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50 Budget-Friendly Party Finger Food Recipes

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I appreciate your shares! xox

Here are 50 Budget Friendly Party Finger Food Recipes that will be a hit at your next get-together. These easy finger food recipes will get you quickly out of the kitchen to enjoy mingling with your guests.

People talking and images of Budget Friendly Party Finger Food Recipes

Throwing a party, hosting family reunions, holiday gatherings, or a baby shower is always fun, but sometimes it can get expensive to feed a crowd. So for your next party, I have good news.

I have gathered some great inexpensive party finger food ideas for you to easily make and serve even on a tight budget.

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How do you make cheap party food

With a little planning ahead you can have budget-friendly finger foods ready in no time. The key is to plan ahead and buy when items go on sale.

lady in grocery shopping grocery list and lady cooking
  1. The best way to make cheap finger food is to gather a list of recipes you enjoy making for parties.
  2. Make a shopping list of all the ingredients in the recipes.
  3. Check the grocery sales page each week. When you see an item on your list go on sale, buy several of the items. Freeze or store them until it is time to host a party. This will help keep your cost low, and you will always be ready for a party.
  4. Keep your list handy, then when friends pop over, all you have to do is pick a recipe and pull all the ingredients out of your pantry or freezer.

Keep on hand last-minute party food ideas

Keep a few of these easy finger foods for a party in your pantry, fridge, or freezer for quick cheap appetizers.

Jars on pantry shelves
  • Puff pastry - Keep in the freezer. Then bake and fill with ice cream and top with fruit.
  • Tortilla chips - Always keep an extra bag of chips and a jar of salsa on hand. It is a favorite finger food for sure. Try my green tomato salsa for an extra special treat!
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks - Keep a bag in your fridge. They are a great item to serve kids
  • Pretzels - in various sizes and shapes
  • Jars of olives and spicy pickles.
  • Crackers - Keep a variety on hand.
  • Cream cheese - I buy these when they are on sale and keep them in my freezer. Allow thawing overnight in the fridge or use the defrost on your microwave.
  • Assorted blocks of cheese - These keep for months in your refrigerator and are perfect for quick cheese boards with crackers. Good choices are cheddar cheese, gouda, pepper jack and swiss cheese.
  • French fries - Chili cheese fries are a sure hit for last-minute parties or watching the big game. Make a batch of my Wendy's Copy Cat Chili or Best Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili and freeze it in pint-size containers. Defrost and heat the chili, then top baked fries with chili, Cowboy Candy, and cheese. Toast in the oven until cheese is melted, then serve.

Inexpensive serving dishes

party plates, silverware, cups and straws in bright colors

There are many inexpensive options for serving party finger food that will make your party look good and feel festive. I have found some creative options that you might like to try.

  • Dollar store - They have many plastic cut glass-looking serving bowls and trays.
  • Party store - Now there are many paper and plastic products that look like china or metal at a fraction of the cost.
  • Thrift stores - This is one of my favorite places to find serving pieces. They don't have to match just have a general feel for the theme of a party.

Free party planner

woman holding ipad with image of free party planner sample

Get this free Printable Party Planner to make the next party you host fun and easy. Throwing a small party or a big event, this planning checklist will simplify taking care of all the details.

Easy finger foods for a party

Don't just grab a bag of chips and dip for your next party. Check out these easy-to-make appetizers that won't bust your budget. They only take a short time to make and your friends will love them.

Easy Sausage Rolls with just 3 ingredients! (VIDEO RECIPE)
Easy Pork Sausage Rolls with just 3 ingredients - Customize these easy sausage rolls easily with your favorite flavor pairings, and they can be frozen too!
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Jalapeno Parmesan Crisps - A Yummy Keto Snack - Flavor Mosaic
These amazing Jalapeno Parmesan Crisps are crispy bites of baked parmesan, provolone cheese, and a jalapeno slice, that make a delicious low carb, Keto snack, or topper for soup.
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Homemade Frozen Taquitos In The Air Fryer
Homemade chicken taquitos cook up crispy and delicious for a warm snack, finger food for football parties and more! Easy to make ahead to store in the freezer so you can make a few at a time or a whole batch for friends!
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Taquitos in the air fryer are served up on the table with sauces.
Easy Greek Hummus Phyllo Bites Recipe - Chef Savvy
Quick and Easy Healthy Greek Hummus Phyllo Bites. Layered with creamy hummus, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta and parsley. Served in mini phyllo cups.
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Make-ahead party snacks recipes

Snack mixes and nuts are an easy food idea for parties. These recipes can be made ahead so you can have everything ready before guests arrive.

Easy & Unique Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe in a bowl with a serving spoon full

Kick up your next batch of slow cooker Unique Flavored Chex mix with a combination of spices, that is simple to make. It will be the hit of your next party or a low-key family night. Everyone is going to want this recipe from you.

Sweet & Spicy Roasted Cashews
Sweet & Spicy Roasted Cashews are a delightful appetizer, snack or gift to give that is quick and easy to make. The best part is these cashew nuts are good for you, gluten-free and vegan.
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BBQ Roasted Chickpeas Recipe
BBQ Roasted Chickpeas recipe is a simple to make a healthy snack, full of sweet bbq flavor and the best part is they are protein packed, gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free!
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Maple Glazed Popcorn
Maple Glazed Popcorn is an addictive treat with a naturally sweet buttery maple glaze made with maple syrup, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon.
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maple glazed popcorn

No cook finger foods for parties

If you don't want to heat up your kitchen try these easy-to-make, no-cook appetizers.

Green Marinated Sicilian Olives Recipe in a bowl

Bring a little Sicily to your table with this delicious Green Marinated Sicilian Olives Recipe. The olives are infused with fresh herbs, garlic, dried oregano, a pinch of chili pepper for heat all smothered in extra virgin olive oil and white vinegar dressing.

Italian Tomato Bruschetta Recipe • CiaoFlorentina
Authentic Italian tomato bruschetta recipe, the classic Italian appetizer and the real garlic bread.
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Stuffed Celery Recipe - Appetizer Addiction
Easy stuffed celery sticks are ready on your table in minutes which makes them the perfect last-minute appetizers for any party or family gathering.
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Stuffed Celery Recipe - Appetizer Addiction
30-Minute Marinated Mozzarella Balls
These marinated mozzarella balls are ready in just 30 minutes and are always a crowd favorite! They are simple to make and so tasty.
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Roasted Grapes and Olives Recipe | Saporito Kitchen
Roasted grapes and olives are some of the best easy appetizers. Red grapes and green olives are roasted together for a flavorful tasty snack!
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Cinnamon Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
Cinnamon Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates are the perfect quick snack when you are craving something sweet and good for you.
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stuffed dates

Fancy party finger food ideas on a budget

With a little creativity, you can create simple, inexpensive appetizers perfect for a fancy dinner party.

Warm blue cheese and fig bruschetta – The Tasty Chilli
This creamy blue cheese and fig bruschetta is a scrumptious appetizer at a dinner party, a picnic or as a simple light meal all on its own.
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Easy Grilled Crostini Sandwich Bites – Health Starts in the Kitchen
Elevate boring sandwiches to an elegant, appetizer ready, beautiful & easy Grilled Crostini Sandwich Bites! Delicious enough for a party, easy enough for an every day lunch!
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Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms are a perfect appetizer for your next party, full of garlic, toasted pecans, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and then topped with a citrus basil dressing. They are easy to make and you can make them ahead then bake just before a party.
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vegan stuffed mushrooms
Asparagus Tart
Fresh picked asparagus in a creamy filling on top a light crispy puff pastry shell makes this easy Asparagus Tart so beautiful and tasty that your friends will think you worked hours on preparing it. It's a perfect quick appetizer or side dish for your spring luncheons or dinners.
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Fresh picked asparagus in a creamy filling on top a light crispy puff pastry shell

Chicken wings recipes

Wings are simple finger foods for a party that everyone enjoys. Here are a variety of ways to cook and sauce them, such as air fryer, grill, or oven.

Ultimate Garlic Chicken Wings
These Ultimate Garlic Chicken Wings will amaze your friend when you make a batch of these delicious and easy-to-make garlicky sweet wings.
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Ultimate Garlic Chicken Wings, amazing flavor everyone will love. | intentionalhospitality.com
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
This air fryer lemon pepper wings recipe is the best recipe for getting incredibly flavorful, super crispy wings. This easy recipe is made with a dry rub to make insanely crispy wings in 20 minutes.
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The Most Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Wings (With Hot Honey!)
Crispy air fryer chicken wings smothered with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. The result: the best chicken wings you have ever tasted!
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Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Wings
These oven baked chicken wings are crispy, flavorful and are a favorite at any party. Discover the best recipe for oven baked barbecue chicken wings.
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Mini sandwiches

If you are looking for hearty finger foods for a crowd, mini sandwiches are a good choice. Your party guests are sure to enjoy a tray of these.

AIR FRYER PUNJABI SAMOSA PUFFS
How to make Air Fryer Punjabi Samosa Puffs using a ready made puff pastry
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Little Smokies Crescent Rolls - Mini Pigs in a Blanket!
Little Smokies Crescent Rolls aka Mini Pigs in a Blanket are easy to make party appetizer. Little Smokies Pigs in a Blanket are great on Football Sundays!
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Low-Carb Mini Cheeseburger Bites
Keto friendly mini cheeseburger bites are a fantastic low carb appetizer that is easy to make and the perfect addition to any party.
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Dips for finger foods

Serving dips is a great way to make inexpensive potato chips, veggie sticks, or crackers taste delicious.

Baked Goat Cheese Dip Recipe
Need some ideas for holiday entertaining? Check out this amazing warm goat cheese dip recipe.
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Roasted Red Pepper Spread
Roasted Red Pepper Spread is a delightfully sweet, Mediterranean flavored roasted red pepper and tomato spread that can be used as a dip for naan bread, a sauce for pizza and pasta, or a sandwich spread.
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roasted red pepper spread
Fresh Garlic Herb Goat Cheese Dip
Goat cheese dip with fresh herbs and garlic will be the star of the show at your next party. The flavors work perfectly for a yummy app!
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Olive Dip - Easy Olive Appetizer
An easy dip bursting with olive flavor. This olive dip is the perfect combination of creamy and salty. Great olive appetizer for a party, holiday or potluck.
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Black Eyed Pea Hummus
Black Eyed Pea Hummus is where the south meets traditional hummus with a twist in this delicious, slightly nutty flavored dip.
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black eyed pea hummus in a bowl
Caramelized Onion Dip | Salt & Baker
Creamy, flavorful, and 100% addicting, this Caramelized Onion Dip will be the star of every party!!
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Easy Tuna Dip
Easy Tuna Dip is creamy, full of flavour and takes just minutes to prepare! Enjoy this homemade dip with just a few minutes of preparation time!
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Muhammara Spicy Red Pepper Dip Recipe
Muhammara spicy red pepper dip is a healthy and flavorful vegan appetizer recipe, popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. Delicious with Pinot.
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Crackers and chips

Pimento Cheese Crackers
The best Pimento Cheese Crackers recipe is easy to make with only 4 simple ingredients. These homemade crackers are perfect to serve as an appetizer or enjoy as a savory snack.
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Bacon Crackers with Parmesan Cheese
You’ll love this easy appetizer recipe for Parmesan Bacon Crackers, featuring crispy bacon oven-baked on club crackers with melted cheese.
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Easy Homemade Tortilla Chips
Perfectly crispy restaurant-style Tortilla Chips made with only 3 ingredients. Plus all my tips on how to make the best and tastiest homemade tortilla chips.
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Cold party finger food

A great inexpensive option that can be made before your guest arrives is cold finger foods.

Mini Taco Salad Cups - The Art of Food and Wine
Mini Taco Salad Cups are great easy appetizers for parties or Big Game Day event. Two bite tortilla cups are layered with meat, cheese, lettuce, lime crema.
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Turkey Bacon Ranch Pinwheels - Low Carb, Keto, THM S
Turkey Bacon Ranch Pinwheels are a crowd pleasing, five-minute prep appetizer.They have a lot of flavor with only a little bit of effort.
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Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels
Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels are always a hit for a potluck or party.
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Classic Cheese Ball Recipe - Easy Budget Recipes
This Classic Cheese Ball recipe is perfect for any occasion, and it’s so easy to make. Everyone will want this rich and creamy appetizer.
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Easy make-ahead meatballs

Warm small bites such as meatballs is a good hearty finger food that your party guest will enjoy. Make these and keep them in your freezer. Then with minimal effort, you will have hearty finger food to serve guests.

60 Easy Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party with pictures of different recipes

Meatballs are easy make-ahead party food, so browse through these 60 delicious and easy meatball appetizer recipes for your next party. You are sure to find the perfect meatball recipe that your guest will love them so much they will want your recipe!

Game day party food

When it's football season and you are looking for fall finger foods and dips you will want to pin this list. These crowd-pleaser snacks are perfect for watching the game.

These game-day party food bar ideas are a fun and easy way to feed a crowd while watching your favorite team play. Get tips for decorating, setting up a foobar, and recipe ideas for the next big game day.

Unique cheap appetizers

Pepperoni Pizza Dip - Salt & Baker
This Pepperoni Pizza Dip is cheesy, creamy, and bursting with all the pizza flavors! It’s an easy appetizer loved by all! #saltandbaker
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Cheesy Apple Bites
These Cheesy Apple Bites are the easiest appetizer to to make.They’re made with the most delicious Autumn Glory Apples with cinnamon & caramel flavor tones.
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Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
Instant Pot boiled peanuts in the shell are a southern snack served traditionally in a brown paper bag that has a salty and sometimes spicy delicious flavor.
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boiled peanuts by and Instant Pot
Parmesan Zucchini
These Parmesan Zucchini are cheesy, and baked to perfection. They’re a vegetarian dish that is crispy and bursting with delicious flavors.
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Pasta Frittata Muffins - What to do with Leftover Pasta
These Pasta Frittata Muffins are fun for breakfast, snacks or appetizers. While this simple on the go breakfast recipe uses fresh angel hair it is also a great way to use up leftover pasta. Pasta Frittata
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Bang Bang Cauliflower
Crispy, crunchy oven baked cauliflower bites with a sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce. This cauliflower is BANGIN’!
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Mac and Cheese Balls
Mac and Cheese Balls make a tasty side dish, appetizer or finger food! All the great taste of macaroni cheese, but in crispy bites. You’ll love this recipe.
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Hummus Recipes

Hummus is a cheap easy appetizer that you can make ahead before guests arrive. Your guest will love dipping inexpensive veggie sticks, crackers, and bread in a variety of hummus recipes.

Cauliflower Hummus
Cauliflower Hummus has a creamy nutty flavor, with hints of roasted garlic, cumin, and sesame. It is a nutritious snack that is paleo, keto, and vegan.
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cauliflower hummus

Try some of these 50 delicious and unique hummus recipes—fun ingredients such as beetroot, carrot, avocado, and various veggies, beans, and spices.

UNIQUE HUMMUS RECIPES with pictures of different types

🎥 Need more ideas?

Be sure to check out all my WEB STORIES for more delicious recipes and party ideas to get you inspired!

I appreciate your shares! xox

About Gina Dickson

Hey y'all, I am here to help you build community and nurture faith around your table. You will find fun party ideas and delicious recipes for easy-to-make meals and party food. I want to help you create a table where people come together, enjoy a meal and linger with good conversation.