70 Easy Party Food Ideas To Make For Any Occasion
From dips to desserts, these recipes will wow your guests.
Molly Bolton / Southern Living
Sometimes, party prep is a matter of working smarter, not harder. Don't knock an easy recipe—sometimes, the simplest of dishes can be the biggest hits. Impress party-goers at your next gathering, no matter the occasion, with deceptively easy-going recipes to last the whole shindig. Stir together straightforward, party-ready dips like Rotel Sausage Dip or whip up one of our grab-and-go snacks like Bacon Bowtie Crackers, hand-held for convenient mixing and mingling. When it comes to the main course, comfort food in a 9x13 casserole dish is fit for a crowd and sliders will never disappoint. Close the night with an effortless, uncomplicated sweet treat like our Easy Peach Cobbler or Brownie Cookies. From appetizers to main courses and desserts, these fun, party-worthy recipes are perfect in a pinch and easy to tackle even for the most novice of chefs.
Ham Delights
Ham and cheese prove their party potential in slider form. Toasted miniature sandwiches served on seasoned Hawaiian rolls are a simple, foolproof party success story.
Cheddar Cheese Straws
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford
Cheddar Cheese Straws are a Southern go-to snack for a reason. They're savory and rich with a touch of black pepper, and fantastically simple to throw together before a party.
Asparagus Ribbon Crostini
Toasted baguette slices with a ricotta, parmesan, lemon, and herb spread are topped with thinly shaved asparagus ribbons for a bright and elegant appetizer.
Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise
A tea sandwich take on a classic BLT, these tomato sandwiches use red and yellow heirlooms to make them tasty and pretty enough for the party. The hardest part of this recipe is taking the crusts off the bread.
Glazed Apple Tart
Relying on frozen puff pastry means you only need 10 minutes in the kitchen to prepare this beautiful dessert.
Bacon Bites
Molly Bolton / Southern Living
When in doubt, bacon is a surefire way to turn heads at a party. Our recipe for Bacon Bites only asks three ingredients and most of the preparation is a matter of wrapping the bacon around pretzel sticks.
Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese
These loaded cracker snacks are made party-worthy by simple, zesty shrimp. Beneath the seafood awaits the well-loved and easily smeared combination of pepper jelly and cream cheese.
Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
With just a handful of ingredients, the most elegant baked brie will be the centerpiece appetizer at your event. Ripe peaches coated in a hot jalapeño pepper jelly mixture are the perfect complement for an already favored soft cheese.
Baked Crab Cakes
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins
Whether for dinner or as an appetizer, these oven baked crab cakes are surefire winners. Zesty lemon, bright herbs, and a hint of spice add flavor, but the crab is still the star of the show in this recipe.
Basic Pimiento Cheese
Bring pimiento cheese to a party and one way or another, it'll be eaten up come closing time. This classic dish can be scooped onto crackers as a dip or spooned on to elevate sandwiches.
Ultimate Dark Chocolate Brownies
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer
No party is really complete without something chocolatey and these rich, fudgy brownies are the perfect way to finish a dinner party. A splash of bourbon and espresso put a grown-up spin on the classic dessert.
Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp
This spiked take on a classic will fool party-goers into believing that your shrimp dish is a hefty labor of love. Really, it's a matter of making a Bloody Mary and giving your seafood some time to drink it in.
Pull Apart Pizza Bread
Perfect for a party, this majestic pizza bread gets a pull-apart spin, making it ideal for feeding everyone at your next get-together.
Mini Potato Skins
What's not to love about a combination of potatoes, bacon, and cheese? This five-ingredient recipe is an easy crowd pleaser for all ages and it's easy to transport.
No-Bake Honey Cheesecake
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
While cheesecake can be a laborious and time-intensive dessert, this no-bake version only needs 20 minutes of hands-on time. The three-ingredient crust and five-ingredient filling get an impressive-looking finish thanks to a generous drizzle of tupelo honey.
Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
These snacks couldn't be simpler, and yet we've found that party guests can't put them down. Double this straightforward recipe so everyone can get a taste of buttery crackers and salty slices of bacon.
Skillet Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell; Food Stylist:Ruth Blackburn
We upgraded this crowd-favorite dip by cooking it in a hot cast iron skillet to ensure it's extra melty and gooey.
Baked BLT Dip
This pimento cheese-like baked dip only requires 20 minutes of hands-on time. As a spin on the classic sandwich, this recipe is an easy way to serve up a warm appetizer bursting with Southern flavor.
Strawberry-And-Basil Pavlova
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Make this easy sheet-pan for any occasion. The simple base allows for changing up the toppings. We recommend lemon-pistachio or chocolate macaroon, but you can also create your own flavor variation.
Creamy Spinach-Ricotta Crostini
When hosting a party, simple recipes save the day. In 15 minutes you'll have this restaurant-worthy appetizer ready to serve. The best part? You can prepare the spinach-ricotta mixture up to two days in advance.
Rotel Sausage Dip
You're just six ingredients away from this cheesy, hearty dip. Olive oil, ground beef, chorizo, Velveeta, diced tomatoes, and green chiles add up to a dip that's as easy to make as it is delicious.
Party Poppers
This two-bite appetizer is everything you could ask for in a party snack. Hot jalapeño peppers are stuffed with chicken-cream cheese filling and wrapped in hickory-smoked bacon. The result is spicy, smoky, creamy, and oh-so-tasty.
Hot Brown Party Rolls
Load Hawaiian rolls up high with meat, cheese, and a dash of hot sauce, then throw them in the oven to pull everything together. That's it. That's the whole recipe.
Focaccia With Ricotta and Crispy Herbs
Store-bought fresh pizza dough means you don't have to fuss with making homemade bread. (But your guests don't have to know that!) All you have to do is top it with creamy ricotta and crispy herbs.
Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
These nostalgic party snacks have a not-so-secret ingredient: grape jelly. They have just the right amount of sweetness and will go fast at the party served with toothpicks for easy eating.
Pimiento Cheese Flatbread
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Use store-bought pizza dough to make this Pimiento Cheese Flatbread recipe even simpler to whip up.
Buttery Apple-Almond Cake
The only thing better than an easy dessert is an impressive-looking easy dessert. Half the apple slices are folded into the batter while the rest are layered on top. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Pulled Pork Nachos
Nachos are a top-notch choice for party fare because preparation is a matter of throwing your favorite ingredients over chips and you can customize the toppings to reflect your party's preferences. The trick to cleverly easy nachos is picking up some shredded smoked pork from your favorite BBQ joint.
Bacon-Cheese Gougères
These pop-in-your-mouth savory pastries might sound fancy, but they're a cinch to make. For maximum enjoyment, we recommend serving them warm.
Brownie Cookies
Why choose between bringing cookies or brownies to the party when you can pull off both with only 15 minutes of hands-on prep? After helping themselves to small plates and snacks galore, these brownies in cookie form will satisfy every sweet tooth at the gathering.
Mini Shrimp Rolls
Toss together an easy shrimp salad that has a bit of kick. Spooned between top-sliced mini brioche rolls, these sliders will be devoured come party time.
Herbed Goat Cheese-Melon Party Bites
Believe it or not, these elegant party snacks are as easy as can be. Watermelon and goat cheese are a refreshing pairing that will please party guests to no end. Top each one with a sprig of basil and a twist of cracked black pepper.
Bacon-Pimiento Guacamole
Spruce up a bowl of classic party dip and watch the eager hands dive in with chips at the ready. Guacamole is already certain to please a crowd, but this Southern twist is a game-changer.
Smoked-Fish Dip
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke
It doesn't get any easier or more elegant than this one-bowl recipe. With a few main ingredients, fresh herbs, and a handful of spices, you'll have this dip ready in just 20 minutes. All that'll be left to do is add some crackers and crudités to the platter.
Queso-Filled Mini Peppers
Skip the messy Tex-Mex dip and chips and opt for these grabbable peppers. The bite-size appetizer is brimming with cheese and a little bit of heat.
Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw
Looking for a creative way to serve barbecue pork? Try these mini biscuits topped with a fresh and crunchy slaw, green onions, and a hint of barbecue sauce. To make things even easier, you can prepare the sweet potato biscuits ahead of time and freeze them until ready to bake.
Spicy Cheese Twists
We used frozen puff pastry for these cheese-straw-like bites. Gouda and thyme take the dough up a notch while cayenne adds a subtle spice. We guarantee you'll be reaching for more than just seconds.
Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies
Hannah Zimmerman / Southern Living
With this recipe kept on hand, you'll always have a last-minute dessert at the ready. You probably already have the four ingredients you need to pull off these incredibly easy, but absolutely delicious cookies.
Jalapeño Popper Dip
You can bring jalapeño poppers to the party...or you can impress with our dip version. Pickled jalapeños and ultra-rich cheese will be a guaranteed crowdpleaser scooped up with tortilla chips.
Herbed Breadcrumb-Topped Macaroni and Cheese
We challenge you to find someone at the party who will turn down a helping of this stunning mac and cheese. A well-seasoned, buttery panko breadcrumb topping and cubes of cheddar cheese throughout the dish take this comfort food classic from good to great.
Spicy Sweet Potato Crostini
We love sweet potatoes in all forms: mashed, fried, baked, but these crostini-like rounds topped with goat cheese, pecans, and a drizzle of a honey, cayenne, and paprika mixture might be our new favorite.
Pear-and-Brie Puff Pastry Tarts
Even though this pastry is a savory appetizer, it's so delicious we'd enjoy it just the same for dessert. With just 10 minutes of hands-on time and four ingredients—brie, frozen puff pastry dough, pears, and fresh rosemary—plus olive oil, salt, and pepper, you'll have a show-stopping dish.
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
What's a get-together without chips and salsa? This beans and corn version seems like a fancy take, but really it's a matter of throwing together a few simple ingredients—some of which come canned.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
This recipe will become your go-to for many parties to come. The creamy and spicy dip is loaded with four gooey types of cheese inside a 9x13 casserole dish—perfect for feeding a hungry crowd who will come back for seconds.
Crudités Platter
On their own, sliced vegetables might not be impressive, but when put together in a gorgeous spread, it's almost art. You'll be sure to wow any crowd with a platter of seasonal veggies and delicious dips.
Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls
Our recipe for sausage balls has a bit of a kick and a shortcut. We use Bisquick to pull together these classic bites of hot ground pork sausage.
Mini Caprese Bites
This classy appetizer is fresh as can be with almost no effort. Slide fresh tomatoes and cheese onto wooden skewers, whisk together a simple glaze, and you're ready to party.
Easy Peach Cobbler
This unpretentious dessert is always a hit among a crowd of Southerners. Six ingredients and ten minutes of hands-on time are all you need for the dish that will be the star of the dessert spread.
Cranberry Brie Bites
We love a recipe that only has one step. Yes, you read that right: one step. Just arrange your ingredients as desired and pop them in the oven.
Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers
No cooking necessary, this recipe just takes a few simple ingredients and a little elbow grease. Slide alternating pieces of prosciutto, mozzarella balls, cantaloupe, and honeydew onto wooden skewers, and party-goers will thank you for it.
Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines
Looking for an easy finger sandwich that is sure to be a hit? This fancier spin on a classic white bread egg sandwich features fresh asparagus and toasted bread.
Mini Muffulettas
Throw together layers of cheese, cold cuts, and pickled vegetables for tasty grab-and-go sandwiches that will fly off the platter. These sliders store well overnight and will make it to the party as good as new.
Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christina Lane; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos
This version of Texas caviar dip keeps the same delicious ingredients as the original but adds Monterey Jack cheese and cream cheese for a warm, gooey dip. Sprinkle tomatoes, jalapenos, and cilantro over the top after baking. This dip can be made in advance—just assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Hot Crab-and-Artichoke Dip
You can’t go wrong with this creamy classic. Combine artichokes and crab meat with cream cheese, season with Old Bay, and top with cheeses for a perfectly warm and melty spread. Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or endive leaves.
Slow-Cooker Beef Sliders with Pickled Peppers
Start the beef in your slow cooker the night before so that on party day, you can set it out and let guests help themselves. Serve the meat on sandwich rolls with pickled peppers.
Sweet Onion and Bacon Dip
Just when you thought onion dip couldn’t get any better, this recipe adds smoky bacon to the mix. The result is a creamy, smoky, flavorful dip that won’t be around long. Serve with chips or crackers.
Caramel Apple Dip
It doesn’t take long to whip up this party dessert, but guests will be none the wiser. The creamy texture, rich vanilla bean flavor, and crunchy oven-brulee topping make this simple sweet a winner.
Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes with Queso Blanco Dip
Bacon-wrapped potato wedges are satisfying on their own, but dipping them in warm queso is a definite game changer. Keep the queso warm in a fondue pot or small slow cooker during your party.
Austin Diner-Style Queso
If you love the queso served in your favorite restaurant, why not make it at home? Add onion, jalapeno, green chiles, and plenty of spice to a creamy cheese base. Use any leftovers on nachos, tacos, or anything else you can find.
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
Sweet, spicy, and oven-fried, these wings are a hit on game day or at any other celebration. Pepper jelly is the secret to the sticky glaze.
Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts
These quick tarts start with seasoned puff pastry. Add tomatoes, cheese, and basil for a simple yet impressive snack.
Inside-Out Hot Brown Bites
Guests will be impressed by the homemade Parmesan cheese cups that hold these two-bite appetizers. Fill with cheese sauce, turkey, bacon, and tomato.
Warm Cheese Box Bites
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
An easy recipe with a twist, Warm Cheese Box Bites make it simple to put together an app that's as tasty as it is showstopping.
Picnic Egg Salad
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele
Perfect for a picnic or a luncheon get-together, this egg salad recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
Loaded Deviled Eggs
How do you make deviled eggs even more delicious? Load them up with bacon, potato chips, and cheddar cheese.
Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
Feed a crowd with this recipe for elegant, tomato-laden bruschetta, complete with goat cheese and basil.
Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas
You probably already have most of the ingredients you need to make these Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas in your pantry.
Sheet Pan Nachos
Cut down on prep time (and mess!) by making your next batch of fully loaded party nachos on a sheet pan.
Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
These vibrant little peppers make a perfectly poppable party app. Bonus points for adding your favorite homemade pimiento cheese.
Cucumber-and-Onion Dip
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
It's just not a party without a delicious dip. This one blends zingy onion with refreshing cucumber. Add your favorite ridged chips for an easy app.
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