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Best Finger Foods

Golden brown cheesy bacon bites on a rustic wooden board with dipping sauces.
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My daughter’s first birthday party was a sea of sticky hands and happy faces, proving that the best finger foods are the ones that disappear fastest from the platter. I knew I had to recreate that magic with a recipe that’s as fun to eat as it is simple to prepare. There’s something special about food you can eat with your hands—no forks, no fuss, just pure enjoyment. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a holiday party, or just want a fun twist on family dinner, these bite sized appetizers bring people together in the most delicious way.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For Serving:

  • Your favorite dipping sauces (ranch, marinara, or honey mustard work wonderfully)

Smart Substitutions:

  • Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour
  • Dairy-free: Substitute vegan butter and dairy-free cheese, use almond milk
  • Vegetarian: Omit bacon and add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms
  • Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—a slightly shaggy dough is perfect.
  4. Gently fold in the cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The dough will be soft but manageable.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 2-inch squares.
  6. Arrange the squares on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each piece. They will expand slightly during baking.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. The cheesy centers should be melted and bubbly.
  8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauces. These yummy appetizers are best enjoyed warm!

Pro Tip: For extra golden tops, brush the squares with a little milk or beaten egg before baking.

Notes

These party bites can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for best results.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/best-finger-foods/