When hosting a cocktail party, the key is keeping things bite-sized so that you and your guests can navigate nibbling with a drink in hand. We're talking appetizers and desserts that pack plenty of flavor but require no utensils and no cleanup. Keep reading for 25 of our favorite recipes that pair perfectly with bubbly, of course.
Roasted Red Pepper and Bacon Goat Cheese Truffles
Does it get any cuter than these goat-cheese truffles [2]? (No, they're not sweet; they're basically one-bite cheese balls.)
Deviled Quail Eggs
Go ultraluxe and serve up foie gras truffled deviled quail eggs [3].
Cheese Straws
You won't believe how simple these flaky cheese straws [4] are to make. The secret's in the store-bought puff pastry.
Bacon-Wrapped Buffalo Shrimp
Three ingredients are all you need to make this bold, spicy shrimp [5] appetizer.
Rosemary-Sesame Pecans
Salty, sweet, and completely addictive, these rosemary-sesame pecans [6] also double as a great party favor if you bake up an extra batch or two and bundle them up in cellophane.
Red Potatoes With Tomato-Avocado Salsa
Think of these tomato-avocado-salsa-topped potato bites [7] as an elegant, potato-based take on nachos.
Mushroom and Brie Bruschetta
Mushroom and brie bruschetta [8] is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Bites
The best way to serve mac and cheese at a party? In bite-size form [9].
Greek Salad Bites
With one of everything on each skewer, these Greek salad bites [10] guarantee that every bite is the perfect bite.
Parmesan, Black Pepper, and Thyme Crackers
One-up the standard cheese plate spread by including savory shortbread-like crackers [11] that have the cheese inside of them.
Gravlax and Crème Fraiche Toasts
More an assembly job than a recipe, these gravlax and crème fraiche toasts [12] are a great quick-fix option.
Stuffed Mushrooms With Arugula, Walnuts, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Many stuffed mushrooms recipes get their flavor from sausage but not these umami-packed nibbles [13]; they're vegan!
Peppadew Peppers Stuffed With Whipped Feta
Pair like with like — in this case pickled peppadew peppers and briny feta — for a memorable hors d'oeuvre [14].
Sautéed Kale and Burrata Bruschetta
Make a healthy, standout Winter bruschetta [15] by combining creamy burrata with sautéed curly kale.
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Stick a skewer in these buffalo chicken meatballs [16], and they instantly become cocktail-party- (or game-day-) ready.
Brie and Fig Bites
These savory brie and fig bites [17] are like buttery hand pies.
Apricot, Goat Cheese, and Almond Bites
Like a cheese plate in single-serving form, these jewel-like apricot, goat cheese, and almond bites [18] satisfy.
Antipasto Sausage Skewers
Make an antipasti platter cocktail-party-ready by threading classic components — sausage, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes — onto a skewer [19].
Gruyère Gougères
Gruyère gougères [20] may sound and taste fancy, but they're surprisingly easy to make. Also note that few foods pair better with a glass of festive Champagne than these cheese puffs.
Shrimp Cocktail With a Trio of Dipping Sauces
A trio of shrimp-cocktail dipping sauces [21] — cocktail sauce, Thai peanut sauce, and pineapple barbecue sauce — ensures this classic isn't stale.
Red Lentil Terrine
For a nontraditional and exceptionally delicious take on paté (hold the liver), try a vegan red lentil terrine [22].
Shishito Pepper and Burrata Crostini
Shishito Pepper and Burrata Crostini [23] scream sophisticated party at first glance and their one-bite size and comforting combination of flavors are sure to please.
Endive Boats
Genius recipe alert. Fill endive spears [24] with sweet potatoes, bacon, crème fraiche, and a sprinkling of chives for a recipe that's not too complicated but extradelicious.
Crostini With Orange, Pear, and Cranberry Mostarda
Mostarda [25], a traditional Italian condiment that combines sweet-cooked fruit with savory mustard, is a creative topping for a triple-cream cheese.
Cheese Diablo Wafers
Cheese diablo wafers [26] are buttery, rich, and spicy.
