20 Birthday Party Appetizers for Any Age

20 Birthday Party Appetizers for Any Age

By Sara Taylor

20 Birthday Party Appetizers for Any Age

By Sara Taylor
•
Updated
•
Recipes

The appetizer table is one of the most fun parts of any party. From simple finger food to fancy bites, every age and appetite will be pleased. Here are twenty finger food ideas that you can combine and create a fun table. Your guests will hover over the snacks all night.

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1) Stuffed Mushrooms

golden stuffed mushrooms with bubbling cheesy filling in a wide horizontal shot, arranged on a slate serving board with parsley garnish on a party table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

They disappear from the tray every single time because they pack an explosively fun flavor!

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golden stuffed mushrooms with bubbling cheesy filling in a wide horizontal shot, arranged on a slate serving board with parsley garnish on a party table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Stuffed Mushrooms

Cream cheese, garlic, and Parmesan stuffing encased in tender mushroom caps.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 24 button mushrooms
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and remove the mushroom stems.
  2. Mix cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, breadcrumbs, and parsley.
  3. Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake 18-20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Notes

Chop the mushroom stems and stir them into the filling so nothing goes to waste.

2) Mini Caprese Skewers

mini caprese skewers with red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil in a wide horizontal shot, lined up on a white platter drizzled with dark balsamic, bright airy natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

An appetizer that looks fancy and is quick and easy to make.

mini caprese skewers with red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil in a wide horizontal shot, lined up on a white platter drizzled with dark balsamic, bright airy natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mini Caprese Skewers

Skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a balsamic glaze drizzle.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 24 cherry tomatoes
  • 24 mini mozzarella balls
  • 24 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Thread a cherry tomato, basil leaf, and mozzarella ball onto each small skewer.
  2. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
  4. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Assemble these up to a few hours ahead and chill until guests arrive.

3) Deviled Eggs with Bacon

deviled eggs topped with crispy bacon crumbles and chives in a wide horizontal shot, arranged on a vintage egg platter dusted with paprika, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The traditional deviled eggs recipe just got better because of the addition of delicious and crunchy bacon.

deviled eggs topped with crispy bacon crumbles and chives in a wide horizontal shot, arranged on a vintage egg platter dusted with paprika, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Creamy deviled eggs with crumbled bacon and chives.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 eggs
  • 0.33 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 tbsp chives chopped
  • 0.25 tsp paprika
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Boil the eggs for 12 minutes, then cool in ice water and peel.
  2. Halve the eggs and scoop the yolks into a bowl.
  3. Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and salt until smooth.
  4. Pipe or spoon the filling back into the whites.
  5. Top with crumbled bacon, chives, and a dusting of paprika.

Notes

Older eggs peel much more easily than fresh ones.

4) Spinach Artichoke Dip Bites

spinach artichoke dip bites in golden phyllo cups with bubbling cheese in a wide horizontal shot, arranged on a wooden board at a party, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Now you can have all that gooey goodness of spinach and artichoke dip in cute little pastry cup form.

spinach artichoke dip bites in golden phyllo cups with bubbling cheese in a wide horizontal shot, arranged on a wooden board at a party, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Spinach Artichoke Dip Bites

Phyllo cups that are flaky and filled with warm cheesy dip with spinach and artichokes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 30 mini phyllo cups
  • 1 cup frozen spinach thawed and drained
  • 1 cup artichoke hearts chopped
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and set the phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
  2. Mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic.
  3. Spoon the filling into each phyllo cup.
  4. Bake 12-15 minutes until hot and golden on top.
  5. Serve warm.

Notes

Squeeze the spinach really well so the filling isn't watery.

5) Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears with crispy edges in a wide horizontal shot, arranged on a long white platter drizzled with balsamic, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Salty prosciutto is paired with crisp-tender asparagus and baked to perfection.

prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears with crispy edges in a wide horizontal shot, arranged on a long white platter drizzled with balsamic, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Asparagus spears enrobed in prosciutto, and roasted to a crisp perfection.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 24 asparagus spears trimmed
  • 12 slices prosciutto halved lengthwise
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet.
  2. Toss the asparagus with olive oil and pepper.
  3. Wrap each spear with a strip of prosciutto.
  4. Roast 12-15 minutes until the prosciutto is crisp.
  5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Notes

Thicker asparagus holds up best to roasting without going limp.

6) Shrimp Cocktail

chilled shrimp cocktail hung around the rim of a glass bowl of red sauce in a wide horizontal shot, lemon wedges and crushed ice on a silver platter, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A classic party showstopper that always has a celebratory feel!

chilled shrimp cocktail hung around the rim of a glass bowl of red sauce in a wide horizontal shot, lemon wedges and crushed ice on a silver platter, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail features chilled poached shrimp and a zesty, homemade cocktail sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 0.5 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 lemon wedged
  • 1 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the shrimp and poach 2-3 minutes until pink, then drain.
  3. Plunge the shrimp into ice water to chill, then pat dry.
  4. Stir ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire for the sauce.
  5. Arrange shrimp around a bowl of sauce with lemon wedges.

Notes

Chill the shrimp completely for that classic crisp, cold bite.

7) Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil

bruschetta toasts piled with diced red tomatoes and green basil in a wide horizontal shot, lined on a rustic wooden board with a drizzle of olive oil, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Crunchy toast with summer's juicy tomatoes and fresh basil.

bruschetta toasts piled with diced red tomatoes and green basil in a wide horizontal shot, lined on a rustic wooden board with a drizzle of olive oil, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil

Slices of toasted baguette topped with a fresh mixture of tomato, garlic, and basil.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 baguette sliced
  • 4 Roma tomatoes diced
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F and arrange baguette slices on a sheet.
  2. Brush with olive oil and toast 8-10 minutes until crisp.
  3. Mix tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic, and salt.
  4. Let the tomato mixture sit 5 minutes to release its juices.
  5. Spoon onto the toasts just before serving so they stay crunchy.

Notes

Rub a raw garlic clove on the warm toasts for extra flavor.

8) Cheese and Charcuterie Board

an abundant cheese and charcuterie board with folded meats, cheeses, grapes, and nuts in a wide horizontal shot, spread across a large wooden board on a party table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Centerpiece that requires no cooking and can be grazed on all night.

an abundant cheese and charcuterie board with folded meats, cheeses, grapes, and nuts in a wide horizontal shot, spread across a large wooden board on a party table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cheese and Charcuterie Board

An assorted collection of cheese, charcuterie, crackers, fruit, and nut boards.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz assorted cheeses
  • 6 oz cured meats
  • 1 cup mixed crackers
  • 1 cup grapes
  • 0.5 cup mixed nuts
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 0.5 cup olives

Method
 

  1. Place small bowls of honey and olives on a large board first.
  2. Arrange the cheeses in separate spots around the board.
  3. Fan out the cured meats in folds and ribbons.
  4. Fill gaps with crackers, grapes, and nuts.
  5. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor.

Notes

Let the cheeses sit out 30 minutes before serving so they soften.

9) Honey BBQ Meatballs

glossy honey BBQ meatballs glistening with sticky sauce in a wide horizontal shot, served in a shallow dish with toothpicks and green onion on a party table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sweet, sticky, and impossible to eat just one off the toothpick!

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glossy honey BBQ meatballs glistening with sticky sauce in a wide horizontal shot, served in a shallow dish with toothpicks and green onion on a party table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Honey BBQ Meatballs

Meatballs simmered in a saucy honey barbecue sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb ground beef
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and salt and roll into balls.
  2. Brown the meatballs in a skillet on all sides.
  3. Stir together barbecue sauce, honey, and Worcestershire.
  4. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and simmer 15 minutes.
  5. Toss to coat and serve warm with toothpicks.

Notes

Keep these warm in a slow cooker for an easy party setup.

10) Pigs in a Blanket

golden pigs in a blanket with flaky pastry and sesame seeds in a wide horizontal shot, piled on a tray with a small dish of mustard on a festive table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Little bites that evoke nostalgia in both kids and adults.

golden pigs in a blanket with flaky pastry and sesame seeds in a wide horizontal shot, piled on a tray with a small dish of mustard on a festive table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pigs in a Blanket

Bite-sized sausages encased in buttery crescent dough and baked to perfection!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 24 mini cocktail sausages
  • 1 can crescent roll dough
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet.
  2. Cut the crescent dough into thin triangles.
  3. Roll each sausage in a strip of dough.
  4. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  5. Bake 12-15 minutes until puffed and golden, then serve with mustard.

Notes

A little mustard inside the wrap adds a tangy surprise.

11) Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites

cucumber smoked salmon bites with herbed cream cheese and dill in a wide horizontal shot, arranged on a marble platter with lemon wedges, bright fresh natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These stylish miniature stacks give off a fancy vibe while requiring almost no effort at all.

cucumber smoked salmon bites with herbed cream cheese and dill in a wide horizontal shot, arranged on a marble platter with lemon wedges, bright fresh natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites

Cucumber slices topped with seasoned cream cheese and smoked salmon.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cucumbers sliced thick
  • 6 oz cream cheese softened
  • 4 oz smoked salmon
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Slice the cucumbers into thick rounds and pat dry.
  2. Mix the cream cheese with dill, lemon juice, and pepper.
  3. Pipe or spoon the herbed cream cheese onto each round.
  4. Top with a small folded piece of smoked salmon.
  5. Garnish with extra dill and serve chilled.

Notes

Scoop a small well in each cucumber slice to hold the filling.

12) Buffalo Chicken Dip

bubbling buffalo chicken dip with melted cheddar and green onion in a wide horizontal shot, served in a baking dish surrounded by tortilla chips and celery, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

It’s mild, creamy, and disappears before the game even starts.

bubbling buffalo chicken dip with melted cheddar and green onion in a wide horizontal shot, served in a baking dish surrounded by tortilla chips and celery, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A hot dip that has cheese and is filled with chicken and buffalo sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup buffalo sauce
  • 0.5 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • 2 green onions sliced

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Stir together cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch until smooth.
  3. Fold in the shredded chicken and half the cheddar.
  4. Spread into a baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar.
  5. Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly, then top with green onion.

Notes

Serve with celery sticks and tortilla chips for scooping.

13) Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

colorful fruit and cheese kabobs with grapes, strawberries, and cheese cubes in a wide horizontal shot, fanned across a white platter with mint, bright cheerful natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

With any luck, these bright and colorful skewers will be the first appetizer your children will reach for.

colorful fruit and cheese kabobs with grapes, strawberries, and cheese cubes in a wide horizontal shot, fanned across a white platter with mint, bright cheerful natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

Skewers with juicy fruit and cheese cubes for a sweet and salty treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups grapes
  • 2 cups strawberries halved
  • 1 cup pineapple cubed
  • 8 oz cheddar cheese cubed
  • 8 oz mozzarella cubed
  • 12 mint leaves

Method
 

  1. Wash and prep all the fruit, then cube the cheeses.
  2. Thread a grape, strawberry, cheese cube, and pineapple onto each skewer.
  3. Tuck a mint leaf onto some of the skewers.
  4. Arrange the kabobs on a platter.
  5. Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Use a mix of cheeses so there's variety in every bite.

14) Garlic Knots

golden garlic knots glistening with butter and flecked with parsley in a wide horizontal shot, piled in a basket with a side of marinara, warm cozy natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Fluffy, buttery knots brushed with garlic and smelling like an Italian bakery.

golden garlic knots glistening with butter and flecked with parsley in a wide horizontal shot, piled in a basket with a side of marinara, warm cozy natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Garlic Knots

Soft knots of pizza dough brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pizza dough
  • 4 tbsp butter melted
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet.
  2. Cut the dough into strips and tie each into a knot.
  3. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden.
  4. Stir melted butter with garlic, parsley, and salt.
  5. Brush the warm knots with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Notes

Serve with warm marinara for dipping.

15) Loaded Potato Skins

loaded potato skins with melted cheddar, bacon, and green onion in a wide horizontal shot, lined on a baking tray with a bowl of sour cream, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

For serious comfort, grab some cheese and bacon loaded crispy potato shells.

loaded potato skins with melted cheddar, bacon, and green onion in a wide horizontal shot, lined on a baking tray with a bowl of sour cream, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Loaded Potato Skins

Delicious baked potato skins filled with crispy melted cheese, bacon, and green onions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 russet potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.25 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Bake the potatoes at 400°F for about 45 minutes until tender, then cool slightly.
  2. Halve them and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a shell.
  3. Brush the skins with olive oil and salt, then bake 10 minutes to crisp.
  4. Fill with cheddar and bacon and bake until the cheese melts.
  5. Top with green onion and a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

Save the scooped potato for mashed potatoes another night.

16) Crab Cakes

golden crab cakes with crispy edges in a wide horizontal shot, plated with lemon wedges and a swipe of remoulade on a white dish, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

All parties can feel a little fancier with these golden lump crab patties.

golden crab cakes with crispy edges in a wide horizontal shot, plated with lemon wedges and a swipe of remoulade on a white dish, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Crab Cakes

Crab cakes that are pan-fried to a crisp and have a soft and delicious interior.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lump crab meat
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Gently mix crab, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice.
  2. Form the mixture into small patties.
  3. Chill the patties 15 minutes so they hold together.
  4. Pan-fry in olive oil over medium heat, 3-4 minutes per side.
  5. Serve with lemon wedges or a quick remoulade.

Notes

Fold gently so you keep those nice lumps of crab intact.

17) Mini Quiches

mini quiches with golden flaky crusts and fluffy egg filling in a wide horizontal shot, arranged on a tiered tray with chives, soft brunch natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Eggy and buttery bites perfect for brunch parties and evening soirees.

mini quiches with golden flaky crusts and fluffy egg filling in a wide horizontal shot, arranged on a tiered tray with chives, soft brunch natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mini Quiches

Mini Quiches with egg, cheese, and other tasty fillings in a flaky crust.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 refrigerated pie crust
  • 4 eggs
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 0.75 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 0.5 cup cooked ham diced
  • 2 tbsp chives chopped
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin tin.
  2. Cut rounds from the pie crust and press into the cups.
  3. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and chives together.
  4. Sprinkle ham and cheese into each cup, then pour in the egg mixture.
  5. Bake 18-20 minutes until set and puffed.

Notes

Swap the ham for spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

18) Pulled Pork Sliders

pulled pork sliders stacked with saucy pork and crunchy slaw in a wide horizontal shot, lined up on a wooden board at a party, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Tender and saucy pork piled high on soft buns for the heartiest bite of the table.

pulled pork sliders stacked with saucy pork and crunchy slaw in a wide horizontal shot, lined up on a wooden board at a party, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pulled Pork Sliders

Tangy barbecue sauce tops slider buns piled high with slow cooked pulled pork.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb pork shoulder
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 12 slider buns
  • 1 cup coleslaw
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Rub the pork with brown sugar, paprika, and salt.
  2. Slow-cook or pressure-cook until fork-tender, then shred.
  3. Toss the shredded pork with barbecue sauce.
  4. Pile the pork onto the bottom buns.
  5. Top with coleslaw and the bun tops.

Notes

Make the pork a day ahead and reheat for an easy party.

19) Zucchini Fritters

golden crispy zucchini fritters stacked on a plate in a wide horizontal shot, served with a bowl of creamy yogurt dip and herbs on a rustic table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These are crispy on the edges, tender on the inside, and are a sneaky way to get some veggies in.

golden crispy zucchini fritters stacked on a plate in a wide horizontal shot, served with a bowl of creamy yogurt dip and herbs on a rustic table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters that are golden, crispy, and fried with herbs and paired with a dipping sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 zucchini grated
  • 0.5 cup flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Grate the zucchini and squeeze out the excess water with a towel.
  2. Mix zucchini, flour, eggs, Parmesan, green onions, and salt.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of batter and flatten into small fritters.
  5. Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden, then drain on paper towels.

Notes

Squeezing the zucchini dry is the key to crispy, not soggy, fritters.

20) Caprese Salad Cups

caprese salad cups in crisp phyllo shells filled with tomato, mozzarella, and basil in a wide horizontal shot, drizzled with balsamic on a marble platter, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Everything you love about Caprese is presented in adorable little scoopable cups.

caprese salad cups in crisp phyllo shells filled with tomato, mozzarella, and basil in a wide horizontal shot, drizzled with balsamic on a marble platter, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Caprese Salad Cups

Pastry cups filled with balsamic, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 24 mini phyllo cups
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
  • 1 cup mini mozzarella balls halved
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Toss tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and salt together.
  2. Let the mixture sit 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
  3. Spoon the caprese filling into each phyllo cup.
  4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
  5. Serve right away so the cups stay crisp.

Notes

Fill the cups just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
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