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Home » Single Mom Life » Easy, Cheap, Party Finger Food to Feed a Crowd

Easy, Cheap, Party Finger Food to Feed a Crowd

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I am always looking for cheap, easy finger food ideas. Appetizers are a frugal way to feed a crowd at a party or a fun family meal. I love any excuse to have finger food Christmas parties, birthday parties, bridal showers, wedding showers.

You can make them all yourself or make it a potluck appetizer party and everyone can bring their favorite finger food to make it even more budget friendly.

 

Appetizers kid friendly

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The first few years as a single mom I struggled with how our small family could celebrate Christmas. We tried different things for our Christmas meal and finally settled on finger food appetizers for Christmas Eve. Like many things that became a tradition in our family, it is easy and cheap. The kids loved it the first time I tried it and requested it become our tradition.

I am always looking for new ideas to add to the mix as our family expands. Now that our family has a variety of dietary needs appetizers are the perfect solution, because everyone can have something they like and no one needs to eat anything that doesn’t fit their special diet. I’ve found options for keto, dairy-free, vegetarian and gluten-free. No one can eat all of them and everyone can eat some of them, so pick and choose depending on who will be at the gathering.

 

Easy, Cheap, Finger Foods to Feed a Crowd

Photo Credit: www.rockabyeparents.com

Shrimp Dip Recipe with Cream Cheese and Cockatail Sauce

My niece brought this to a family get together and we have loved if for years. We usually leave the little shrimp whole instead of crumbling them.

Photo Credit: nourishplate.com

Roasted Sweet Potato Hummus

Adding sweet potato is an interesting twist on hummus. It is the perfect dip. It’s so healthy, easy and quick. Serve it with toasted pita chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.

Photo Credit: amandascookin.com

Cranberry Salsa: a savory, festive holiday appetizer

This savory Cranberry Salsa recipe is a unique twist to a holiday staple, cranberries! Spooned over a block of cream cheese and eaten with crackers, this is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Photo Credit: littlesunnykitchen.com

Falafel

Falafel is one of the Middle East’s most popular dishes, it’s naturally vegan, healthy and incredibly delicious! Here’s an authentic falafel recipe exactly how it’s made in Arab countries. Simple, nutritious, frugal and loved by everyone! It is one of the first foods I made with my son when he became a vegetarian.

Photo Credit: bakemesomesugar.com

Easy And Tasty Cranberry Cheese Ball

A cheese ball is always one of our Christmas Eve appetizers. I used to use bacon in mine, but since I now have a vegetarian at the Christmas party I've been searching for a vegetarian option. I think this one will fill the bill the sharp white cheddar cheese in pairs gorgeously with the dried cranberries and green onions.

Photo Credit: theglutenfreeoption.com

Sweet and Spicy Nut Clusters { Gluten Free, Low Carb }

These gluten-free sweet and spicy nut clusters are the perfect snack for home or on the go! A friend of mine often serves sweet or spicy nuts when she hosts our Bible study. I think I will be adding this to our Christmas Eve selection.

Photo Credit: vintagerecipetin.com

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Ball

Up your cheese ball game with this Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Ball! This unique cheese ball will be the star of your party. I served smoked salmon at our family Labor Day get together this year and it was a hit with everyone.

Photo Credit: www.rhiansrecipes.com

Candied Nuts (Vegan + GF)

You'll love these nuts they’re salty-sweet, crunchy, not too sweet, and require only a few basic ingredients

Photo Credit: www.atastefortravel.ca

Smoked Trout Platter with Horseradish Cream Sauce

The ultimate make-ahead appetizer, this beautiful smoked trout recipe is perfect for holiday entertaining, special occasion or patio party. Tasty, healthy and easy to make, a smoked trout platter works as a starter for any crowd and sets the stage for an afternoon or evening of food, friends and fun.

Photo Credit: 30minutesmeals.com

Taco Dip - 5 minute only

This taco dip is the perfect snack for game day or a party appetizer. It is ready in just 5 minutes. Made with cream cheese, sour cream, Greek yogurt, and taco seasoning, the ideal last-minute appetizer!

Photo Credit: bitzngiggles.com

Ultimate Crescent Roll Taco Ring

This isn’t just any old taco ring, it’s filled with corn chips, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and tomatoes – easy and delicious, ready to serve a crowd! It looks like the perfect option for the meat eaters in our family.

Photo Credit: wanderlustandwellness.org

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Home » Air Fryer » Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is one of my favorite finger foods when I go out. This easy air fryer coconut shrimp is gluten-free and cooks in under 10 minutes! It’s the perfect party appetizer or quick weeknight dinner. Just pop them in your air fryer and you’ll have dinner on the table in under 15 minutes!

Photo Credit: swirlsofflavor.com

Cranberry Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Sweet and sour meatballs with cranberry sauce is an easy recipe that cooks itself in your slow cooker. Store bought frozen meatballs simmer in your crockpot with just 4 more ingredients to make a delicious filling appetizer.

Photo Credit: www.eatingonadime.com

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

I love using my slow cooker for appetizers.  I can easily throw all the ingredients in the crock pot in the morning and this delicious dip is ready by the people start arriving. It’s easy and delicious

Photo Credit: foodmeanderings.com

Tortilla Pinwheels ( 1 Weight Watchers Freestyle Smart Point)

If you are looking for easy pinwheel recipes, then give this Weight Watchers chicken appetizer a try. They are simple (only 5 ingredients) but oh so beautiful and delicious.

Photo Credit: keytomylime.com

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich Sliders

They’re so easy to put together! You can use either dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls. They come together quickly and are perfect for a crowd. 

Photo Credit: www.threeolivesbranch.com

Vegan Artichoke Olive Tapenade - Three Olives Branch

Last year olive tapenade was an addition to our appetizer selection since a newer member of our family doesn't tolerate dairy. She loved it. Vegan Artichoke Olive Tapenade highlights the flavors of artichoke hearts and kalamata olives.  Ready in less than 5 minutes, this recipe is great on crostini or as a condiment.

Photo Credit: www.threeolivesbranch.com

Caprese Cheese Dip - Three Olives Branch

Caprese Cheese Dip is quick and simple to whip up.  Three cheeses are melted and topped with a fresh tomato and basil mixture

Photo Credit: www.everydayfamilycooking.com

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos with Cream Cheese | Keto

These finger food appetizers are fantastic for Christmas or having friends over to watch a football game. Stuffed jalapenos are another of my favorite appetizers. I may need to buy an air fryer so I can try these.

 The recipe is completely keto-friendly and kid-friendly for those who do and don’t like spicy foods with a pro tip included.

Photo Credit: www.melaniecooks.com

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites Appetizer

A serious crowd-pleaser, these pastry bites will be the hit of your holiday party!  Melted brie paired with cranberry sauce and pecans, all wrapped up in a puff pastry cup, what’s not to love?

Photo Credit: cincyshopper.com

Cherry Cheesecake Dip is So GOOD!

Easy cherry cheesecake dip makes a perfect appetizer. Serve it with graham crackers, Nilla wafers, or even pretzels. This no bake appetizer takes only minutes to make.

Photo Credit: mamalikestocook.com

Greek 7 Layer Dip Recipe That Is Great for Parties

This easy Mediterranean dip looks good and is full of flavor. It is made from fresh ingredients and is vegetarian and gluten free. 

Photo Credit: enjoyinglifeeveryday.com

Best Oven-baked Chicken Wings

Wings are a classic appetizer for game day get-togethers. Making them in the oven is an easy way to make wings. This recipe has a secret spice. You can even use these for a quick meal with roasted potatoes and raw vegetables.

Photo Credit: strengthandsunshine.com

Balsamic Roasted Red Pepper Basil Hummus

I had a request for roasted red pepper hummus this year, so I was glad to find this recipe. Three bold flavors: balsamic, roasted red peppers, and basil will have you eating this hummus straight from the bowl. Gluten-free, vegan, and fat-free

Photo Credit: onmykidsplate.com

The BEST Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Cheese sticks are our family's favorite appetizers. These are another reason I may need an air fryer. These crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks are easy to make plus perfectly gooey and crunchy every time. Just a few minutes in the air fryer gives you a lightened up mozzarella stick that is a healthier take on party time classic. 

Photo Credit: healthykitchen101.com

Tomato Bruschetta Recipe - A Simple Appetizer For Your Next Party

Bruschetta one of my favorite appetizers at our local Italian restaurant. The dish calls for a few ingredients and is so easy to make, but don’t let that fool you it is delicious.

Photo Credit: www.thisfarmgirlcooks.com

Jalapeno Peach Dip – Only 4 Ingredients!

This is an easy sweet and spicy dip with lots of flexibility with the ingredients so you can make it with what you have on hand for unexpected guests.

 

 

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Appetizers cheap and easy

 

Hi, I’m Tamara the creator of Empowered Single Moms, a single mom, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and the author of Thriving a Single Mom’s Guide to a Happy, Positive Life and Thriving a Single Mom Journal. I have a solo private psychotherapy practice where I treat anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.

As a member of the Empowered Single Moms community, I believe you can stop carrying the weight of the world alone and build a life you love. Join my mailing list and get 5 Keys to Single Mom Success.

 

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Filed Under: Single Mom Life Tagged With: Budget Meal Planning, Christmas

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Comments

  1. best built in gas grills

    July 19, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    I am going to host a birthday party for my daughter, and this will be a great help to me. Thank you

    Reply
  2. Blending master chef Aisee

    September 17, 2021 at 7:44 am

    I am so grateful that I came across this site. Its full of ideas. I was actually worried for my son’s birthday. He will be back from U.S after 3 years, and I want to make his 17th birthday the most special one ever. Thank you for sharing such brilliant recipes and ideas :3

    Reply
    • Tamara

      September 17, 2021 at 7:53 am

      I’m so glad to help

      Reply

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