We don't know the reason, but everything tastes better when you can pop it in your mouth in just one or two bites. If you love all your foods tiny, we've rounded up these mini recipes scaled down from their full-size versions, perfect for appetizers, snack dinners, and dessert buffets. Scroll through to find your next miniature creation, from mini cheesesteaks and tot sliders to baby BLTs and lasagna cupcakes.
Mini Philly Cheesesteaks
Photo by Chef John
These open-faced mini cheesesteaks capture all of the best cheesesteak flavors in the perfect bite-size package. Reviewers recommend cooking the steak first and letting it cool before you assemble and brown the crostini.
Meatloaf Cupcakes
Photo by bernie
These scaled down meatloaves may look like dessert, but they're actually "cupcakes" topped with mashed potato "frosting." To make the mashed potatoes look like frosting, reviewers recommend piping them on with the largest tip you have for your piping bag.
Corn Dog Bites
Photo by
This kid-friendly recipe is quick and easy to make in your muffin tins. Serve with ketchup and mustard for a delicious appetizer or lunch. "These bad boys were a HIT at our football party. Bite-size was a great way to go as they were easy to dip and pop in your mouth. Next time I'm going to try adding jalapen?os," says reviewer Heather.
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Muffins
Photo by Chef John
Chef John's the pizza muffin man, delivering a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza that you can actually eat with your hands! This method is great for customizing individual mini pizzas. "Do you love sausage, but your better half prefers mushrooms and peppers? With this easy and fun technique, that's easily do-able," says Chef John. "The sauce and cheese char slightly on the outside as they bake, resulting in a super savory taste."
Tot Sliders
Photo by Allrecipes Magazine
Make your sliders even smaller by using potato rounds as buns. These adorable sliders are the perfect appetizer for any potluck. Simply cook your potato rounds and ground beef then thread them onto a toothpick with your favorite hamburger toppings.
Pot Pie Cupcakes
Photo by Molly
These chicken pot pie cupcakes are made easy in a muffin tin with store-bought biscuit dough. These hearty pot pies come together in just 30 minutes, and you can save on prep time by using rotisserie chicken. Reviewers recommend substituting the garlic salt for garlic powder as the filling can taste a bit salty.
Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes
Photo by waimea16
Shrink a traditional pineapple upside down cake into cupcakes with this easy 5-star recipe. Using packaged pineapple cake mix saves you extra time on this recipe. Reviewers suggest using pineapple tidbits instead of crushed pineapple to make the cupcakes easier to eat.
Baby BLT
Photo by KGora
Cherry tomatoes are stuffed with bacon, mayonnaise, green onions, and parsley to make these BLT appetizers. "WOW!! These are certainly tasty little devils. My six-year-old loves them. I am not a huge tomato fan, but I loved them too. Guests were fighting over the last one and decided to cut in half," says home cook RaisinKane aka Patti.
Lasagna Cupcakes
Photo by lutzflcat
These lasagna cupcakes are made with wonton wrappers, ground beef, mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, and pasta sauce in a muffin tin. They will turn out brown and crispy on the outside but cheesy and moist on the inside.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites
Photo by SunnyDaysNora
This five-ingredient appetizer is made with ground chicken, diced ham, egg, breadcrumbs, and Swiss cheese. You can fry them in oil or with an air fryer or bake them in the oven. Reviewers suggest having a sauce to dip them in — such as blue cheese or sour cream and Dijon mustard.
Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders
Photo by NicoleMcmom
Chicken and waffles are a great combo — and even better in miniature! "A fun addition to a brunch menu, and great for a football party alongside an ice cold beer," says Nicole McMom. "The waffles are slightly sweet and pair perfectly with the salty chicken and spicy sauce. Dill pickles and slaw add tang and crunch, delivering the perfect bite. They're easy to make and I promise, they'll be the hit of the party! "
Apple Pie Bites
Photo by Joey
These bite-size apple pies are made in wonton wrappers stuffed with apples, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Fold the wontons and bake for 15 minutes. Serve warm with melted caramel on top.
Easy Mini Bagel Pizzas
Photo by
Your family will love this homemade take on a frozen favorite. Top a mini bagel with pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings before baking it in the oven. "Perfect for a quick dinner that the kids can help with. Definitely kid friendly. Very versatile since you can add whichever toppings you desire," says reviewer a.jay87.
Green Bean Casserole Tartlets
Photo by Trusted Brands
Turn your favorite side dish into an appetizer with this green bean casserole tartlet recipe. Stuff puff pastry with onion, sour cream, green beans, and Cheddar cheese before baking. Top with French fried onions halfway through the bake.
Mini Waffle Pops with Dark Chocolate, Roasted Peanuts, and Flaked Salt
Photo by foodelicious
These mini waffle treats are an easy party dessert ready to serve in under 30 minutes. This recipe tops the waffle pops with dark chocolate, roasted peanuts, and flaked salt, but you can top them with anything you want — such as sprinkles, coconut, or candies.
Shrimp Scampi Cheesecake Appetizer
Photo by Deb C
Don't let the title of this recipe frighten you. These savory appetizers are made with puff pastry, cream cheese, heavy cream, smoked Gouda, and shrimp. But many reviewers recommend using phyllo cups instead of puff pastry.
Pizza Cupcakes
Photo by lutzflcat
“They’re portable, sort of like a mini pizza, except shaped like a cupcake. They’re a great savory snack and a great addition to a casual buffet. Feel free to customize to your family’s tastes with additions like ham, sausage, bell peppers, salami, mushrooms, olives, jalape?os, etc. I recommend not omitting the tomato, that really adds something special,” says Allrecipes Allstar lutzflcat.
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