The deviled egg has been appearing at American parties since the Roman Empire served a similar version.
That's about 2,000 years of party food development.
Since then, electricity, streaming services and smartphones have been added. But finger food remains the backbone of every successful gathering.
The difference now is that speed is more important than ever. These recipes save your time while ensuring maximum flavor impact.
1. Deviled eggs
These classic appetizers have been party staples since the 1940s. At about $3-4 per dozen eggs, they are inexpensive.
You can make them a day in advance and store them in the fridge. The filling stays creamy and the taste gets even better overnight.
Traditional recipes use mayo, mustard and paprika. For a modern twist, you can also mix in bacon bits, relish, or even Sriracha.
2. Meatballs in gravy
Swedish meatballs or Italian-style meatballs are great for parties. You can keep them warm in a slow cooker for 2-3 hours without drying out.
Most recipes make 40-50 bite-sized meatballs using just 2 pounds of ground beef. This is enough to feed 15-20 guests.
The sauce also serves as a flavor and moisture store. Grape jelly mixed with chili sauce sounds strange, but it has been a potluck favorite since the 1960s.
3. Cheese and cracker board
A simple cheese board looks impressive but requires minimal effort. Three types of cheese provide enough variety – try one hard, one soft and one with a strong taste.
Cheese that is warm at room temperature tastes better than cold cheese. Take it out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before guests arrive.
You don't need any fancy imported options. A good sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and pepper jack cost less than $15 total at most grocery stores.
4. Mini quiches
These egg-based bites are available frozen at stores like Costco for around $12-15 per pack of 24. Just put them in the oven for 15 minutes.
Making them from scratch isn't difficult either. One recipe makes 24 mini quiches in a muffin tin.
Popular fillings include spinach and cheese, bacon and cheddar, or mushrooms and Swiss cheese. They taste good warm or at room temperature.
5. Spinach artichoke dip
This creamy dip has been a party favorite since the 1990s. One serving is easily enough for 10-12 people.
You can make it in a slow cooker and it will stay perfectly warm and melty for hours. You don't have to warm it up or worry about it getting cold.
Store-bought versions work well, but making it yourself costs about $8 with the ingredients. That's half the price of pre-made dips at the deli counter.
6. Pigs in a blanket
These packaged hot dogs are a nostalgic comfort food for people over 50. A pack of cones and cocktail sausages costs less than $8.
They bake in 12-15 minutes at 375 degrees. Make them right before guests arrive so they are warm and flaky.
One batch makes about 24 pieces. Most people eat 2-3 people. Therefore, plan the number of your guests accordingly.
7. Shrimp cocktail
Pre-cooked frozen shrimp from Costco or Sam's Club costs about $15 to $20 per pound. One pound yields about 25-30 large shrimp.
Simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and arrange them around a bowl of cocktail sauce. No cooking required.
This option feels fancy but requires almost no effort. Your guests will think you gave it your all.
8. Bruschetta on toasted baguette
This Italian appetizer uses ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil. The ingredients cost about $10 to $12 total.
Toast the bread slices beforehand. Keep the tomato mixture separate until just before serving to keep the bread crispy.
One baguette makes 20-25 pieces. The fresh flavors are well suited for afternoon or early evening gatherings.
9. Chicken wings
Wings became America's favorite party food in the 1980s and have never left. A 4 pound bag serves about 8-10 people.
You can bake them instead of frying them to save fat and calories. They will still crisp up in a 425 degree oven.
Buffalo sauce is a classic, but teriyaki and honey barbecue are also interesting for guests who don't like spicy food. Buy 2-3 types of sauce for $3-4 each.
10. Stuffed mushrooms
Baby bella mushrooms work best because they are bite-sized. Two pounds yields approximately 24-30 filled capsules.
Common fillings include cream cheese with herbs, sausage and breadcrumbs or crab meat. They bake in 20 minutes at 375 degrees.
Here's the deal: These look impressive, but they're actually one of the easier appetizers to make. Remove the stems, fill the lids and bake.
11. Caprese skewers
These Italian-inspired bites feature cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil on short wooden skewers. They are colorful and refreshing.
You can assemble them up to 4 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
A can of cherry tomatoes and a package of mozzarella balls make about 20-25 skewers for less than $10 total.
12. Bacon-wrapped water chestnuts
This sweet and savory combination has been a party hit since the 1970s. Wrap canned water chestnuts in strips of bacon and secure them with toothpicks.
The secret ingredient is brown sugar mixed with soy sauce. Brush before baking at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
One can of water chestnuts and one pound of bacon yield about 24 pieces. After baking, they stay crispy for about an hour.
13. Cucumber slices with cream cheese and salmon
These elegant bites look fancy but can be prepared in just 10 minutes. Cut the cucumbers into thick slices and pat dry.
Spread each round with herb cream cheese and top with a small piece of smoked salmon. Add a small sprig of dill for color.
Two large cucumbers and 4 ounces of salmon make about 30 pieces. The fresh, cool flavors are particularly suitable for summer gatherings.
14. Jalapeño poppers
Fresh jalapeños are halved, seeded and stuffed with cream cheese mixed with shredded cheddar. Wrap each with half a slice of bacon.
They bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes until the bacon becomes crispy. The cream cheese cools down from the pepper heat.
One pound of jalapeños makes about 20-24 poppers. It is better to wear gloves when handling the peppers to avoid burns on your hands.
15. Spinach Cheese Pinwheels
These colorful roll-ups are made from flour tortillas spread with cream cheese, spinach and shredded cheese. Roll them tightly and cut them into 1-inch rounds.
You can make them a whole day in advance and keep them wrapped in the fridge. One pack of tortillas makes 40-50 pinwheels.
They are served cold so no reheating is required. Simply arrange on a platter and serve.
16. Cheese straws
These crispy, flaky strips are made from puff pastry with cheddar and parmesan cheese. They bake in 12-15 minutes.
One sheet of frozen puff pastry makes about 20-24 straws. The ingredients only cost $5 to $6, but they look like a bakery.
The buttery, cheesy taste pairs perfectly with wine or cocktails. They stay crispy for several hours at room temperature.
17. Cocktail Smokies
These little sausages simmer in a slow cooker with grape jelly and chili sauce. The combination sounds strange, but it has been a staple at parties since the 1960s.
Use one 12-ounce jar of grape jelly and one 12-ounce bottle of chili sauce per 2-pound package of cocktail sausages. Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
They stay warm and ready to serve throughout the party. No last minute oven work required.
18. Mini Slider
Small hamburger buns or Hawaiian buns are perfect for these bite-sized sandwiches. You can use hamburger patties, pulled pork, or chicken.
Bake a dozen at a time on a tray. Before baking, brush the surface with melted butter and garlic powder to give them extra flavor.
One pound of ground beef will make 10-12 slider sized patties. Most guests eat 2-3 sliders, so plan on about 2 per person.
19. Buffalo Chicken Dip
This flavorful, creamy dip combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. It bakes until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or tortilla chips. A 9×13 pan serves 15-20 people.
You can make it in a slow cooker and keep it warm for hours. That's why it's been a favorite at Super Bowl parties for over 20 years.
20. Fried cucumbers
Dill pickle chips are coated in seasoned flour and deep fried until golden brown and crispy. You can use an air fryer to reduce oil consumption.
A large jar of pickles is enough for 8-10 people. Drain them and pat them very dry before coating, otherwise the breading won't stick.
Serve with ranch dressing or a spicy Cajun mayonnaise for dipping. They taste best straight after cooking, while they are still hot and crispy.
21. Sheet pan nachos
Spread tortilla chips on a large baking sheet and top with grated cheese, black beans and jalapeño slices. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
After baking, top with dollops of sour cream, guacamole and salsa. The entire sheet serves 8-10 people for less than $12.
But here's the thing: you need to serve these immediately before the chips get soggy. Assemble and bake just before your guests arrive.
