12 Party Snacks That Look Impressive but Stay Simple

The best party snacks get a big reaction without making you miss your own party. These picks look impressive on a platter, but they are simple enough to pull off even on a busy day. If you want food that disappears fast and still makes you look like you planned ahead, this list has you covered.

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Mini Caprese Skewers With Balsamic Glaze

These little skewers look bright on a platter and taste fresh with almost no work. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil feel festive in one bite. They are a smart pick when you want something light between richer snacks.

You will need 24 grape tomatoes, 24 mini mozzarella balls, 24 small basil leaves, 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, and a pinch of salt, plus 24 toothpicks.

Plan on about 10 minutes of prep time. Thread one tomato, one folded basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball onto each toothpick, then arrange on a plate. Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving and add a tiny pinch of salt if you like.

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites With Cream Cheese and Dill

These bites look fancy because the topping sits up tall, but they are quick to put together. Cool cucumber keeps everything crisp, while salmon brings that party feel. A little lemon and dill make the flavor taste bright.

You will need 1 large cucumber cut into 24 thick rounds, 6 ounces smoked salmon cut into small ribbons, 4 ounces cream cheese, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, and optional capers or black pepper.

Prep time is about 15 minutes. Stir the cream cheese with lemon zest, lemon juice, and dill, then spoon or pipe a small swirl onto each cucumber round. Fold a piece of salmon on top so it looks tall, then finish with capers or a pinch of pepper.

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon or Pear Spears

This snack looks like it came from a catering tray, but it is just slicing and wrapping. The salty prosciutto balances sweet fruit in a really satisfying way. It also feels nice and light next to heavier dips.

You will need 12 thin slices prosciutto, 1 small ripe cantaloupe cut into 24 spears or 2 firm pears cut into 24 wedges, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and optional cracked black pepper or a little arugula.

Prep time is about 10 to 15 minutes. Wrap each fruit spear with half a slice of prosciutto and place on a plate with the seam tucked under. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and add pepper if you like, then chill until guests arrive.

Shrimp Cocktail Shooters With Lemon and Horseradish Sauce

Serving shrimp in small cups looks fun and a little fancy without extra work. Guests can grab one quickly, which keeps the snack table moving. The tangy sauce tastes bold next to the sweet shrimp.

You will need 1 pound cooked shrimp, 1 cup cocktail sauce, 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, lemon wedges, and 12 to 16 small cups.

Plan for about 15 minutes of prep time. Stir cocktail sauce with horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, then spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons into each cup. Hang 2 to 3 shrimp on the rim and add a tiny lemon wedge on the side. Keep cold until serving.

Crispy Parmesan Potato Rounds With Sour Cream and Chives

These look special because they stack into neat rounds, but they are just roasted potatoes with a crisp finish. Parmesan makes the edges golden and a little crunchy. A small dollop of sour cream turns them into party bites.

You will need 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 2 tablespoons chopped chives.

Allow about 10 minutes prep time and 25 to 30 minutes cook time. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C), slice potatoes into 1/3 inch rounds, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle Parmesan on a parchment lined pan, set potato rounds on top, and roast until crisp and browned. Cool 5 minutes, then add a small dab of sour cream and a pinch of chives on each round.

Charcuterie Cups With Cheese Cubes, Olives, and Crackers

These cups look organized and party ready, plus they keep hands off the main board. Each one feels like a mini snack box with a little of everything. They are also easy to refill as the night goes on.

You will need 12 small paper cups, about 6 ounces cheddar or Gouda cut into cubes, 6 ounces salami or pepperoni folded, 1 cup grapes, 1 cup mixed olives, and 24 to 36 small crackers.

Plan on 15 minutes of prep time. Add a few cubes of cheese, a couple folds of meat, 3 to 4 grapes, and 4 to 5 olives to each cup. Tuck 2 to 3 crackers on the side so they stand up, then chill until serving.

Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed With Almonds

These look impressive because the bacon tightens into a glossy wrap as it bakes. The date turns sticky and sweet, which tastes great with salty bacon. One nut inside gives a little crunch.

You will need 24 pitted dates, 24 whole almonds, 12 bacon slices cut in half, and toothpicks, plus optional 1 teaspoon brown sugar for sprinkling.

Plan for about 10 minutes prep time and 18 to 22 minutes cook time. Heat the oven to 400°F (205°C), stuff each date with an almond, then wrap with half a bacon slice and secure with a toothpick. Bake on a foil lined pan until bacon is browned, turning once halfway through, then drain briefly on paper towels and serve warm.

Mini Meatball Skewers With Marinara Dip

Skewers make meatballs look like a party item instead of a weeknight dinner. Warm marinara gives a bright, comforting flavor. A little Parmesan on top makes them look finished.

You will need 24 frozen mini meatballs, 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil, and 24 short skewers or toothpicks.

Allow about 10 minutes prep time and 15 to 20 minutes cook time. Warm meatballs with marinara in a saucepan over medium heat until hot all the way through, stirring gently. Skewer one meatball per pick, arrange on a platter, then spoon a little warm sauce into a bowl for dipping. Sprinkle Parmesan and herbs over the meatballs right before serving.

Sweet and Spicy Candied Nuts Mix

These nuts look glossy and special in a bowl, and they make a great snack for sipping drinks. The mix hits sweet first, then finishes with a gentle kick. They also smell great while baking.

You will need 3 cups mixed nuts, 1 egg white, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Plan for 10 minutes prep time and 30 to 35 minutes bake time. Heat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Whisk egg white until foamy, stir in sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt, then toss with the nuts until coated. Bake, stirring every 10 minutes, until dry and lightly toasted, then cool completely so they crisp up.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries With White Chocolate Drizzle

These look like a fancy dessert, but they take very little effort. The shine of chocolate and the drizzle pattern make them feel party ready. They taste fresh and sweet, which is nice after salty snacks.

You will need 1 pound strawberries washed and fully dried, 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, and 2 ounces white chocolate, plus parchment paper.

Prep time is about 20 minutes plus 20 minutes chilling time. Melt semisweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20 second bursts, stirring until smooth, then dip each strawberry and set on parchment. Melt white chocolate, spoon into a small bag, snip the corner, and drizzle thin lines over the berries. Chill until set, then serve cold.

Deviled Eggs With Smoked Paprika and Crispy Bacon Crumbles

Deviled eggs always look classic on a party tray, and a little garnish makes them stand out. The filling is creamy and tangy, which balances richer snacks. Bacon and paprika add color and a savory finish.

You will need 6 large eggs, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 3 slices bacon cooked and crumbled.

Allow about 15 minutes active prep time plus chilling time if you want them cold. Cover eggs with water, bring to a boil, then turn off heat and cover for 12 minutes, then cool in ice water and peel. Halve the eggs, mash yolks with mayo, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper, then spoon or pipe filling back in. Sprinkle smoked paprika and bacon crumbles on top, then refrigerate 30 minutes if you want a firmer bite.

Mini Cheesecake Bites With Berry Topping

These look like little bakery treats, but they are made with a simple no bake filling. The crumb base holds together well and feels rich in a small bite. A spoonful of berries on top makes them look festive.

You will need 12 mini muffin liners, 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 8 ounces cream cheese softened, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 cup berry jam or thick berry sauce.

Plan for about 20 minutes prep time plus at least 2 hours chilling time. Stir graham crumbs with melted butter, press 1 tablespoon into each liner, and chill while you mix the filling. Beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth, whip heavy cream to soft peaks in a separate bowl, then fold together and spoon into the cups. Chill until set, then top each bite with a small spoonful of berry jam right before serving.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.