Say Yes to These 40 Engagement Party Recipes

Updated on Feb. 06, 2024

Engagement season soon turns to engagement party season. Try these elegant finger foods and cocktails to celebrate the big day ahead!

1/40

Spiced Peach Puffs

Total Time 1 hour 35 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: We always made cream puffs for special occasions when I was growing up in our family of seven. Sometimes we used a custard filling, but this version with whipped cream and peaches is the best. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario. Don’t forget to check out these engagement party ideas.

Nutrition Facts: 1 cream puff: 99 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Cranberry Mimosa

Total Time 10 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Mimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 163 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Berry Tarts

Total Time 50 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Bring spring flavors together in these delectable miniature tarts. Raspberries and blueberries both work well with the whipped cream and lemon curd mixture—or choose your favorite berries instead. These sweet treats are great for a ladies tea, brunch or spring holiday celebration. —Mary J. Walters, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 tartlet: 241 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Lemon-Herb Salmon Toasts

Total Time 20 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Quick, light and tasty, my salmon toasts make irresistible finger food. —Christie Wells, Lake Villa, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 63 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Champagne Punch

Total Time 10 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This champagne punch, served at my wedding, continues to this day to be the elegant drink we serve at special events. —Anita Geoghagan, Woodstock, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 165 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini

Total Time 45 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 120 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Caprese Skewers

Total Time 10 min
Servings 12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator: Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
8/40

Mini Chocolate Wafer Cakes

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I first made these cakes for a friend when I lived in the dorms at college and had no access to appliances. Little did I know I would be making them 20 years later for my children! —Lara Pennell, Mauldin, South Carolina. Looking for more recipes? Check out our favorite engagement party cake ideas.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cake: 251 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/40

Cucumber Canapes

Total Time 20 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 canape: 120 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Elegant White Chocolate Mousse

Total Time 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Simply elegant is a fitting description for this smooth treat. Whipped cream teams up with white chocolate to make this easy white chocolate mousse recipe extra special. —Laurinda Johnston, Belchertown, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 422 calories, 34g fat (23g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
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Beef Wellington Fried Wontons

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These tasty appetizers scale down classic beef Wellington to an ideal party size. They feel fancy and fun! —Dianne Phillips, Tallapoosa, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 wonton: 47 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Total Time 55 min
Servings about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Baking a fun treat is a must when my four grandchildren come to stay for "grandma camp." Sometimes the grandkids help by piping the cake batter. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 whoopie pie: 267 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 194mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Greek Veggie Tartlets

Total Time 25 min
Servings 45 tartlets
From the Recipe Creator: The mixture in this recipe was originally a salad I made after a trip to Greece. When my husband suggested I serve it in phyllo cups, it became my most-requested appetizer!—Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 tartlet: 43 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
14/40

Champagne Punch

Total Time 5 min
Servings 16 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: A blend of four fruit juices pairs well with bubbly champagne in this party-pleasing punch. A strawberry garnish adds a festive touch. —Amy Short, Lesage, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 101 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
15/40

Steak & Blue Cheese Bruschetta with Onion & Roasted Tomato Jam

Total Time 55 min
Servings 16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator: An appetizer bursting with flavor from bleu cheese, caramelized onion, jam and balsamic vinegar—tasty bites that vanish in a hurry. —Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 185 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
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Mixed Berry Sangria

Total Time 10 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is a light, tasty beverage to serve with spoons so everyone can enjoy the fresh berries once the sangria is gone. — Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 134 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
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Tangier Island Virginia Crab Cakes

Total Time 25 min
Servings 12 crab cakes
From the Recipe Creator: I grew up eating these crab cakes, which are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. They're absolutely delicious every time I make them. —Ann Girucky, Norfolk, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 crab cake: 90 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
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Lemon Cheesecake Tarts

Total Time 40 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: To make these cute tarts more quickly, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 tart: 166 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 95mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Smoked Salmon Bites

Total Time 20 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Because smoked salmon is one of my favorite ingredients, it plays a big role here. Best of all, there’s no cooking involved. —Tom Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 12 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
20/40

Nutty Stuffed Mushrooms

Total Time 30 min
Servings 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Basil, Parmesan cheese and mushroom blend together well, while buttery pecans give these treats a surprising crunch. Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always ask for them! —Mildred Eldred, Union City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed mushroom: 44 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Antipasto Platter

Total Time 10 min
Servings 16 servings (3 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator: We entertain often, and an antipasto platter is one of our favorite crowd-pleasers. Guests love having their choice of so many delicious nibbles, including pepperoni and cubes of provolone. —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 157 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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Nutella-Stuffed Strawberries

Total Time 15 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Gourmet strawberries are pricey to order but easy to make. We serve strawberries with hazelnut spread as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or dessert. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed strawberry: 100 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Onion Brie Appetizers

Total Time 40 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Guests will think you spent hours preparing these cute appetizers, but they're really easy to assemble, using purchased puff pastry. And the tasty combination of Brie, caramelized onions and caraway is terrific. -Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 121 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Finger-Licking Good Mini Cream Puffs

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is quick and easy to whip up and the kids will love it! They are perfect to pack for a picnic or to have as a snack for family game night I guarantee you can’t eat just one…hey are so addicting & they’re perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth! —Jennifer Erwin, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Hosting a party? Check out these fun engagement party games.
Nutrition Facts: 1 filled cream puff: 52 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Olives and Cheese

Total Time 25 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (calculated without baguette): 168 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
26/40

Asparagus Tart

Total Time 35 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This lemony tart is loaded with fontina cheese and fresh asparagus. It's a snap to make but looks really impressive. Be advised your guests will be vying for the last piece. —Heidi Meek, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 142 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Garlic-Herb Mini Quiches

Total Time 25 min
Servings 45 mini quiches
From the Recipe Creator: Looking for a wonderful way to impress guests? You’ve got it—and you need only five ingredients to make these tasty apps! —Josephine Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 mini quiche: 31 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 78 calories, 7g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

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Chocolate Cake

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 685 calories, 29g fat (18g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 102g carbohydrate (81g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.

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Spicy Crab Salad Tapas

Total Time 55 min
Servings about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I served these at a party and everyone went wild! These delicious morsels have a crispy flaky outside filled with creamy sweet crab that has a little kick. I used scalloped-edge cookie cutters to cut my pastry, but you can use a small biscuit cutter. —Vanessa Mason, Summerdale, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 145 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
31/40

Party Shrimp

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: The marinade for this dish makes the shrimp so flavorful, you won't even need a dipping sauce. Even those who claim they don’t like shellfish really dig this appetizer. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 shrimp: 14 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
32/40

Goat Cheese & Onion Pastries

Total Time 50 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: A flaky puff pastry crust holds sweet caramelized onions and creamy goat cheese for an easy yet upscale appetizer. The recipe is a must on all our entertaining menus. —Heidi Ellis, Monument, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 168 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
33/40

Deviled Eggs

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
34/40

Peach Champagne

Total Time 10 min
Servings 20 servings (3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I searched high and low for the perfect punch recipe and finally decided to create my own. This sipper is a big hit at parties, especially weddings. In summer I freeze fresh peaches and fresh strawberries; if you don't have fresh fruit, store-bought frozen fruit works just as well. —Linda Hall, Evington, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 135 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
35/40

Cranberry Cheese Ball

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: A cheese ball is a classic appetizer to take to any gathering, and it's so easy to make. This version, studded with tangy dried cranberries, is a holiday hit. —Kathy Hahn, Pollock Pines, California
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 274 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
36/40

Orange Dream Mimosas

Total Time 15 min
Servings 16 servings (4 cups frozen mix)
From the Recipe Creator: Your inner child will love this fun riff on the classic mimosa. Use sparkling cider, ginger ale or sparkling grape juice for a nonalcoholic version. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 138 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
37/40

Brie Puff Pastry

Total Time 35 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My husband was in the Air Force, so we've entertained guests all over the United States. I acquired this recipe while in California. It's one of my favorite special appetizers. —Sandra Twait, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 328 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
38/40

Parmesan-Bacon Bubble Bread

Total Time 40 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I needed to put some leftover bread dough to good use, I started with a recipe I often use for bubble bread and substituted savory ingredients for the sweet. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 140 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
39/40

Berries in Champagne Jelly

Total Time 50 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My sister gave me this recipe a few years back when I was looking for an elegant fruit dish to serve guests. I sometimes serve this party-pretty fruit treat at brunch—just before the main dish. It’s also sparkly and special enough to double as a light dessert. —Andrea Barnhoom, Scottsville, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 218 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
40/40

Heart-Shaped Cookies

Total Time 30 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: This specialty cookie takes a little extra effort, but the delectable results are well-worth it. I bake the tender jam-filled hearts when I need something fancy to serve for Valentine's Day or other special occasions. —Jane Pearcy, Verona, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 163 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.