23 best easy entertaining recipes
Fresh ideas for simple finger food and canapés
When it comes to planning a party, make entertaining a breeze with these easy party food ideas. Sure, you could opt for frozen party pies and sausage rolls, but why not flex some of those cooking skills you learned last year, and whip up some impressive (but easy) finger food and canapés guests will love?
Here, we bring you our easiest recipes to serve at your next gathering.
01
Easy cheesy mushroom arancini
Is it really a party without arancini balls? Try this cheesy recipe for one of Australia’s favourite canapés, or opt for this vegan arancini recipe made with cauliflower rice.
02
Vegan beetroot dip
Try this easy vegan beetroot dip recipe to bring something bright and flavoursome to your grazing platter. Serve with in-season vegetable crudités, crackers or toasted baguette.
03
Sausage roll scrolls
Give your classic sausage roll recipe a twist with these party-perfect sausage roll scrolls. Ready in three steps, it's an easy choice for fuss-free entertaining.
04
Healthier mini cob loaf dips
Who doesn’t love cob loaf? Give everyone their own mini cob dip with this quick (and healthier) version. Have a bit more time? Try these cheesy French onion individual cobs.
05
Lasagne bites
Transform lasagne into a bite-sized snack that’ll be a hit at your party. These bites stick to the basics — mince, basil and ricotta — so you can customise them with your favourite fillings.
06
Air-fryer chicken wings with buffalo sauce
Irresistible buffalo chicken wings are made easy thanks to the air-fryer. Cook up your wings and toss them in mouth-watering buffalo sauce. You can also opt for a vegan version with this air-fryer buffalo cauliflower recipe.
07
Easy guacamole
Make the best bowl of guacamole using only five fresh ingredients. Serve as a dip, or add it into a batch of easy tater tots nachos to really wow your guests.
08
Crispy fried agnolotti
Bite-size morsels don't get any better than these crispy fried agnolotti. Coated in panko breadcrumbs and served with a tomato pasta sauce, they’re the perfect party snack.
09
Chicken taquitos
This chicken recipe is great for entertaining. Spicy chicken, beans, guacamole, yoghurt and coriander are rolled up in mini flour tortillas to make tasty taquitos.
10
Easy hummus
Hummus is a must-have on any grazing platter. Make this easy, creamy hummus recipe from scratch in 15 minutes. Only five ingredients required.
11
Two-ingredient flatbread
Make this speedy flatbread recipe for your grazing platter. It’s excellent for dipping, spreading and topping with whichever cheeses, meats and dips you serve.
12
Smoked salmon blinis
Smoked salmon blinis are quintessential to any canapé offering. Using premade blinis cuts down prep time, but if you want to make your own, try this blini recipe.
13
Chicken satay skewers
Chicken satay skewers are a finger food favourite. The four-ingredient satay sauce recipe is easy-as to make. The whole dish will be ready in just 10 minutes.
14
Pizza dip
Turn pizza into a mouth-watering dip. This easy canapé recipe has you combine all the pizza flavours you love into a garlicky bread bowl. A sure crowd pleaser.
15
Air-fryer chicken schnitzel bites
Fire up your air fryer to make this bite-sized chicken schnitzel recipe. It’s sure to be a hit. Serve them with a spicy mayonnaise. They’re a great option for any gluten-free guests, too.
16
Antipasto skewers
Prosciutto. Bocconcini. Semi-dried tomato. Basil. Repeat. These easy skewers are like an antipasto platter on a stick. Plus, they’ll add some colour to your snack spread.
17
Rare roast beef canapés
Assemble these cold canapés in a flash. The roast beef paired with pickled cucumber and wasabi mayo makes for a tasty morsel. They’ll be devoured quicker than you made them.
18
Pork belly cocktail pieces
These glazed pork belly bites are sure to impress. While the cook time may be long, there’s very little prep that goes into this pork recipe. Low effort, delicious reward.
19
Coconut Thai-ger prawn tartlets
With lots of zingy flavour, these prawn canapés will be snapped up quickly. Make the sauce for the tartlets ahead of time to cut down on prep time the day of your party.
20
Pizzettes
Pizza is always a crowd pleaser, so serve up these individual mini pizzas at your next gathering. Customise them with the toppings you love.
21
Smoky red capscium dip
Whip up a batch of this creamy, smoky roasted capsicum dip. It’s easy to make and packed full of flavour. Your guests will be dipping their crudité and crackers again and again.
22
Caramelised onion and cheese tartlets
Four ingredients and two steps are all you need for these cheesy tartlets. This recipe calls for blue cheese, but you can also use a nice, sharp cheddar.
23
Antipasto platter with marinated prawns
There’s no cooking involved for this one. Pre-cooked prawns are marinated in a lemon, garlic and basil sauce, then served up with antipasti like cured meat, artichokes and feta.