85 Tasty Treats That Will Be A Hit At Any Party

Whether it's the holidays such as the festive season or Thanksgiving, a special birthday, or a celebration of a new life about to begin, there're so many reasons to throw a party. Perhaps you're planning a day-time brunch or a wild night-time ho-down at home for a special anniversary. Before you send out the invites and decorate, you'll probably need some inspiration about what to serve. From a family-style buffet to a gourmet array of cocktail canapes, here are 85 tasty treats that'll be a hit at any party. What you're looking for are delicious flavors, moreish textures, and stunning-looking designs. Creating the right menu can give your get-together some get-up-and-go and get everyone in the right mood. Make sure what you serve is in tune with the occasion and event style. There're plenty of recipes here, so have fun choosing your party list of food hits.

Goodbye fattening deep-fried potato chips, and hello healthier air fryer sweet potato chips. These golden discs are so ridiculously moreish and promise the perfect crunch if you get the thickness just right. The best way to cut the chips is with a mandoline, being careful of your fingers! Too fat and they won't cook evenly and crisp up, but too thin and your chips won't be robust enough. Cook in batches so you can cook a layer at a time and serve as is or with onion dip or hummus. 

Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Hooray on behalf of party guests who always miss out on chicken nuggets because they're coated in breadcrumbs. Your only issue with these goodies is making enough because everyone's going to love them. While this recipe uses gluten-free bread, you can use gluten-free cornflakes instead. A good tip to make crumbs fresh from a slice of bread is to toast first before blitzing in the food processor, or blender, or pummeling with a pestle and mortar. Add cayenne and black pepper to spice up your crumb coating and serve with dips.

Recipe: Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets

Colorful Korean soul food is a tempting tasty treat for any party, whatever the occasion. While these rolls do look like sushi, there's no raw fish used with these. Dried seaweed and rice are wrapped around pretty much any filling you like. Make some meaty, veggie, and fishy ones so you have a big variety plateful. You can even put cheese inside if you like. What's best about kimbap is that you can be creative, and the recipe is flexible too. Carrots, spinach, and pickled radish make the Spam look so bright and colorful.

Recipe: Easy Kimbap

This creamy, slightly piquant dip is more than a dip, and if you really want to showcase its flavors then serve it with more than just chips. It's a great dip for jicama, and it pairs perfectly with classic Mexican food too. Thin it out and use it as a dressing if you prefer over meat or some carbs like rice or roast potatoes. If you don't have any buttermilk, then you can leave it out and enjoy a thicker dip. Sprinkle cilantro on to finish.

Recipe: Copycat Chuy's Creamy Jalapeño Dip

It's great to try treats that are different, but the reason this side dish is such a classic party dish is that it's so popular. The combination of crunchy carrot and cabbage with a creamy dressing is everything. Served as a side to some grilled goodies or traditional American fare, it's a no-contest winner. The apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang to the mayo as well. The best way to mix up this salad is with a pair of tongs and make sure you chill for 20 minutes so the cabbage can properly marinate.

Recipe: Traditional Coleslaw

The tastiest recipes are those that create authentic dishes, so if you're looking for a Mexican wave of appreciation then these tamales are the way to go. Yes, they take time to make, but they're so worth it. Remember the recipe too, as you're going to be asked for it by everyone. Make sure the meaty filling is tender enough to be shredded and squeeze out your corn husks once they've been soaked. When you come to steam your tamale treats, stack them upright in the steamer basket and cool slightly before serving.

Recipe: Authentic Mexican Tamales

If you serve these mouthwatering shrimp tacos, your party is definitely going to be remembered. You don't have to wonder if everybody will love them because they're a hands-down hit. The creamy chimichurri sauce is dairy-free but add avocado in if you want it creamier. And you can swap up cilantro for basil for those who hate the flavor of this herb. Charring your tortillas on the stove adds appeal too, and once you serve with red onion and red pepper flakes eat within an hour or two.

Recipe: Easy Shrimp Tacos

Before you pour chips into a bowl, consider what a treat these stuffed mushrooms would be at your party. Whether you're having a down-to-earth shindig or a more sophisticated celebration, these cheesy portobello mushrooms are magic. Make room for your filling by gently removing the gills and taking out the stalk which you can chop up and add to the filling. The soft cheese is fabulously moist and spreadable, while the Parmesan adds some tang. Don't forget to sprinkle some of the Italian hard cheese over before baking to create a golden topping.

Recipe: Hearty Stuffed Mushrooms

Soft squid rings surrounded with fried batter, calamari conjures up memories of seaside vacations, beachside snacks, and meals out with friends and families. It's a snack that feels like a celebration, and it's got the taste, texture, and bitesize appeal to please all at any party. Use buttermilk to tenderize the squid and get rid of any fishy odors. And stick to rings rather than tentacles when catering to a group. Dredge in flour and fry in batches for greater ease. Serve lemon squeezed over the top and a basil and marinara dip. 

Recipe: Easy Fried Calamari

This recipe isn't hating on tomatoes, the classic salsa ingredient, as it still makes an appearance in this recipe. However, it's roasted corn that blasts this dish into another realm as a really good party snack. The olive oil drizzled on the kernels as they roast creates a depth of flavor and browns them. Don't worry if you don't feel like shucking cobs and cutting corn off them, as you can use frozen corn for this recipe, which makes it easier if you're making a big batch. Serve as a dip or topping.

Recipe: Roasted Corn Salsa

If your party involves a cookout, then you might want to grill these spicy shrimp fresh. As soon as they're cooked, call guests so they can grab them nice and hot. Shrimp are always going to be a big hit, but this recipe powers-up the taste with an awesome chili garlic sauce with some Worcestershire sauce and lemon adding some extra flavor intensity. For a party, put some toothpicks by the shrimp so guests can spear a shrimp and eat it in one, and so that they don't get their hands messy either. 

Recipe: Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Take the top pastry layer off mini pies and you have half the carbs and some pretty party tarts. Add in crawfish filling, and you're upping the taste of these treats to being wow big style. While the recipe calls for crawfish tails, you can use crab, shrimp, or lobster. You could even use a luxurious mix of seafood if you want to really impress. If you don't have a rolling pin to hand to turn your pastry into pie cases, then a great tip is to use a clean wine bottle instead.

Recipe: Mini Crawfish Pies

Some like it hot, so make this Maryland crab dip as spicy as you like. The recipe works just fine if you want to add hot sauce. Don't be tempted to swap the crab meat for imitation crab meat though, as the texture and taste won't create what is a star dish. Make with care, using a rubber-tipped spatula to fold in the seafood so it doesn't break up and ruin your dip. Each mouthful should be an experience. Garnish with chopped green onion and serve with celery sticks and crackers.

Recipe: Hot Maryland Crab Dip

Citrus and spice make all things nice, especially chicken wings that remind you of one of your favorite restaurants. Deep-fried deliciousness is always going to be a hit, but you can also bake these treats. Customize how much lemon zest and pepper you add, to get just the right balance. If you want to go large, use chicken thighs and drumsticks instead of wings, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Try adding some herbs into the yummy, melted butter, such as parsley and cilantro, or some chopped green onions.

Recipe: Copycat Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings

Not all onion rings are great, especially if the batter is greasy and soggy, or the crumb slides off from the onion. They can be a hit or miss. These rings are baked with a crumb crisp, with turmeric added to create a gorgeous golden brown coloring. The onion is dipped in batter too, which is made with heavy cream, while they're not too oily as they're not deep fried. This recipe calls for rapeseed oil, but you can use a vegetable oil spray instead. Serve with whatever dips you like. 

Recipe: Homemade Baked Onion Rings

Turn button mushrooms into a divinely tasty treat. You don't need any culinary wizardry, just a pan full of canola oil, flour, and buttermilk. To get a good crisp on these fried mushrooms, double coat them in flour, and tap them after each dredge so there aren't any floury clumps stuck on when frying. If you want some inspiration for dips to serve with these magical morsels, try tomatoey marinara, spicy and creamy Sriracha mayo, or classic garlic mayo. Spicy mustard and thousand island dressing also enhance the flavor. 

Recipe: Copycat Logans Roadhouse Fried Mushrooms

This shrimp dish is going to go bang bang at any party because it's literally the bomb. Instead of coating with cornstarch, create extra crispiness by using panko breadcrumbs. You can also add more Sriracha sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce into the mayonnaise, depending on what level of fieriness and sweetness you want to dip your deep-fried shrimp into. Not a fan of mayonnaise? Try creamy plain yogurt or crème fraîche instead. Use chopsticks to move the shrimp around while they're cooking, so they come out beautifully brown.

Recipe: Best Bang Bang Shrimp

No party table is complete without some pickles. If you didn't know it already, there's been something of a trend on these sweet, sour, and spicy treats that go with just about everything. Dang, they're downright delicious all on their own straight out of the jar. Use vinegar with 5% acidity for this version, and if you want to cut down on sugar then leave it out or replace it with stevia or some other low-cal sweetener. Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat. Don't forget to make these the day before.

Recipe: Homemade Refrigerator Pickles

Sweet chili sauce is so sweetly versatile. It's great with spring rolls, shrimp rolls, and chicken wings, and you can even mix it with some cream cheese for a creamier spicy dip. Yes, you can serve store-bought but when all you need is garlic, sugar, rice wine vinegar, and red chili flakes, why would you? You can make it to the consistency you want as you control how much of the cornstarch slurry you add as you heat your ingredients. You can also keep this sauce fresh for a month in the fridge.

Recipe: Sweet Chili Sauce

Were you tantalized with the words 'cheese' and 'bread', with 'jalapeño' just making you fall to your knees? So you should be, and before you sigh at the thought of kneading and proofing a loaf, you'll be beside yourself with joy to learn that you don't have to. Take out the seeds and ribs of the fresh chilis for a milder kick or use a canned variety if you want to dial down the heat. Make sure the cheese and chilis are well-mixed, so they don't sink in the mix. 

Recipe: Quick Jalapeño Cheese Bread

If you think a party just isn't a celebration without some crispy chicken wings, then you'd be just about right. These air fryer ones crisp up perfectly before you toss them in Mae Ploy Sweet Chilli Sauce. If you're prepping the wings, take your time and use a sharp knife. Remove the tips and freeze them to make a stock another time. You can replace the sauce with Sriracha if this is easier to obtain, and amp up the heat with red pepper flakes, cayenne, or ghost pepper powder.

Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Sticky Wings

Being able to see the vibrantly colorful fillings through the translucent rice paper of these rolls is what makes them a visual feast. The fact that in every bite you're tasting succulent shrimp is another big tick. Another point that makes these Vietnamese-style rolls so impressive is that they embrace the flavors of Asian cuisine so delicately. They're a real treat and work wonders at elevating the food at any party. Making foods your guests probably wouldn't make on the average weeknight makes them feel special and the peanut sauce is beyond.

Recipe: Easy Shrimp Rolls

It's easy to throw a store-bought pizza into the oven, but you can make a homemade version in 15 minutes, including cooking time. What makes it so quick is using a pre-cooked pizza crust — just make sure it's thin enough to bake in under 10 minutes. You can chop up or shred rotisserie chicken or use any cooked chicken. Meanwhile, the easiest way to add barbecue sauce is with a pastry brush. Make a batch of these for your party with different flavors such as pepperoni and tomatoes or pulled pork.

Recipe: 15-Minute BBQ Chicken Pizza

Let the good times roll with these fluted taquitos made with rotisserie chicken, refried beans, salsa, and lots of gooey cheese. Instead of making these the traditional way and deep frying, you can cook these in the air fryer for a healthier treat. Corn tortillas work best and warming them first makes rolling easier. Secure them with wooden toothpicks, then they don't fall apart while cooking. Serve with salsa and sour cream, and Mexican guac. Hot sauce, chopped cilantro, and jalapeños are also a trio of terrific toppings.

Recipe: 15-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

If you add special ingredients, then a pasta bake becomes a dish worthy of a special occasion. It's worth seeking out the spicy 'nduja sausage used to make this ricotta cheese pasta, so factor in a trip to an Italian deli or to Wholefoods for this ingredient. You'll be glad you made the effort. This recipe is made with rigatoni, but you can use another shape, as long as it's short pasta. Make sure it's close to al dente and mix it well with the other ingredients before baking.

Recipe: Spicy Sausage And Ricotta Pasta

If you're feeding a crowd, especially for a wintery get-together, this chili dish warms everyone up. And since there's no meat, any plant-based guests aren't left out in the cold either. It's also super-quick to make too, so there's no need for it to bubble away for hours on the stove. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro on top, or dairy-free versions for a vegan dish. A hunk of cornbread to dip in is also a tasty addition. Chives, chopped green onions, and dairy-free cornbread croutons complement the chili flavors. 

Recipe: 3-Bean Vegetarian Chili

Taco seasoning gives the beef that spicy seasoned flavor for these moreish enchiladas. Here's a dish that no Mexican food lover is ever going to not get excited to eat. A meaty filling with soft tortilla and red enchilada sauce topped with melted cheese is so good, and what's just as great is they're easy to make too. Blend your beans to give this home-style dish a smoother texture. They're ideal for a casual party rather than a fancy schmancy formal affair. Serve with sour cream, cilantro, and guacamole. 

Recipe: Beef And Refried Bean Enchiladas

Upgrade nachos from a movie-theatre snack to a culinary celebration to share with party peeps. Succulent seasoned steak leads the way along with refried beans, cheese, and veggies. While this is simple to make, take time to add your layers properly so that everyone gets a bite that's poppin' with all the different flavors. Flat nacho chips are easier to use for this purpose. Use pulled pork or chicken instead if you prefer and work the spices to create some Mexican-style heat and let the meat rest so those wonderful flavors are absorbed.

Recipe: Easy Steak Nachos

Y'all want to embrace some old-time southern hospitality? Then get your gumbo on with some Cajun-style home cooking. Crawfish and andouille sausage create a bold dish, and if you've never made this before, make sure you take time with your roux so it's cooked through and the color of peanut butter. Yes, siree, this is how the magic starts. The classic trio of ingredients is onion, green bell pepper, and celery for this Louisiana belle. Add shrimp, but you can use other types of fish instead of red snapper. Serve on some rice.

Recipe: Louisiana Seafood Gumbo

For a chilled-out hang-out, do you want pizza or cheeseburgers? What about takeout or home-cooked? What about baking a Domino's-inspired cheeseburger pizza? It'll make sense, and everyone will love you for your effort. Cut down on prep time by using ready-made dough and enjoy creating that burger taste with a sauce made from ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice. Make sure you break up large pieces when you're frying the ground beef for the topping. Do you want cheese on that burger pizza? This one's got American, Cheddar, and provolone.

Recipe: Domino's Cheeseburger Pizza Copycat

Lasagna is a firm favorite, but it can be sloppy to serve, and eat, at a party. Once a few servings have gone, the dish may look disheveled. Keeping all the same flavors but creating individual lasagna rolls is absolute genius. It not only makes serving to guests easier, but you can also create different flavors. You could add spinach to one bite, and use different ingredients, such as bell pepper and tomatoes to stuff the others. What's great is that you can cook these individual rolls in one tray, nestled next to each other.

Recipe: Lasagna Roll-Ups

A real culinary treat is a classic home-cooked dinner. Pot roast appeals to all, bringing everyone together regardless of their differences. This is probably why it's a guaranteed hit with any group, with guests rubbing their hands together and saying, "Aah," before they've even tasted this supper dish. You can cook it in the oven, but the advantage of using a slow cooker is you can set it and leave it as you prep other dishes. Don't be tempted to miss out on the pepperoncini peppers, as they add depth without too much heat.

Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

Talk about elevating a comfort-food classic. While it's commonplace to add seafood to mac and cheese in the South, adding lobster tails takes this dish to a whole other level. It's a talking point, a tasting extravaganza, and a total party hit. It's luxurious, decadent, and downright delicious. Cook the pasta in a water and milk mix to make the pasta silkier. Pass this family recipe from the "New Soul Kitchen" chef and cookbook author Jernard Wells to your guests and wow them too.

Recipe: Chef Jernard Wells' New Soul Kitchen Lobster Mac & Cheese

Forget making individual cupcakes or a time-consuming layered cake. For a party vibe, a tray-baked sheet cake is the way to go. You can still be on point with complex flavors if you make a carrot cake. Make sure your dry ingredients are well-mixed and there aren't any clumps and don't over-egg beating the batter as your cake will dry out. Once you've got all your ingredients together for the frosting get that whipped up so it's wonderfully fluffy. Decorate carrot cake with pieces of carrot that look like individual mini carrots.

Recipe: Best Carrot Sheet Cake

Slicing a whole cake at an event can be messy and interrupt the social flow. Individual bites of chocolatey cheesecake are easy to make if you use cream cheese and eggs at room temperature. When you're lining your baking tray with parchment paper let it extend on two sides so you can easily hold these to remove the cheesecake. Crush your graham crackers in a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin if you don't have a food processor. Use toothpicks to remove the chocolate-covered squares from your fork after dipping. 

Recipe: Mini Chocolate-Covered Cheesecake Bites

These cupcakes are soft and light, with a sweet and salty caramel flavor. This has to be the best way to use up overripe bananas and turning this classic pie dish into individual, party-friendly desserts is a stroke of genius. Add each egg to the batter one at a time to prevent curdling. Fold the flour in rather than stirring so that the air isn't lost and you get fluffier cakes. Use the bag end of a piping nozzle to make the holes for the filling and add extra sugar to firm up runny frosting.

Recipe: Best Banoffee Cupcakes

You've got pots bubbling away on the stove, bites in the air fryer, and baking trays in the oven. What you need is this citrus surprise dessert that doesn't need any baking whatsoever. What's also great is it's sweet yet tart and creamy yet crunchy. On top of the biscuit base, you've got three layers: There's a lemony cream cheese and then an instant lemon pudding mix, followed by some Cool Whip. Don't forget to add lemon zest on top so the snow-white surface looks party-ready and pretty to serve.

Recipe: Easy Lemon Lush

Bringing this campfire classic indoors for a celebration ignites the atmosphere of any party and delights all guests. It's also a great way for kids to be involved without the need for an open fire or going outside if it's a chilly night. What gives this version its signature standout taste is caramel sauce, but make sure to watch it closely so it doesn't burn. The cracker needs to be wider than the chocolate too, so it doesn't melt out the sides. Sprinkle on coarse sea salt before serving to lift that toffee flavor.

Recipe: Oven-Baked S'mores

If you're a fan of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups then this giant, home-baked version is a total treat. While this recipe uses semi-sweet chocolate, you can use alternatives such as dairy-free varieties. Likewise, you can use any type of nut butter if you don't want to make this with peanut butter, perhaps because of potential allergies. Grease your tart tin before adding the melted chocolate, and make sure it also sets up the sides. Stick a toothpick in and if it comes out clean your dessert is set. 

Recipe: Giant Peanut Butter Cup

It doesn't matter what age someone is, there's an innocent joy about a rainbow-layered sponge cake. Serve this and see if anyone isn't smiling when you slice into it and reveal a kaleidoscope of amazing color. Food is not just about taste, and when it comes to a celebratory event, visuals are all that, and then some. You want the colors to look bright and bold, so make sure you add enough food coloring to the batter. Decorate vibrantly too, with plenty of sprinkles and candies to make your cake look truly magical.

Recipe: Simple Rainbow Cake

There's no sweeter sweetheart treat than a chocolate-covered strawberry when guests are mingling and having a good time. They look like fruity treasures, and they're deliciously uncomplicated to make. To make dipping easier, pick out larger strawberries and make sure they're totally dry, or this simple technique won't work out. Parchment paper is your paramour, as you want the fruit to set without sticking to any surfaces. You can also top them with sprinkles, nuts, or Oreo bits when the chocolate is wet. Or drizzle on white chocolate when the dipped strawberries have set.

Recipe: Easy Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

After a veritable feast of savory treats, a big dessert might be too much. But it's nice to end on a sweet note. That's exactly what these little cheesecake-filled graham cracker crust rounds are. Slices of strawberry on the top mean every bite has a fruity taste and also makes them look iconic on a buffet table or passed around on a tray at a get-together. Use the back of a spoon to mold the base into the mini muffin liners. These are perfect at a baby shower, wedding, or brunch. 

Recipe: Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Bites