Getting hitched? Planning the wedding reception can feel like navigating a minefield, especially when it comes to pleasing everyone with the food selection.
I’ve compiled a list of 33 amazing wedding appetizers that will have guests raving. From sophisticated seafood bites to handheld favorites, I’ve got you covered!
1. Cuban Sliders
Want to level up your traditional ham and cheese sliders? You can elevate those classics by turning them into Cuban sliders! Pulled pork, ham, cheese, and pickles are piled high on slider buns in this tasty recipe.
Of course, I can’t forget the mustard! These protein-packed snacks are a great way to kick off a cocktail hour. Your guests will remain satiated and still have space for more deliciousness.
2. Mac and Cheese Bites
Who says mac and cheese can only be enjoyed by kids? All your partygoers can enjoy these rich and creamy bites. Just grab your best mac and cheese recipe and a mini muffin pan.
I like adding bacon and chives for a pop of color and flavor, and you can take them over the top with some fresh truffle shavings.
3. Salami Cream Cheese Roll
Roll-ups, pinwheels, or meat rolls. No matter the name, I can confirm they’re tasty and frugal! These rolls feature cream cheese, capers, and salami, making them meaty, creamy, and just a bit salty.
I just layer, roll, chill, and slice. These are great make-ahead appetizers to plate on the big day.
4. Savory Cream Puffs
Most cream puffs are filled with some kind of sweet pastry filling, but these are given a savory, cheesy twist. Keep in mind that making choux pastry is a bit more labor-intensive than some other recipes. Even so, I think that these fluffy bites are more than worth the effort.
I also like that the pastry itself isn’t sweet or savory, so you can make a double batch and fill half with cream and half with cheese.
5. Obložené Chlebíčky – Czech Open Faced Sandwiches
Having a cocktail hour? These mini open-faced sandwiches are absolutely divine! I suggest topping sliced French bread with egg, salami or ham, pickles, cheese, and tomatoes to get the party underway.
Don’t forget to include potato salad as well!
6. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Some claim prosciutto reigns supreme over bacon. If you share that opinion, this is the recipe for you!
It really is easy: just wrap asparagus in prosciutto and sprinkle with parmesan before roasting. What could be better?
7. Deviled Eggs
Classic deviled eggs are sure to be a smash, and that’s why they should be at your wedding! Your guests will have a blast with the comforting flavors of paprika, boiled egg, and mustard.
As a bonus, you’ll love that this recipe is straightforward and frugal. With this dish, you really can’t go wrong.
8. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
If you’re trying to impress, you can’t go wrong with salmon. It is consistently delectable, meaty, and looks impressive. I can assure you that your guests will flip for these refreshing bites.
Just get some cucumbers, cream cheese, garlic, green onions, lemon, and smoked salmon. I think this combo is timeless!
9. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Your guests will adore this unforgettable appetizer. You just need to stuff some pitted dates with blue cheese, wrap them in bacon, and bake! To add some tanginess, you can sub in goat cheese or other soft cheeses like brie.
10. French Onion Tartlets
Anything French is guaranteed to have both a classy feel and rich flavor. These miniature tartlets definitely fit the bill.
Simply fill pre-made tartlet cups with a mixture of eggs, cream cheese, and caramelized onions. Sweet, rich, and certain to pick people up, these are perfect.
11. Sweet Potato Bites with Avocado and Bacon
Guacamole, bacon, and sweet potato chips? If you’re not drooling now, I don’t know what to say! These are also great if some of your guests have allergies.
You can easily serve these tasty bites to anyone but vegans, as they are free of major allergens. But, of course, you can always omit the bacon.
12. Ahi Poke
You can bring the flavors of the beach to any wedding by serving mini poke bowls. Whether you’re getting married by the ocean or looking for a tasty seafood appetizer, I know your guests will be delighted by these.
They’re a unique cross between ceviche and typical seafood apps, using raw fish, sesame, green onion, and tons of flavor. For something more substantial, include rice and avocado.
13. Melon Caprese Skewers
Few things are as precious as melon balls, thanks to their simple and elegant presentation. If you’re searching for something both savory and fresh, you can’t top these skewers.
The assembly is simple: just add melon balls, basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes to skewers for a delicious appetizer. These skewers offer both a beautiful presentation and the flavors of a light basil vinaigrette.
14. Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Scallops can be a great way to start any sit-down dinner, as they’re a refined appetizer that most people splurge on. When cooked right, they’re tender, buttery, and incredibly tasty.
Best of all, you can’t go wrong when you wrap them in bacon! Even if you’re preparing the food yourself, scallops are simple to cook.
15. Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer with Marmalade and Pecan
The greatest appetizers are filled with multiple flavors and textures, and this goat cheese crostini is no exception. Between the sweet-savory marmalade, the tangy cheese, and the buttery pecans, there’s an explosion of yum!
They are easy to prepare, lightly sweet, and provide a touch of sophistication for DIY weddings.
16. 4-Ingredient Easy Potstickers
These easy potstickers feature sausage and chicken with onion fillings. Once stuffed and shaped, they are pan-fried to a golden brown.
A bit of water is added for steaming, ensuring that they don’t burn. I like serving them with a soy and sriracha dipping sauce blend, or you can serve something with a bit of heat. Just be sure to label them!
17. Bacon Tomato and Avocado Crostini
Do you like BLTs with avocado, or is that just me? It might be a simple twist, but it makes a huge difference when you enjoy these tasty crostini!
They’re simple, pretty, and will disappear in a flash, so don’t be shocked!
18. Mini Quiche 4 Ways
Quiche works as an appetizer because you can serve it hot or cold, and they can be created with all sorts of tasty fillings.
You can add cheese and bacon, pile in the veggies, or go with caramelized onions. If you want, you can make them vegan with some egg substitutes! Your wedding guests will enjoy these mini versions as they mingle.
19. Individual Seven-Layer Dips
Serving dip at a wedding can be a minefield. You don’t want any kids double-dipping, and it gets messy fast. Creating individual cups is a great solution!
Grab a glass and layer sour cream, beans, guacamole, salsa, and cheese, and be sure to include black olives and fresh pico! Serve with tortilla chips as well as some veggie sticks.
20. Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
If you want portable snacks at your wedding, you can’t top skewers. I’d recommend marinating your chicken so you get as much flavor as possible.
I’d also recommend basting them as they bake so they caramelize and become sticky. So tasty!
21. Spinach Dip Bites
I feel like spinach dip has to be at every party, and weddings are no different. These snacks are also creamy, cheesy, and absolutely herbalicious, as well as tangy thanks to the artichokes.
In addition to this, they are packed into bite-size pastry cups! While easy to make, these snacks have soul-warming flavor.
22. Soft Pretzels
Pretzel bars are becoming a popular addition at weddings. They’re simple to make and even easier to eat!
You’ll find that this classic snack goes with both sweet and savory dips. It’s best to put out a range of dips and be sure to have napkins on hand.
23. Cheeseburger Sliders
I think sliders are among the greatest party snacks you can make. They are versatile, fun, and filling.
For weddings, these mini cheeseburgers are a fantastic choice! Everyone will want to grab a cheesy burger during the party.
For easy serving and a nice presentation, serve with a skewer.
24. Gazpacho
If you have a summer wedding, gazpacho can be an ideal appetizer for cooling down. This thick soup is very refreshing and served cold. The key ingredients are tomatoes, bell peppers, shallots, and cucumber.
You could think of it as a mix between Bloody Mary and salsa. Yum!
25. Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer
If you adore cranberry sauce, this app needs to be at your wedding! Tart cranberry relish tops mini cups filled with green onions mixed with cream cheese.
As they are served in pre-made phyllo cups, they’re pretty easy to prepare, too. Do you want to add this to the menu?
26. BBQ Chicken Sliders
Weddings and barbeques are the hallmarks of summer. By offering these BBQ chicken sliders, you can relish the best of both!
When you put cheese, slaw, and mounds of BBQ chicken on toasty buns, you get an irresistible snack that partygoers will appreciate.
27. Asian-Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps make for a light and refreshing snack that won’t fill up your partygoers too much before the main course.
Serve them with your cocktails, and everyone will be content to hang out while you get those speeches and photos out of the way!
28. Simple Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Dipping Sauce
Caprese skewers are gorgeous for any occasion, and they’re especially great for weddings. I adore the color variation, and you can’t top the flavor.
What’s more, this version has a secret weapon. Along with the essential basil, mozzarella, and tomato, you’ll include peach slices and a thick balsamic dipping sauce for an irresistible fruity flavor.
29. Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Skewers
This appetizer has it all: beauty, ease, and refreshing qualities. If you want scrumptious and elegant snacks, look no further!
Just put watermelon and feta chunks on a skewer with mint before drizzling balsamic vinegar over them. You can also serve them in single bites.
30. Rainbow Fruit Skewers with Vanilla-Honey Yogurt Dip
If you need a colorful app, this one takes the cake. For a gorgeous presentation, try skewering blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, oranges, and raspberries.
They can be served with cups of creamy vanilla-honey yogurt, and you can watch as your guests devour them! You can also switch out these fruits for your preferred flavors. For instance, I enjoy strawberries with cantaloupe and honeydew.
31. Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer
If you love cranberry sauce, this appetizer should be at your wedding! Green onions are mixed with cream cheese, and then a tart cranberry relish is layered on top
. Since they’re served in premade phyllo cups, whipping these up is a snap.