16 Snacks to Leave Out for Guests Who Graze
When company is en route, a good host knows it’s time to make like a Southern grandmother and have a cornucopia of party snacks prepared for incoming guests.
If you really want to impress your guests and keep their grazing habits satisfied, these 16 party snack ideas are great to keep in mind for holidays, impromptu visits or any jovial get-together.
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- The 16 Best Snacks To Leave Out for Guests Who Graze
- More Savory Party Snacks for Guests Who Graze
- More Sweet Party Snacks for Guests Who Graze
- Take Party Snacks to a New Level
The 16 Best Snacks To Leave Out for Guests Who Graze
1. Roasted Almonds
Roasted almonds are great, healthy snacks for guests that can easily be taken to the next level when tossed with orange zest, cayenne pepper, cocoa powder or smoked paprika.
And the list doesn’t have to end there! Whether you’re going for sweet, salty, savory or smoky, you can experiment with spices and seasonings to make your own batch of gourmet roasted almonds.
This snack for guests who graze can also be extended to other types of healthy nuts, from cashews to pecans.
More Party Snack Recipe Ideas
2. Hummus and Crudités
Craft a simple crudité platter with an assortment of vegetables to serve as a vehicle for fresh, homemade hummus. Fresh hummus is smoother, nuttier and has a humble elegance that is a real treat for guests who are sadly accustomed to the store-bought variety.
You can even customize this delectable dip by blending in your favorite flavors and seasonings. This is the ideal solution for anyone looking for healthy party snacks. Other dips also work great here, such as those that include a range of vegetables and other healthy ingredients.
If you really don't have time to whip up some dip at home, we recommend checking out the vast range of Trader Joe's dips, all of which are packed with flavor and almost as good as homemade.
More Party Snack Recipe Ideas
3. Cheese Ball
Creamy and dreamy, this retro centerpiece is one of the most iconic party snacks, and a perfect accompaniment to whatever you deem to be the best crackers.
Create contrast between the soft interior of your cheese ball and chewy add-ins, like this recipe from Tasty Kitchen featuring toasted pecans and dried cranberries.
More Party Snack Recipe Ideas
4. Popcorn
Endlessly munchable and satisfyingly crunchy, popcorn tops the list of easy party snacks. Skip the lackluster packaged varieties dripping with artificial goop and instead get the party popping with homemade mixes like Sweet C’s white chocolate cake batter popcorn. Or go with the healthiest microwave popcorn you can find, keeping it light while leaving plenty of room for favorite toppings.
5. Cookies
Who doesn’t love the enticing aroma of cookies in the oven wafting through the house? Having an assortment of cookies plated up for guests is the perfect sweet treat to nibble on at any time. Plus, nothing better garnishes a reviving cup of coffee or tea than a homemade, freshly baked cookie.
Our Favorite Cookie Recipes
- Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Coffee Cake Cookies
- Vegan Sugar Cookies
- Dulce de Leche Cookies
- Lemon Shortbread Cookies
- Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies
6. Shrimp Cocktail
The classic party snack ideas are often the best, and you can never go wrong with a shrimp cocktail. While you can easily grab all components ready-made at the store, serving a homemade rendition is a great option when serving this party snack for adults.
All you have to do to make shrimp cocktail is:
1. Devein, cook, shell and chill a pound of fresh jumbo shrimp.
2. Whip up a cocktail sauce by combining:
- ½ cup of ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish
- A few shakes of Tabasco
3. Place the sauce in a bowl or glass and hang the shrimp around the edge.
4. Garnish with some lemon wedges, and enjoy!
More Party Snack Recipe Ideas
7. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are simple yet sophisticated snack foods for a party, and your hungry guests won’t be able to stop at just one. These keto stuffed mushrooms are one of our favorite variations of this savory snack for a party spread.
They combine crumbled sausage, softened cream cheese, Parmesan, seasoning and panko breadcrumbs into a delightfully savory filling that perfectly complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.
If you don't want sausage in the recipe, you can opt instead to make these cream cheese stuffed mushrooms, which are very similar, just without the meat.
More Party Snack Recipe Ideas
8. Guacamole, Queso and Salsa
Good party snacks for guests who graze often consist of some kind of dip and something delicious to dip in it. The next time you need to feed a hungry crowd, why not embrace the bold flavors of the Southwest?
Grab a bag of your favorite tortilla chips or some of the healthiest crackers, and put out bowls of homemade salsa, guacamole and queso for an irresistible spread your guests will be digging into all night. You could even make some chips yourself with this quick and easy air fryer tortilla chip recipe!
Our Favorite Dip Recipes
9. Pigs in a Blanket
Is any party really complete without a plate of pigs in a blanket? Great for grazing guests both young and old, you only need two things: A roll of premade crescent roll dough or puff pastry, and a pack of cocktail wieners.
Roll each cocktail wiener in a strip of pastry dough, brush with melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. As these ingredients are overly expensive, this also makes pigs in a blanket one of the best cheap snacks for large groups.
More Party Snack Recipe Ideas
10. Baked Brie
If you really want to treat your party guests, baked brie reigns high as a grazing food that’s equally elevated and accessible. One of our favorite recipes is this decadent baked brie with jam.
This moreish snack to leave out for guests who graze is loaded with warming flavors of cinnamon and the creamy, indulgent taste of brie. Paired with a delightful guava jam, this party snack is hard to resist!
While this works as a party food for all occasions, it's absolutely ideal for a colder-weather occasion or a party during the holiday months.
More Party Snack Recipe Ideas
11. Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Utterly irresistible and one of the most popular snacks for those who love salty-sweet treats, chocolate-covered pretzels are a must-have for your table of snacks for guests who graze.
If you want something a little more gourmet than the store-bought variety, you can make your own chocolate-covered pretzel rods or twists using the melted chocolate of your choice.
More Party Snack Recipe Ideas
12. Jalapeño Poppers
Put a spin on one of the most classic party snacks by making keto jalapeño poppers! While the breaded kind are delcious, these bacon-wrapped ones are much easier to make, and many say they are also tastier!
Featuring spicy, fresh jalapeños filled with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon before being baked for 20 minutes, they're not only easy to whip up but also offer the perfect combination of cheesy, savory and spicy.
Take our word for it, these party snacks for guests who graze are bound to get snapped up quickly!
13. Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are not only delicious, but these cheap party snacks are super cost-effective, too. All you need are a few cans of cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
To make roasted chickpeas:
1. Toss the garbanzos in a drizzle of olive oil and a medley of bold spices — think curry powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic salt, cumin, etc.
2. Roast in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes, or until crispy.
3. Shake with a little extra seasoning if desired, and serve.
14. Antipasto Skewers
One of the best party snacks on a warm summer’s day, antipasto skewers are the ultimate treat to leave out for your grazing guests. With no cooking required, all you’ll need to do is pierce a cherry tomato, a sweet basil leaf and a mini mozzarella ball with a toothpick — then repeat.
You can then add any other ingredients you'd like, such as olives and deli meats. Drizzle these delicious bites with balsamic vinegar and serve.
These are especially excellent summer party snacks to leave out for guests who graze, for example, if you're looking for garden party ideas or pool party food ideas. However, they will be enjoyed at almost all events, no matter the season.
15. Cheese Straws
Cheese straws are staple party snacks and are guaranteed to be a hit at your next social gathering. This foolproof recipe from the NY Times has you combine sharp cheddar cheese with butter, flour, smoked paprika, cayenne and salt for a classic snack with a smoky twist. All you have to do is rest your dough for 20 minutes, pipe it out into “straws” and bake.
More Party Snack Recipe Ideas
16. Jicama Sticks
Jicama is a mild-flavored root vegetable with a pleasing, moist crunch not unlike that of a pear. Jicama is so incredibly refreshing that it's used as a snack for that very purpose in Mexico.
Serve jicama sticks raw with a squeeze of lime juice and a dash of chile powder, and you have a simple snack for grazing guests that also happens to be healthy.
More Savory Party Snacks for Guests Who Graze
The above are some of our favorite party snacks to leave out for guests who graze, but they certainly aren't the only ones. If you're looking for even more ideas for good snacks to bring to a party, below are a few more of our top savory snack picks.
From meat-free treats like mozzarella sticks to umami steak bites for meat eaters, and many internationally-inspired options, these savory snacks for parties will please all guests when added to your grazing food spread.
Savory Party Snack Recipes
- Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto
- Fried Ravioli
- Chicken Wontons
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Fried Mac and Cheese
- Italian Rice Balls (Arancini)
- Burger Bites
More Sweet Party Snacks for Guests Who Graze
Those with a sweet tooth don't have to miss out on grazing snacks! In fact, there are just as many great sweet party snacks as there are savory ones.
Best of all, sweet snacks to leave out for guests who graze cover almost all tastes, from rich dark chocolate truffles to zesty handheld lemon posset and indulgent cheesecake stuffed strawberries.
With a delicious dessert-style snack for everyone, all you really have to worry about is choosing which of these sweet party snacks to serve at your next gathering.
Sweet Party Snack Recipes
- Dark Chocolate Truffles
- White Chocolate Truffles
- S’mores Dip
- Donut Twists
- Candied Strawberries
- Chocolate-Covered Oreos
- Stuffed Dates
- Lemon Posset
- Mini Apple Pies
- Marzipan Chocolate
- Brownie Bites
- Mini Pecan Pies
- Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
- Chocolate Macarons
Take Party Snacks to a New Level
If you'd like to really wow the guests at your next soirée, you can start by brushing up on key culinary skills that will have you turning out gourmet snacks and appetizers like a pro. Taking some cooking classes near you is a great way to learn new recipes for delicious hors d'oeuvres, along with tips for feeding a crowd.
There are classes in New Orleans, San Francisco, Florence and beyond. So, simply browse all options in your area to find your favorite! Alternatively, turn your home kitchen into a culinary classroom with live online cooking classes.
If you're feeling extra gourmet, let a five-star chef handle all of the snacks for your party food spread. These professional chefs source ingredients, handle all of the cooking, serve everyone and then clean up before they leave, so you can spend more time with your guests.
Best of all, you can find private chefs in cities around the world, from San Francisco and Austin to Madrid and beyond, meaning you're sure to find one near you.
With this guide to the best snacks to bring to a party, you should have no trouble finding sweet and savory options that guests will love. Whether hosting at your place or bringing treats to a gathering, these delectable party snacks for guests to graze on are sure to have everyone coming back for more!
For even more culinary inspiration, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
