There is nothing I love more than putting on a gorgeous, vibrant spread of party food when I’m entertaining, but I DON’T love the stress that can sometimes come with hosting. That’s why I’ve pulled together this collection of my go-to, showstopping (but easy!) party food recipes.
From colorful and vibrant dips, to small bites designed to be eaten in one hand with a cocktail in the other, ideas for mains, all the sides, and options for sweet treats and cocktails, this is your destination for effortless entertaining.
Easy Dips
Creamy Baked ‘Marry Me’ Chicken Dip
The viral ‘Marry Me’ chicken, but make it a creamy, gooey baked dip. Super cheesy, packed with chicken, sundried tomatoes and herbs, this is PURE comfort and the ultimate sharing dip for entertaining. Serve with baked pita chips, chili cheese focaccia or crudites and watch it disappear.
EASY Loaded Festive Bread Dipping Oil
Loaded bread dipping oil is the easiest – and quickest – appetizer for entertaining over the holidays. I’ve given this one a festive twist (think dried cranberries, apricots, pistachios and sage) and all you have to do is mix a pile of gorgeous ingredients with olive oil and serve with soft, warm bread for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
5 Minute Avocado Pea Hummus (Just 6 Ingredients)
Level up your dips with this super easy, 5-minute avocado pea hummus. Swapping tahini for avocado gives you a super creamy base AND you’ll be able to use up that pesky bag of frozen peas I bet you have hanging out in your freezer.
Spiced Roasted Whipped Carrot Dip
This super smooth and luscious spiced carrot dip is sweet and smoky in one delicious mouthful. Roasting the carrots brings out their natural sweetness which pairs perfectly with Middle Eastern spices.
The BEST Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
Thick, creamy tzatziki feels like summer on a plate. Tangy Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, zesty lemon and a hit of garlic makes this super easy dip irresistibly delicious. It’s quick, uses minimal ingredients and no special equipment.
Easy Cheesy Pizza Dip
All the flavors of pizza, without the crust. Gooey cheese, crispy pepperoni, rich pizza sauce and a creamy base make this cheesy pizza dip the ultimate crowd-pleasing party appetizer. A drizzle of sweet chilli jam and a scattering of fresh basil elevates it into something very special.
Creamy Beet Feta Dip
Smooth, creamy and undeniably pink, this vibrant beet feta dip takes 5 minutes to make and is a serious party showstopper. To cut prep time right down, we’re using ready-to-eat, cooked beets (rather than roasting them low and slow).
Cheesy Spinach Cob Loaf (Dip in a Bread Bowl)
You’ll be the star of any party by serving this cheesy spinach cob loaf (or creamy spinach dip in a bread bowl). It’s endlessly popular, easy to prep, and uses simple ingredients (plus, this version uses no mayo).
Greek-Inspired Bread Dipping Oil
You’re just 10 minutes away from this gorgeous, vibrant Greek-inspired bread dipping oil. Chop up a few bits and pieces, mix them with olive oil and serve up with a pile of fresh bread. It’s easy, speedy and PERFECT for entertaining and parties.
Whipped Spicy Cottage Cheese Dip
You need just FIVE minutes and FIVE ingredients to transform a basic tub of cottage cheese into a luscious, packed-with-protein dip that even a cottage cheese skeptic will love.
Quick Sundried Tomato and Feta Dip
All you need is a block of feta and a jar of sundried tomatoes to make this 2-minute super creamy sundried tomato and feta dip.
Dill Pickle Bread Dipping Oil
There’s nothing easier than a bread dipping oil for easy entertaining, and this umami-packed dill pickle version is a wonderful one that will please any pickle lover.
Creamy Chicken Caesar Dip
Caesar salad, but make it a dip. This gorgeously creamy dip is loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon and parmesan and makes the MOST wonderful party snack for any occasion. Based on the viral Marks & Spencer chicken Caesar dip, this one is even better (and better for you!)
Crispy Baked Pita Chips
Every good dip needs something crunchy served alongside it, and pita chips are my forever favorite. They’re easy, super moreish and pair perfectly with a dip spread.
Little Bites
Chicken Caesar Rice Paper Rolls (Summer Rolls)
Your favorite Caesar salad, in a mini bite-sized form. These lovely chicken Caesar rice paper rolls – or summer rolls – are a very fun twist on the Vietnamese classic. They’re wonderful for quick lunches or crowd-pleasing party bites, plus, they’re gluten-free and take less than 20 minutes to make.
Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Puff Pastry Straws (Twists)
Crispy, crunchy, gloriously cheesy – these lovely, very loaded jalapeno popper inspired puff pastry cheese straws (or twists) are a SUPER easy appetizer, guaranteed to impress. Just layer pickled jalapenos, bacon and three types of cheese (!) onto puff pastry, slice, twist and bake.
Cheesy Crusted Roasted Tomato Crostini
Step up your appetizer game with these gorgeous crispy cheese-crusted crostini, piled with creamy Greek yogurt and jammy roasted tomatoes. They’re SUPER easy and guaranteed to be a hit with your guests.
Easy Cheesy Stuffed Arancini (Risotto Balls)
Gooey, mozzarella stuffed arancini are the PERFECT use for leftover risotto. Just form into balls, coat in breadcrumbs and fry until gorgeously golden and crispy. Fab for parties, the holidays or as a crowd-pleasing, kid-friendly appetizer.
Mini Mince and Cheese Party Pies
Mince and cheese pies are an absolute New Zealand classic for a reason. Crispy buttery pastry, intensely savory minced beef and a creamy, oozy cheese topping? Yes please!
Oven Baked Halloumi Bites
These DELICIOUS halloumi bites are halloumi fries taken to a whole other level. The crunchy spiced crust, soft salty center and sweet honey drizzle make these the ultimate flavor-packed snack for your next party or gathering.
Mini Party Coronation Quiches
Say hello to the ultimate bite-sized party food – super cute mini versions of the Coronation Quiche. No blind-baking is required, just press your pastry into a mini muffin tin, fill and bake.
Quick, Easy Marinated Olives
These super easy marinated olives take just 10 minutes, use simple ingredients and are MUCH cheaper and more delicious than store-bought.
15 Minute Parmesan Crisps
These cheesy, crispy parmesan crisps are keto, low carb and super delicious. They take just 15 minutes to make and are the perfect snack or crispy garnish for any meal.
Crispy Baked Halloumi Fries (4 Ingredients)
These super crispy halloumi fries are baked for a quick, mess-free, egg-free result. No deep-frying, no messy coating and you’ll have gorgeously gooey fries in just 25 minutes. Serve with a creamy tahini dipping sauce for a Middle Eastern inspired party snack.
10 Minute Marinated Mini Mozzarella Balls
These gorgeous mini mozzarella ball balls are tossed with a zingy, lemony, herb-packed marinade to make the best, easiest party snack that takes just 10 minutes to make.
Cheesy Gochujang Pizza Pockets
They’re crispy on the outside, soft and oozy in the middle, and are a gorgeous mix of cheesy, spicy pan-fried dumplings and a grilled cheese.
Upside Down Puff Pastry Pizza Tarts
Never suffer from soggy pastry again with these genius upside-down puff pastry tarts. Loaded with the flavors of your favorite pepperoni pizza, they make a quick and deceptively simple party snack, lunch or appetizer everyone will love.
Bacon, Blue Cheese & Sweet Chilli Straws
Impress your guests with these gorgeous leveled-up cheese straws. Store-bought puff pastry, stuffed with crispy bacon, creamy blue cheese and sweet chili jam, twisted and baked to perfection. These really are a super easy, crowd-pleasing party appetizer for any occasion.
Sweet Potato Bites with Whipped Avocado
These colorful sweet potato bites are a fab lower-carb, gluten-free option if you’re looking to switch up your party food spread. Dolloped with zesty whipped avocado, crispy chorizo and pickles, they’re an easy, crowd-pleasing snack that will disappear quickly.
Blue Cheese, Prosciutto & Sweet Chilli Filo Cups
10 minutes to prep, 10 minutes to cook – party appetizers don’t get much easier than these filo cups. Filled with sweet chili jam, a slither of prosciutto and creamy blue cheese, they’re sweet, salty, spicy and a wonderful crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Paper Cups
You’re just 15 minutes away from the most gorgeous, crowd-pleasing party snack around. Make a spicy, fresh tuna mixture with a few cupboard staples, fry rice paper in a little oil (and watch the magic happen), then pile everything into your crunchy cups and enjoy. Serve with sweet chili jam on the side for drizzling.
Easy Sundried Tomato Feta Filo Cups
Quick, easy, colorful, deep flavor…there’s a lot to love about these sundried tomato feta filo cups. Pop filo in a mini muffin tin, then top with a speedy mix of feta, sundried tomatoes, thyme, feta and bake until golden.
Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups
These cute little baked salmon sushi cups are the absolute easiest way to get the flavor and texture of your favorite sushi roll, at home. Easy to make, and even easier to eat, they’re great hot or cold and can be prepped ahead.
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
Freshen up your appetizer spread with these smoked salmon cucumber bites, loaded with whipped Boursin cheese and colorful pickles.
Crispy Loaded Antipasti Salami Bites
Only 20 minutes stand between you and a platter of crispy, super-loaded salami bites. Pop salami slices into a mini muffin tin, mix a quick filling using classic antipasti ingredients I bet you already have, then fill and drizzle with honey.
Jalapeno Popper Taco Cups
Turning a party appetizer favorite into lovely little bite-sized jalapeno popper taco cups is a fab, fun twist on regular jalapeno popper dip. Easy to assemble (and you can prep them ahead of time) and even easier to eat, they’re a serious crowd-pleaser, perfect for entertaining.
Crispy Mini Dumpling Cups
These super easy dumpling cups are everything you love about juicy dumplings, in party bite form. Just mix your dumpling filling, press wonton wrappers into a muffin pan, fill and bake. Top with a zingy cucumber salsa and lots of lovely dumpling dipping sauce to serve.
Something Bigger
Smash Banh Mi Tacos
Easy, speedy smash banh mi tacos are a WONDERFUL twist on the smashed taco trend. All that bright, zesty banh mi flavor, in a very fun new form.
Charred Chicken Caesar Flatbreads
A juicy, charred chicken Caesar salad is ALWAYS a good idea, but piled on top of soft, fluffy flatbreads? GORGEOUS.
Sticky Gochujang Chicken Flatbreads
Juicy chicken thighs, tossed in a sticky, sweet, spicy sauce and grilled to perfection. What’s not to love? All the flavor of Korean fried chicken, in a better-for-you form. Serve with a crunchy slaw, soft flatbreads and spicy gochujang aioli.
Juicy Greek Style Lamb Burgers
You can have these super juicy lamb burgers on the table in less than 30 minutes – just mix lamb with ingredients you probably already have, then pan-fry for 5 minutes on each side. Load on the Greek-style toppings for a fun twist on your regular burger.
Crispy Beer Battered Fish Sliders
Ultra-crispy, light beer batter, super tender fish plus soft brioche buns make the most wonderful mini fish sliders, perfect for parties. Add zesty tartare sauce and crunchy lettuce for the perfect bite that’s easier to make than you’d think.
Korean Grilled Chicken Bao Buns
Once you learn how easy it is to make fluffy steamed bao buns, you won’t be able to stop! Baking powder AND yeast supercharge the buns, meaning less waiting time so you can enjoy them in under an hour. Fill with Korean grilled chicken, crunchy slaw and spicy aioli.
Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches
Super crispy, juicy fried chicken drizzled with sweet, spicy hot honey, sandwiched between a soft brioche bun? This hot honey fried chicken sandwich might just be the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food I know you’ll love.
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Ultra juicy, ultra crispy fried chicken tenders are easier to make than you’d think and use cupboard staples. Toss with sticky hot honey sauce, for a serious crowd-pleasing winner for entertaining.
Sticky Korean Chicken Steamed Buns
These sticky Korean chicken steamed buns are frankly, irresistible. An unreal sweet, spicy JUICY gochujang chicken filling is stuffed into super soft, fluffy dough for an absolute explosion of flavor. They’re the perfect bite of deliciousness and are much easier to make than you’d think.
Speedy Smash Dumpling Tacos
All the flavor of juicy dumplings, without the faff and in a fraction of the time. Switch up your taco night with these super speedy, super easy smash dumpling tacos. Just press your dumpling filling onto mini tortillas, pan-fry for a couple of minutes and load up your toppings.
Chicken and Mushroom Potstickers (Dumplings)
A crispy sesame seed bottom elevates these dumplings to make them a wonderful prep-ahead showstopper for entertaining or special occasions. Chicken and mushrooms are a classic pair, working perfectly inside juicy, plump potstickers.
Speedy Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos
Give the smash taco trend a chicken Caesar salad twist and thank me later! I’m talking a lemony chicken topping, smashed onto mini tortillas, pan-fried until golden, and topped with a crunchy, umami Caesar salad (plus extra Caesar dressing for dipping!)
Sticky Pulled Pork Sliders
Juicy, sticky, super tender pulled pork is piled onto soft buns and paired with a crunchy slaw, creamy aioli and sweet chilli jam. They’re easy and perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Something On The Side
Loaded Italian Antipasti Deli Pasta Salad
Everyone needs a go-to pasta salad recipe, and this lovely loaded Italian one is great to have up your sleeve. The formula is simple – toss pasta with a pile of your favorite deli and antipasti ingredients, pour over a very zesty dressing and you’re DONE.
The EASIEST No Knead Rosemary Parmesan Bread
This super fragrant, super savory rosemary parmesan bread is truly the easiest bread recipe you’ll ever make. No kneading, no long or overnight rise here – just mix, let rise until doubled and bake. It’s golden, crispy, airy, and light deliciousness you’ll love.
Garlic Butter Potatoes
You can never go wrong with potatoes, but these garlic butter potatoes really take deliciousness to another level. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be on your way to the best side for SO many dishes. They’re easy and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Easy No Knead Chilli Cheese Focaccia
If you’re new to bread making, this super easy no-knead focaccia is the best place to start. Just mix your ingredients, then let the dough rest and do its thing. No fancy ingredients, no special equipment and you’ll be enjoying the most deliciously soft and airy focaccia in no time.
Crispy Dukkah Potatoes with Aioli and Pink Tahini
If you think roast potatoes are good, you’re going to LOVE these crispy dukkah potatoes. Piled on top of creamy garlic aioli and drizzled with a super gorgeous pink tahini sauce, they’re fragrant, delicious and seriously addictive.
Crispy Spicy Loaded Potato Wedges
Super crispy wedges are topped with a spicy, cheesy sauce and lots of fresh Asian-style toppings for a flavor-packed bite every time.
Quick Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls (No Yeast)
Mix flour and yogurt, form into rolls, pop in the oven and brush with a divine garlic herb butter while hot. No yeast, no kneading and no stress. These soft garlic butter dinner rolls take garlic bread to a whole new level and take just 35 minutes.
Asian Chopped Cabbage Salad with Sweet Chilli Dressing
This quick, easy and deliciously crunchy chopped Asian salad is my go-to when I want something vibrant, healthy and fresh. Lots of crunchy veggies are tossed with a very gingery, sweet chilli jam based dressing you’ll love.
Curried Coronation Potato Salad
This coronation potato salad has all the flavours of the classic coronation chicken, in a delicious new form. Soft, buttery potatoes are mixed with that lovely sweet, spicy creamy coronation sauce to make a wonderful make-ahead salad.
Quick Peach and Halloumi Salad with Sweet Chilli Jam
5 ingredients, 10 minutes, one gorgeous peach and halloumi salad. This really is the ultimate summer salad for me. Salty, halloumi + sweet, juicy peaches pair incredibly well, and finishing with a drizzle of chilli jam just takes it to another level.
Miso Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Labneh and Chilli Lime Salsa
Tossing sweet potato wedges with a zingy miso glaze and roasting them until golden is a pretty unbeatable combination. These miso roasted sweet potatoes are easy, addictive and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Pile them onto creamy labneh, drizzle with a fresh salsa and you’ve got a star of a dish.
Grilled Broccoli Crunch Salad with Bacon
Quick, easy and seriously tasty, this grilled broccoli crunch salad is loaded with SO much flavor. It’s mixed with crispy bacon, dried cranberries, almonds, and sunflower seeds for maximum crunch, and then creamy blue cheese melts straight in to make a quick cheat dressing.
Creamy Caesar Potato Salad with Bacon
This gorgeous 20-minute potato salad is PACKED with flavor and texture. Perfectly cooked potatoes are tossed with crispy bacon, an incredible Caesar dressing, crispy parmesan shards and fresh crunchy scallions.
Grilled Peach, Tomato and Burrata Salad
This gorgeous grilled peach, tomato and burrata salad is loaded with color, texture and summery flavors. It takes 10 minutes to make, looks super impressive and is wonderful for special occasions.
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Charred, golden cauliflower roasted with parmesan, piled onto Caesar sauce and topped with crispy parmesan and prosciutto makes a very luxurious salad the whole family will love. And the best part? It takes just 30 minutes to make.
10 Minute Mediterranean White Bean Salad
10 minutes, no cooking, one super flavor-packed white bean salad loaded with crowd-pleasing Mediterranean flavors. Just chop a few veggies, toss them through white beans and pile everything on top of a quick, ultra-creamy basil tahini sauce.
Mexican Bean Salad with Whipped Avocado
This super colorful Mexican bean salad is jam-packed with flavor. Piled on top of creamy whipped avocado and topped with crispy halloumi, it makes a protein-packed, good-for-you salad.
Rainbow Chopped Salad with Pink Beet Tahini
Protein-packed and loaded with crunchy vegetables, this vibrant rainbow chopped salad is PERFECT for entertaining. Just chop your veggies, mix a quick dressing and pile on top of creamy, dreamy pink beet tahini sauce.
Green Goddess Soba Noodle Salad
A saucy, veggie-packed noodle salad is always a good idea, and this lovely green goddess soba noodle version is great to have up your sleeve. Tossed with a honey miso dressing and LOADS of greens, it’s SUPER quick and easy, with minimal chopping, and keeps beautifully.
Crispy Smashed Potato Salad with Tzatziki
Swapping regular boiled potatoes for crispy smashed potatoes in this salad is a serious game-changer. Tossed with refreshing tzatziki sauce, crispy bacon and zingy herbs, this easy salad is one you’ll reach for again and again.
Orzo Pesto Salad
This super easy orzo pesto salad will be your go-to. It’s as simple as mixing orzo with lots of herby pesto, tomatoes and crunchy veggies, is fab for feeding a crowd, keeps really well and is full of Mediterranean flavors everyone will love.
Something Sweet
Super Easy Ginger Crunch
A buttery shortbread base topped with silky, fudgy ginger icing makes a wonderful sweet treat. You need no special equipment – just mix your base, press it into a tin and make the icing as the base cooks. The hardest part is waiting for the icing to set!
Salted Caramel Brownies
If you’re looking for a super fudgy brownie, sandwiched with a luscious salted caramel, you’ve come to the right place. These salted caramel brownies are wickedly delicious. So moist, rich and perfectly balanced with salty-sweet flavors.
Mini Berry Ripple Cheesecake Pavlovas
Mini pavlovas are a beautiful dessert option for any celebration. These cute mini versions of the classic are swirled with berry puree before baking, then dolloped with a velvety cheesecake topping for an elevated twist on regular whipped cream. Top with your favorite mixed berries for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easier to make than you’d think.
Peach, Almond and Coconut Galette
Peaches, almonds, toasted coconut and pastry are a match made in heaven. This easy galette is light and flaky with a juicy, flavor-packed filling. It’s a seriously delicious dessert you’re going to love. It’s also quick and adaptable to whatever fruit you have in your kitchen.
Chocolate Dipped Anzac Cookies
Buttery, coconutty, caramelly, chewy and crispy Anzac cookies are a New Zealand and Australian classic. This version, using brown butter, delicate spices and dipped in rich dark chocolate is an elevated twist on a delicious favourite. Plus, they take just 25 minutes to make.
Classic Chocolate Afghan Cookies
Chocolate Afghan cookies are a New Zealand classic. Crunchy, ultra-buttery, chocolatey, cornflake-stuffed and slathered with gooey chocolate icing, they’re an incredibly easy, FAST, all-in-one bowl cookie recipe that needs no special equipment.
Something To Drink
Easy Champagne Jello Shots
These lovely little champagne jello shots are perfect for any celebration. Set aside 10 minutes to prep them – and you can enjoy a very fun little bite to serve up to guests. Plus, you need just FIVE ingredients.
Pink Gin Rosé Spritz
This pretty in pink rosé spritz is the perfect refreshing, light taste of summer. Packed with pink gin and Chambord, then topped with rosé prosecco and pink lemonade, it makes a fab party cocktail that’s easy to scale up and your guests will love.
Hugo Spritz (Elderflower & Prosecco Cocktail)
Transport yourself to the Italian coast with this light, refreshing, SUPER simple Hugo spritz. Just mix elderflower cordial, prosecco and soda, top with mint and lime and enjoy your elegant aperitif.
How To Make Strawberry Rosé Ice Cubes
Jazz up any cocktail or drink by making these gorgeous strawberry rose rosé ice cubes. They’re easy (and won’t water down your drink!)
3 Ingredient Limoncello Spritz
Light, zesty, fresh and perfect for summer entertaining, a limoncello spritz is always a good idea. Just combine limoncello, prosecco and soda, then serve up with fresh garnishes. Perfect to scale up for parties.
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