Whether you’ve decided to keep the menu in the mini category or are looking for some pass-arounds to keep your guests satisfied throughout cocktail hour, choosing the food seems to be the most fun and less-stressful task of the entire wedding planning process. So, enjoy every minute, or should we say “every bite,” of it.
And although this category of prepping for the big day seems to be the most fun, it’s one place where you never want to cut corners. The food is one of the most memorable parts of the event, and mediocre will never go over well. Make sure you’ve chosen quality vendors and have tasted everything that you’ll be serving your loved ones.
In the meantime, let’s take a look at 22 finger-food hors d’oeuvres that will satisfy a variety of palettes – wow them, delight them, and make every burst of flavor worth the addition to the menu.
22 Finger-Food Hors D’oeuvres Favorites
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
A classic appetizer, it’s one that all your guests will want to snag. You can put your own spin on this by making the prosciutto a bit crispier or trading it out for bacon. Some even like a drizzle of creamy sauce, spicy sauce, or balsamic to liven up the bite.
Get the Recipe: The Sweetest Occasion
Caprese Bites
One of the crowd’s favorite salads can be easily made into a flavorful bite. Grab a toothpick and create a mini skewer of the best parts of a Caprese. Mozzarella, tomato, basil and, of course, a small drizzle of balsamic can’t be forgotten.
Get the Recipe: Tasteful Venture
Tiny Chicken Biscuits
Another way to delight your guests would be to serve up one of the more southern traditions. Chicken and biscuits always go off without a hitch. You could add honey to sweeten it but you can also add some spice in your breading for the chicken if you’d like.
Get the Recipe: The BakerMama
Shrimp Cocktail Shooters
Shrimp cocktail is one of the most popular appetizers around. But, there are ways to present this to your guests that make it easier for them to pick it up and eat it up. Create little cocktail shooters that make for a more formal option.
Get the Recipe: Cooking on the Front Burner
Flatbread Bites
What’s great about the flatbread option is that the options in terms of flavor (and theme) are endless. You can go cultural or go vegan! This is actually a wonderful chance to add a vegetarian option to the menu.
Get the Recipe: The Lemon Bowl
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are another great option for vegetarians – although these ones are stuffed with bacon too. You can go completely savory or even a bit spicy depending on what your vision is for your menu that day.
Get the Recipe: Basil And Bubbly
Salad Boats
Salad boats can be really fun too and are especially great for weddings by the water or naval-themed. This chickpea mix is fresh and filling – and this is also a great space to pay homage to the season. Add fall fruits or winter veggies to your salad mix and nod to the time of year your wedding takes place.
Get the Recipe: Cooking Light
Seared Scallops
There are a lot of different ways to top your seared scallops. The ones here have a creamy basil pesto sauce topping them – which is a great idea for your own big day. You can go more traditional with a butter sauce as well and keep things more neutral.
Get the Recipe: Dash of Savory
Apricot & Goat Cheese
Here’s a lighter option – especially for our day time events. Apricots and goat cheese pair so well together. Again, this is a great addition to the menu and will serve your meatless eaters.
Get the Recipe: Garnish with Lemon
Pork Potstickers
Of course, you can do chicken or vegetable as well – but there’s something about a good pork potsticker that can really hit the spot. Make sure to drizzle each bite with some soy, teriyaki, or a sweetened fruit sauce to finish off the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Damn Delicious
Crispy Ravioli
If you’re creating a list with an Italian vibe or maybe you just want some comfort food for everyone to enjoy, then a crispy ravioli dish will be just what the doctor orders. Serve with a side of marinara, alfredo, and pesto sauce to give your guests options!
Get the Recipe: My Sequined Life
Tomato Soup Shots & Mini Grilled Cheese
Sandwiches with a soup shot on the side could be yummy and comforting. Perfect as a fall or winter treat, think about doing grilled cheese with tomato soup or a turkey melt with creamy potato. You can mix and match your favorite flavors and bites.
Get the Recipe: Easy & Delish
Tacos with Tequila
Whip up any and all kinds of taco you love… with tequila! This traditional recipe goes with a shot of tequila quite nicely, making it an opportunity to bring a unique twist to the menu. Chinese chicken salad tacos could be a fun addition to liven it up further!
Get the Recipe: Hapa Nom Nom
Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
You’ll need a safe chicken item to go around – just to make sure you’re satisfying the pickier of palettes. Chicken skewers always work well and paired with some peanut sauce, your guests will be sure to go back for seconds (or thirds). Do make sure none of your guests have a peanut allergy before you move forward with this delicious item.
Get the Recipe: Well Plated by Erin
Meatballs
Meatballs are a classic hors d’oeuvre staple as well. And again, you can do so many wonderful and creative things with these. Make them turkey, veggie, or classic Italian. Make them Thai or BBQ flavored – the options are endless, just hone in your vision!
Get the Recipe: RecipeTin Eats
The Smallest Lobster Rolls
Since we’re on the “tiny” theme, we had to take all of our favorite comfort foods – shrink them – and add them to the list. If you’re able to serve up some small lobster rolls (especially if you’re being wed in the New England area) then you should jump with both feet in and make it happen.
Get the Recipe: Martha Stewart Weddings
Mac & Cheese Cups
Go classic with just cheese – or add some different flavors like smoked gouda to the mix. Blend in some bacon or truffle flavors. Built it up with BBQ chicken or pork on top. Mac and cheese cups provide you with so much wiggle room.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Katie
Fruit Options
It’s always nice, no matter what the time of year, to add some fruit to the menu. Great for the vegetarians of the bunch but also nice for adding lighter options as well. Fruit kabobs in the summer and cranberry brie bites in the fall. It must be noted that these raspberry basil canapes are scrumptious.
Get the Recipe: Cook the Story
Salmon Tarts
Salmon is a go-to treat as well – in both tart form and on puff pastry. It’s a really great option if you’re doing a daytime wedding or even having a brunch theme. Serve them in squares or in small, bite-sized rounds.
Get the Recipe: Coley Cooks…
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
A little savory and a little sweet never hurt anyone. These bacon-wrapped dates are one of these easiest to whip up on our list of favorites. And they’re essential if you’re planning to cater your own event.
Get the Recipe: Flavour and Savour
Mini-Burger Sliders
Burger sliders can be really fun too – especially when they’re made in miniature form. It’s a great addition to a comfort or fast food-themed event. Learn how to make these to a “T” with some help from the link below.
Get the Recipe: Pizzazzerie
Fry Shots
With mini-burgers, you need some fries! Some shoestring fries in a shot glass should do it. It’s a really fun way to present the bite and you can add a dollop of ketchup to the bottom to really finish it off.
Get the Recipe: Mantitlement
Tiny Sweet Pies
Not everything has to be savory, and you can go all sweet as well to really tantalize the taste buds. These caramel apple bites will top off your fall event quite nicely. Of course, the options here are endless in terms of flavor as well.
Get the Recipe: The Creative Bite