93 Retirement Party Food Ideas

Appetizer Tortilla Pinwheels

A friend gave me this recipe, and whenever I serve these tortilla pinwheel sandwiches, people ask me for the recipe, too! The cream cheese pinwheels can be made ahead of time and sliced just before serving, leaving you time for other last-minute party preparations. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio

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Shrimp Cocktail

During the '60s, shrimp cocktail was one of the most popular party foods around. And it is still a crowd favorite. It's the one appetizer that I serve for every special occasion as well as for munchie meals. —Peggy Allen, Pasadena, California

Sausage Squash Kabobs

Expect a crowd to gather around the grill when these flavorful kabobs are cooking. The zesty honey-mustard glaze gives a lovely sheen to the sausage and veggies. —Lisa Malynn Kent, North Richland Hills, Texas.

Turkey, Gouda & Apple Tea Sandwiches

These fun mini sandwiches are a tasty addition to any fall function. The cranberry mayo lends a unique flavor twist, and the apples add crunch. These sammies will be the life of the party! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Spanakopita Appetizer Roll-Ups

I love having appetizers on hand in the freezer, especially when the holiday season is fast approaching. This easy spanakopita recipe is one of my all-time favorites. Everyone loves them, they're easy to prep and they bake up in about 20 minutes. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

Pizza Crackers

Kids love making these simple pizza crackers. I like to use pizza sauce from a squeeze bottle to make it easier for them. Just make sure an adult is there to put the crackers in the oven. —Tonya Sanders, Geneva, Iowa

Crab Wonton Cups

These tasty little crab tarts make excellent appetizers served warm and crispy from the oven. You can add them to your list of holiday finger food as well. They're true crowd-pleasers. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware

Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

A tangy and nutty pineapple cheese ball is a delicious combination of sweet with savory. People love it at parties!

Smoked-Almond Cheese Toasts

I created my recipe for appetizer toasts while planning the menu for a friend's bridal luncheon. Smoked almonds add a special touch to the chunky cheese spread.—Laura Murphy, Columbus, Mississippi

Air-Fryer Chicken Wings

Take your next tailgate, watch party or weeknight dinner to the next level by learning how to make air-fryer chicken wings. They're just as crispy as deep-fried wings and cook faster than oven-baked wings.

Bacon Cheeseburger Buns

This is a fun way to serve bacon cheeseburgers without all the fuss of assembling the sandwiches to serve a gang. These convenient packets can be dipped into ketchup or barbecue sauce as you eat them. —Marjorie Miller, Haven, Kansas

Savory Stuffed Cherry Peppers

Our family’s holiday dinners always include a giant antipasto, and the showpiece when we were growing up was Mom’s stuffed hot peppers on top of the display. Regardless of how spicy the peppers were, every year we would sneak into the refrigerator and steal one of those thrilling little flavor bombs! There isn’t a holiday that we don’t make them in her honor. These stuffed peppers are remarkable hot or cold. Serve with a nice loaf of Italian bread and a glass of wine. —Donna Scarano, East Hanover, New Jersey

Peachy Keen Halloumi Fritters

Use up the season's juicy, sun-ripened peaches in this corn fritter recipe filled with gooey Halloumi cheese and sweet onions. These fritters are decadent and slightly sweet, and homegrown herbs add a fresh taste. The addition of prosciutto makes this recipe feel fancy with little effort. —Chainey Kuykendall, Richmond, Virginia

Simmered Smoked Links

A tasty sweet-sour sauce glazes bite-size sausages in this recipe. Serve these effortless appetizers with toothpicks at parties or holiday get-togethers. —Maxine Cenker, Weirton, West Virginia

Spicy Beef Satay

The fragrant spices and full flavors of North African cuisine make these appetizers a popular party food.

Brie Cherry Pastry Cups

Golden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert. —Marilyn McSween, Mentor, Ohio

Sausage Cheese Puffs

People are always surprised when I tell them there are only four ingredients in this easy sausage ball recipe. Cheesy and spicy, the golden morsels are a fun novelty at a breakfast or brunch, and they also make yummy party appetizers. —Della Moore, Troy, New York

Mamma’s Caponata

This is fabulous as an appetizer, but you can easily turn it into a meal. Instead of having it on bread, serve it over warm pasta. —Georgette Stubin, Canton, Michigan

Easy Cheese-Stuffed Jalapenos

A few years ago, I saw a man in the grocery store buying a big bag of jalapeno peppers. I asked him what he intended to do with them, and right there in the store he gave me this fabulous recipe for stuffed jalapenos! —Janice Montiverdi, Sugar Land, Texas

Pepper Jelly Hogs in a Blanket

We are addicted to these grown-up hogs in a blanket! There's so much flavor for such bite-sized appetizers. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri

Easy Coconut Shrimp

Guests are always impressed when I serve these restaurant-quality shrimp. A selection of sauces served alongside adds the perfect touch. —Tacy Holliday Germantown, Maryland

Mini Corn Dogs

These bite-sized mini corn dogs are a hit with kids, and make a fun appetizer for adults, too.

Crawfish Beignets with Cajun Dipping Sauce

Get a taste of the Deep South with these slightly spicy beignets. You won't be able to eat just one! —Donna Lanclos, Lafayette, Louisiana

Beef Flautas

This traditional Mexican flautas recipe is one of my favorite dishes to make for my family. The spices and onion give the meat so much flavor!—Maria Goclan, Katy, Texas

Air-Fryer Ravioli

Keep reading for how to make air-fryer ravioli! When dunked in homemade marinara or pesto sauce it makes the ideal appetizer.

Mini Cheese Balls

These mini cheese balls are tasty bites to serve with crackers, berries or drizzled with honey. They're easy to make and require little prep time, but they'll say "special occasion" as part of an appetizer spread.

Saucy Asian Meatballs

Go ahead and help yourself to these peppery, sauced-up meatballs. Ground turkey moves them to the lighter side. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas

Bacon Deviled Eggs

These bacon deviled eggs are the perfect potluck or barbecue party snack when you need an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer for your party.

Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

How do you lighten up spinach artichoke dip? Use it to fill mushroom cups instead of dredging bread into it. The result is an easy vegetarian party appetizer.

Reuben Dip

This simple and delicious Reuben dip is prepared in the slow cooker and makes the perfect party appetizer. All the classic sandwich flavors are there, just creamier and more dippable.

Hot Crab Pinwheels

I got the recipe for these crabmeat bites from a friend. What amazed me most is that my husband, who hates seafood, couldn't stop eating them. —Kitti Boesel, Woodbridge, Virginia

Ground Beef Taco Dip

Rich, savory ground beef taco dip is easy to make from scratch. Our recipe with meat includes plenty of ideas for variation, from lower-fat options to extra heat. Game on!

Spicy Crab Dip

With cayenne pepper and hot sauce (both optional), this delicious dip doubles up on the heat. Chock-full of crabmeat, this appetizer feels special, yet it only takes minutes to prepare. —Carol Forcum, Marion, Illinois

Bacon Cream Cheese Pinwheels

It's hard to resist a crescent roll, bacon and cream cheese in one bite! Kids, friends, everyone will scarf these cream cheese pinwheels down. Now I bake a double batch whenever we have a get-together. —Krista Munson, Sharpsburg, Kentucky

Air-Fryer Beef Wellington Wontons

These tasty appetizers scale down classic beef Wellington to an ideal party size. They feel fancy and fun! —Dianne Phillips, Tallapoosa, Georgia

Chile con Queso

This chile con queso recipe has a seriously cheesy vibe and packs the perfect level of heat. Serve it as an appetizer dip, or drizzle it over chips to make a knockout plate of nachos.

Shrimp & Cucumber Rounds

I always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They're easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California

Cucumber Fruit Salsa

Our garden always gives us way more cucumbers and tomatoes than we know what to do with. But we’ve learned how to handle the unexpected with a surprise of our own. This is our pretty, fresh way to use up the bounty. —Anna Davis, Springfield, Missouri

Pork Lettuce Wraps

These popular Vietnamese pork lettuce wraps are light and tasty, easy to make and filled to the brim with delicious flavor. Bonus: from start to finish they're ready to eat in well under 1 hour.

Cranberry Sauerkraut Meatballs

Cranberry sauerkraut meatballs are the perfect fall dish with seasonal ingredients—and it’s super easy to mak

Bourbon Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs

At our house, it doesn’t get any better than deviled eggs with bacon—bourbon candied bacon, that is. See if you can resist them. We can’t. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Tzatziki Shrimp Cucumber Rounds

I created this recipe with what I had on hand one night, and now it’s one of my husband’s favorites! The bacon-wrapped shrimp, garlicky sauce and burst of cool cuke flavor make this a crowd pleaser. —Shannon Rose Trelease, East Hampton, New York

Sausage Wonton Cups

Here’s a tasty hot appetizer for all those parties that feature fun finger foods. I’ve made this recipe several times, and these bites always disappear so fast. It’s really easy. —Shirley Van Allen, High Point, North Carolina

Mini Phyllo Tacos

For a winning appetizer, serve crispy phyllo cups filled with taco-seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese. These handheld bites will be a surefire hit with a hungry crowd. —Roseann Weston, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

Cucumber Party Sandwiches

This is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is cooking. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky

Mini Sausage Quiches

These bite-sized quiches are loaded with sausage and cheese—and all nestled into easy crescent roll dough. Serve the cute muffinettes at any brunch or potluck gathering. —Jan Mead, Milford, Connecticut

Ham ‘n’ Cheese Biscuit Stacks

These finger sandwiches are filling enough to satisfy hearty appetites. I've served the fun little stacks at every event, including holiday gatherings, showers and tailgate parties. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey

Swedish Meatballs

Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas

Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites

After making little bacon-wrapped sausages for years, I needed a change! I had an extra sweet potato and half a package of bacon on hand, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with this treat. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey

Cream Cheese Ham Roll-Ups

Green onions and ripe olives give lively flavor to these bite-size appetizers from Kathleen Green of Republic, Missouri. “They’re quick to assemble and can be made the day before they’re needed,” she notes. “They’re very popular with my friends and family.”

80 Greek Recipes Everyone Will Love

Can’t get enough of your local Greek restaurant? This one’s for you! Here are some incredible Greek recipes, as well as Mediterranean-inspired recipes, that are sure to satisfy.

Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California

Australian Sausage Rolls

Keep reading for how to make authentic Australian sausage rolls, which make for a fantastic appetizer for your next dinner party.

How to Make Sesame Chicken Just Like Your Favorite Take-Out Order

Plated with rice and crunchy, stir-fried vegetables, this sesame chicken recipe makes homemade Chinese dishes taste just like they do in the restaurants.

Mushroom & Leek Strudel

This elegant hors d'oeuvre is almost effortless. Use fresh herbs if possible, and feel free to sub in whole wheat phyllo. —Lisa Diehl, Edina, Minnesota

Bacon, Cheddar and Swiss Cheese Ball

When it’s time for a party, everyone always requests this ultimate cheese ball—it’s such an impressive appetizer. And if you’re a party guest, it makes a fabulous gift for your hosts.—Sue Franklin, Lake St. Louis, Missouri

Greek Veggie Tartlets

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

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

One taste of this outrageously delicious hot spinach artichoke dip and your guests will not stop eating it until it’s gone. The savory blend of artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese is positively addictive! It tastes even better if you make it the night before and chill it in the fridge before baking. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California

Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce

Twisting these wonton wrappers like little candies makes them fuss-free, and the dipping sauce is packed with sweet heat. —Taylor Marsh, Algona, Iowa

Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs

My daughter Sara loves spicy Buffalo chicken and deviled eggs, so I combined the two. Make and chill a day ahead so the flavors mingle. —Robin Spires, Tampa, Florida

Cajun Pork Sandwiches

This recipe's simple spice rub gives pork tenderloin an irresistible flavor. You'll watch in delight as these tasty open-faced sandwiches disappear from the buffet table! —Mae Kruse, Monee, Illinois

Sage & Prosciutto Pinwheels

I love, love, love to make appetizers and I especially like this recipe because I can make the rolls ahead, freeze them, and then slice and bake when needed. —Kate Dampier, Quail Valley, California

Mini Rosemary-Roast Beef Sandwiches

Roast beef sandwiches never last long at a party, especially if you dollop them with mayo, mustard, horseradish and pickled giardiniera relish. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Beer Dip

Beer dip combines all the best things for party food: a creamy dip, ranch dressing, lots of cheese and, of course, beer. What else could you possibly need?

Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini

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

Sesame Chicken Dip

I can't tell you how many times I'm asked to bring this easy dip to holidays, birthday parties or girls' weekend getaways. It's fresh and light, and it has the Asian flavors that make it stand out. The rice crackers are a must! —Dawn Schutte, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Cream-cheese-stuffed cherry tomatoes are a simple yet delicious vegetarian appetizer that's an excellent accompaniment to a party spread of charcuterie and crudités.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This is the best Buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring Buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky

Avocado Salsa

This avocado salsa is smooth, cool and downright refreshing. Scoop it with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak—or just eat it on its own!

Tortellini & Shrimp Skewers with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

These fresh skewers and tasty sauce will have guests nibbling all night! —Cacie Biddle, Bridgeport, West Virginia

Moroccan Stuffed Mushrooms

Coriander and cumin are zesty updates to the familiar stuffed mushrooms. The addition of couscous makes them very filling and delicious. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario

Five-Spice Chicken Wings

Bird is the word when it comes to these wings. They’re baked to a perfect golden brown and hum with mild, delicious Asian spices. Thanks to an overnight marinade, the chicken inside stays tender while the skin maintains that signature crunch. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

Bacon-Cheddar Potato Croquettes

Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

Bacon & Sun-Dried Tomato Phyllo Tarts

Frozen mini phyllo tart shells are so convenient and easy to use. Just add a savory filling featuring sun-dried tomatoes and bacon, then pop them in the oven.—Patricia Quinn, Omaha, Nebraska

Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs

I was recently at a wedding reception where the menu was all small bites. Here’s my rendition of the pear pastries they served. They're the perfect combo of savory and sweet. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Greek Pita Spread

I first tried this at a family gathering and was blown away! I have since made it for my co-workers, and they just love it. I've gotten many requests for the recipe. —Joyce Benninger, Owen Sound, Ontario

Candied Bacon-Wrapped Figs

I stuffed figs with cream cheese and wrapped them in bacon and spices for an addictive flavor combo that’s sweet, salty and delicious. You can use dates, too. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

Reuben Waffle Potato Appetizers

I love Reubens, so I turned the classic sandwich into a fun appetizer with corned beef and sauerkraut on waffle fries. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois

Smoked Pimiento Cheese Crostini

Pimiento cheese has long been a favorite in our family, so these bite-sized appetizers are a treat! I add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to give them a little kick. Caramelized onions create another layer of flavor. You can make the cheese and onions three to five days in advance; they store well. If you need to save time, you can use premade jalapeno pimiento cheese. —Caitlyn Bunch, Trenton, Georgia

Avocado Goat Cheese Truffles

Give guests the VIP treatment with luxurious truffles you can make in your own kitchen. The goat cheese is mild, and red pepper heats up each bite just a bit. Crackers are the perfect accompaniment. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives

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

Loaded Baked Potato Rounds

I was trying to create an appetizer that could be served at my teenaged daughters birthday party that the kids would love but that would appear elegant enough for the adults to be interested as well. These are made with simple ingredients yet yield a sophisticated result. Feel free to get creative with the flavors. Try shredded white cheddar in place of mozzarella or thyme instead of the rosemary. Take it up another notch by topping the rounds with smoked fish. —Amanda Digges, South Windsor, Connecticut

Teriyaki Salmon Bundles

If you're bored with the same old appetizers, give this one a try. I serve the little salmon bundles on skewers for easy dipping. Standing the skewers in a small vase filled with table salt creates a festive presentation. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Gorgonzola Pear Tartlets

Whether you serve these simple tartlets as an appetizer or dessert, they're too good to pass up. I leave the peel on the pear to add texture. —Susan Hein, Burlington, WI

Baked Crab Rangoon

Recreate your favorite takeout dish at home with baked crab rangoon. They're so crispy and creamy, we understand if there aren't leftovers.

Stuffed Mini Peppers

Looking for a tasty snack or quick appetizer? Try these stuffed mini peppers with a mouthwatering filling of cream cheese, chives and fresh broccoli.

Chocolate-Covered Cheese with Black Sea Salt

Every time I make these for guests or for a cooking demo about real food made simply, people rave about them. They're surprising as an addition to an appetizer table—or even served after dinner paired with a nice cabernet or port. —Dorothy McNett, Pacific Grove, California

Garlic Tomato Bruschetta

I drew inspiration from my grandma’s recipe for this garden-fresh bruschetta. The crisp bread and tomato goodness make a great party appetizer, but the dish also works alongside your favorite Italian entree. —Jean Franzoni, Rutland, Vermont

Artichoke Phyllo Cups

I wanted to create a bite-sized version of rich, creamy artichoke dip. These adorable phyllo cup appetizers were a total success! —Neel Patel, Champaign, Illinois

Roasted Brussels Sprouts & 3-Cheese Crostini

Brussels sprouts for a snack? Oh, yes. Combine these roasted goodies with cheese for the ultimate toast topper. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina

Hoisin Meatball Lettuce Wraps

I make these tangy-sweet appetizers every year during the holidays, and it doesn't take long for them to disappear.—Elaine Sweet, Dallas, Texas

Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket

For New Year’s, I used to make pigs in a blanket with beef and cheddar. But now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin

Polenta Mushroom Appetizers

Simple ingredients—in fact you probably have most if not all in your kitchen— are used to create a fantastic, but different appetizer.—Meta West, Abilene, Kansas

Now that you have ideas for the best retirement party food, make sure to check out our round-up of the most thoughtful retirement gifts.