Forget traditional canapés and bring on the mini foods! A lot of receptions kick off with a collection of bite size, mini wedding appetizers. Mini-foods are a fabulous way to make it look like you’ve got an extravagant spread. In reality you’ve only spread your budget super far.
If you’re looking to cut costs for your wedding here are a collection of mini-inspired treats to have your guests ‘hunger-pain free’ while waiting for the main course, or even in place of the main course! I can’t choose one or two so I would probably just have an entire mini-bar reception – mini-cocktails and all!
Mini Shrimp Cocktail
Found on Pinterest. The quintessential appetizer just got smaller, and put into an adorable mini martini or sherry glass. You can find mini martini glasses on Amazon. Of course, mini-martini glasses can be used for caprese salads too! Drizzle this beauty with a little balsamic reduction for a true caprese experience. If your mind is on Italian, why not check out these little bad boy…
courtesy stonewallkitchen.com
Mini Meatball Subs
One of my favourite things to make! My meatballs are so simple. Preheat your oven to 350 F, 180 C, or Gas Mark 4. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. You’ll need: 1 pound of ground beef. I like to use Simple Truth or Laura’s when I’m in the States. For everywhere else, something straight from the butcher or organic; 1 large egg, 1 cup cream crackers (finely crushed; 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning; ¼ cup onion (finely chopped); 1 Tbsp. fresh garlic (minced). Mix in a large bowl using your hands. Pull out a teaspoon size bit, and roll into a ball. Place on lined tray. Place the tray on the lowest rack in the oven to prevent grease fires. What? That stuff can splash high.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and sizzling. Add your cooked meatballs to your favourite tomato sauce or red gravy. 
Try a sweet mix of barbecue and honey, or grape jelly, bbq & crushed red chili peppers to mix things up.
That’s not the only mini sandwich you can include…
Mini Sandwiches N’ Beer
Since craft beer has started rocking the scene, the meat combinations you can pair with your favourite beer are out of this world!
Mini-Burgers
Mini Ham Sandwiches
Mini Lobster Rolls
Go Connecticut style, leave out the salad, and stuff those mini-rolls with loads of lobster meat drizzled in butter. The cool thing about this one is you can get lobster tails for $5 sometimes. Fill a deep pan with one inch of water, bring it to a boil, place your lobster tail in shell up, cover & cook for 8 minutes. Voila! Perfect lobster. I bet three lobster tails would fill a hundred mini-rolls.
What other amazing minis do you think would be amazing for wedding appetizers?
[…] way to cut cost on food is to set up a DIY bar. Think late night snacks, burritos & tacos, mini versions of your favourite foods, or DIY grilled cheese stations! You could always just go for a sweet breakfast bar with all your […]