Skip the massive serving size and try these mini foods instead.
44 Mini Foods that are Big on Flavor
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
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Mini Sausage Pies
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The simple ingredients and family-friendly flavor of these little sausage cups make them a go-to dinner favorite. And everyone gets their own pies—which makes them even better! —Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini pies: 551 calories, 36g fat (10g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 784mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein.
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Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sandwich Minis
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband absolutely loves ice cream sandwiches and snickerdoodles, so I combined them into one fun treat. Here’s how we build this cool dessert. —Heather Pilon, Winslow, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 ice cream sandwich: 182 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
3/44
Cranberry-Beef Mini Burgers
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberry tapenade brings a deep red color and sweet-sour zing to these fun little bacon cheeseburgers. Serve them for parties or any time you want to treat your family. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger with toppings: 360 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
4/44
Mac and Cheese Bites
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
5/44
Mini Neapolitan Baked Alaskas
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Surprise—there's ice cream inside these tiny showstoppers! Dinner guests will be thrilled with the pretty presentation. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 163 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
6/44
Pizza Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I just baked these mini pizzas and the kids are already demanding more. The no-cook pizza sauce and refrigerated dough make this meal a snap. —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 pizzas with 2 tablespoons sauce: 209 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 747mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
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Stuffed Mini Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 48 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
8/44
Dipped Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 sandwich cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love to give tins of these chocolate-coated cookies to your lucky friends. The shortcut holiday recipe is almost too simple to believe! Here's how to make peanut butter cookies without eggs. —Jackie Howell, Gordo, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 151 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
9/44
Mini Shepherd’s Pies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m as confident serving these little pies to company as to family. If I have enough time, I’ll use homemade biscuits and mashed potatoes. —Ellen Osborne, Clarksville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini shepherd's pies: 612 calories, 36g fat (15g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 1094mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
10/44
Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Maple syrup sweetens these lovely little cinnamon buns. I make the dough in my bread machine before popping the rolls in the oven. My husband prefers them warm. —Juanita Carlsen, North Bend, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cinnamon roll: 176 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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How to Make Mini Meat Loaves
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and I can't get enough of these little meat loaf muffins topped with a sweet ketchup sauce. They are the perfect portion size. This recipe requires no chopping, so it's quick and easy to make a double batch and have extras for another day. I've given them to new moms, too. —Joyce Wegmann, Burlington, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini meat loaves: 341 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.
12/44
Mini Cherry Cheesecakes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These little cheesecakes make a fun dessert that's just right for cooks who don't have a lot of time for fussy recipes. Plus, you get to eat a whole mini cheesecake yourself! —Kay Keller, Morenci, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini cheesecake: 213 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
13/44
Mediterranean Tomato Bites
Total Time
35 min
Servings
32 pastries
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Mary served these lovely appetizers at a summer gathering several years ago, and I adapted it a bit to my taste. It's a great August recipe when tomatoes and herbs are at their freshest! —Susan Wilson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 106 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Mini Pork Pies
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a child, I discovered my love of pork pies. I used to help my father deliver oil on Saturdays, and we would stop at a local place to have the meaty pastries for lunch. —Renee Murby, Johnston, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
2 pies: 561 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 776mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.
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Mini Phyllo Tacos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
For a winning appetizer, serve crispy phyllo cups filled with taco-seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese. These handheld bites will be a surefire hit with a hungry crowd. —Roseann Weston, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 63 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Greek Sandwich Bites
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s an appetizer that tastes just like traditional spanakopita, but it’s much less work to make. —Lynn Scully, Rancho Santa Fe, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 87 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Lemon Cheesecake Tarts
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
To make these cute tarts more quickly, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 tart: 166 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 95mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Mini Mac & Cheese Dogs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
We wanted to get creative with hot dogs, so we made a mac-and-cheesy one. Pile on the extra cheese, relish and even bacon. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 198 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
20/44
Mini Hot Browns
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's my take on the famous Hot Brown sandwich. Guests quickly saddle up for juicy turkey slices and crispy bacon piled on toasted rye bread and then topped with a rich cheese sauce. —Annette Grahl, Midway, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 98 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 246mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Mini S’mores
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to sink your teeth into s’mores all year long? Here’s the answer! Just combine marshmallow creme, chocolate and graham crackers for an awesome bite.—Stephanie Tewell, Elizabeth, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 145 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones
Total Time
35 min
Servings
32 scones
From the Recipe Creator:
Because cheese and sage go so well with apples, I decided to put them all in scones. These mini treats make a fall weekend brunch, tailgate or party even more fun. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini scone: 109 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
23/44
Party Time Mini Cheeseburgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids and adults alike will love the taste of these moist and mouthwatering mini burgers. Juiced up with pickle relish and topped with cheese slices, these "sliders" will disappear in no time flat! Be sure to make plenty. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1 mini cheeseburger equals 217 calories, 8 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 65 mg cholesterol, 387 mg sodium, 21 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 13 g protein.
24/44
Pecan Pie Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
While these are delicious year-round, you could easily turn them into an edible Christmas gift. They look festive on a decorative tray wrapped in red or green cellophane or tucked into a giveaway cookie plate. And don't forget to include the recipe so your recipient can enjoy this treat over and over again! —Pat Schrand, Enterprise, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini muffin: 102 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
25/44
BLT Bites
Total Time
25 min
Servings
20 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These quick hors d'oeuvres may be mini, but their bacon and tomato flavor is full size. I serve them at parties, brunches and picnics, and they're always a hit. Even my kids love them! —Kellie Remmen, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed tomato: 113 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
26/44
Black Bottom Brandy Bites
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The idea for these bite-sized tarts started with little chocolate bottles of brandy. For an extra dash of fabulous, I place chocolate in the bottom of each pastry cup. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 244 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 77mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
27/44
Mini Sausage Quiches
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These bite-sized quiches are loaded with sausage and cheese—and all nestled into easy crescent roll dough. Serve the cute muffinettes at any brunch or potluck gathering. —Jan Mead, Milford, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini quiche: 66 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
28/44
Apple Pie Bites
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These apple pie bites are fun for kids to make. Simply wrap strips of pastry around apple wedges and shake on some cinnamon-sugar. Then just bake and watch them disappear! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 163 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
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Mini Pizza Bites
Total Time
40 min
Servings
32 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Served hot or cold, these little pizzas are wonderful. Their small size makes them ideal for an after-school snack or a kid-friendly party. Plus, they’re so easy to make that little ones can help you in the kitchen! —Jane Jones, Cedar, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza cup: 75 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
30/44
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love cinnamon rolls, but working with yeast can be scary. These cookies give you the taste of a cinnamon roll in cookie form—no yeast required! They look like flattened cinnamon rolls and feel special enough to serve around the holidays. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 103 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 15 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
32/44
Citrus Mini Cakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These moist, bite-size muffins from Linda Terrell of Palatka, Florida are melt-in-your-mouth good. "With their appealing look, they really dress up a party table," she notes. The recipe makes a big batch, so there's plenty to please a crowd.
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini cakes: 131 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
33/44
Mini Grilled Cheese
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a fantastic make-ahead snack, try these miniature grilled cheese sandwiches. They're nice to have in the freezer for lunch with soup or a salad. My family loves to nibble on them anytime. —Anita Curtis, Camarillo, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 77 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
34/44
Mini Chicken & Biscuit Sandwiches
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My 11-year-old son invented these sliders at dinner one night when he set his chicken on a biscuit. The rest of us tried it his way, and now we enjoy these sandwiches all the time. —Jodie Kolsan, Palm Coast, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini sandwiches (calculated without optional toppings): 367 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 1029mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
35/44
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 jumbo muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
These golden goodies are always popular at brunches and bake sales. For a great holiday gift, put the muffins in a pretty basket or other container and add a jar of preserves. Kimberly Baxter, Exeter, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 496 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
36/44
Mini Crescent Burgers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend first brought these snacks to a Sunday school party. The original recipe called for pork sausage, but I substituted ground beef with taste-tempting results. —Pam Buhr, Mexico, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 79 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
37/44
Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This apple cheesecake won the grand prize in an apple recipe contest. With caramel both on the bottom and over the top, every bite is sinfully delicious. —Lisa Morman, Minot, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 446 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
38/44
Miniature Meat Pies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these handheld pies in advance, keep them in the freezer, then bake them the day of the party. They are always a hit at tailgate and potlucks. —Gayle Lewis, Yucaipa, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 meat pies: 508 calories, 30g fat (10g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 983mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
39/44
Mini Frittatas
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a fun change-of-pace breakfast, try these sausage and hash brown frittatas perked up with salsa. To lower the dish’s cholesterol even more, use egg substitute instead of the whole eggs. —Kathy Brodin, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 each: 225 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 182mg cholesterol, 903mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Mini Corn Muffins with Spicy Cheddar Filling
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m an Iowa gardener and I like to feature sweet corn in my recipes. These cute, easy-to-eat bites are a fun change from the usual appetizers. —Margaret Blair, Lorimor, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 67 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
41/44
Chocolate Chai Mini Loaves
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3 mini loaves (6 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This bread is irresistible! A friend gets mad whenever I make it because I give her a loaf, and she can't help but eat the whole thing! —Lisa Christensen, Poplar Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 208 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
42/44
Garlic Bread Mini Muffins
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These little garlic bread bites make a terrific addition to any buffet spread. We make sure to serve them warm. —Kathy Yarosh, Apopka, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 94 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
43/44
Mini Rum Cakes
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother and I tried many different types of rum cake to find the best one, and finally hit on this cake that doesn't dry out and imparts the most flavor. For a really moist cake, brush rum over the individual sponge cakes before topping them with the filling. —Dona M. Hoffman, Addison, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cake: 238 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
44/44
Mini Rosemary-Roast Beef Sandwiches
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Roast beef sandwiches never last long at a party, especially if you dollop them with mayo, mustard, horseradish and pickled giardiniera relish. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich with about 2 teaspoons mayonnaise mixture and 4 teaspoons giardiniera: 220 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 466mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
