If you're here because you Googled "how to throw the best freakin' party your friends have ever been to," welcome...you're about to find out. Whether you're hosting a Galentines Day party, a Super Bowl party, or just need an excuse to try out your collection of adult party games, we know that hosting is not a small feat. But the one glorious silver lining is curating the menu of party snacks you're gonna serve—because the best parties always involve food.
This is where easy go-to recipes become not only a convenience, but a necessity. Trust, those Pigs in a Blanket might scream, "This took 80 hours to make," but in reality, you just threw a few ingredients together to create a delicious and absolutely gorgeous treat. Plus, everyone knows how a dish looks (and how well it pairs with a party cocktail) is just as important as how it tastes bc this party will 100% Instagrammed.
Below, we've gathered recipes for party snacks that'll have your guests saying, "Yes, chef" all night long.
1. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
If you want to please everyone (yes, that includes your plant-based besties), this popular spin on classic buffalo chicken wings will be your next party snack go-to. They're so crispy and tangy that you'll forget you aren't snacking on the real thing.
Get the recipe from Love & Lemons.
2 . Classic Cheese Ball and Crackers
Okay, confession—when I talk into a party and see a cheese ball, I go absolutely feral. It's simple, but h-i-t-s every. single. time. This creamy party addition topped with chopped pecans pairs perfectly with crackers and veggies for the ultimate appetizer.
Get the recipe from Two Peas & Their Pod.
3. Bacon Wrapped Dates
There's no need to choose between sweet and savory with this party favorite. Combine salty bacon, sweet dates, and stuff them with your choice of cheese for the perfect trifecta of taste. Just set aside about 30 minutes to make and get ready to receive allll the compliments.
Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
4. Everything Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Twists
Have you ever wondered what would happen if everything bagel seasoning and spinach and artichoke dip had a baby? Now, you can whip up this pull-apart puff pastry concoction and find out for yourself. It's not a bad idea to prep two of these just in case everyone shows up hangry.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
5. Brown Butter Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Break-and-bakes could *never.* These raspberry fruit-filled cookies will impress your pals way more than a classic chocolate chip recipe. While you're at it, make a double batch—you're gonna need it.
Get the recipe from Half-Baked Harvest.
6. Chicken Parmesan Rolls
Did someone say chicken parm? Consider these like mini chicken parm sandwiches, except with better bread and creamier sauce. You’ll hardly be able to set them down on the table before they’re gone.
Get the recipe from Skinnytaste.
7. Esquites
Your fave Mexican corn dish, aka esquites, will mentally carry everyone back to summer street festivals, whether it's 90 degrees out or below 30 degrees. Serve with tortillas and go to town.
Get the recipe from Nature's Path.
8. Guacamole Four Ways
Since when did you and your crew ever order just one dish of guac? Now, you can have four. This is a great way to make incredible guac with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Get the recipe from HelloFresh.
9. Smoked Salmon and Brie Cucumber Bites
How fancy do these look?! Talk about the perfect lil bite-sized savory snacks. These cucumber bites are topped with smoked salmon, dill, and creamy brie to create the perfect flavor combination.
Get the recipe from HelloFresh.
10. Smoky Chipotle Layered Taco Dip
What's better than regular tacos? A layered taco dip, obv! The layer sitch: refried beans, sour cream, salsa verde, chipotle ground beef (plant-based options welcome too) + a giant bag of tortilla chips for dipping. This bowl of heaven will not only be a crowd favorite, but it's so easy to whip up too on a random Tuesday night.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
11. Cacio e Pepe Popcorn
How fancy does this sound? The best part about it is, it literally takes just a few minutes to put together. Pop some kernels on your stove and once that's all set, add in some olive oil, Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and salt. Voilá!
Get the recipe from Culinary Cool.
12. Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
To all my carb lovers, this one's for you. Potatoes plus parmesan, all of your favorite seasonings, and a hell of a lot of olive oil? Sign me up. I guarantee you have all of these ingredients in your kitchen already.
Get the recipe from Creme De La Crumb.
13. Antipasto Skewers
It's simple: Put a mozzarella ball, some roasted red peppers, olives, salami, a lil tortellini, and a piece of fresh basil on a skewer, and you have the freshest snack on a stick. Drizzle some olive oil and Italian seasoning to add more flavor.
Get the recipe from The Sweetest Occasion.
14. Chili Crunch Baked Feta
TikTok pasta, who? Bake a big 'ole block of feta until it's nice and bubbly, spoon some jarred chili crunch on top, and dip accordingly (prepare thy taste buds for some spice, though).
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
15. Spinach Artichoke Pull-Apart Bread
Store-bought Italian bread makes this recipe a dream for the host who's always scrambling at the last minute. (Yes, you can do it from scratch, but why would you?) Follow the recipe to whip up a cheesy spinach and artichoke dip and stuff it in between the nooks and crannies until everything is perfectly melty. That cheese pull is essential!
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
16. The Best Jalapeño Queso
Is it clear that I love cheese? There's a reason for that: Ever been to a party and people aren't crowding around the queso? The answer is no. Queso is the queen of any party, and you can test out that theory with this ~somewhat~ spicy jalapeño version.
Get the recipe from Half-Baked Harvest.
17. Cheesy Meatball Pull-Apart Pizza Ring
The hardest part in this recipe is rolling out the pizza dough and cutting three lines into a star shape, and tbh, even that sounds kind of fun. With store-bought dough and pre-made meatballs, this pizza bread takes 20 minutes to make, and will certainly be gone in less time than that.
Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
18. Sesame Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes >> regular potatoes, and I will not be taking any further questions. Once you realize how easy it is to make these guys, you'll serve it at every party and even as a dinner side on weeknights. Add some chili, sesame oil, sesame seeds, tahini, and cilantro, and you're in business.
Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
19. Loaded Olive Cheese Bread
It takes literally seven ingredients to make this salty, gooey goodness that will have your guests raving all night. Pro tip: The brinier the olive, the better.
Get the recipe from Butter Be Ready.
20. Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Sure, everyone loves the classic microwave kind, but these pizza rolls are A. wayyy more impressive with the garlic knot-esque topping and B. kinda healthier because you crisped them up in your air fryer. You can thank TikTok for this inspo.
Get the recipe from Chenée Today.
21. Buffalo Chicken Waffles
Okay, these really look like they came from your trendy neighborhood brunch spot. All you have to do is waffle-ize some biscuits, add some rotisserie chicken, and top with some hot sauce, ranch dressing, and shredded cheese (all pantry staples, tbh). Easy peasy!
Get the recipe from Pillsbury.
22. Oven Toasted Garlic Herb Cheese Ravioli
A cute finger food and hella crispy take on the feel-good meal. That's amore!
Get the recipe from Half-Baked Harvest.
23. Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms
Besides looking gorgeous, these also taste fabulous. Goodbye, cheese and crackers. Hello, cheesy mushrooms.
Get the recipe from Savory Nothings.
24. Crème Brûlée Cups
Maybe not a "traditional" snack food, but who says these little delights can't be set out for a classy party. Sounds like the best time ever, tbh.
Get the recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron.
25. Poblano Pineapple Salsa
Taste the rainbow, then dip your tortilla chips in it. This show-stopping salsa will have your guests ready to party.
Get the recipe from HelloFresh.
26. Mediterranean Flatbreads
This shareable snack calls for spring veggies like asparagus, but you can mix and match to create what's basically an adult pizza.
Get the recipe from Purple Carrot.
27. Prosciutto and Cheese Pastry Twists
Hot brie + prosciutto + puff pastry = bliss, amirite?
Get the recipe from Half-Baked Harvest.
28. Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket
Has there ever been a more perfect crowd-pleaser? Prep these the day before your shindig, then throw 'em in the oven right before people arrive. Perfection.
Get the recipe from Yellow Bliss Road.
29. Zucchini Chips with Creamy Basil Avocado Dip
Uh, come to mama, vegetables disguised as fried treats. Think of these as French fries—but green.
Get the recipe at Purple Carrot.
30. Avocado Deviled Eggs
If you feel kinda weird about mayo, let us introduce you to avocado deviled eggs, which are essentially eggs topped with guac (genius!), with no mayo involved whatsoever. Top with some jalapeño chile pepper and they will def not be bland.
Recipe from Simply Recipes.
31. Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Dip
Aka 100 percent the easiest sweet dip situation you'll ever make. Serve with fruit, grahams, or anything else you wanna shove straight into your face.
Recipe from Delish.
32. Nutella Banana Pizza
Don't make your guests choose between dessert and pizza. Just bring out this showstopper toward the end of the party to keep things lit.
Get the recipe from HelloFresh.
33. S'mores Caramel Popcorn
Give the people what they want (gooey, chocolatey s'mores), but without the smoke, bugs, or dirt. Honestly, it's brilliant.
Get the recipe from Leigh Anne Wilkes.
34. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
If you can blend a margarita, you can blend this hummus. Set it out with fluffy pita slices and cut-up veggies.
Get the recipe from Rock Recipes.
35. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Like loaded baked potatoes, but cuter. Just add guac or sour cream.
Get the recipe from Green Chef.
36. Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips with Peach Salsa
Why even bother choosing between sweet and savory? By mixing a tangy, fruity dip with these French toast chips, you get to have everything.
Get the recipe at Purple Carrot.
37. Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups
So it's clear we're big spinach artichoke stans over here. These bb wonton bites are so addictive that they'll win over your guests, whether you're hosting friends for the big game or for a Bachelor-watching sesh.
Get the recipe from Peas and Crayons.
38. Fresh Homemade Salsa
Sure, you can run to your fave taco joint and pick up their secret sauce, or you can blend up some of your own at home. Serve with tortilla chips of your choosing, plus cilantro.
Get the recipe from Cooking Classy.
39. The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
You are not allowed to have a party without buff chicken dip. PSA: According to the recipe, you can make this with leftover Thanksgiving turkey too, just in case you don't feel like making a last-minute run to the grocery store.
Get the recipe from The Forked Spoon.
40. California-Style Smoky-Sweet Tofu Avo Toast
This one's ideal for your veggie friends who are always complaining that there are never enough options on the menu. Plus, your carnivorous friends would never turn down avo toast.
Get the recipe from House Foods Tofu.
Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She's got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you're in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple's newest residents, there's a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.
Niko Newbould is an Editorial Intern. When she isn't writing, she's busy drooling over fashion or making her own music. You can find her on instagram @ kissykoko
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
