50 Hors d'Oeuvres Recipes for Your Next Party (2024)

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50 Hors d'Oeuvres Recipes for Your Next Party (1)Lara Eucalano

50 Hors d'Oeuvres Recipes for Your Next Party (2)Lisa KaminskiUpdated: Jan. 27, 2024

    Start the party right with easy hors d'oeuvres. These bite-sized treats can be made in a flash and look oh-so-fancy.

    Cucumber Party Sandwiches

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    This is one of my favorite easy hors d’oeuvres. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is roasting. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky

    Shrimp in Phyllo Cups

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    I almost didn’t make these appetizers for last year’s Christmas party because I was running out of time, but I knew they’d be a tasty hit. Simple to make, the cups have few ingredients and look beautiful on the plate—very gourmet! This turned out to be one of the night’s favorites, and they just flew off the plate. —Terri Edmunds, Naperville, Illinois

    Cranberry Endive Hors d'Oeuvres

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    You can pack a lot of flavor into elegant hors d’oeuvres just by using the right combination of ingredients. I created this blue cheese filling for a holiday gathering and everyone loved it. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington

    Meatballs with Chimichurri Sauce

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    This South American condiment, ­featuring fresh cilantro and parsley, is more than just a sauce for tossing with meatballs. You’ll want plenty for extra dipping. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

    Cheese-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

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    “They’re easy to fix as an appetizer or salad,” says Mary Lou, a Florida native. “It’s impossible to eat just one.”

    Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum Jam

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    Among my friends I’m known as the pork master, because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York. Here are a few tips for making baked brie with jam.

    Cranberry-Fig Goat Cheese Crostini

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    The blend of flavors in the crostini makes for absolutely scrumptious hors d’oeuvres. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

    Cheese Puffs

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    “I found this recipe in one of my mother’s old cookbooks and updated the flavor by adding cayenne and mustard,” recalls Jamie Wetter of Boscobel, Wisconsin. “Tasty and quick for this busy season, these tender, golden puffs go together in minutes and simply disappear at parties!”

    Bacon-Encased Water Chestnuts

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    My husband and I do lots of entertaining and always start off with appetizers like these tempting morsels.—Midge Scurlock, Creston, Iowa

    Sweet Pea Pesto

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    Taste of Home

    I made a healthier spin on pea pesto by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

    Asparagus Wraps

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    Asparagus makes lovely finger food, especially wrapped in pastry and tasty filling. Easily assembled, it’s perfect for weeknight noshing or something a little fancier for entertaining. —Linda Hall, Evington, Virginia

    Rosemary Veal Meatballs

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    These savory appetizer meatballs, seasoned with rosemary and garlic, get a touch of sweetness from chopped golden raisins. They will be a hit at your next gathering. —Rhonda Maiani, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

    Best Deviled Eggs

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    Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

    Pumpkin Pinwheels

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    TASTE OF HOME

    Cream cheese, mozzarella and roasted red peppers make these pumpkin-shaped pinwheels devilishly delicious. They were a hit at my last Halloween party. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California

    Artichoke Phyllo Cups

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    I wanted to create a bite-sized version of rich, creamy artichoke dip. These adorable phyllo cup appetizers were a total success! —Neel Patel, Champaign, Illinois

    Crumb-Topped Clams

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    In my family, it wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without baked clams. They’re easy to make and always a hit. —Annmarie Lucente, Monroe, New York

    Shrimp Salad Appetizers

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    Taste of Home

    These refreshing hors d’oeuvres have gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario

    Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms

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    Ever since I found this hors d’oeuvres recipe in a magazine years ago, these seafood-stuffed mushrooms have been making my family and friends merry every Christmas. —Harriet Stichter, Milford, Indiana

    Patatas Bravas

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    Patatas bravas (which means “spicy potatoes”) is the ultimate Spanish comfort food. Served tapas-style, the crispy potatoes and smoky sauce are difficult to resist. Add a drizzle of garlic aioli for a richer flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    Taste of Home

    At our house, we love the summer tastes of sweet grilled nectarines and fresh basil over goat cheese. I can usually find all the ingredients at the farmers market. —Brandy Hollingshead, Grass Valley, California

    Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

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    These cute little bacon-wrapped smokies are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana

    Brie-Leek Tartlets

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    My family is picky, but everyone loves these little bites. I make dozens of them at a time because they’re gone the second I turn my back. —Colleen MacDonald, Port Moody, British Columbia. Check out this quick and easy pumpkin baked brie recipe.

    Smoked Pimiento Cheese Crostini

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    Taste of Home

    Pimiento cheese has long been a favorite in our family, so these bite-sized hors d’oeuvres are a treat! I add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to give them a little kick. Caramelized onions create another layer of flavor. You can make the cheese and onions three to five days in advance; they store well. If you need to save time, you can use premade jalapeno pimiento cheese. —Caitlyn Bunch, Trenton, Georgia

    Party Pesto Pinwheels

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    I took a couple of my favorite recipes and combined them into these delicious hors d'oeuvres. The colorful and impressive snacks come together easily with refrigerated crescent roll dough, prepared pesto sauce and a jar of roasted red peppers. —Kathleen Farrell, Rochester, New York

    Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

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    Mushroom Puff Pastry Hors d'Oeuvres

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    Taste of Home

    These mushroom puff pastry bites make the perfect finger food. I even freeze them for a quick appetizer for unexpected guests. — Marion Ruzek, Jeffersonville, Indiana

    Shrimp Tart Hors d'Oeuvres

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    Fill mini tart shells with a cream cheese mixture, then top with seafood sauce and shrimp for a picture-perfect look and delightful taste. This recipe makes a fantastic appetizer, and several make a fast, light meal. —Gina Hutchison, Smithville, Missouri

    Cilantro Tomato Bruschetta

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    This is an easy tomato appetizer that all of my family and friends love. The garden-fresh ingredients capture summer and meld together for a delightful hors d’oeuvre recipe that goes well with many different main dishes. —Lisa Kane, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Bacon Cream Cheese Pinwheels

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    Taste of Home

    It's hard to resist a crescent roll, bacon and cream cheese in one bite! Kids, friends, everyone will scarf these cream cheese pinwheels down. Now I bake a double batch whenever we have a get-together. —Krista Munson, Sharpsburg, Kentucky

    Pork Satay

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    Cilantro layers on the freshness, while the sesame oil and Thai chili sauce add Asian flavors that pair perfectly with peanut butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Spinach-Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

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    I used this recipe when I was in a culinary-arts program and had to prepare an entire buffet by myself. It’s an impressive party appetizer yet comes together so easily. —Amy Gaisford, Salt Lake City, Utah

    Crisp Caraway Twist Hors d'Oeuvres

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    Taste of Home

    This appetizer is always a hit when I serve it on holidays or special occasions. The flaky cheese-filled twists (made with convenient puff pastry) bake to a crispy golden brown. When our big family gets together, I make two batches of these hors d’oeuvres. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas

    Shrimp Corn Cakes with Soy Mayo

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    Feel free to add hot sauce to the dip that accompanies these savory corn cakes. —Katty Chiong, Hoffman Estates, Illinois

    Caprese Salad Kabobs

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    Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California

    Sausage Chive Pinwheels

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    Taste of Home

    These spirals are simple to make but look special on a buffet. Our guests eagerly help themselves—sometimes the eye-catching pinwheels don't even make it to their plates! —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

    Chicken Piccata Meatballs

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    Taste of Home

    The classic chicken piccata entree is my favorite dish, but I wanted another way to have all the same flavors. These chicken piccata meatballs are the perfect solution, whether served alone or with a sauce like marinara or buffalo! Serve over buttered noodles if you’d like, or stick toothpicks in them for appetizers. —Dawn Collins, Rowley, Massachusetts

    Crab Wonton Cups

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    These tasty little crab tarts make excellent appetizers served warm and crispy from the oven. You can add them to your list of holiday hors d’oeuvres as well. They’re true crowd-pleasers. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware

    Brie Cherry Pastry Cup Hors d'Oeuvres

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    Golden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert. —Marilyn McSween, Mentor, Ohio

    Prosciutto Shrimp with Tropical Mango Salsa

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    Crab Crescents

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    This recipe is so good, no one will guess how quickly you put it together. These little bites are delicious and decadent! —Stephanie Howard, Oakland, California

    Ham and Cheese Puffs

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    Taste of Home

    These tasty little bites go over well with kids. They're also delicious with soups or as party appetizers. —Mrs. Marvin Buffington, Burlington, Iowa

    Cucumber Canapes

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    I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts

    Chive Crab Cakes

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    These tasty crab cakes are perfect for appetizers, or try them with a salad for a light meal. —Cindy Worth, Lapwai, Idaho

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    Taste of Home

    There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington

    Puff Pastry Christmas Palmiers

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    Taste of Home

    Palmiers (pronounced palm-YAY) come from France. They're usually sweet, but to make them savory, I swirl in pesto, feta and sundried tomatoes. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

    Cranberry Brie Pecan Pinwheels

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    Taste of Home

    This recipe is a twist on baked Brie. My family always requests these during the holidays. They are delicious and make the kitchen smell amazing! —Jacquie Franklin, Hot Springs, Montana

    Teriyaki Salmon Bundles

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    If you're bored with the same old appetizers, give this one a try. I serve the little salmon bundles on skewers for easy dipping. Standing the skewers in a small vase filled with table salt creates a festive presentation. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

    Crab Phyllo Cups

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    Taste of Home

    I always like a dot of chili sauce on top of these easy hors d’oeuvres. If you’re out of crab, try them with water-packed tuna. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

    Originally Published: November 13, 2018

    50 Hors d'Oeuvres Recipes for Your Next Party (50)

    Lara Eucalano

    Lara is a senior editor for Taste of Home who manages a supremely talented community of freelancers. She assigns and edits content about cooking techniques, kitchen tools and, of course, food trends. Prior to her work at Taste of Home, Lara spent a decade in the marketing field as a brand storyteller, content curator and project manager.In her nonwork life, Lara loves to read, garden and cook. (Not all at the same time!) Look for her at home in Milwaukee, keeping an eye on her mischievous flock of backyard chickens.

    50 Hors d'Oeuvres Recipes for Your Next Party (51)

    Lisa Kaminski

    Lisa is a formerTaste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.

    50 Hors d'Oeuvres Recipes for Your Next Party (2024)

    FAQs

    How many hors d'oeuvres do I need for 50 guests? ›

    If you're hosing 25 -35 guests, plan 3-4 bites per person if a full dinner is to be served afterwards, or 5-7 bites per person if a lighter meal will be served. If you're hosting a party of 50, then you can offer 6 to 9 different items.

    What is the most common example of hors d oeuvre? ›

    Usually presented buffet style, it often consists of cold cuts, cured fishes, mixed salads, kholodets, pirozhki, various pickled vegetables (such as tomatoes, beets, or cucumbers), sauerkraut, pickled mushrooms, deviled eggs, hard cheeses, caviar, canapés, open sandwiches, and breads.

    What are the three main types of hors d oeuvres? ›

    Types of Hors d'oeuvre
    • Hot- sausages, smoked fish or meat, Potato Napoleon with caviar and sour cream etc.
    • Cold- Pates, oysters, cheeses, crudités etc.
    • Finger food- empanadas, wontons, deviled quail eggs, tea sandwiches.
    • Canapés- 1 or 2 bites- always consists of four parts. Base. Spread. Primary ingredient. Garniture.
    Oct 4, 2022

    Is there a difference between appetizers and hors d oeuvres? ›

    Time Eaten: Hors d'oeuvres are typically served before the meal even begins, while appetizers tend to indicate the beginning of the meal. An hors d'oeuvre isn't considered to be part of the meal, but appetizers are usually chosen specifically to complement the following courses.

    How much finger food for 50 guests? ›

    Quantity. A good rule of thumb when working with your caterer on just how many hors d'oeuvres to choose is as follows: for 10 – 12 guests a minimum of 5 selections, 25 guests a minimum of 9 selections and for 50 guests, a minimum of 13 selections.

    How much food do I need to serve 50 people? ›

    How Much Food to Serve at a Party
    FOODSERVE 25SERVE 50
    Meats
    Chicken or turkey breast8–9 pounds16–18 pounds
    Fish (fillets or steaks)7-1/2 pounds15 pounds
    Hamburgers6-1/2–9-1/2 pounds13–15 pounds
    35 more rows
    Apr 1, 2024

    What are two most common styles to serve hors d oeuvres? ›

    The tricky thing about serving appetizers is determining how exactly they should be served. The two most common styles consist of buffet and hand-out styles. With the buffet style, you have stations throughout the venue that feature hor d'oeuvre selections on a come-as-you-wish basis.

    What typical fruit is served as an hors d oeuvres? ›

    Fresh fruit is so plentiful – and delicious – in the summertime. Watermelon, peaches, pineapple, and strawberries are the perfect addition to any meal, dessert, or appetizer. In fact, fruit makes some of the best appetizers around. They're the perfect combination of sweet and savory.

    What is considered a heavy hors d oeuvre? ›

    Heavy hors d'oeuvres can include a variety of different foods, such as mini quiches, meatballs, stuffed mushrooms, and shrimp co*cktail. These dishes are designed to be filling enough to serve as a meal, but small enough to be eaten while standing or mingling.

    What are the 8 kinds of appetizer? ›

    What Are the Different Types of Appetizers?
    • co*cktails. co*cktails are some of the most popular appetizers. ...
    • Hors D'oeuvres. Hors d'oeuvres are immediately different co*cktails in that they can be served hot or cold, and come highly seasoned rather than with co*cktail sauce. ...
    • Canape. ...
    • Relishes & Crudite. ...
    • Salad. ...
    • Soup. ...
    • Chips & Dips.
    Aug 1, 2022

    What are the 9 types of appetizers? ›

    There are nine main classifications of appetizers: canapes, chips and dip, co*cktails, finger foods, fruits and vegetables, hors d'oeuvres, petite (small salads), relishes and crudite, and other.

    What is a one bite appetizer called? ›

    myz. ɡœl]) is a single, bite-sized hors d'œuvre. Amuse-bouches are different from appetizers in that they are not ordered from a menu by patrons but are served free and according to the chef's selection alone. These are served both to prepare the guest for the meal and to offer a glimpse of the chef's style.

    What are small finger foods called? ›

    In the U.S., 'appetizers', referring to anything served before a meal, is the most common term for hors d'oeuvres. Light snacks served outside of the context of a meal are called hors d'oeuvres (with the English-language pluralization).

    What is a tiny appetizer or hors d oeuvres offered to guest? ›

    Amuse Bouche (ah mews boosh) – a tiny appetizer or hors d' oeuvres offered to guest seated at their tables either before or after they have ordered from the menu. It is an opportunity to showcase an aspect of the chef's cooking style and talent and to welcome the guest.

    How do you calculate hors d oeuvres for a party? ›

    As a rule of thumb, most guests will consume 8 to 10 bite-size pieces for every 60 to 90 minutes of a party. However, the larger the variety of offerings, the more hors doeuvres that will be consumed because everyone will want to try at least one of each item.

    How many canapés do I need for 50 people? ›

    We typically recommend 3-5 canapés per person. Remember, that it will likely be the first thing your guests would have eaten since leaving home so it's important to offer some delicious options to keep guests from becoming too hungry.

    How many different appetizers for 40 people? ›

    Caterers often plan a minimum of 4 different choices for groups of 25-100 or more, adding an additional choice for each 25 people. A good rule of thumb for a dinner party, allow for 6 appetizers per person. For a co*cktail party consider making 12 appetizers per person.

    How many of each appetizer per person? ›

    More than 6 appetizers per person are too many. You don't want to fill your guests' bellies before dinner. Generally, you will need enough for each guest to eat 2 of each type of appetizer you serve. For very large parties, you can lower this to 1.5 servings per person per appetizer.

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