Tea parties are a classic way to bring together friends, family, and colleagues in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. One of the best parts of hosting a tea party is the food – small, savory, and sweet bites that are easy to enjoy while sipping your favorite brew.
When planning your tea party, you want to offer a variety of options that cater to different tastes while ensuring they are simple to prepare and serve. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a more refined afternoon tea, these 10 tea party finger foods will be sure to impress your guests with their flavor and presentation.
Cranberry Brie Bites
A delightful combination of creamy Brie cheese and tart cranberry sauce baked in crispy phyllo dough cups, these Cranberry Brie Bites offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. They are easy to prepare and elegant enough for any tea party, making them a fantastic addition to your finger food spread.
Ingredients
- 1 package of phyllo dough cups (store-bought)
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the phyllo dough cups on a baking sheet.
- In each cup, add a small cube of Brie cheese.
- Top each piece of Brie with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the Brie is melted and bubbly, and the phyllo cups are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute.
- Garnish with toasted pecans and fresh thyme leaves.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Apple Hand Pies
Apple Hand Pies are the perfect treat for your tea party, combining sweet, spiced apple filling with a crispy, golden-brown pastry crust. Each bite offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a great handheld option for guests to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade, if preferred)
- 2 cups diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut into small circles (about 4 inches in diameter).
- In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each pie crust circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative look.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let the pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these warm, delightful hand pies with your tea!
Cucumber Tea Sandwich
The Cucumber Tea Sandwich is a light, refreshing option for any tea party, featuring thinly sliced cucumbers layered over a spread of herbed cream cheese, all nestled between slices of soft, delicate bread. The crispness of the cucumber pairs perfectly with the smooth, creamy cheese, creating a delightful bite that’s both flavorful and cooling.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of soft white or whole wheat bread (crusts removed)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by preparing the herbed cream cheese spread. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Lay out the bread slices and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice.
- Arrange the thin cucumber slices evenly over one slice of bread.
- Top with the other slice of bread, cream cheese side facing down.
- Carefully cut the sandwich into halves or quarters, depending on your preference, for easy finger-sized bites.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the light, refreshing taste of this cucumber tea sandwich!
Jalapeño Deviled Eggs
Jalapeño Deviled Eggs add a zesty and spicy twist to the classic appetizer. With the creamy, flavorful filling of traditional deviled eggs enhanced by the heat from diced jalapeños and topped with crispy bacon, these finger foods will surely be the highlight of any tea party.
Ingredients
- 6 large hard-boiled eggs
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 tablespoons crumbled cooked bacon
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
- Mash the yolks in a bowl and mix with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the diced jalapeño and crumbled bacon, reserving a small amount of bacon for topping.
- Spoon the yolk mixture back into the egg whites or use a piping bag for a more polished look.
- Garnish with the reserved bacon and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Serve chilled and enjoy these flavorful, spicy Jalapeño Deviled Eggs!
Japanese Egg Sandwich
The Japanese Egg Sandwich features creamy and fluffy egg salad made with Japanese mayonnaise, offering a richer, smoother flavor than traditional mayo. This delightful tea party finger food is made by placing the egg salad between soft, pillowy white bread slices.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise (such as Kewpie)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of soft white bread
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the eggs until fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Once done, peel and chop the eggs into small pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped eggs, Japanese mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Place the egg mixture between two slices of soft white bread, spreading it evenly.
- Optionally, garnish with a small amount of freshly chopped parsley for added color and freshness.
- Serve immediately, or cut the sandwich into smaller finger-sized portions for easier tea party serving.
Mac and Cheese Bites
Mac and Cheese Bites are a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. These crispy, bite-sized morsels are filled with creamy mac and cheese, coated in breadcrumbs, and baked or fried until golden brown and delicious. The gooey, melty cheese inside perfectly contrasts the crunchy exterior, making these a fun treat for your next tea party.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for frying, if desired)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses, allowing them to melt into a smooth sauce. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni and mix until fully coated with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a bowl and let it cool for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, stir in the egg and mix until fully combined.
- Shape the mixture into small bite-sized balls or patties.
- Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs to coat.
- For frying: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the mac and cheese bites until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- For baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bites on a lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Mini Quiche
Mini Quiches are the perfect savory bite for a tea party. These delightful, flaky pastry shells are filled with a rich and creamy egg custard, packed with delicious ingredients like cheese, bacon, or spinach. Each bite offers a warm, comforting flavor, making them a fantastic addition to your finger food spread.
Ingredients
- 1 package of pre-made puff pastry
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (or sautéed spinach for a vegetarian option)
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into small circles to fit into the wells of a mini muffin tin.
- Press each circle into the muffin tin, making sure the edges are slightly raised to form a crust.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheese, cooked bacon (or spinach), and chopped onions.
- Spoon the egg mixture into each pastry shell, filling them just under the top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the quiches are puffed up and golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before removing them from the tin.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve warm.
Pimento Cheese Sandwiches
Pimento Cheese Sandwiches are southern-style sandwiches that are a perfect blend of creamy and tangy flavors, featuring a rich cheese spread made from sharp cheddar and pimentos. The cheese spread is enhanced with a touch of mayo and mustard, creating a smooth texture and delightful taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup pimentos, drained and chopped
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of soft white or whole wheat bread
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and chopped pimentos.
- Add the green onions (if using) and stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as desired.
- Spread a generous amount of the pimento cheese mixture onto a slice of bread.
- Place a second slice of bread on top to create a sandwich.
- Optionally, cut the sandwich into quarters or halves for easy finger food-sized portions.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Scones with Clotted Cream
Scones with Clotted Cream are freshly baked and a delicious addition to any tea party. Flaky on the outside, and soft and warm on the inside, they’re the perfect complement to a dollop of rich clotted cream and a spoonful of sweet raspberry jam.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, for egg wash
- Raspberry jam or preserves
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
- Clotted cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined to form a dough (do not overmix).
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat it into a round shape about 1 inch thick.
- Using a round cutter, cut out the scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Beat the egg and brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top.
- Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving with clotted cream, raspberry jam, and fresh raspberries for garnish.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites are light, refreshing bites that combine the crispness of cucumber with the rich, smoky flavor of salmon, making them a perfect savory treat for any tea party. Cream cheese with dill adds a creamy texture and balances the slight bitterness of the cucumber.
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber
- 4 oz smoked salmon, cut into small pieces
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon capers, optional
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (black and white)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Slice the cucumber into thick rounds, about 1/4 inch in thickness. Use a melon baller to scoop out a little bit of the center of each cucumber slice, creating a small well for the filling.
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into the well of each cucumber slice.
- Top each cucumber bite with a small piece of smoked salmon.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top of each bite and add a few capers for extra flavor, if desired. Finish with a dash of freshly ground black pepper.
- Arrange the cucumber bites on a serving platter and serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve. Enjoy these refreshing, savory bites at your next tea party!
Conclusion
Tea parties are a perfect way to enjoy delicious bites with loved ones, and these finger foods will make your event even more special. Whether you’re planning a casual gathering or a formal celebration, these 10 tea party finger foods will undoubtedly elevate your event and leave your guests impressed.
Let us know in the comments which dish you’re most excited to try, or if you have a favorite tea party recipe you’d love to share with others!