14 Delicious Toothpick Appetizers That Are the Perfect Party Foods (2024)

Sugared Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

The best things in life are bite-size and bacon-wrapped. Toothpicks work to both keep the bacon in place while cooking and provide the perfect handle for popping bite after bite into the mouths of your party guests. Please your crew with these sweet and smoky bites.

Pickle Poppers

This toothpick appetizer idea is like a jalapeño popper without the spice. Simply stuff a halved pickle with a cheese mixture, wrap it in ham, and bake. Pop in a toothpick to hold the poppers together and to make it easy for social snacking.

Seared Scallop Tequila Shooters

If starting the party with a shot is wrong, we don't want to be right. These little toothpick scallop shooters are the perfect Mexican-inspired starters. Perch a spicy scallop pick over tequila and mango for an instant fiesta.

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Roasted Dates with Bacon

This recipe had us at "bacon." There are only three ingredients for these delicious toothpick appetizers, and it only takes 35 minutes from start to finish for a batch of 16. Guests will love the hidden almonds inside each bacon-wrapped bite.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallops with Roasted Red Pepper Aioli

Scallops make an elegant yet easy appetizer for your party. Wrap them in a bit of prosciutto and a fresh basil leaf before threading onto a skewer and serving.

Cheesy Mexican Fondue

Is there anything better than melty cheese? We don't think so, either. That's why this spicy Mexican-inspired appetizer is at the top of our list. Cornbread on toothpicks is the perfect dipper for this spicy fondue.

Zesty Fajita Bites

For a fun and fiery start to your next fiesta, roll up sizzling fajitas for a crowd. Simply assemble, slice, and skewer. Yes, these rolled-up toothpick appetizers are that easy.

Molasses-Lime Meatballs

Give basic barbecue meatballs the night off. These tangy turkey bites boast good-for-you oats and a sticky-sweet sauce. Just toss in a few toothpicks and these party meatballs are ready to go.

Marinated Cheese

It's hard to beat the simplicity of these no cook toothpick appetizers. Simply cut up cubes of Monterey Jack cheese and let the chunks marinate in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, spices, and garlic in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. You'll be amazed how quickly these cheese appetizers on a toothpick will disappear.

Cranberry-Sauced Meatballs Appetizer

Dried cranberries are mixed right into a meaty combination of ground turkey and breadcrumbs for these make-ahead meatball appetizers. Once the meatballs are baked through in the oven, they go right into a slow cooker filled with cranberry sauce and barbeque sauce where they'll soak in the tangy-sweet fusion for up to three hours. Serve directly from the crock or on a plate with toothpicks.

Wrap and Roll Basil Pinwheels

It doesn't get easier than make-ahead toothpick appetizers. Simply spread a tortilla with semi-soft cheese, top with basil and ham, then roll. Secure the rolls with a toothpick for easy serving and mess-free eating.

Cheddar-Beer Weenies

The only thing better than cheddar-beer weenies? Bacon-wrapped cheddar-beer weenies on a toothpick. You're welcome.

Curried Pork Bites

Toothpick food never looked and tasted so good. These curried pork bites can be made up to 24 hours in advance so it's easy to simply take them out of the refrigerator and throw them on the grill. Top them with a tangy yogurt sauce or skewer each bite with a toothpick and arrange them around a bowl of the sauce for a fun dipping appetizer.

Smoked Salmon Zucchini Bites

We're bringing our favorite brunch flavors to the party. Thanks to the trusty toothpick, a simple roll of zucchini, smoked salmon, and cream cheese becomes an elegant appetizer. Better yet, these no-bake toothpick appetizers keep things cool without heating up your kitchen.

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