What Are Finger Foods and Why They’re Perfect for Your Next Buffet or Grazing Table

Finger foods are small, bite-sized dishes designed to be enjoyed easily without the need for cutlery — typically eaten with the fingers. They’re often served at parties, buffets, and casual gatherings, making them perfect for social or standing events.

It’s hard to imagine a buffet or grazing table without tasty and beautifully presented finger foods. Alongside traditional cheese boards, mini sandwiches, or other grazing platters, they are one of the most eye-catching and flavourful elements of any well-styled buffet.

The possibilities are endless — with just a bit of knowledge and creativity, you can prepare delicious and original recipes that will impress your guests.

At Artfoodkitchen Catering, we’ve gained extensive experience in preparing finger foods for both small and large gatherings, buffets, and grazing tables. If you’re looking for the perfect catering solution for your next event in Derby, Nottingham, or beyond — we’re here to share our passion and expertise to make your occasion truly unforgettable.

Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites. A Fresh Bite of Elegance for any Buffet.

Ingredients:

Cucumber, smoked salmon, cream cheese, lemon juice, dill, black pepper.

How to prepare:

Slice the cucumber into thick rounds. Mix cream cheese with lemon juice, dill, and pepper. Place a small spoon of the mixture on each cucumber slice, top with a piece of smoked salmon, and garnish with a bit of dill or lemon zest. Serve chilled — fresh, elegant, and perfect for any buffet or grazing table.

• Use firm, cold cucumbers — soft ones release water and make the bites soggy.

• Pipe the cream cheese with a small nozzle instead of spooning it — it looks cleaner and more professional.

• Add texture contrast — a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a tiny lemon zest strip elevates presentation.

Festive Goat Cheese Balls. A Must-Try for Christmas Buffets

Ingredients:

Goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, chopped nuts (like pistachios or walnuts), dried cranberries, fresh herbs (parsley or chives).

How to prepare:

Mix goat cheese, cream cheese, and a touch of honey until smooth. Roll into small balls. Coat each one in a mix of chopped nuts, cranberries, and herbs. Chill before serving.

It gives you a bit of taste differency and originality to your table. For someone who doesn’t prefer goat cheese you can use exchangebly cow or sheep cheese.

• Chill the mixture before rolling — it makes shaping easier.

• Coat just before serving so the nuts and cranberries stay crunchy and vibrant.

• Vary coatings — use different combinations (e.g. pistachio + chive, walnut + cranberry) for colour variety on the platter.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates. Ideal for Grazing Tables, Wedding Buffets and Beyond.

Ingredients:

Pitted dates, bacon slices, optional: almonds or goat cheese for filling.

How to prepare:

Stuff each date with an almond or a bit of goat cheese (optional). Wrap with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for about 15–20 minutes, until the bacon is crisp.

Sweet, salty, and smoky — a classic crowd-pleasing finger food. True star of any buffet or grazing table.

• Partially cook the bacon first (2–3 minutes in a pan) — this ensures it becomes crisp without overbaking the dates.

• Use good-quality, pitted Medjool dates — softer and sweeter.

• Add a sweet glaze (like honey or maple syrup) during the last 5 minutes of baking for a glossy, caramelised finish.

Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms. A Luxurious Touch That Elevates Every Catering Spread.

Ingredients:

Button mushrooms, crab meat, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, black pepper.

How to prepare:

Remove mushroom stems and chop them finely. Mix crab meat with cream cheese, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and pepper. Fill mushroom caps with the mixture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 15–18 minutes, until golden.

Rich, savoury, and perfect for elegant buffets or warm grazing tables especially when served on beautifully ceramic spoons.

• Prebake the mushroom caps for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture before stuffing.

• Use fresh parsley or chives at the end for colour and freshness.

• Add a touch of grated Parmesan on top before baking for a golden crust and deeper flavour.

Deviled Eggs. A Must-Have Appetiser for Premium Buffet Catering.

Ingredients:

Eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, pepper, paprika.

How to prepare:

Boil the eggs, cool, peel, and cut in half. Remove yolks and mix them with mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until creamy. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika or chopped chives.

A timeless, crowd-favourite finger food, very popular for grazing table spread— simple, elegant, and full of flavour.

• Use slightly older eggs — they peel more easily than fresh ones.

• Pipe the yolk mixture instead of spooning it for a clean, elegant look.

• Add a garnish trio — paprika for colour, microgreens for freshness, and crispy bacon bits for texture.

Perfect Finger Foods for Buffets and Grazing Tables in Derby & Nottingham

If someone asked me what guests appreciate most, I would definitely say — finger foods.

Unlike traditional grazing boards, which may seem easy but actually require more effort in flavour pairing and presentation, finger foods are already perfectly balanced — each bite a ready-to-enjoy combination of taste and texture.

It’s true that preparing them can be more time-consuming and takes some knowledge and experience. But the satisfaction you feel in the kitchen — and the delight of your guests — more than makes up for the effort.

At Artfoodkitchen, we truly believe that guest satisfaction is the most important part of any catering experience. That’s the attitude we bring to every event — and it’s the same spirit we wish for you when you prepare your own buffet for family or friends.

And if you’d rather save time and have everything beautifully prepared for you — don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’ll make sure your buffet or grazing table is ready to impress!

We gained extensive experience in preparing finger foods for both small and large gatherings, buffets, and grazing tables. If you’re looking for the perfect catering solution for your next event in Derby, Nottingham, or beyond — we’re here to share our passion and expertise to make your occasion truly unforgettable.