No matter if you are preparing for the big day or just holding an event that looks like it, people remember the appetizers the most! You won't lose your sanity preparing these 19 bite-sized appetizers while still looking elegant enough for a reception. Grab a tray and prepare to impress your guests!
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1) Shrimp Cocktail Shooters
Using tiny glasses to serve shrimp cocktail makes it feel 10 times fancier and I'm totally here for it!
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Shrimp Cocktail Shooters
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and poach the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes until pink. Drain and chill.
- Spoon a couple tablespoons of sauce into the bottom of each small glass.
- Hang two shrimp over the rim of each glass.
- Chill until serving and garnish with lemon wedges.
Notes
2) Bacon-Wrapped Dates
A little sweet and smoky, these bite-sized appetizers are sure to please everyone – and they take less than five minutes to cook!
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Stuff each date with a small amount of goat cheese.
- Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place seam side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once, until the bacon is crisp.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
3) Crispy Caprese Bites
Pure joy, these tiny fried bites give you all the fresh flavors of caprese with an amazing golden crunch.
Crispy Caprese Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Coat each mozzarella ball in flour, then egg, then panko, pressing to adhere.
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet to 350F.
- Fry the breaded mozzarella in batches for about 1 minute until golden, then drain on paper towels.
- Thread a fried mozzarella ball, a cherry tomato, and a basil leaf onto each skewer.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Notes
4) Mini Lobster Rolls
Your guests will definitely remember tiny lobster rolls as an ultimate splurge.
Mini Lobster Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Gently toss the lobster meat with mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives, and celery.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Brush the inside of the slider buns with melted butter and toast in a skillet until golden.
- Fill each toasted bun with the lobster salad.
- Sprinkle with extra chives and serve chilled.
Notes
5) Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
These spears practically scream wedding reception with their elegance, simplicity, and just the right amount of fancier elements.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil and black pepper.
- Wrap each spear in a strip of prosciutto, spiraling down the length.
- Arrange on the baking sheet and roast for 12 to 15 minutes until the prosciutto is crisp.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and serve warm.
6) Stuffed Mushrooms
Savory, warm, and incredibly easy to eat more than one, stuffed mushrooms are an appetizer that will never go out of style.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F. Sauté the chopped mushroom stems and garlic in olive oil for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the breadcrumbs, parmesan, cream cheese, and parsley until combined.
- Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap and mound slightly.
- Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Sprinkle with extra parsley and serve warm.
7) Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Bright, crunchy toast, and fresh bruschetta is like summer in an appetizer.
Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F. Brush baguette slices with olive oil and toast for 6 to 8 minutes until golden.
- Combine the tomatoes, garlic, basil, remaining olive oil, and balsamic in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasts just before serving.
- Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and serve right away.
Notes
8) Smoked Salmon Canapés
The little base topped with silky smoked salmon is the most refined two-bite canape on offer.
Smoked Salmon Canapés
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the cream cheese with dill and lemon zest until smooth.
- Spread a small amount onto each pumpernickel round.
- Drape a ribbon of smoked salmon over each.
- Top with a few capers and a tiny sprig of dill.
- Arrange on a platter and chill until serving.
9) Mini Quiches
These miniature quiches are buttery and warm. They always seem to be the first thing gone from the tray!
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Mini Quiches
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F and arrange the tart shells on a baking sheet.
- Whisk together the eggs, cream, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Sprinkle gruyère and chives into each shell.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cheese, filling each almost to the top.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the centers are set and golden.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
10) Deviled Eggs with Dill
The usual deviled eggs are good, but fresh dill really takes it to the next level.
Deviled Eggs with Dill
Ingredients
Method
- Place the eggs in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cover, remove from heat, and let sit 11 minutes.
- Transfer to an ice bath, then peel and halve the eggs.
- Scoop the yolks into a bowl and mash with mayonnaise, dijon, dill, and vinegar until smooth.
- Pipe or spoon the filling back into the egg whites.
- Dust with paprika and a tiny sprig of dill before serving.
Notes
11) Chicken Satay Skewers
Juicy chicken coated in golden peanut sauce adds an inviting warm weather element to any dish.
Chicken Satay Skewers
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk half the coconut milk with the curry powder and toss with the chicken strips. Marinate 20 minutes.
- Thread the chicken onto soaked skewers.
- Grill or broil for 5 to 6 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
- Whisk the remaining coconut milk with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and honey for the sauce.
- Serve the skewers warm with the peanut sauce for dipping.
Notes
12) Goat Cheese Crostini
Goat cheese and honey served on crunchy toast is always a crowd pleaser and is super simple and elegant.
Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F. Brush baguette slices with olive oil and toast for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Whip the goat cheese until smooth and spread generously on each toast.
- Drizzle each with honey.
- Sprinkle with toasted walnuts and thyme.
- Serve right away while the toasts are crisp.
13) Mini Crab Cakes
These little cakes will make you feel like a big-time coastal restaurant catering your event. They're sweet crab, golden and crispy!
Mini Crab Cakes
Ingredients
Method
- Gently fold together the crab, panko, egg, mayonnaise, dijon, and parsley.
- Form into 12 small patties and chill for 15 minutes.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the crab cakes for 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Drain briefly and serve warm with lemon aioli.
Notes
14) Parmesan Truffle Fries
Unexpectedly luxurious, guests rave about crispy fries drizzled with truffle oil and tossed with parmesan.
Parmesan Truffle Fries
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 425F. Soak the cut fries in cold water for 10 minutes, then pat very dry.
- Toss with olive oil and salt and spread on two baking sheets in a single layer.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Transfer to a bowl and toss with truffle oil and parmesan.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately in small cones or cups.
Notes
15) Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Crispy, spicy, and totally addictive, these are the bites your vegetarian guests will love!
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Whisk the flour and water into a thin batter and toss the cauliflower to coat.
- Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
- Stir the buffalo sauce and melted butter together, toss with the cauliflower, and roast 10 more minutes.
- Serve hot with ranch dressing for dipping.
16) Caprese Skewers
For a no-cook appetizer, these skewers are a great colorful and easy option.
Caprese Skewers
Ingredients
Method
- Thread a cherry tomato onto each small skewer.
- Add a folded basil leaf and a mozzarella ball.
- Repeat with another tomato if the skewers are long enough.
- Arrange on a platter and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and serve.
17) Pigs in a Blanket
Even at a classy event, pigs in a blanket are a nostalgic favorite that everyone loves.
Pigs in a Blanket
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Wrap each cocktail sausage in a strip of pastry.
- Place seam side down on the baking sheet and brush with beaten egg.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Serve warm with grainy mustard.
18) Coconut Shrimp
Coconut shrimp brings a fun vacation vibe to the table because it is crispy and golden and has tropical notes.
Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the shrimp dry. Coat each in flour, then egg, then a mix of coconut and panko.
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet to 350F.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and season lightly with salt.
- Serve warm with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Notes
19) Antipasto Skewers
These skewers are super colorful and fun to eat! They are like a whole Italian deli platter on a stick and are definitely satisfying. Plus, they're no-cook and perfect for all occasions!
Antipasto Skewers
Ingredients
Method
- Fold each salami slice into quarters.
- Thread a folded salami, mozzarella ball, cherry tomato, artichoke, and olive onto each skewer.
- Arrange the skewers on a platter.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.