Canapés: Sweet and Savory Ideas for Your Next Finger Food Menu

Cocktail parties have these, and so are most weddings. These small yet somewhat filling and even addicting finger food is considered an art in itself. Canapés, pronounced as kah-nah-pays, are way different from those plain-looking foods on toothpicks commonly served in parties.

Canapés are way beyond plain-looking cheese and bread finger food combos. As mentioned, canapés are considered an art in itself and are delicately prepared for an unforgettable visual and gastronomical experience. The next time you are planning for a party, you may want to contact a canapé catering supplier in Melbourne or nearby locations.

The art of canapé preparation

Canapés are also considered finger foods. Canapés are usually eye-catching and something you won’t resist eating while waiting for the program to start. This type of food is usually small pieces of bread sliced into different shapes, added garnishes, and either sweet or savory toppings.

Some canapés may not be necessarily bread — some can be in the form of parfaits, Panna cottas, or other kinds of appetizers served on spoons or in shot glasses. Some can come in the form of delectable fruits, food rolls, or even mini-sushis. The art and ways of preparing canapés are endless.

There are some things you need to consider in planning for preparing canapés. First of all, you need to know how many guests you are expecting to have. You should also consider how many kinds of canapés you will serve your guests. Also, you may need to serve both hot and cold canapés for all of your guests. Lastly, the presentation is key in serving canapes for a dramatic effect.

Popular canapé recipes

Waiter carrying plates with meat dish on some festive event, party or wedding reception

As mentioned, canapés can either be sweet or savory variants. There should be a choice for those who like sweets or those who prefer savory foods. Also, there should be special canapé choices for seafood lovers, or even with food allergies.

Popular canapé recipes include ones topped on slices on bread. Whether it’s cheese, Prosciutto, thin salmon slices, and hand-made avocado spread, there is always a choice for canapé lovers out there. There are also other choices such as sliced fruit skewers, macarons, macaroons (these two are different things, by the way), mini-brownies, cupcakes bite-sized cookies, and so much more!

And then there is what we call a crostini, an Italian version of canapé with thin baguette slices used instead of the usual slice of white or wheat bread. Crostini is then topped with deli meats like salami or Prosciutto, and a wide assortment of cheese option of your choice. Surely, you will love this eye-catching and filling canapé.

If you are planning to make your own canapé, there are some tips to make your job easier. Plus, it can be a fun activity, too, when done with friends and loved ones.

  • Use different bread or cookie cutter shapes for added fun and variety for your canapé recipes.
  • Add a thin layer of mayonnaise or cheese spread to add more flavor to your canapé dish.
  • Get creative with your canapé toppings. If it is meant for dessert, you can choose sprinkles, choco or white choco chip toppings, M&Ms, and other sweet toppings you can add. For savory ones, you can garnish with cheese, parsley, or caviar for added appeal.

These are some things you need to know about canapés. So, if you are planning for a party, you should consider adding it to your menu. Surely, your guests will love your canapé recipes.