I enjoy baby showers, but I don’t enjoy seeing the hostess sweat over a hot stove while everyone else is fawning over tiny socks. It would be great if the baby shower tables had snacks that were simple to assemble, aesthetically pleasing, and wouldn’t require the hostess to do a last-minute, down to the wire prep.
Consider the following possibilities: easy-to-assemble napkin dessert treats, single-serving snacks, and some tray-type desserts that look super impressive in the front but are really easy to put together (make & give). I’m going to share 35 recipes that I would take in a heartbeat, as well as some that I’ve learned to never take near a white couch.
Contents
- 1) Caprese Skewers
- 2) Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
- 3) Smoked Salmon Bites
- 4) Deviled Eggs
- 5) Cheese Pinwheels
- 6) Chicken Salad Croissants
- 7) Mini Quiches
- 8) Cheese Straws
- 9) Stuffed Mini Peppers
- 10) Spinach Artichoke Dip
- 11) Whipped Feta Dip
- 12) Party Meatballs
- 13) Chicken And Waffle Bites
- 14) Bruschetta
- 15) Grilled Cheese And Tomato Soup
- 16) Bacon-Wrapped Dates
- 17) Veggie Platter And Dip
- 18) Mini Baked Potatoes
- 19) Ham And Cheese Sliders
- 20) Mini Taco Cups
- 21) Hummus Phyllo Cups
- 22) Shrimp Cocktail Cups
- 23) Crab Rangoon Dip
- 24) Garlic Knots
- 25) Mini Sausage Rolls
- 26) Cornbread Muffins
- 27) Fruit Salad Cups
- 28) Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- 29) Mini Cheesecakes
- 30) Lemon Bars
- 31) Crispy Treats
- 32) Brownie Bites
- 33) Sugar Cookie Cutouts
- 34) Mini Cupcakes
- 35) Yogurt Parfait Cups
- Pantry & Tools I Reach For When Hosting a Shower
1) Caprese Skewers
To be honest, I’ve called these my last-minute snack ideas for parties as they appear a bit too fancy for me.
Skewer cherry tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls with basil, balsamic glaze added right before serving is a great idea.
Good tomatoes are the key to success here. I once witnessed someone “just grazing” and take three in a row. I think that’s the highest possible praise you can give a snack.
2) Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
They evoke a nice nostalgia, as if an aunt brought out a lovely platter. These sandwiches have a spread made from cream cheese, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper and are placed in soft bread. The sandwiches are then topped with delicate slices of cucumber. The crusts are cut off, and they are cut into triangles or fingers. These are lovely snacks and help with moderation when the dessert table gets crazy.
3) Smoked Salmon Bites
Even if you prepared these in your pajamas, these cucumber and cream cheese bites give the appearance that you have your life together. The cucumbers are sliced into thick rounds and have cream cheese, followed by folded slices of smoked salmon, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon. They are good for only about an hour or two which is exactly when game chat people are standing around. If someone doesn’t like fish, you can make a batch with tomato and everything bagel seasoning.
4) Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are always a party favorite! Every time people ask for more and they even get the conversation going. Making them is easy; simply hard boil the eggs.
Once done, cut them in half and mix the yolks with some mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar or pickle juice.
Use a pipe or a spoon to refill and sprinkle some paprika.
I have realized that I have to prepare more than I initially expect, as people tend to take “just one” and then come back later as if they forgot to grab some.
5) Cheese Pinwheels
This may be seen as a compliment, but pinwheels are somewhat outdated. You can purchase or prepare some pimento cheese to spread onto the tortillas, which you then roll up, chill, and slice. Because of all the cheese, they slide all over the place, and no more than a tiny fork is needed to make them classy. They also are very conversational as no fancy eating is required.
6) Chicken Salad Croissants
This is one of those bites that makes guests feel taken care of, like, “oh, there’s real lunch here.” Keep the chicken salad. Celery, lemon, and a touch of Dijon are always good complements to the chicken salad.
Please do not put too much mayonnaise on the chicken salad. Also, add a small piece of lettuce so the croissant doesn’t get soggy. I like to serve these in two rounds, so the second batch has that fresh from the bakery vibe.
7) Mini Quiches
Mini quiches can double as appetizer and meal insurance. They are filling enough to serve as an entrée, can be warmed up, and are perfectly fine being served at room temperature. To make these tasty treats, create a dough circle using pie dough.
Grab a muffin tin and fill it with eggs, spinach, and feta with a hint of nutmeg.
Don’t be concerned if they deflate slightly, this happens to everyone. They are ideal, especially if the shower starts to get to the territory of “people are actually hungry now”.
8) Cheese Straws
These have a specific elegance to them and are guaranteed to make your kitchen smell great for the next hour. All you have to do is twist a bit of puff pastry, then add some grated cheddar (or Parmesan) cheese and a dash of pepper, and brush some Dijon mustard on it for a little spice. And don’t forget to bake to a golden brown crunch. I have had guests stand by the tray and “organize” it by taking half of the batch.
9) Stuffed Mini Peppers
They are crunchy, creamy and strangely addictive. It’s like an amazing bagel drive but in snack form. Take some mini sweet peppers, cut them in half, and stuff them with cream cheese. Then, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. Be sure to keep them chilled until serving. If you would like gluten-free options that don’t feel like an apology, these are ideal.
10) Spinach Artichoke Dip
Never forget that including a warm dip in your spread upgrades it. With just one dip, you can make it look like you put out a ton of food. For the spinach dip, just mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, and a little mozzarella and bake until bubbling and brown. It is great with baked chips, regular chips, crackers, and even bread.
I’ve done a number of parties and experienced a ton of people say they will just try it and somehow they find themselves coming back multiple times to the dip.
11) Whipped Feta Dip
What’s even better than the quick and easy preparation for this dish is the delightful combination of flavors. You can have the cream cheese or Greek yogurt ready in no time and whisk it until fluffy. Afterwards, drizzle honey and add pistachios to the top. For a little extra fun, sprinkle some pepper and lemon zest on top. This dip will give you those wine bar vibes. Nothing is better than a wine bar dip, and in this case, you can recreate it perfectly.
12) Party Meatballs
I would say the sauce is probably something that shouldn’t exist, but… Toss frozen or homemade meatballs in a slow Throw some grape jelly and chili sauce in the cooker and let it all melt into a sticky, tangy glaze.
Watch the tray clear out like it’s in debt and set out a few toothpicks.
13) Chicken And Waffle Bites
These are perfect for a baby shower. Use toaster waffles or homemade mini waffles.
Top with bite-sized cooked chicken tenders, and drizzle a little bit of maple syrup just before you serve it.
Just a pinch of flaky salt. If you are worried about a mess, we could offer the maple syrup on the side for dipping.
14) Bruschetta
No matter the weather, I always think about summer when I hear the word bruschetta! I love finely chopping fresh tomatoes and mixing them with some basil and chopped garlic, as well as jazzing it up with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and balsamic vinegar.
It’s fresh and delicious! For this recipe, I recommend grilled cheese and tomato soup for a perfect pairing! Once you spoon the mixture onto the baguette slices, you’re done! Just watch the timing. If you wait too long, the bread will get soggy. I also like putting the tomato mixture into a separate bowl because then people can decide how many toppings they want, and it’s also more crunchy goodness!
15) Grilled Cheese And Tomato Soup
It appears that this gives people the sensation of a huge hug, which I can appreciate, and I like the added twist on a comfort food classic. We prepare grilled cheese sandwiches, and then they are pressed and cut into ideal bite-sized squares. We also prepare tiny cups of tomato soup for them to dip their sandwiches into. The first time I hosted this, I was NOT ready for how many cups to bring and ended up filling them like a crazy coffee shop barista.
16) Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These treats are disappearing for good reason. They are a little showy. Take some pitted dates, stuff them with almonds (or goat cheese) and wrap them in some bacon. Then, bake them and make the bacon nice and crispy. After all of that, let them cool for a few minutes because people will be eager to grab one. They are rich so a small batch will be a good long way for the average consumer.
17) Veggie Platter And Dip
A bright veggie platter is the social glue for the party tables: it gives hands something purposeful to do. Blend a bit of parsley, chives, basil, and mayo or yogurt, and then add lemon, garlic, and anchovy (if you want). Then, you can dunk everything. Just be sure to cut the veggies into different shapes so it all looks like a lot. Perfect for all the sugar-free (or pretend sugar-free) people out there.
18) Mini Baked Potatoes
While these are essentially fully loaded baked potatoes, they come in an odd civility of two bite-sized portions. Roast some small potatoes until tender, then smash and cut them in half, add a dab of sour cream, a pinch of chives, and a sprinkle of bacon if desired. Surprisingly, they are just as good chilled. I’ve hosted showers and served these potatoes along with other sweet app options, and they seemed to appreciate these savory potatoes.
19) Ham And Cheese Sliders
In all honesty, they were the first to arrive and help set up the chairs. Ham and Swiss (or cheddar) are layered in sweet rolls. Brush with buttery mustard glaze, and then bake them until the cheese is melted.
Then serve them warm in separate portions. They don’t need to be all that fancy. As long as people like them, that is the objective.
20) Mini Taco Cups
Mini taco cups will be a fun addition to the menu. First, take small tortillas and press them into a muffin tray. Bake it until it becomes crunchy. After these taco cups are ready, you can fill them with either seasoned meat, beans, or other toppings. In order to keep the other toppings crunchy, add salsa and lettuce just before serving. As the host, you will appreciate that they are easy to clean up, and you won’t have to worry about a wandering salsa spill!
21) Hummus Phyllo Cups
You can use phyllo cups to give an instant “catered” appearance while saving time and money. Simply use store bought phyllow cups and fill them with hummus to which you will add roasted red pepper (chopped), some olive oil, and parsley (drizzled on top).
They can be made quickly and in high volume, so you will not go crazy preparing them. If you are catering to picky eaters, less toppings will work, and let the hummus do the work.
22) Shrimp Cocktail Cups
Shrimp Cocktail is clean seafood party food. Purchase prepared shrimp, as raw shrimp aren’t available for longer than a few days. Put them in mini cups with cocktail sauce and a half slice of lemon ready to go in the cup. This keeps everything organized and neat. People won’t have to stand in front of a communal bowl. If a person does not like seafood, they can skip it without any judgment.
23) Crab Rangoon Dip
This is very similar to takeaway food but, without those annoying oil stains on the bag. Combine soft cream cheese, crab, and chopped scallions. Then add minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce and mix well.
Bake until it starts bubbling. Accompany it with crispy wonton chips (baked chips will work too). Due to the dish’s richness, you may want to supply a fresh fruit platter or something else that is crisp and clean.
24) Garlic Knots
The mere scent of this dish is enticing! You prepare the pizza dough, bake the knots, and top them off with a warm, melted drizzle that includes butter, garlic, parmesan, and parsley.
Warm marinara on the side makes them even better. It’s a good thing baby shower desserts don’t need to be perfect!
Even if knots are lopsided, people will still eat them! There is no judging at a baby shower for how the cake looks.
25) Mini Sausage Rolls
They are really enjoyable! Once you begin eating these, you will most likely not be able to stop! Just encase seasoned sausage or some ground pork in some puff pastry and bake them till golden brown. You can then even cut them into small bite-sized pieces and dips are not necessary but mustard is a good one. If you are putting a varied group of people in front of a table, these will help keep it organized.
26) Cornbread Muffins
Mini cornbread muffins feel warm and welcoming. It also shows that you are welcoming them into your own kitchen as opposed to just catering an event and putting food out. Bake some mini muffins and serve them with some whipped honey butter. They go really well with chili or soup or on their own. Go for what you like I like it sweet so would add more sugar, but some people like it less sweet so adjust to your audience.
27) Fruit Salad Cups
Considered juicing fruits and mixing them together to create a salad is not something people would find appetizing, however, it is very beneficial to your health.
It is very simple to create, all you need to do is mix the fruits with a bit of lime juice, honey (syrup will also work, if you do not have honey), and add torn pieces of mint leaves to garnish it. After three cookies and some cheddar crackers, this will be refreshing.
28) Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate-covered strawberries are romantic, but they only take about fifteen minutes to make. Melt some chocolate, dip the strawberries into it, and let them harden on someone’s counter. If you want to, you can drizzle white chocolate on top after they’ve set for another nice touch. I once served these to a friend, and she said, “These feel expensive.” It cracked me up because the microwave was the fanciest thing used.
29) Mini Cheesecakes
Mini cheesecakes make it easy to keep dessert looking classy. They eliminate problem and the Dessert Tower leaning dessert plate issues. They are made by combining the ingredients for the graham cracker crust with the cream cheese filling and baking it in a muffin tin.
To make cheesecakes in jars, just skip the baking step and pour the cream cheese filling into jars and put them in the fridge to set. They can be garnished with berries, chocolate ganache, or lemon curd. Miraculously during party week, if they last in the fridge for an entire night it’s a miracle.
30) Lemon Bars
Lemon bar desserts have lots of color and are not just the usual wall of sweetness, and they need a shortbread crust and a lemon custard filling.
Powdered sugar goes everywhere but it is a fun experience. These desserts are fun to eat because they can easily be served as single bite portions. They are served chilled which is ideal and everyone loves a dessert they can just grab and take a bite out of.
31) Crispy Treats
Crispy treats are good, but having crispy treats made with brown butter takes the flavor to another level. The marshmallows are combined with the brown butter, and then that mixture is added to the cereal. And don’t forget to add a little flaky sea salt just before you press it down into the pan.
32) Brownie Bites
Mini muffins are the best size for individual dome shape brownies. Also, do not bake all the way through to maintain the fudginess. To enhance the look, putting a chocolate chip on top before baking is a great idea.
33) Sugar Cookie Cutouts
You can create some pretty cool cookies and pretend that you are an artist, but remember that most of your efforts are going to be wasted.
You may wish to add a little creativity and coat your cookies in a pastel glaze along with some simple decorations but don’t go overboard. You want to make sure your cookies are finished before midnight so you should avoid time-consuming decorations like using a toothpick to add tiny dots. If you bag a few cookies at the end, they can even serve as a favor.
34) Mini Cupcakes
Mini cupcakes simplify the dilemma of whether to commit to a whole cupcake. Just make vanilla mini cupcakes and add some strawberry frosting using freeze-dried strawberries or a spoonful of jam. Mini cupcakes are fun, easy to transport, and easy to display in rows. Personally, I don’t mind that there is one frosting choice as I find sugar fatigue to be a very real thing.
35) Yogurt Parfait Cups
Even though there are three varieties of brownies, the parfait cups keep the whole spread feeling lighter.
Layer Greek yogurt with berries and granola. To keep the granola as crunchy as possible, separate it from the rest of the ingredients until serving time.
A small drizzle of honey does the trick. These are a fantastic option as they are easy to grab as people are waking up, and are also lovely to have on an emotionally soothing morning.
Pantry & Tools I Reach For When Hosting a Shower
This allows the host to not have to do labor to make the table look designed. Affiliate Links: HomeViable gets a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you buy through the links.
- MALACASA 3-Tier Porcelain Serving Tray Set. The display piece that takes a tray of mini cheesecakes from “buffet” to “actually planned this.
- Wuyituart Tulip Cupcake Liners. The tulip-fold liners give the mini cupcakes, brownies, and cheesecakes that bakery-window look without any extra effort.
- ThermoMaven Instant-Read Meat Thermometer. Catches the party meatballs at safe-to-serve, the bacon-wrapped dates at deep-golden, and the chicken salad starting protein at the right pull point.
