Celebrating the holidays with little ones brings its own set of challenges—like managing energy levels, non-existent bedtimes, and finding ways to keep them busy while you get ready for family—but having appetizers that kids will love can go a long way in making the season a success. Whether you want your offering to be creative and colorful or just plain delicious, we’ve got the best quick (like 30 minutes or less!) and easy finger foods to make this year.
Mini Grilled Cheese Bites
Celebrate NYE with a kid favorite: grilled cheese! These bite-sized morsels are easy to put together and guaranteed to please a crowd. Don’t forget the tomato soup shooters! To get the recipe, visit The View from Great Island.
Pull-Apart Pizza Ring
We love that this pull-apart pizza ring can be made with any type of toppings: cheese, veggies, sausage, or just about anything you desire! And, only requiring 20 minutes in the oven, it's an appetizer that can be made quickly.
7-Layer Bean Dip
This seven-layer bean dip recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron is a cinch to make, can be paired with chips or veggies, and can be made in advance. What's not to love?
Fruity Chocolate Waffle Cones
Kids will love these waffle cones dipped in chocolate and stuffed with fresh fruit. My Fussy Eater has the recipe plus a video with tips on how to dry the cones without all the mess. These make for a healthy, fun option, and to cut down on prep you could even have guests spoon the fruit into the cones themselves.
Mini Stacks
There's nothing like a stack of pancakes to suggest you've made it through 'til morning! These mini stacks skewered with party picks and topped with a slice of fresh fruit are sure to go down well. Dust with confectioners sugar for a sweet touch and a hint of snowfall. Kraft Canada has the how-to.
Easy Enchilada Cups
These might be one of our favorite finger food ideas! The hardest part might be shaping your mini tortilla in a muffin tin because the filling comes together quickly and is ready to be served in 30 minutes. Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
Ham and Cheese Pie
This ham and cheese pie uses pre-rolled pastry, making it an easy addition to any party platter. It calls for just four ingredients sandwiched between flaky puff pastry. After 20 minutes in the oven, you'll have a pie that can be sliced into bite-sized squares and tastes so good you'll be making it again and again.
Perfect Cheese Board
A cheese board is an obvious snack table centerpiece—and crackers are always a big hit with kids! Layer up a tray with the help of Take Two Tapas where you'll find a tutorial to answer all your questions. You can create an appetizing feast of cooked and cured meats, fresh and dried fruit, sliced veggies, and dips that kids and adults can both enjoy.
Stellar Chicken Nuggets
Use cookie cutters to give homemade chicken nuggets a festive look. The stars are baked rather than fried, and they're the perfect addition to a snack table. Find the recipe in our archives.
Peppermint Bark Popcorn
Popcorn is one of the easiest snacks, and this recipe just adds melted chocolate and crushed candy canes to make the perfect celebratory treat. Use half regular popcorn and half kettle corn for sweet, minty popcorn with all the delicious flavors of peppermint bark. Head to Endlessly Inspired for the how-to.
Rainbow Pretzel Wands
Harness the magic of New Year's Eve with these colorful rainbow wands! Get the recipe from Mom On Time Out and see how versatile they are. They can be easily made in batches and are a great combo of sweet and savory that adds pizzazz to any party platter.
Cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries
Nothing revives a flagging toddler like a fist full of fries, and these cinnamon sweet potato sticks are no exception. The best part? They take just five minutes to prep! Relish their sweet and savory flavors as you celebrate the season. Head to Weelicious for the recipe.
We’re pretty sure this appetizer idea qualifies as pure genius. Just take your family’s fave tortellini, stick ‘em on skewers, and set them on a pretty tray. You’ll get major presentation points with zero fuss. To learn more, visit My Fussy Eater.
Classy Pigs in a Blanket
Make your NYE party extra magical with an appetizer that only uses two (count ‘em, two!) ingredients. These pigs in a blanket are the definition of simple—and you can even add a touch of sesame seeds to up the wow factor. Get the recipe over at Culinary Hill.
Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs
Serve these delish meatballs as an NYE app or a heartier dinner—either way, we’re sure kids and grownups alike will love them. The best part is, you can use whichever cheese is a household fave! Get The Weary Chef’s recipe by clicking here.
Tater Tot Treats
Homemade tater tots? Yes, please! These muffin tin tots are filled with cheese, chives, and bacon, and taste just like mini-loaded baked potatoes. ‘Nuff said, right? Get the recipe over at Well Plated.
Oven-Baked Crispy Ravioli
Cheesy, crispy warm pasta bites? Yes, please! This super simple finger food recipe uses store-bought ravioli (choose any flavor you like!), parmesan cheese, and panko bread crumbs to create a kid-friendly appetizer that's sure to be snatched up at your next holiday gathering. Get the recipe over at Food Fanatic.
