My favorite happy hour snacks for hosting at home

Having people over for happy hour snacks is one of the easiest ways to host! Pick 2-3 snacks to nibble on, a beverage and chat the night away right at home.

hosting happy hour

You know that feeling you get when you walk into a restaurant and you’ve made it right in the happy hour window? It’s one of my favorite feelings. We’re bringing the same kind of happy-go-lucky vibes, right at home. Hosting friends for easy happy hour snacks is one of the quickest gatherings you can throw together.

It takes 2-3 appetizers, a signature drink (our spring house fav is an orange blossom gin and tonic!) and a couple little bowls of snacks. Put on a great playlist and enjoy a nice long evening with these happy hour snacks.

what makes a great happy hour snack?

Great happy hour snacks are shareable, bite sized and often salty or savory (perfect when having a beverage). You can make 2-3 dishes from scratch but feel free to supplement with some easy store bought short cuts (I’m spilling all my favs!).

cold happy hour snacks:

hot honey whipped ricotta dip

This quick and easy Whipped Ricotta Dip is a real crowd-pleaser! It’s creamy with a punch of heat, and you can make the entire thing right in the blender. Made in just 5 minutes and serve it with bread, crackers, pita, or veggies!

martini marinated blue cheese olives

These easy martini-marinated olives are stuffed with blue cheese and drenched in citrus and savory flavors. Use them for garnish in an actual martini, as part of your charcuterie boards, or as a simple bite-sized appetizer. I love serving them in a cute silver dish.

jalapeno cheddar cheese ball

This Jalapeno Cheese Ball is a crowd-pleasing version of jalapeno poppers, bursting with spicy green chili, fresh scallions, cheddar cheese, and smokey bacon.

watermelon feta salsa

This flavorful dip is made with fresh watermelon, cucumber, and mango, then sprinkled with chopped jalapeno and Tajin for a bit of spice. Just add the feta for a burst of saltiness and you’re ready to party!

warm happy hour snacks:

pigs in a blanket

Air fryer pigs in a blanket are the easiest and yummiest appetizer to serve as an appetizer. With just a handful of ingredients, you can make these homemade pigs in a blanket coated in herbaceous butter and air-fried to crispy perfection. This is my tried and true air fryer (the best way to cook pigs in a blanket).

cherry pecan baked brie

This cherry pecan baked brie is a show stopping appetizer for any holiday. This wheel of creamy brie is topped with tart cherry preserves, pecans, rosemary and wrapped in flaky puff pastry. 

lemon pepper wings

These Lemon Pepper Wings are incredibly crispy (thanks to one special cooking technique) and bursting with pops of fresh citrus and black pepper.

fried sage

These light and crispy fried sage bites are an Italian staple when it comes to appetizers. Make a batch for your next Apertivo at home. Enjoy with a hugo spritz, beer or your favorite sparkly cocktail.

store bought short cuts:

If you’re rushing home from work and have people arriving just a little after you get home – use some of these tried and true store bought short cuts as happy hour snacks

• Daisy Sour Cream and Onion French Dip – honestly, I’ll serve this alongside any appetizer spread. It’s the goat of store bought dips. Pair with a bag of ruffles, mm!
• Crudite – serve an assortment of fresh veggies on ice (cut already or cut them yourself) alongside a cute dish of hummus or ranch
• The golden trio – olives, chips, and nuts! You can’t go wrong with a trio dish of these salty favorites
• Tortilla chips (freshly made from the deli section) and your fav salsa – simple, classic and perfect for serving with a spicy mango margarita

cocktails to serve with happy hour snacks:

• Big Batch Pomegranate Margaritas: these tarty and fruity margaritas are a house favorite and quick to make!
• Blood Orange Martinis: fresh citrus + vodka, say no more. A classic crowd favorite that is always guzzled down
• Lambrusco Spritz: there is a 50/50 chance that one of your guests will have never had a lambrusco spritz. Lambrusco is a bubbly red wine that can be subbed in for prosecco. It’s bold, rich in flavor and perfect fizzy.
• Blackberry Bourbon Smash: fresh muddled blackberries and bourbon make this icy drink smooth and refreshing
• Gin Basil Smash: these are the epitome of fresh. Think if your favorite spa had a signature cocktail. Perfect for making at extra hot happy hours

Leave a comment below if you try any of these tasty happy hour snacks recipes and tag me on instagram @elizabethvanlierde !