43 Finger Foods for Baby Showers

Medically reviewed by Katie Drakeford, MA, RD, CSP, LD, CLCMedically reviewed by Katie Drakeford, MA, RD, CSP, LD, CLC

Expecting a new addition to the family often means planning a baby shower. One of the most important—albeit the most stressful—aspects is deciding on the menu. Should you offer guests a casual buffet, a seated lunch, a variety of snacks, or something in between?

Thankfully, there's an option for baby shower cuisine that's casual yet crowd-pleasing: finger foods. These small-portioned bites are a hit at gatherings because they're easy to prepare, don't require utensils, and allow guests to mingle easily, says Malina Malkani, MS, RDN, CDN, owner of Malina Malkani Nutrition and author of Safe and Simple Food Allergy Prevention.

Read on for baby shower finger food ideas that are sweet, savory, vegetarian, vegan, and more. We also give important tips for compiling a successful baby shower spread.

Why to Serve Finger Foods at a Baby Shower

Casual is trendy, and finger foods tone down the formality while making everyone—including the parent-to-be—feel more relaxed. Here are some benefits of baby shower finger foods.

• Finger foods are easy to prepare

• They don't require utensils, which makes for easier clean-up and less waste

• Small portions facilitate mingling, as baby shower guests can eat and chat without finding a spot to balance a plate, beverage, and napkin

• You can offer a variety of food options

• Finger foods make your party a casual affair
  

Savory Finger Food Ideas

Whether you’re looking to cook or cater, we've got you covered with some crowd-pleasing ideas. Check out this round-up of savory baby shower finger foods.

• Meatballs. Choose your favorite recipe, and use toothpicks for easy serving.

• Antipasto kebabs. Thread your favorite veggies, cheese (like mozzarella balls), and olives onto mini skewers for a deliciously light option. You can also opt for these Mediterranean antipasto kebabs.

• Egg rolls: Egg rolls are easy to order ahead, then heat up before the baby shower. You can choose from vegetarian to chicken to meat-filled options.

• Pigs in a blanket: These little wieners rolled in pastries and served with spicy mustard are a fan favorite.

• Bruschetta: You can opt for the traditional tomato and olive oil bruschetta, or put a spin on the classic dish with peppers and gorgonzola, strawberry and ricotta, or prosciutto, ricotta, and arugula.

• Jalapeño poppers: These spicy favorites are typically served wrapped in bacon—and who doesn’t love some bacon at a party?

• Stuffed mushrooms: These savory baby shower finger foods are perfect to balance the array of flavors that you serve up.

• Deviled eggs: Thesemayo-filled egg bites are another fun finger food that guests usually love. You can also top them with pickles, bacon, jalapeños, and more.

• Sushi: Some folks love making DIY sushi rolls; it’s rather easy once you get the hang of it! You can opt to create your sushi with raw fish, smoked salmon, or canned sardines (though note that pregnant people shouldn't eat raw fish). Alternatively, you can order a platter, which might be gone before you know it.

• Shrimp cocktail: Large poached or baked shrimp make a beautiful display served with cocktail sauce. Make your own sauce or buy a pre-made version—whatever is easiest for you.

• Stuffed cherry tomatoes. Slice the tops off of cherry tomatoes, and using a small melon baller or teaspoon, scoop the seeds and pulp from the insides. Stuff your cherry tomatoes with tuna salad, mozzarella, mashed avocado, quinoa mixed with herbs, or anything else your heart desires.

• Chicken nuggets. These fried favorites are easy to heat from frozen or make from scratch.

• Crudité: A platter of cut vegetables will put some healthier items on the table. Dress up the platter with dips like hummus or ranch dressing.

• Avocado and salsa chips: Top nacho chips with mashed avocado and a spoonful of salsa for a simple, delicious baby shower finger food.

• Crispy calamari: Whether you make calamari at home or order it from your go-to place, guests will love this fried seafood choice.

• Dolmas: These grape leaves are typically stuffed with meat, rice, and spices.

• Ravioli: Display large pieces of ravioli stuffed with either cheese, meat, or veggies. Serve on a platter with toothpicks and marinara sauce for dipping.

• Crab cakes: Find an easy recipe to make these crowd-pleasing bites, or buy them frozen.

• Thin crust pizza: Make your favorite pizza on a thin crust and slice it into small pieces. Get creative and top with pepperoni, veggies, and more.

• Egg bites: These baby shower finger foods can be filled with mushrooms, spinach and feta, peppers and onions, or more.

• Tea sandwiches: Whateverfilling you choose, tea sandwiches should be small enough to last a few bites.

• Pinwheel wrap: This is another way to serve your favorite sandwich fillings.

Sweet Finger Food Ideas

Sweet baby shower finger foods can be healthy (hello, fruit!) or not-so-healthy (mini cheesecakes, anyone?). Serving a combination of both can cover guests' dietary preferences.

• Cookies: The quintessential finger food dessert, a tasty cookie goes a long way! Choose traditional chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, or any flavor you want.

• Chocolate pudding: This decadent dessert can be served in a pretty martini glass.

• Cupcakes: Whether you make your own cupcakes or buy them from your favorite bakery, this single-serve dessert is beloved by most.

• Melon balls: Use a melon baller on a watermelon, honeydew, or cantaloupe. Scoop out the inside of your melon and use the empty rind as a serving bowl.
  

• Chocolate-dipped strawberries: This simple dessert can be whipped up at home using a small amount of dark or milk chocolate.

• Chia pudding: For a healthier dessert, make individual chia pudding cups and top with fruit, chocolate chips, and/or nuts.

• Mini sweet pies: Nothing beats adorable finger-food-sized pies served in a variety of flavors!

• Chocolate bark: Make chocolate bark and top it with ingredients like chopped nuts or pretzel pieces.

• Meringues: These pretty cookies are made with egg whites.

• Mini cheesecakes: Select from a variety of fruit toppings for your display.

• Cream puffs: Arrange the puffs in a tower to double as decor.

• Brownie bites: To step up your brownie bites, top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkles or chopped nuts.

• Chocolate-covered pretzels: Dip pretzel rods in chocolate, then cover with nuts, toffee, sprinkles, or more.

Vegetarian or Vegan Finger Food Ideas

Maybe you have vegetarian guests at your shower baby, or the parent-to-be follows a vegan diet. Either way, these baby shower finger food ideas are sure to please.

• Falafel balls: Serve up these fried balls made from chickpeas with a side of tahini (sesame seed paste) or hummus for dipping.

• Grilled tofu and veggie skewers: Marinate 1-inch cubes of extra firm tofu—plus veggies like bell pepper strips and white mushrooms—in balsamic vinaigrette for 30 minutes, then grill and skewer.

• Edamame: These podded baby soybeans can be boiled and ready in five minutes. Sprinkle with kosher salt to finish them off.

• Steamed artichokes: This healthier option can be served with a chimichurri sauce or creamy mayo.

• Pickles and olives: This finger food idea also nods at common pregnancy cravings.

• Buffalo cauliflower bites: Drenched in hot sauce, these healthy-ish treats bring the heat.

• Cucumber rounds: Top sliced cucumber rounds with cream cheese and dill (for vegetarians) or humus and tomato (for vegans).

• Potato skins: Fill these fried potato boats with toppings of your choosing.

Tips for Serving Baby Shower Finger Food

While little bites are easy to prepare and serve, you still need to follow a few guidelines. Check out these tips for baby shower finger foods.

Wash hands frequently

Food safety is of utmost importance at parties, especially when you have one high-risk guest of honor (pregnant people have a greater risk of foodborne illness). As such, it's essential to wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds in warm, soapy water before and throughout the process of serving food.

Be mindful of food temperature

Keep foods refrigerated until guests begin arriving. Hot foods should be kept in warming dishes or the oven until they’re ready to serve. Foods shouldn’t remain at room temperature for more than two hours—or one hour if it's over 90 degrees (like if you’re having an outdoor summer party).

Label potential allergen-containing foods

Malkani recommends doing this to help protect friends and family with food allergies. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, common allergies include:

• Milk

• Eggs

• Fish

• Shellfish

• Peanuts

• Tree nuts

• Wheat

• Sesame

• Soybeans

Opt for make-ahead dishes

Another tip by Malkani: Choose finger foods that you can make ahead of time to reduce party-day stress. Just make sure you have enough room in the fridge to store them!

Avoid messy foods

Finger foods are supposed to be easy "grab and go" options at parties. Serving something too messy will defeat the purpose—and leave your guests scrambling for napkins!

For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Parents.