51 Engagement Party Food Ideas To Say “Yes” To

An engagement marks the beginning of a beautiful journey between two people, and many choose to celebrate with friends and family. 

Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a backyard brunch celebration, we’ve compiled these delicious engagement party food ideas that are sure to impress your guests.

Table of contents:

• Engagement party appetizers
• Engagement party brunch ideas
• Engagement party buffet ideas
• Engagement party dinner ideas
• Engagement party desserts 
• Engagement party food printable
• Engagement party food FAQ

Engagement party appetizers

As guests are arriving to the event, serve appetizers before the main course. Below, we’ve listed some engagement party finger food ideas. 

Charcuterie board

Charcuterie boards have topped the list of popular appetizers in recent years, and it’s no surprise why. These assortments of meats and cheeses are the perfect snack to tide your guests over before the entree. Plus, you can make a charcuterie board in just a few simple steps! 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Fold charcuterie meats over the lip of a wine glass to DIY charcuterie roses.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta is an elegant appetizer that’s easy to make. You can also purchase pre-made bruschetta topping for an even simpler preparation. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Rub the toasted bread with raw garlic for more flavor.

Potluck deviled eggs

Another classic appetizer, deviled eggs are a delicious little bite your guests will love. Plus, they can be served at either a brunch or dinner engagement party. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Garnish with fresh chives or cilantro.

Greek salad skewers

If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s healthy and easy to assemble, these Greek salad skewers certainly fit the bill.  

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Marinate the feta in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill and parsley.

Mini quiches

Mini quiches are the perfect appetizer for any dinner party. Feel free to experiment with different fillings!

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Place the mini quiches in the oven roughly 30 minutes before your guests arrive and serve warm.

Cocktail meatballs

These sweet and tangy cocktail meatballs are sure to be a hit at your engagement party. Place them in a slow cooker to keep them hot throughout the night.

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Serve with toothpicks so guests can easily pick up the meatballs.

Coconut shrimp

Considering a destination wedding? This coconut shrimp recipe will transport guests to a tropical island. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Serve with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.

Smoked salmon cucumber bites

With just five ingredients, smoked salmon cucumber bites are both elegant and easy to make. Plus, they’re a healthy and gluten-free option to add to your engagement party menu!

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Garnish with dill and lemon slices.

Cheeseburger sliders

If you’re hosting a backyard bash, mini cheeseburgers are a tasty appetizer your guests are guaranteed to enjoy. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Serve with french fries and dipping sauce.

Popcorn cups

Cups of butter or caramel popcorn are the perfect engagement party snack. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Label the cups with “[Name] popped the question!”

Engagement party brunch ideas

If you’re hosting a brunch engagement party, consider making these tasty recipes.

Heart-shaped pancakes

Pancakes are a breakfast favorite, and can be made from scratch or using a pre-made mix. For an engagement party, consider using a cookie cutter to create heart-shaped pancakes.

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Add chocolate chips, blueberries or banana slices into the batter for a variety of flavors.

Breakfast pizza

A twist on the classic dish, breakfast pizza is a creative recipe to serve to guests. Toppings include scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, onions, mushrooms, shredded cheese and more.

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Use different toppings for each pizza so guests can pick and choose.

Breakfast casserole

Casseroles are an easy, delicious dish to serve at parties and events. Try out this breakfast casserole recipe, and mix and match ingredients if you plan to make more than one.

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Make the casserole in advance and freeze it to avoid rushing on the day of the event.

Scones

Scones are an elegant addition to your brunch engagement party. This recipe uses raspberries and white chocolate chips for a tart yet sweet flavor.

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Warm up the scones in the oven before serving.

Cinnamon rolls

Cinnamon rolls are always delicious, but there’s something special about making them from scratch. Not to mention, your kitchen will smell amazing for the rest of the day. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Use a heavy hand when adding frosting.

Mini chicken and waffles

Incorporate Southern flavors into the menu with chicken and waffle bites. Use frozen waffles and chicken nuggets to save on prep time. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Drizzle with maple syrup or hot honey for a touch of sweetness.

Egg bites

Egg bites are an easy-to-make finger food. Just combine the egg mixture, pour it into a muffin tin and bake in the oven for approximately 15 minutes.

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Mix and match toppings for a variety of flavors.

Croissant breakfast sandwiches

What’s brunch without a delicious breakfast sandwich? This recipe uses fluffy croissants in place of sliced bread. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Serve with hot sauce for a spicy kick!

Breakfast pinwheels

These cheesy breakfast pinwheels are bursting with flavor. Serve them on a tray so guests can graze throughout the party. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Garnish with sliced green onions.

Brioche French toast

You can’t go wrong with French toast, and brioche bread takes it to the next level. Pair this recipe with sausage and fresh fruit to round out the meal. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Serve with strawberries, blueberries, candied walnuts and chocolate chip toppings.

Engagement party buffet ideas

If you plan on inviting a lot of guests, a buffet is a great way to serve food at your engagement party. We’ve listed some crowd-pleasing buffet ideas below.

Taco table

If you’re serving a large group, a taco bar is a great way to appeal to everyone’s taste buds. Make sure to include a variety of taco meat options including chicken, shrimp, ground beef and fish. Assemble dishes of fresh guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo on the side.

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Display a sign next to the buffet that reads “Let’s taco ’bout love.”

Pasta bar

With so many different types of pasta, a pasta bar is the way to go. Examples of pasta dishes to serve include chicken alfredo, spaghetti and penne vodka. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Serve the sauces on the side so guests can customize their dish.

Pizza station

If you and your partner are big pizza fans, why not throw a pizza engagement party? You can serve classics like cheese pizza and pepperoni alongside a veggie or Hawaiian option. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Display a banner that reads “You have a pizza my heart.”

Mediterranean buffet

A Mediterranean buffet includes dishes like orzo salad with pan-roasted chicken thighs, kebabs, Greek salad and lamb chops.

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Serve hummus and pita as a side dish.

Salad station

Consider including a salad bar at your engagement party buffet. Offer a few lettuce options along with various toppings like avocado, grated carrots, chopped bell peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms. Other ideas include nuts, croutons, olives and cheese. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Finish with delicious homemade salad dressings!

Southern barbecue buffet

A Southern barbecue is perfect for a backyard engagement party. The buffet should include classic barbecue items such as brisket and pulled pork.

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Don’t forget the fixin’s! Serve alongside mac and cheese, collard greens and coleslaw.

DIY sandwiches

For a laid-back vibe, consider having a sandwich bar. Arrange a variety of meats, breads and cheeses on a platter along with vegetables so guests can build their own sandwich.

How to be a crowd-pleaser:  Don’t forget spreads like mayo, mustard and garlic aioli.

Burger buffet

If you consider yourself a grill master, a burger buffet is the perfect way to feed your guests. Simply grill hamburger patties and serve with toppings so guests can assemble their own burgers. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Offer a variety of cheeses, veggies and sauces for guests to use as toppings. 

Nacho bar

Guests will enjoy snacking on a nacho bar throughout the event. To create this engagement party food idea, top tortilla chips with cheese sauce and assemble additional toppings in separate bowls. Topping ideas include ground beef, refried beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, fresh cilantro and olives. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser:  Offer other meat toppings like shredded chicken, steak or pulled pork.

Baked potatoes and toppings

A baked potato bar is another great option for serving a large number of guests. This recipe suggests different cheese, meat, vegetable and spice toppings. That way, your guests can customize their own unique creation!

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Wrap the baked potatoes in foil to keep them warm until you’re ready to serve.

Engagement party dinner ideas

If you’re hosting an engagement party dinner, here are some ideas for entrees to serve.

“Marry me” creamy Tuscan chicken

It’s no wonder this creamy Tuscan chicken has earned the nickname “marry me” chicken — it’s sure to have your guests’ mouths watering!

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Serve with crispy bread to dip in the delicious sauce.

Lasagna

Lasagna is easy to make in large batches, and you can easily freeze it if you want to prepare it in the days or weeks before the party. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Prepare both a meat lasagna and a veggie lasagna to cater to different diets. 

Tomato and artichoke gnocchi

This tomato and artichoke gnocchi recipe uses artichoke hearts, olives and a splash of red wine vinegar to create a unique flavor guests are sure to remember.

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Garnish with fresh oregano.

Lemon garlic shrimp

Seafood lovers are sure to enjoy this zesty and flavorful lemon garlic shrimp. Plus, it’s easy to make using ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley on top.

Roast beef 

Tender and flavorful roast beef is the perfect entree to serve at your engagement party. Pair with salad and potatoes for a delicious meal. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Let the beef marinate for a few hours before roasting for even more flavor. 

Honey garlic glazed salmon 

This flavorful honey glazed salmon recipe is sure to impress your guests. Serve with rice and asparagus for a delicious dinner. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Garnish with lemon slices and green onions.

Seared scallops

Another delicious seafood dish, seared scallops are sure to be a guest-favorite. This recipe cooks them in a delicious garlic basil butter sauce. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Top with fresh basil leaves. 

Chicken pot pie 

Chicken pot pie is the ultimate recipe to make for a dinner party. Feel free to use a pre-made crust to make preparation easier. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Use poultry seasoning and thyme to boost the flavor.  

Garlic rosemary pork chops

These garlic rosemary pork chops are surprisingly easy to make! You can choose to sear or bake the pork chops, and top with garlic butter. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: After baking, place the pork chops on the grill for crispy, brown edges.

Chicken piccata 

This Italian-inspired meal is perfect for an elegant engagement party. Pair chicken piccata with pasta and asparagus to complete the meal. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Pour the lemony sauce over the pasta noodles for a delicious side. 

Engagement party desserts

The finishing touch to any party is a sweet treat. Luckily, we’ve listed some delicious dessert ideas below.

Chocolate-covered strawberries

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a romantic dessert perfect for an engagement party. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Drizzle with white chocolate for a gourmet look.

Ultimate chocolate chip cookies

You can’t go wrong with classic chocolate chip cookies. You can expect a crisp texture that’s crunchy on the outside but chewy on the inside using this recipe. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Make one batch with nuts and one without in case anyone has an allergy. Just be sure to label which is which! 

White chocolate raspberry cheesecake

Conclude your engagement party with this decadent white chocolate raspberry cheesecake recipe. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Garnish with white chocolate curls.  

Lemon meringue pie

Lemon meringue pie is a light and refreshing dessert perfect for a spring or summer engagement party! This recipe is even appropriate for those on a keto diet. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Garnish with sliced lemons and berries. 

Rich chocolate cake

If you and your partner are chocolate lovers, you may want to serve a chocolate cake for dessert. This recipe coats the cake with a delicious chocolate buttercream frosting. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Add icing between the layers of cake for additional moisture. 

Cake pops

Celebrate that they “popped” the question with these delicious cake pops. These also double as delicious party favors!

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Use icing to draw an engagement ring on the cake pop if you’re feeling artsy. 

Fudgy brownies

For even more chocolate-y goodness on the dessert table, whip up these homemade brownies. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Double the recipe for thicker brownies. 

Butter cake 

Celebrate the “sweet” couple with this light and fluffy butter cake recipe. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Top with powdered sugar, fresh fruit and whipped cream. 

Key lime pie

Sweet, zesty, tart and fruity — need we say more? Key lime pie is a fantastic dessert choice for a summer engagement party. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Add homemade whipped cream. 

Peanut butter cupcakes

Peanut butter lovers are sure to enjoy these sweet and salty cupcakes. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Garnish with peanut butter cups, crushed peanuts or chocolate chips. 

Chocolate coconut macaroons

Macaroons are one of the yummiest engagement party desserts. Not to mention, these chocolate coconut macaroons put a healthy twist on the classic treat. 

How to be a crowd-pleaser: Top with chocolate drizzle and powdered sugar.

Engagement party food printable

Engagement party food FAQ

If you’re new to hosting an engagement party, we’ve answered some common questions below.

Now that you have these delicious engagement party food ideas in your back pocket, it’s important to plan how much food to have at the event based on the number of guests who will be attending.  To make preparing food for your engagement party easier, remember that you can buy your ingredients online with Instacart.