Finger foods are small, bite-sized foods that can be eaten without utensils. They are perfect for parties, get-togethers, and other occasions where you want food that is easy to pick up and eat while mingling. But what exactly qualifies as finger food? Here is an overview of the different types of finger foods and what is typically considered finger food.
Types of Finger Foods
There are several broad categories of foods that are usually served as finger foods:
Bite-Sized Versions of Bigger Foods
Many finger foods are miniature versions of foods that are typically eaten with a fork or spoon. For example:
- Mini meatballs
- Baby quiches
- Miniature sandwiches or sliders
- Small skewers of fruit or meat
- Mini tarts or miniature desserts
The key is that these foods are sized small enough to eat in just one or two bites.
Foods Eaten Out of Hand
Other finger foods are typically eaten out of the hand even when not being served as party foods. These include:
- Chips and crisps
- Crackers
- Cookies
- Fresh vegetables with dip
- Fries
- Nuts
These foods are already designed to be easily picked up and eaten without utensils.
Foods on Picks or Skewers
Putting bite-sized foods on a pick, skewer, or toothpick makes them even easier to eat by hand. Common examples include:
- Cheese cubes
- Grapes
- Olives
- Meatballs
- Fruit slices
The pick gives you something easy to hold onto while you nibble the food off the end.
Bite-Sized Appetizers
Many classic appetizers are designed to be eaten in just one or two bites, so they make perfect finger foods. For example:
- Deviled eggs
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Pigs in a blanket
- Bruschetta
- Mini crab cakes
Look for any appetizer that is already sized to eat in two bites or fewer.
What Makes a Good Finger Food?
When choosing foods to serve as finger foods, keep these criteria in mind:
- Small – Foods should be small enough to eat in one or two bites.
- Easy to handle – It should be possible to pick up and eat the food easily without utensils.
- Not messy – Finger foods should not drip juices or toppings everywhere.
- Not greasy – Greasy foods can be tricky to handle with fingers.
- Flavorful – Since portions are small, the flavors should be bold.
- Fun presentations – Skewers, platters, tiered stands and other presentations make finger foods more fun.
Cold Finger Food Ideas
Chilled finger food options are great for warm-weather occasions:
| Food | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | Carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes skewered with ranch or hummus for dipping |
| Fruit | Melon balls, berries, grapes on skewers |
| Cheese | Cubes or slices of cheddar, Havarti, Gouda with crackers |
| Cold Meat | Rolled deli meats, deviled ham rolls |
| Sandwiches/Rolls | Mini subs, finger sandwiches, crostini |
| Dips | Guacamole, hummus, salsa, whipped feta or goat cheese |
Hot Finger Food Ideas
Warm finger foods can be great in cool weather:
| Food | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Meatballs | BBQ, Swedish, sweet and sour |
| Chicken | Bites, skewers, wings, nuggets |
| Sausage | Bites or links with various seasonings |
| Pizza | Mini bagels, pitas or bites |
| Egg Rolls | Mini vegetable or meat egg rolls |
| Quiche | Bite-sized spinach, lorraine or broccoli quiches |
Sweet Finger Desserts
Finish your finger foods with mini desserts:
| Dessert | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Cookies | Assorted miniature cookies |
| Brownies | Petite squares with various toppings |
| Cupcakes | Mini cupcakes in muffin liners |
| Tarts | Bite-sized fruit or nut tarts |
| Cake Pops | Bite-sized cake pops on sticks |
| Cheesecake | Mini cheesecake squares or bites |
Conclusion
When planning finger foods, get creative with bite-sized versions of classic party foods. Stick to options that are easy to eat out of hand and flavorful despite their small size. Offer a mix of cold and hot foods, and round out the savory foods with mini desserts. With the variety of finger food options available, it’s easy to create an appetizing finger food spread for any occasion.