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A colorful platter of assorted finger foods for party, including mini sandwiches, vegetable skewers, and cheese cubes.

Ultimate Party Finger Foods Platter

A complete guide to creating a stunning, stress-free spread of finger foods for any party. This menu features a mix of hot and cold, interactive and ready-to-eat bites, including mini sliders, a gourmet dip trio, bacon-wrapped dates, crispy Parmesan potato bites, and Caprese skewers, designed to delight guests and allow the host to enjoy the celebration.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • For the Sliders: 24 mini slider buns potato, brioche, or Hawaiian
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 lb ground pork or chicken
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 head butter lettuce
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced thin
  • For the Gourmet Dip Trio: 16 oz sour cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup good-quality mayonnaise
  • 1 bunch fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning
  • 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts, drained
  • 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup pepper jelly or apricot preserves
  • For the Crudité & Dippers: 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
  • 1 box assorted crackers
  • Baby carrots
  • Sugar snap peas
  • Cucumber slices
  • Colorful bell pepper strips
  • For Bacon-Wrapped Dates: 20 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 10 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise
  • 4 oz goat cheese or almond
  • For Crispy Parmesan Potato Bites: 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For Caprese Skewers: 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls ciliegine
  • 1 bunch fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Skillet or griddle
  • Baking dishes
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving platters and bowls
  • Toothpicks or small skewers
  • Tongs
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Two Days Before: Prepare the dips. Mix the artichoke-spinach dip ingredients (sour cream, cream cheese, mayo, artichokes, spinach, Parmesan) but do not bake. Mix the ranch dip (sour cream, cream cheese, mayo, chives, ranch seasoning). Store both in airtight containers in the fridge. Cook and halve the baby potatoes; store in a bowl of cold water in the fridge.
  2. The Day Before: Stuff dates with goat cheese, wrap with half-slice of bacon, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Wash and cut all crudité vegetables; store in airtight containers with a damp paper towel. Slice tomatoes for sliders and prep any other cheeses.
  3. Party Day Morning: Assemble Caprese skewers by threading a tomato, mozzarella pearl, and basil leaf onto small skewers. Arrange on a platter, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and cover tightly. Form slider patties by gently combining ground meats and onion soup mix; make small, thin patties with a dimple in the center. Cover and refrigerate. Set out all serving platters, bowls, and utensils.
  4. Before Serving - Hot Items: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Drain and pat potato halves dry. Toss with olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy. Bake bacon-wrapped dates at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until bacon is crisp. Bake artichoke-spinach dip at 375°F (190°C) in a baking dish for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  5. Before Serving - Sliders: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook slider patties for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet, top with cheddar cheese, and bake for 1-2 minutes to melt.
  6. Assembly: Build the grazing board by placing dip bowls first, then arranging toasted baguette slices, crackers, and crudité in colorful groups. Fill spaces with dates and potato bites. Place slider patties with buns, lettuce, and tomato for self-assembly. Garnish all dishes with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or balsamic glaze as desired.

Notes

Keep hot food hot using warming trays or a low oven. Keep cold dips chilled by nesting their bowls in larger bowls filled with ice. Create multiple food stations around your party space to prevent crowding and encourage mingling. Feel free to incorporate 1-2 high-quality store-bought items (like hummus or olives) to round out the spread without stress. Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat baked items in the oven for best texture.