Weddings can get expensive, so it's important to save money where you can—like by cutting out the cost of catering. Thanks to these easy wedding food ideas, you can DIY your own scrumptious spread.
60 Simple Wedding Food Ideas You Can Pull Off Without a Caterer
Updated on Jul. 27, 2023
Cucumber Party Sandwiches
This is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is roasting. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
1/60
2/60
Ham & Brie Pastries
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 pastries
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up, I loved pocket pastries. Now, with a busy family, I need quick bites. My spin on the classic ham and cheese delivers as a snack or for supper. —Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 144 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
3/60
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and I used to make the traditional bacon-wrapped jalapenos all the time. I decided to sweeten them up a bit with dates which can be served at dinner parties or as a wedding food idea. —Susan Hinton, Apex, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 44 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
Psst! While you’re at it, check out these wedding thank you gifts for your guests, too.
4/60
Champagne Truffles
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
7-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Who can resist champagne truffles? Especially when they are so very easy to make! Serve them in gold foil candy cups for an elegant look for a shower or wedding. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 truffle: 109 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
5/60
Shrimp Cocktail
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 6 dozen (1-1/4 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
During the ’60s, shrimp cocktail was one of the most popular party foods around. And it is still a crowd favorite. It’s the one appetizer that I serve for every special occasion, like weddings and New Years parties, as well as for munchie meals. —Peggy Allen, Pasadena, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce cooked shrimp with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 59 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
6/60
Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum Jam
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Among my friends I’m known as the pork master, because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
7/60
Smoked Salmon Bites with Shallot Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
25 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Tangy mayonnaise-Dijon sauce adds zip to flaky pastry and layers of crisp arugula, thinly sliced smoked salmon and nutty-flavored Asiago cheese. —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 89 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
8/60
Lemon Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This citrusy cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting will garner plenty of applause. The flavor, a duet of sweet and tangy notes, really sings. —Summer Goddard, Springfield, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 841 calories, 48g fat (30g saturated fat), 219mg cholesterol, 656mg sodium, 96g carbohydrate (72g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
9/60
Butternut Thyme Tartlets
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A great teaser for what’s to come, this light and crunchy appetizer makes a great DIY wedding food. Make the creamy filling a few days early, then fill the phyllo cups right before guests arrive. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 49 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
10/60
Ham and Swiss Sliders
Total Time
55 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My next-door neighbor shared this recipe with me and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of flavors makes these sandwiches so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 315 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
11/60
Sausage Squash Kabobs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Expect a crowd to gather around the grill when these flavorful kabobs are cooking. The zesty honey-mustard glaze gives a lovely sheen to the sausage and veggies. —Lisa Malynn Kent, North Richland Hills, Texas.
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 385 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
12/60
Chocolate Heart Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
For a dramatic presentation, I dust dessert plates with cocoa powder and drizzle on a bit of melted raspberry fruit spread. I place a couple of these melt-in-your-mouth cookies in the center, along with some fresh rasberries, lemon zest and a sprig of mint.
-TerryAnn Moore
Vineland, New Jersey
-TerryAnn Moore
Vineland, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 188 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
13/60
Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time
40 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mixed with a blend of parsley, basil, oregano and bread crumbs, soy crumbles make a delightful addition to these savory vegetarian stuffed mushrooms. —Arline Aaron of Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 34 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 111mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
14/60
Prosciutto Phyllo Roll-Ups
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen (1 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
These elegant finger foods use delicate phyllo dough. With artichoke sauce on the side, the cheesy rolls make extra-special hors d’oeuvres.
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up with 2 teaspoons sauce: 90 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
15/60
Cranberry Endive Appetizers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You can pack a lot of flavor into an elegant appetizer just by using the right combination of ingredients. I created this blue cheese filling for awedding and everyone loved it. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 40 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
16/60
Mimosa Butter Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You can add many different flavors to butter cookies to make them your own. Try an alternate type of citrus zest, or add an alternate liquid to change things up for a wedding buffet. —Sara Lark, Raton, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 95 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
17/60
Dill Vegetable Dip
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 107 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
18/60
Pistachio and Date Ricotta Crostini
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
For appetizers, I like to keep things simple but dressed up. I’ve found that making a special appetizer helps transform the atmosphere into a fancy meal. Fresh figs can be used in lieu of dates if that’s what you have on hand! —Kristin Bowers, Gilbert, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 57 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
19/60
Watermelon Cups
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 7 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
20/60
Easy Coconut Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests are always impressed when I serve these wedding-worthy shrimp. A selection of sauces served alongside adds the perfect touch. —Tacy Holliday Germantown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp: 171 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
21/60
Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These treats are a perfect mouthful of strawberry, sweet cream cheese filling and just a drizzle of chocolate. Easy to fill
and fix ahead, they add tempting variety to brunch or party offerings—and make a delicious homemade gift. —Linda Baldt, Croydon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled strawberry: 70 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
22/60
Tuna Croquettes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tuna croquettes recipe is one of our favorites. My husband and I grow our own cucumbers and dill, both of which make the dish taste extra fresh. Reduced-fat mayonnaise and sour cream can be used in place of full-fat versions. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 croquette with 1-1/2 teaspoons sauce: 85 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
23/60
Bruschetta with Prosciutto
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A crowd-pleaser any time of year, this savory-tasting recipe is perfect for wedding food. —Debbie Manno, Fort Mill, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 33 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
24/60
Asparagus Pastry Puffs
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When the first asparagus of the season appears, we serve it rolled inside puff pastry with a yummy cheese filling. Our guests always compliment these lovely treats. —Cindy Jamieson, Tonawanda, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 188 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
25/60
Double Chocolate Truffles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a delicious treat that’s very rich and chocolaty. —Ruth Gordon, Lakewood, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 truffle: 122 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
26/60
Sausage Wonton Stars
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These fancy-looking appetizers are ideal an ideal wedding food. The cute crunchy cups are stuffed with a cheesy pork sausage filling that kids of all ages enjoy. We keep a few in the freezer so we can easily reheat them for late-night snacking. —Mary Thomas, North Lewisburg, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 69 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
27/60
Stuffed Dates
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Four ingredients are all you need for these citrus-flavored stuffed dates. —Diana Debruyn, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed dates: 102 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 fat.
28/60
Nutty Chicken Sandwiches
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 tea sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Crushed pineapple gives these chicken salad sandwiches a bit of sweetness, while pecans add a bit of crunch.
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 103 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
29/60
Zippy Shrimp Skewers
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These flavorful skewers deliver a mouthwatering kick with minimal effort. Fix them for your next party and watch them disappear. —Jalayne Luckett, Marion, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 57 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat.
30/60
Cucumber Canapes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 120 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
These elegant canapes are one of our best bridal shower food ideas, too!
31/60
Bang Bang Shrimp Cake Sliders
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
The bang bang slaw dressing and shrimp cake patties can be made ahead. When ready to serve, toss the cabbage slaw and sear the shrimp cakes, then assemble and enjoy. They’re a great make-ahead wedding food. —Kim Banick, Salem Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 210 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
32/60
Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
33/60
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.
34/60
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.
35/60
Tangier Island Virginia Crab Cakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 crab cakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up eating these crab cakes, which are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. They're absolutely delicious every time I make them. —Ann Girucky, Norfolk, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 crab cake: 90 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
36/60
Spiced Peach Puffs
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
We always made cream puffs for special occasions when I was growing up in our family of seven. Sometimes we used a custard filling, but this version with whipped cream and peaches is the best. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cream puff: 99 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
37/60
Coconut Clouds
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Coconut lovers will have extra reason to celebrate when they taste these cakelike drop cookies. The generous frosting and coconut topping make them a hit at holiday cookie swaps. —Donna Scofield, Yakima, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 110 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
38/60
Toasted Ravioli
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
While visiting a friend who had just moved to St. Louis, Missouri, I tried toasted ravioli at almost every restaurant! When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and this recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 73 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
39/60
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The secret ingredient in this sassy sauce is the grape jelly. It's a sweet contrast with the chili sauce. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 106 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
40/60
Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 skewers (3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for lighter recipes to take on tailgate outings—and this one works fabulously for grilling. Just whip up the marinade, add the chicken and take it along to the pregame festivities. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 59 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
41/60
Pineapple Chicken Sliders
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For fun appetizers that tide over even the hungriest of guests, try these mini sandwiches. My youngest daughter likes their small size and the tangy sweetness of the pineapple.—Maria Vasseur, Valencia, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 223 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 331mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
42/60
Nutty Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Basil, Parmesan cheese and mushroom blend together well, while buttery pecans give these treats a surprising crunch. Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always ask for them! —Mildred Eldred, Union City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 44 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
43/60
Valentine Heart Brownies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Steal hearts this Valentine’s Day with brownies that have cute frosting centers. They’re simply irresistible. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 334 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
44/60
Sweet Pea Pesto
Total Time
25 min
Servings
20 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
I made a healthier spin on pea pesto by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 crostini: 77 calories, 2g fat (trace saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
45/60
Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 120 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
46/60
Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Baking a fun treat is a must when my four grandchildren come to stay for "grandma camp." Sometimes the grandkids help by piping the cake batter. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 whoopie pie: 267 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 194mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
47/60
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Besides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed tomato: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
48/60
Garlic-Herb Mini Quiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
45 mini quiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a wonderful way to impress guests? You’ve got it—and you need only five ingredients to make these tasty apps! —Josephine Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini quiche: 31 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
49/60
Pear Waldorf Pitas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 mini pitas halves
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a guaranteed table brightener for a shower, luncheon or party. Just stand back and watch these sandwiches vanish. For an eye-catching presentation, I tuck each one into a colorful folded napkin. —Roxann Parker, Dover, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 67 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
50/60
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.
51/60
Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I was recently at a wedding reception where the menu was all small bites. Here’s my rendition of the pear pastries they served. They're the perfect combo of savory and sweet. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 puff: 105 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
52/60
Fruity Chicken Salad Mini Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken salad ranks among the classics, and this version is a hit at parties of all kinds. Feel free to substitute green grapes for the red, or toss in extra strawberries when they're in season. The filling can also be served on a bed of salad greens. —Marcy Kamery, Blasdell, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 sandwiches: 524 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 669mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
53/60
Chocolate-Covered Cheese with Black Sea Salt
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time I make these for guests or for a cooking demo about real food made simply, people rave about them. They're surprising as an addition to an appetizer table—or even served after dinner paired with a nice cabernet or port. —Dorothy McNett, Pacific Grove, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 24 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
54/60
Marinated Cheese
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
This special appetizer always makes it to our neighborhood parties and is the first to disappear from the buffet table. It's attractive, delicious—and so easy! —Laurie Casper, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce cheese: 121 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
55/60
Tortellini & Shrimp Skewers with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
32 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These fresh skewers and tasty sauce will have guests nibbling all night! —Cacie Biddle, Bridgeport, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer with 1 tablespoon sauce: 88 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
56/60
Caprese Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
57/60
Apricot-Filled Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I bake these delightful cookies every year for Christmas and when I share a tray of my homemade treats with the faculty at school, these are always the first to disappear! I've even had requests to make them for wedding receptions.—Deb Lyon, Bangor, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 119 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 34mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
58/60
Sausage Chive Pinwheels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These spirals are simple to make but look special on a buffet. Our guests eagerly help themselves—sometimes the eye-catching pinwheels don't even make it to their plates! —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 132 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
59/60
Sun-Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Empanadas
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this appetizer because I entertain a lot and wanted something simple but special. People like these empanadas so much! I always make extra. —Lynn Scully, Rancho Santa Fe, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 empanada: 99 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
60/60
Smoked Salmon Bites
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Because smoked salmon is one of my favorite ingredients, it plays a big role here. Best of all, there’s no cooking involved. —Tom Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 12 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Bonus: Once the couple is happily married, send over these tasty anniversary food ideas.
