Outdoor entertaining is always fun, be it a graduation party, backyard wedding, or a simple family picnic! Being close to nature and getting some of that fresh air and sunshine are just a few things that make it such a pleasure.
Finger food is one of the simplest ways to feed multiple guests— it’s easier to eat and clean up is a breeze. We have a number of easy-to-make, tasty, and sophisticated finger food ideas that are perfect for any outdoor dining occasion.
1. Salad Sticks
Yes, salad can be made into easy-to-eat finger food. Load up some bamboo knotted sticks with a mozzarella balls, olives, cherry tomatos and fresh basil. Pair it with a little bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping on the side. Simple, fresh, and super delicious!
2. Tortillas
Tortilla pinwheels or mini-wraps are the perfect bite-sized snack for your outdoor party! They’re easy to make ahead of time and you can mix it up with lots of different fillings to give variety. You can keep it simple with cheese and ham slices, a great option for fussy kids, or add some color with fresh green spinach, creamy goats’ cheese and sundried tomatoes.
Just add your ingredients to the tortilla wrap, roll it up and slice into pieces. You can use a bamboo pick to hold them together which also makes them an easy grab-n-go delicacy.
3. Crostinis
Crostinis are super versatile and the topping and flavor options are endless! You can go sweet or savory or a mixture of both to make a tasty toasted treat. Smoked salmon, cream cheese, a thin slice of lemon and a sprinkling of dill is one of our favorites and brings a touch of elegance to your finger food party.
4. Cocktail Meatballs
The humble meatball is a finger food favorite for kids of all ages! You can make a healthy version by baking them in the oven rather than frying. Pop a wooden cocktail stick in them and serve them with some ketchup or add a little spice with this cocktail meatball with sweet and sour sauce recipe.
5. Tortellini & Shrimp Skewers
Fancy finger food doesn’t have to mean hours of preparation. These tortellini and shrimp kabobs are a great way to serve up some delicious seafood and filling pasta without spending hours in the kitchen. This means more time for entertaining your guests and enjoying yourself!
6. Stuffed Mushrooms
Button mushroom caps are the perfect size for finger food. They are a real crowd pleaser and quick and easy to prepare. Again, you can choose your favorite ingredients as a stuffing or make a few different options to tantalize every taste bud!
7. Lettuce Wraps
Add a little taste of Asia with these chicken lettuce wraps. Using simple, fresh ingredients you can create a healthy bite-sized treat that packs a punch of flavor. They take just 20 minutes to prep and cook but once served, they’ll be gone in a flash!
8. Mini Quiches
Mini quiches are the perfect appetizer for family gatherings and outdoor dinner parties. Fill them up with tasty veggies to make them a healthy finger food for all the family. If you love being organised, make them ahead of time, freeze them, then defrost to heat them up the next time you are entertaining!
9. Watermelon Skewers
For something refreshing, why not have a watermelon skewer? Watermelon and mint are a perfect flavor combo and make for a colorful and mouth-watering finger food. The best thing is that when the fruit is all gone, the skewers are compostable, so your party food is not only fun to eat but won’t harm the environment.
10. Candy Sticks
Time for something sweet! Making homemade candy sticks is a great idea, especially for kids parties. It does take a little time and patience, but it’s worth it in the end. We recommend using sustainable wooden rock candy sticks, which are not only pretty but they are heat resistant, safe to use with food items and won’t split of splinter.
These amazing finger food options are a great way to serve your guests without spending all your time in the kitchen. After all, special occasions are meant for creating beautiful memories with your family and friends.