Want to throw a spectacular party but safety and social distancing is still kinda on your mind? Try individual appetizers! Setting out a buffet of self-serve finger foods and individual apps is the way to go! These Covid-friendly appetizers that became popular during lockdowns are still a popular choice for any occasion where you’ll be mixing and mingling– Mother’s Day brunch, Easter, bridal and baby showers, graduation parties, pool parties – any time you’re serving a crowd! They look classy but are incredibly practical!
Last Update: July 1, 2023
Socially Distant Gatherings: A Remnant of Life During Covid
Since COVID, life changed a lot. There so are many times when I’ve thought, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming.”
So many changes, in ways I wouldn’t have anticipated. Not all of them have been bad, though.
I know that on more than one occasion, it has caused me (and all of us, really), to be creative and make it work, especially when it came to parties and entertaining.
Life went on, and parties still happened.
If anything, Covid taught us that we can provide a safe environment for our guests without diminishing the face-to-face interaction we all desperately need.
One fun takeaway from Covid is how we serve food. I remember when sit-down dinners used to be considered the ‘classy’ and ‘fancy’ choice.
These days, lots of people are going for self-serve buffet tables, for a lot of good reasons.
While it seems less formal (and in lots of ways, it is, but that’s fine!), it can give your guests room to space themselves out and enjoy the food at their leisure – when the table is less crowded.
It also gives them more chances to mingle without being tied to a table, graze and visit the table several times. It’s less about being weighed down with a heavy meal and more about opportunities to sample all the all the delicious food!
I’ve always been a big fan of the buffet, but if you want to take safety even a little further, how about single-serving food items – individually ‘wrapped’ snacks or plated on buffet tables.?
Desserts have been more commonly served this way, but these days, appetizers are stealing the show.
What Do I Need for Single Serve Appetizers for a Crowd?
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Buffet tables are really nothing new and have become super-trendy because you can make them so pretty and get really creative with your displays.
However, if you’re wanting to keep germ-spreading to a minimum, you can lay them out as individual appetizers – so easy just to grab-and-go.
This is a fun choice if you’re having people in and out, like at a graduation party, or if there’s some other activities at the same time, such as pool party. Guests can just help themselves at their leisure.
When you’re making these kinds of appetizers, for sure, you can serve them plated, with forks. But as you go through this list, you’ll see that there are other ways you can serve. You can prepare desserts and serve them in:
Ramekins
Muffin Tins and Cupcake Liners (These tulip-style liners are super cute!)
Paper Cones in Cone Holders
Plastic Cups
Mini Mason Jars
Wood Skewers
Chinese Food Take Out Boxes
Shot Glasses
Plastic Martini Glasses
Salad Dressing Pipettes (This is the most popular item on this list & are purchased just about every day!!!)
All of these ideas fancy things up a little and add some variety! Consider having some of these items on hand when you’re preparing your appetizers.
25 Individual Snacks and Appetizers for Parties (in a world after COVID)
Individual Veggie Cups Party Appetizer
I had this at a friend's backyard party a few years ago, and immediately, I thought it was so clever! Still love this idea!
Charcuterie Cones
Charcuterie boards are a hot trend, but this is a super-fun spin on it as an individual serving in a cone!
A Shot of French Fries
This is a such an amazing idea! You can put all kinds of dips and dressings on the bottom to mix it up!
Single Serving Spinach & Artichoke Dips
Spinach dip is always hit - I just love it in these baked tortillas! Genius!
Individual Antipasto Salad Cups
As an Italian, this was a staple at every family gathering! This is a fabulous way to make sure no one person gobbles it all up (which happened a LOT with my family!).
Antipasto Salad Kabobs
Another version of a single-serve appetizer to to put it on a skewer!
Strawberry Salads
Single-serve salads are common at restaurants, but it's something very overlooked for parties. I love this idea - a dainty salad in a sweet little bowl.
Caesar Salad Cups
While you're at it, Caesar salad cups are another fun idea for single-serve! And don't forget to grab those cute salad dressing pipettes right here!
Tiny Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Recipe
How about a little soup to go with that salad? And grilled cheese? I just love this bite-sized idea!
Prosciutto Wrapped Breadsticks
This is another easy idea that packs a lot of punch in presentation and in flavor!
Grilled Shrimp and Chorizo Appetizers
Is there anything more desired for an appetizer than shrimp cocktail? Just love these single-servings!
Mini Caprese Bites
This flavor combination is one my most favorites. The Italian in me coming out again, but I'll take mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar any day of the week.
Cheesy Bruschetta Bites
Another mix-up of some of those classic Italian flavors! Love me some bruschetta!
Za’atar Roasted Cashews
Nuts can be way more than just bar food! Fancy up some cashews in these fun martini glasses!
Easy Grab and Go Fruit and Cheese Cup Recipe
Fruit and cheese is a perfect appetizer! Some healthy sweetness paired with some filling protein.
Single Serve Baked Brie
This one is soooo easy to make, but looks so fancy! Crescent rolls, jam, and brie - and done!
Tex Mex Tailgate Dip
I can eat this allllll day long - you better put this in a single-serving cup! Soooo good!
Taco Cups with Beef and Cheese
And while we are talking Mexican food, how about some mini-taco cups for a more substantial appetizer?
Easy Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups
And while you have the wonton cups, you can also use them for spinach dip or any dip of your choice!
Mini Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe
This cheesy goodness is super-easy to make and it's packed with so much flavor! A definite hit!
Fish and Chips
I love this idea for a fish and chips cone! Chicken fingers would also work amazingly as well! Check out this post for other beautiful party ideas!
Mini Burger Bites
Mini burgers are such a fun idea! This is perfect if you are going with a keto theme, but feel free to add the buns for cute sliders!
Single Serving Shepherd's Pies
If you're looking to go with a hearty appetizer, this shepherd's pie in a ramekin is the way to go!
Baked Ricotta
And while we're talking hearty in a ramekin, baked ricotta is another way to go that will be SURE to satisfy!
Mac and Cheese Muffins
How fun are these? Make these mac and cheese bits in a muffin tin and serve in cupcake liners. Perfect!
Post COVID Friendly Appetizers for the Win!
How fantastic are these? If you couldn’t find the perfect dish, I’m sure you can modify some of these single-serving appetizers to make them work perfectly for your special occasion.
If you want some other party appetizer options and aren’t overly concerned about individual portions, check out these slow cooker party food recipes!
Other Party Ideas
If you’re throwing some other kinds of get-togethers and parties, here are a few other articles that might help you out!
30 Amazing & Easy Single Serve Desserts for Parties (another social distancing option!)
30 Healthy Appetizers (Clean or Paleo)
How to Throw An Epic Outdoor Graduation Party in Your Backyard (lots of these budget-friendly ideas translate to other kinds of outdoor parties, too!)
35 Summer Side Dishes for a Crowd
30 Brunch Charcuterie Board Ideas
35 Easy Summer Desserts for a Crowd
60+ of the Best Trifle Recipes
20+ Beautiful Backyard Patio Dining Sets for Under $300
Absolutely Fabulous Backyard Deck Ideas on a Budget
Cozy Backyard Decorating Ideas on a Budget
Purple Leaf Pergola Review: Everything You Want to Know First
Best Backyard Dinner Party Ideas {Budget-Friendly, Outdoor Charm}
If you make any of these appetizers, desserts, or use any of these ideas, I’d love to see! Please tag me on Instagram @100affections or leave a comment on Pinterest!
Thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!
Great ideas!
Bringing the Veggie platter to an outdoor wedding reception & was looking for inspiration.
Love all your ideas & recipes
Thanks
Margie
Thank you so much for letting me know, Margie! I’m so happy you found ideas you could use! Hope you have the best time! 🙂
Was so glad to see food ideas dealing with Covid. I appreciate this so much. Look forward to using some of these great ideas for the next two parties we’ve been invited to attend. We don’t attend but I do drop off food. Unfortunately, I know several people with Covid at the moment. Keep being safe. 💜
I’m glad you found this helpful, Tiffany! Be well! 🙂