Are you planning your next event? Keep things fresh and fun with some delectable cocktail food ideas, sure to wow your guests and keep their bellies full. Be sure to take a look at Made by Meg’s extensive catering menu and check out my list below of 6 fresh cocktail food ideas to serve at your next event.
#1. Sliders
Sliders are one of my favorite cocktail foods. Who doesn’t love a tiny, bite-sized burger? These hand-held treats are a wonderfully diverse dish to add to your cocktail menu. While sliders are traditionally beef, you can change up the protein to appeal to a wider audience. I like to make an assortment of sliders with different proteins, from beef to chicken, pork to crab. This way there is sure to be something to appeal to all your guests.
Keep it classic with savory mini sirloin sliders topped with aged white cheddar, caramelized onions, and garlic aioli. Try pulled pork sliders with coleslaw for a fun twist. No matter what’s between the buns, sliders are guaranteed to please.
#2. Kebabs
Kabobs are a great addition to your cocktail food menu. They’re quick, easy to make and to eat. Just like sliders, you can swap out different proteins and veggies to create a more diverse menu, with plenty of options for all your guests.
My bacon bourbon BBQ chicken kabobs are always a hit. Spice things up with chorizo and roasted red pepper kabobs. Satisfy your vegetarian friends with assorted veggie kabobs, hot off the grill. Skewer an assortment your favorite proteins and veggies for a tasty cocktail food that will keep your guests coming back for more.
#3. Soup Shooters
We don’t often think of soup as a cocktail food. Bulky bowls and loose spoons aren’t ideal for an event without a seated meal. However with soup shooters, you can add one of your favorite comfort foods to your cocktail food menu. Simply pour your favorite soup into shot glasses and garnish. Guests can enjoy a warm (or cold) delicious soup in an easy-to-eat hand-held form.
California tomato bisque with micro basil and twice-baked potato with crispy bacon and scallion are two of my favorites. Soup shooters are a fun and inventive way to change up your cocktail food menu.
#4. Tea Sandwiches
Tea sandwiches are a classic cocktail food. The perfect finger-food, tea sandwiches are light, easy, and delicious. While everyone loves a cool, crisp, cucumber sandwich, there are plenty of ways to put a fresh new twist on this classic dish.
Change up your bread and use fresh, local ingredients to elevate this essential cocktail food. Try my skillet bacon jam, aged Dublin white cheddar, on black pepper Parmesan sourdough or roasted wild mushrooms, Camembert, and garlic aioli on rosemary olive bread.
#5. Crostinis
A crispy toasted crostini is an excellent dish to add your next cocktail menu. A crostini is a thin slice of toasted bread topped with delectable cheeses, meats, fruits, and veggies. This is a diverse dish can be modified to make it your own.
Add your favorite local ingredients and this dish is sure to be a hit. I love my California bruschetta with cherry tomato relish, fresh basil, on a toasted crostini, or try a crostini topped with goat cheese, strawberries, and balsamic crème. No matter how you top it, these tiny toasted treats will fly off the tray.
#6. Stuffed Peppers or Mushrooms
Pack your favorite veggies full of tasty filling and you’re sure to have a cocktail dish your guests will love. Stuffed peppers and mushrooms have been a long-time staple on cocktail food menus. These warm, savory treats will keep your guests coming back for more.
This is a great dish to satisfy vegetarians in your group as well. I love my Asian short rib stuffed Cremini mushrooms, and my bacon-wrapped shishito peppers, stuffed with Manchego cheese are sure to satisfy even the most discerning of appetites.
Next Steps
No matter what type of event you are throwing, cocktail food ideas like these are sure to please your guests. Keep your menu fresh, fun, and diverse, and your guests will be raving about your event well after the last slider has been eaten. For more tips and tricks to make your next event a success, reach out to us today. We would love to assist you in planning a memorable, one-of-a-kind event.
