Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts Sign up for our free IndyBest email
From juicy stuffed peppers to mojito-laced chicken cigarellos and sweet shortcake bites, there’s no need to break the bank throwing a party to remember this summer. Preparation is easy, leaving more time to enjoy the (hopefully) sunshine yourself. Any leftovers will make the perfect next-day picnic, too.
Click on the gallery to see the IndyBest buys
10 best summer party foodsShow all 10 1 /1010 best summer party foods 10 best summer party foods Smoked Salmon Appetisers These bites are richly flavoured with red pepper, paprika, lemon zest and dill. As the salmon is already mixed with soft cheese, the blini-constructing process will be a quick job and allow you more time to mingle. Serve on a pretty plate and they look far more expensive than they are.
£2.75 for 12, tesco.com
10 best summer party foods Real Olive Co Organic Pitted Chalkidiki and Kalamata Big, juicy and marinated in organic rose water, chilli and aromatic spices, these transport you to the Med in a mouthful. And with no stones to worry about, they’re hassle-free to eat. Provide cocktail sticks if your do is fancy.
£3.05, ocado.com
10 best summer party foods Taste the Difference Ham Hock Pasties Pasties may not sound glamorous, but these ones make a substantial bite for hungry partygoers. Stuffed with meaty, outdoor-bred pork and wrapped in herb-seasoned pastry, they melt in your mouth.
£2.80 for 4, sainsburys.co.uk
10 best summer party foods Mini Pastry Bites These crisp and flaky bites are packed full of savoury fillings: spinach and ricotta, tomato and pepper, goat’s cheese and pepper, and mushroom. They can be cooked from frozen in just 20 minutes, so are good to stock up on if you’re catering for a crowd.
£2 for 36, groceries.asda.com
10 best summer party foods Mojito Chicken Cigarellos The classic Cuban drink is a cocktail-menu staple, but how about as a nibble? We were dubious, but the chicken mixed with mint, lime and rum then wrapped in tortillas to create zingy, moreish rolls will be a talking point.
£2.69 for 5, waitrose.com
10 best summer party foods Caramel Shortcake Bites For a sugar rush that will please sweet-toothed friends, pick up a box or three of these caramel, chocolate and shortbread treats. They are crumbly, but not so much that they’ll cause a mess.
£1.50 for 22, sainsburys.co.uk
10 best summer party foods The Deli Fresh Antipasti Stuffed Sweet Peppers Stock up on some of these sweet, tangy peppers stuffed with a creamy cheese – a bite-size favourite among partygoers and a hit with hosts for their great value. Scatter among less interesting-looking nibbles for a splash of colour.
£1.29 for 120g, aldi.co.uk (in-store only)
10 best summer party foods Original Falafel Bites Falafel may have a reputation for tasting like sawdust, but these are much more moist than your usual dry affair. Team the chickpea-rammed bites with a creamy hummus dip and both veggie- and meat-eating guests alike will be impressed.
£2.40 for 300g, ocado.com
10 best summer party foods Mini Macaroons
10 best summer party foods Finest Jumbo Tempura King Prawns These tempura prawns are some of the most succulent we’ve tried, with pleasingly crisp batter. Not as economical as some on the list, but they are a good offering for a smaller gathering.
£3.50 for 8, tesco.com
Verdict:
When cocktails and food come together, you know you’re onto a winner. For this reason, Waitrose’s mojito chicken ‘cigarellos’ are the pick of the bunch and sure to impress party guests. For any veggie friends the Real Olive Co’s juicy organic olives are hard to beat, while those with a sweet tooth will find Sainsbury’s caramel shortcake bites hard to resist.
Buy now
1. Smoked Salmon Appetisers, £2.75 for 12
2. Real Olive Co Organic Pitted Chalkidiki and Kalamata, £3.05 for 250g
3. Taste the Difference Ham Hock Pasties, £2.80 for 4
4. Mini Pastry Bites, £2.00 for 36
5. Mojito Chicken Cigarellos, £2.69 for 5
6. Caramel Shortcake Bites, £1.50 for 22
7. The Deli Fresh Antipasti Stuffed Sweet Peppers, £1.29 for 120g (in store only)
8. Original Falafel Bites, £2.40 for 300g
9. Mini Macaroons, £5.49 for 12 or available online as £10.00 for 24
10. Finest Jumbo Tempura King Prawns, £3.50 for 8