28 deliciously easy party food ideas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, filled with festive sparkle – and the perfect excuse to have all your loved ones round for a knees-up.

We know you have enough to worry about with wrapping presents and finding extra chairs for the Christmas table, so we’ve pulled together the easiest party food ever that’s sure to impress your guests, while making things straight-forward for you.

From welcome cocktails to show-stopping puds, gluten-free options to veggie centrepieces, we’ve got the lot! But please remember: your guests will always appreciate the effort you’ve put in and enjoy spending time with you. Whatever you serve, in all its imperfect glory, will be brilliant.

COCKTAILS

Get the party started with this super-simple cocktail that uses whatever jam you have in the fridge. And the beauty of these is you can batch up the mix ahead of time, ready to shake with ice just before serving.

A get-together is always better with a glass of something bubbly, right? This one is taken to the next level with the addition of Cognac and bitters – a glass of this is sure to get anyone in the party spirit! Want something fizzy and non-alcoholic? Make up a jug of this Pomegranate, ginger and lime flavoured water.

NIBBLES

A great gluten- and dairy-free option when you’re feeding a crowd, this tasty, easy party food recipe is another brilliant one to make ahead. Stuff your prunes with the whole almonds, wrap with streaky bacon and chill until you’re ready to pop them in the oven just before your guests arrive.

Something a little bit special for your party buffet, this blend of salmon, crabmeat and prawns is a seafood lover’s dream. Whip up the delicious pâté beforehand, so all you have to do is toast the bread before serving.

This veggie dip seriously delivers on the flavour front – amazing considering it’s made with just three ingredients. Not only that, but all you need to do is whiz them up a food processor. Job done! Perfect served with crudités and/or bread.

Are you even having a party if you don’t have cheese straws? These have to be one of the easiest snacks you can make: all you need is five ingredients and in half an hour you’ll have flaky, cheesy deliciousness. Just add a glass of bubbly.

Sausage rolls are essential party finger food, and when pepped up with chilli, it takes them to the next level. Charring the chillis over a flame gives a wonderful smoky flavour – then leave in as many seeds as you dare!

Everyone will be fighting over these flavour-packed mouthfuls. Chestnut mushrooms are flavoured with garlic and fresh herbs to make these puff pastry-wrapped morsels irresistible. 

These samosas are baked, not fried, making them much easier to prep before a party. Beautifully spiced veg is enveloped in home-made pastry, then baked to perfection. We’ve used potato, peas and cauliflower here, but you could use whatever veg you have in.

DIY PARTY COMBOS

Forkfuls of deliciousness? Yes please! These simple combos of beautiful ingredients are so easy to make, yet look really impressive. We have a selection of flavours to choose from – Prawns & Marie Rose sauce, Bresaola with mustard, Fig, mozzarella & parma ham, Smoked salmon with horseradish & beetroot, Greek style or Crispy duck forks. Pop a selection on a plate and they’ll go down a storm.

This 5 Ingredient Mediterranean recipe transforms the humble potato into something that’s perfect for parties. Simply reduce the patties to bite-sized portions and they’re perfect for dipping in the tomato sauce. Super easy and utterly delicious. 

Nothing says festive fun like a tear-and-share bread with oozy Camembert in the shape of a Christmas tree! Perfect for those parties when you have everyone there, from little kids to grannies – and all you need is just five ingredients. 

SOMETHING MORE SUBSTANTIAL

When you’re catering for a crowd, the easiest dishes to serve are the ones that guests can assemble themselves. And who doesn’t love a taco? Make this deliciously spiced pulled pork, then use it in a taco station. Dinner, done! 

For a veggie alternative, make these falafel wraps. And you can whip them up in 15 minutes flat! The recipe is also really flexible, so you can swap out ingredients for whatever you have in. 

EPIC NACHOS 4 WAYS

Nachos are everyone’s favourite – and by taking them four ways, you’re guaranteed to keep everyone happy. From smashed black beans with guacamole to beef chilli with melted cheese, these ideas are seriously good. 

For a crowd-pleasing, next-level veggie curry, this is the recipe you need. And it’s a great one to make the day before, then simply reheat and serve with rice and/or a naan. The addition of charred pineapple gives it a beautiful sweetness.

EASY GRAZING BOARD IDEAS

Grazing boards are the ultimate in easy party food. Lay out a couple of different combos for your guests to enjoy and they won’t stay around for long! 

PUDDINGS

Any party with kids needs ice cream on standby, and this one uses just three ingredients. Whip up double cream with evaporated milk, then crumble in the kids’ favourite chocolate – that’s it! So good and so easy, and is (almost!) guaranteed to keep the littles happy.

The perfect traybake of a cake! Chocolate sponge is sandwiched with buttercream and tinned mandarin segments and finished with chocolate buttercream. Pop it in the middle of the table and let people help themselves.

Another 5 Ingredient Mediterranean recipe that’s a total party winner – and it’s gluten free too! It only takes 10 minutes to make, then freeze until you’re ready to serve. Simply slice into bite-sized pieces and watch it disappear!

Hungry for more budget-friendly ideas? Then check out our delicious round-up.