!

    11. Olive focaccia (1-bowl)

    Impress for less with this incredible focaccia! It’s moist with golden oil-scented crust, packed with juicy olives and so easy to make in 1 bowl (no kneading is required!). Double, or triple the ingredients, make a few batches, cut into squares and serve to a crowd. It’s totally delicious!

    Top view of a large olive focaccia cut into squares and served over white parchment paper. Another great party food idea.
    The Clever Meal

    12. Easy breadstick recipe

    This easy breadstick recipe doesn’t require any stand mixer and makes irresistible crispy breadsticks (aka Italian grissini). Serve them with cheese, olives, or on your charcuterie board: they’re perfect with classic antipasti. Make a double batch, they will be gone in no time!

    Close-up of crispy breadsticks with seeds over a white background, they're perfect for holiday.
    The Clever Meal

    13. No-knead focaccia with tomatoes

    This golden focaccia with tomatoes is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for sharing! It’s perfectly soft, chewy, topped with juicy tomatoes, flaky sea salt, and olive oil. Best of all, it’s so easy that you can make it in 1 BOWL.

    Top view of a round focaccia with tomatoes, perfect for sharing.
    The Clever Meal

    13. Easy flatbread crackers

    One of the very best ways to make the most of entertaining and friends time is by placing a tray of crispy crackers and a cheese platter on your holiday table. And freshly homemade crackers are the best!

    Top view of a speckled bowl full crispy crackers over a white background.
    Found on Pinch of Yum

    14. No-knead Italian focaccia

    This is my go-to recipe when I have friends over, it’s inexpensive, super easy to make in 1 bowl and absolutely perfect for sharing. You can make in advance, and it’s also freezable. Serve it warm, with a cheeseboard, ham, olives… the sky is the limit. It’s a winner!

    Top view of several slices of moist focaccia with rosemary over a wooden board covered with white paper.
    The Clever Meal

    15. Homemade verything crackers
    16. Crackers with olive oil & herbs

    Two images showing crackers with seeds and with rosemary.
    Found on Love & Olive Oil

    More party food ideas… Dips!

    Dips are quick to make and they make the perfect addition to any holiday menu. They’re packed with flavor, colors, and you can make them ahead, definitely a big bonus!

    17. Quick carrot hummus

    How festive and deliciously creamy is this carrot hummus? It’s healthy, easy to make, full of lemon and garlic flavor, perfect for spreading or dipping!

    Top view of a grey bowl full of carrot hummus garnished with cumin seeds and pomegranates.
    The Clever Meal

    18. Spicy Greek eggplant dip

    This dip recipe is fresh and slightly spicy, super easy to make and big on flavor. Serve with fresh chopped basil and a drizzle of lemon juice!

    Top view of an oval white bowl full of eggplant dip garnished with diced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and served with crackers.
    Found on Full of Plant

    19. 5-Minute creamy avocado dip

    This festive 5-minute creamy avocado dip makes an eye-catching holiday appetizer that comes together in a pinch. It’s one of the best dips that pair with crackers and breadsticks, definitely a crowd-pleaser.

    Close-up of a festive appetizer, a white bowl full of creamy avocado dip garnished with roasted hazelnuts and pomegranates.
    Found on Blissful Basil

    20. Beetroot hummus in 5 minutes

    You’re going to be dipping everything into this beautiful vibrant beetroot hummus! This delicious velvety smooth dip is perfect for a large crowd and requires so little effort and a few basic cupboard essentials. And you don’t need to roast the beets.

    Top view of a bowl full of beetroot hummus over a black background. This party appetizer is served with chopped walnuts, black sesame seeds and lemon slices.
    The Clever Meal

    21. Mascarpone, ricotta and honey spread
    22. Sundried tomato hummus

    Two images showing a white bowl with cheese and honey spread and another white bowl with sundried tomato dip.
    Found on Making Thyme for Health

    Cheese plates

    Who doesn’t love cheese, seriously? Place some delicious cheese with nuts, honey, red grapes, sweet fruit and crispy crackers on a wooden board, and you’re done.

    23. How to make a cheese plate

    A delicious cheese plate appetizer is perfect for a party, holiday entertaining, and any get-togethers!

    Top view of a holiday cheese plate full of crackers, olives, cheese, nuts, grapes and salami.
    Found on Life as a Strawberry

    24. Herbed garlic baked brie

    Easy and totally delicious, this baked brie is guaranteed to disappear in no time! Make thin slivers, load them with garlic and then drizzle on a thyme honey butter sauce that makes this wheel of brie totally unforgettable! 

    Close-up of some baked brie showing its creamy texture and surrounded by crackers and red grapes.
    Found on Little Spice Jar

    25. Baked brie with pomegranates
    26. How to make a cheese board

    Two images showing baked brie topped with pomegranates and honey and a cheese platter full of cheese, nuts and fruit. Some of the best party food ideas!
    Found on Love & Lemons

    I hope you love this collection of easy party food ideas as much as I do!

    For more recipes perfect for the holiday season and special occasions, have a look at some of my favorites:

    • 15 easy Holiday salads
    • 20 Amazing Christmas cookies
    • 50+ Vegan appetizers

    Whether you plan an epic holiday party, Christmas dinners, potlucks or any other special occasion, I hope that a few of these easy recipes will be on the menu!

    Please let me know in the comments if you have any questions, I would love to hear from you.

    And for more recipe updates, follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

    A hand dipping a crispy carrot fritter into some hummus.
    Print Recipe

    25+ Party food ideas

    These easy party food ideas are so easy to make and perfect for any occasion! Crispy crostini, creamy dips, crackers, focaccia and cheese to feed a crowd all year round. This carrot fritter recipe is one of our favorites and requires only 5 ingredients!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time25 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Mediterranean
    Keyword: Party food ideas
    Servings: 20 Fritters
    Author: Katia

    Ingredients

    Carrot Fritters

    • 1 lb (440 grams) grated carrots
    • 2 small eggs
    • ½ cup all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
    • 2 garlic cloves, pressed
    • 2 tsp ground cumin
    • ¼ cup coriander leaves, chopped
    • 1 tsp fine salt
    • ⅛ tsp black pepper (optional)

    Yoghut Hummus Dip

    • ¾ cup chickpea hummus
    • ¾ cup plain yoghurt
    • 1-2 Tbsp Lemon juice

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease or line with parchment paper a baking pan.
    • Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well until combined. The grated carrots might release some moisture, you want to drain it, and you might add a little flour if the mixture is still wet.
    • Take a heaping tablespoon of the mixture, place it on the baking pan and flatten slightly with your hand. 
    • Bake the fritters for about 12 minutes, then turn them over and keep baking for a further 12 minutes or until golden and crispy. Check your oven, the baking time might be slightly different.
    • Meamwhile, mix plain yoghurt, hummus and lemon juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Add a bit more of lemon juice if you like.
    • Serve the fritters while they're still warm with the yogurt-hummus dip. However, they taste nice even when they are cold. Enjoy!
    « Hearty Bean Stew
    Artichoke Bruschetta »

    JOIN MY NEWSLETTER FOR FREE WEEKLY RECIPES!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I’m Katia! Welcome to my blog where I share easy, delicious, and budget-friendly recipes. I love cooking mainly vegetarian meals in no time at all. Minimum effort, maximum result. Read more…

    Keep in touch

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    JOIN MY NEWSLETTER FOR FREE WEEKLY RECIPES!

    search

    Trending now

    Creamy lemon ricotta pasta with spinach on a white plate.

    EASY LEMON RICOTTA PASTA & SPINACH

    Spaghetti with garlic and olive oil on a grey plate.

    SPAGHETTI WITH GARLIC AND OLIVE OIL

    Five bowls of colorful weight loss soups over a white marble background.

    15+ HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS SOUPS (UNDER 200 CALORIES)

    Delicious cream cheese pasta served on a blue bowl with a fork.

    10-MINUTE CREAM CHEESE PASTA

    A top view of a white bowl full of white bean soup over a wooden background.

    THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP

    Four images showing four different healthy cakes.

    20 WHOLESOME & HEALTHY CAKE RECIPES

    Assortment of vegan appetizers on a black round tray.

    50 DELICIOUS AND EASY VEGAN APPETIZERS

    A knife cutting a healthy yogurt cake into slices over a white background.

    HEALTHY YOGURT CAKE (one-bowl)

    BROWSE RECIPES

    PASTA & GRAIN RECIPES

    SOUP RECIPES

    SALAD RECIPES

    VEGAN RECIPES

    OVEN-BAKED RECIPES

    SWEET RECIPES

    MEAL PREP RECIPES

    Copyright © 2018–2022 The clever Meal · All Right Reserved
    PRIVACY POLICY · FAQ · CONTACT ME