35 Genius Appetizers on Toothpicks That Are Perfect for Parties

Cathy Pollak
·6 min read
4

Appetizers are widely considered the best part of a great meal. Their job, first and foremost, is to be delicious. Appetizers are little bites to savor in anticipation of an upcoming feast. They should be easy to eat, with or without utensils. The toothpick has become a universal instrument used to spear passed appetizers as well as apps sitting on the counter during a gathering.

The term “toothpick” is used lightly since skewers (fancy or not) or even pretzel sticks do double duty as an edible version of the tool. If it’s a festive occasion, decked-out, frilly and flag-topped picks are also very popular.

Related: 80 Appetizer Recipes That Will Be the Stars of Your Fall Get-Togethers

What Food Can You Put on a Toothpick?

Related: 3-Ingredient Appetizers Everyone Will Be Talking About the Day After Your Party

Best Toothpick Appetizer Recipes

In all cases, toothpicks make bite-sized foods easier to grab and consume, with very little effort or mess. That’s probably why they remain so popular. Here are 35 of the best appetizers on toothpicks (or any other types of sticks) you can serve at your next event, so your guests can help themselves and you can enjoy the party too!

<p>Mark Boughton Photography</p><p>These bite-sized BLT skewers (OK, they’re really just toothpicks) are absolutely delicious when served as a snack or as a fun appetizer. Plus, meat lovers will applaud the meatballs, which are the perfect complement to the yummy bacon and French onion dip. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842787/jocelynruggiero/blt-skewers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:BLT Skewers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">BLT Skewers</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1229527/kristamarshall/cherry-tomato-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:35 Best Cherry Tomato Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">35 Best Cherry Tomato Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Mark Boughton Photography</p><p>These apps come together in no time. Serve them with a toothpick to avoid messy hands. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe:<a href="https://parade.com/842237/communitytable/3-ingredient-app-barbecue-bacon-wrapped-shrimp-bites/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bacon Wrapped Shrimp;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "> Bacon Wrapped Shrimp</a></strong></p>
<p>Parade</p><p>Use frozen or refrigerated ravioli for this Italian-inspired snack.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842186/communitytable/mini-ravioli-skewers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mini Ravioli Skewers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Mini Ravioli Skewers</a></strong></p>
<p>Ben Fink</p><p>Salmon, nuts and seeds are a home-run flavor combo in these.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/853490/parade/cashew-crusted-salmon-skewers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cashew-Crusted Salmon Skewers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cashew-Crusted Salmon Skewers</a></strong></p>
<p>Mark Boughton Photography</p><p>Pizza is always a great party food, but not the best for walking around. This recipe changes all that.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842678/lisawaddle/pepperoni-pizza-kebab/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pizza on a Stick;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pizza on a Stick</a></strong></p>
<p>Johnsonville</p><p>You can use sausage strips or bacon for this fun, kid-approved skewer recipe.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1248527/kelli-acciardo/sausage-tater-tot-skewers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sausage Tater Tot Skewers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sausage Tater Tot Skewers</a></strong></p>
<p>Parade</p><p>Everyone loves a great BLT, and now they are party-size.<br><br></p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/841706/communitytable/itty-bitty-blts/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Itty Bitty BLTs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Itty Bitty BLTs</a></strong></p>

Parade

Everyone loves a great BLT, and now they are party-size.

Get the recipe: Itty Bitty BLTs

<p>Lisa Waddle</p><p>The choices and variations of these are endless with different nuts, herbs and dried fruit.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/841669/lisawaddle/cheese-ball-bites/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cheeseball Bites;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cheeseball Bites</a></strong></p>
<p>Mark Boughton Photography</p><p>No cooking is required for these quick apps.<br></p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/841995/communitytable/pita-tree-appetizers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pita Tree Appetizers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pita Tree Appetizers</a></strong></p>
<p>Delicious Made Easy</p><p>This football season, enjoy an easy appetizer at home! With a plate of these Smoked Sausage Appetizers, you’ll be spending less time cooking and more time cheering on your favorite team. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://deliciousmadeeasy.com/2018/09/sausage-and-pepper-bites/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Smoked Sausage Appetizers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Smoked Sausage Appetizers</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1163416/felicialim/sausage-skillet-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:23 Savory Sausage Skillet Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">23 Savory Sausage Skillet Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Home Cooking Memories</p><p>Love buffalo wings? If you do, you’ll love these! This Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels recipe makes a delicious party food with all the flavors of buffalo wings + blue cheese, but without the mess. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://homecookingmemories.com/buffalo-chicken-tortilla-pinwheels/#_a5y_p=3231322" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels</a></strong></p>
<p>Cooking on the Weekends</p><p>The tuna is slightly warm and peppery on the outside and refreshing and cool on the inside, while the glaze is spicy, sweet, rich and perfectly smooth, from Cooking on the Weekends. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://cookingontheweekends.com/wasabi-glazed-seared-ahi-tuna-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Wasabi Glazed-Seared Ahi Tuna;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Wasabi Glazed-Seared Ahi Tuna</a></strong></p>
<p>Glorious Treats</p><p>Puff pastry makes the perfect base for these quick and easy hands friendly sliders.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.glorioustreats.com/turkey-pesto-appetizer-bites/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Turkey Pesto Appetizer Bites;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Turkey Pesto Appetizer Bites</a></strong></p>
<p>Reluctant Entertainer</p><p>These perfect, pepper bites are filled with tuna, greek yogurt and seasonings. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/tuna-stuffed-peppers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Tuna Stuffed Peppers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Tuna Stuffed Peppers</a></strong></p>
<p>Food Faith Fitness</p><p>Bacon-wrapped pineapple chunks are coated in a sticky sauce for a sweet and smokey flavor combo.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.foodfaithfitness.com/sweet-n-sour-bacon-wrapped-pineapple/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sweet 'n Sour Bacon Wrapped Pineapple;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sweet 'n Sour Bacon Wrapped Pineapple</a></strong></p>
<p>The Gunny Sack</p><p>Little bites of chicken, bacon and spicy sriracha hit all the right taste buds at the same time.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.thegunnysack.com/sweet-and-spicy-sriracha-bacon-chicken-bites#_a5y_p=2512613" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Bacon Chicken Bites;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Bacon Chicken Bites</a></strong></p>
<p>Cupcakes and Kale Chips</p><p>A skewer of perfectly seasoned beef to drown in a puddle of oozy red deliciousness.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://cupcakesandkalechips.com/steak-bites-bloody-maria-dipping-sauce/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Steak Bites with Bloody Maria Dipping Sauce;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Steak Bites with Bloody Maria Dipping Sauce</a></strong></p>
<p>Baker By Nature</p><p>Livened up with a zingy horseradish and dill cream cheese, these simple yet fancy bites are crunchy, creamy finger food perfection.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://bakerbynature.com/smoked-salmon-cream-cheese-cucumber-bites/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites</a></strong></p>
<p>Noble Pig</p><p>Dried apricots wrapped in juicy bacon and a sage leaf to complement.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://noblepig.com/2010/04/baconwrapped-apricots-with-sage/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bacon Wrapped Apricots with Sage;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Bacon Wrapped Apricots with Sage</a></strong></p>
<p>Miss in the Kitchen</p><p>A tasty Greek salad, no fork required.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.missinthekitchen.com/greek-salad-skewers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Greek Salad Skewers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Greek Salad Skewers</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/888541/brianneizzo/10-of-the-best-greek-yogurt-dip-recipes-to-make-your-veggies-amazing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:30 Best Greek Yogurt Dips;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">30 Best Greek Yogurt Dips</a></strong></p>
<p>Noble Pig</p><p>A classic version of favorite cocktail-time meatballs, but taken up a notch.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://noblepig.com/2013/12/kicked-up-classic-cocktail-meatballs/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Kicked-Up Classic Cocktail Meatballs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Kicked-Up Classic Cocktail Meatballs</a></strong></p>
<p>Diethood</p><p>This light, fresh appetizer-salad is made with red grapes, feta and spinach, set atop slices of garlic toast.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://diethood.com/macedonian-style-grape-caprese-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Macedonian Style Grape Caprese Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Macedonian Style Grape Caprese Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Noble Pig</p><p>Sausage bites with a maple-mustard glaze and an edible toothpick.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://noblepig.com/2022/12/maple-glazed-sausage-bites/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Maple-Glazed Apple-Chicken Sausage Bites;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Maple-Glazed Apple-Chicken Sausage Bites</a></strong></p>
<p>The View From Great Island</p><p>Little penguins made with two sizes of black olives, cream cheese and a carrot.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/its-5-oclock-somewhere-friday-party-animals/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Olive Penguins;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Olive Penguins</a></strong></p>
<p>The Heritage Cook</p><p>Each skewer has two cherry tomatoes and two bocconcini, separated by fresh basil leaves... it's the perfect party bite.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://theheritagecook.com/mozzarella-tomato-caprese-skewers-gluten-free/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Caprese Skewers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Caprese Skewers</a></strong></p>
<p>Cooking on the Weekends</p><p>The perfect sweet, salty and savory bites.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://cookingontheweekends.com/port-glazed-manchego-figs-and-prosciutto/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Port Glazed Manchego Figs and Prosciutto;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Port Glazed Manchego Figs and Prosciutto</a></strong></p>
<p>Karen's Kitchen Stories</p><p>The perfect, portable appetizer to bring to a party—packed with flavor and easy to put together.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.karenskitchenstories.com/2013/10/prosciutto-wrapped-cherry-tomatoes.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Prosciutto-Wrapped Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella and Basil Bites;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Prosciutto-Wrapped Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella and Basil Bites</a></strong></p>
<p>Noble Pig</p><p>Not buffalo as in the meat… but buffalo sauce for those who like a little kick.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://noblepig.com/2013/01/buffalo-falafel-balls/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Buffalo Falafel Balls;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Buffalo Falafel Balls</a></strong></p>
<p>Inside Bru Crew Life</p><p>Melted Brie cheese with blackberry jelly and fresh blackberries.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://insidebrucrewlife.com/blackberry-brie-bites/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Blackberry Brie Bites;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Blackberry Brie Bites</a></strong></p>
<p>Miss In The Kitchen</p><p>Sweet barbecued bacon wrapped around a crunchy tater tot, so simple and irresistible.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.missinthekitchen.com/barbecue-bacon-wrapped-tater-tots/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/30-best-tater-tot-recipes-141720231.html" data-ylk="slk:30 Best Tater Tot Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">30 Best Tater Tot Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Food Faith Fitness</p><p>They take only 20 minutes to make and six ingredients. Plus, they are baked not fried, for fewer calories.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.foodfaithfitness.com/almond-crusted-chicken-bites-honey-mustard-dip/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Almond Crusted Chicken Bites with Honey Mustard Dip;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Almond Crusted Chicken Bites with Honey Mustard Dip</a></strong></p>
<p>Well Plated</p><p>If you think you don't like Brussels Sprouts, think again!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.wellplated.com/bacon-wrapped-brussels-sprouts/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts</a></strong></p>
<p>Well Plated</p><p>Chicken marinated in Asian flavors, cooked and then dipped in an addicting peanut sauce.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.wellplated.com/satay-chicken-peanut-dipping-sauce/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chicken Satay;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chicken Satay</a></strong></p>
<p>Well Plated</p><p>Anything stuffed with cheese will be a huge hit at your party.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.wellplated.com/cheese-stuffed-apple-chicken-meatballs-slow-cooker/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cheese Stuffed Apple Chicken Meatballs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cheese Stuffed Apple Chicken Meatballs</a></strong></p>
<p>Noble Pig</p><p>All the favorites from a big grazing board, but in one tasty bite.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://noblepig.com/2011/11/antipasto-and-cheddar-pickle-skewers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Antipasto Cheddar Pickle Skewers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Antipasto Cheddar Pickle Skewers</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1160711/nettiemoore/best-food-boards/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:31 Pinterest Worthy Food Boards;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">31 Pinterest Worthy Food Boards</a></strong></p>

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