56 Hostess-Approved Recipes for a Southern Baby Shower

Spicy Strawberry-Goat Cheese Crostini
Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

As any Southern hostess knows, putting together a baby shower goes way beyond decorating your home in shades of pink, blue, or yellow—shh, it's a secret! Often a brunch or luncheon, a baby shower is really only as good as its menu—and finger food is the name of the game. Serving a snackable spread of baby shower food not only keeps the atmosphere fun and casual, but it makes sure everyone has plenty of time to talk to the expecting mama.

As we're passing around newly opened tiny onesies, we're passing around bite-sized nibbles and dips, too. From our easy-to-make bites, like deviled eggs and tomato tea sandwiches, to our miniature brunch recipes for goat cheese quiche and Ham Delights, these baby shower food ideas will make hosting this memorable day easy and fuss-free. Check out these best-ever recipes for baby shower food—and get to prepping!

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Asparagus and Goat Cheese Mini Quiches

Asparagus and Goat Cheese Mini Quiches
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Asparagus and Goat Cheese Mini Quiches

Everyone gets their very own, which will keep things easy and breezy. Make these mini quiches up to two days ahead.

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Cheddar Shortbread Crackers

Cheddar Shortbread Crackers
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Cheddar Shortbread Crackers

These crisp, buttery crackers are a slightly fancier version of traditional cheese straws.

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Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

Think of these mini sandwiches as a party-ready take on the classic BLT.

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Ham Biscuits

Buttermilk Biscuits with Ham
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Recipe: Ham Biscuits

You can't go wrong topping this timeless ham-and-biscuit duo. Serve with our Creole Mayonnaise.

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Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

Smoky Field Pea Hummus

Recipe: Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

We love to incorporate favorite Southern ingredients in new and different ways. This hummus recipe uses black-eyed peas instead of chickpeas.

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Egg Salad Sandwiches

Egg Salad Sandwiches
Jen Causey

Recipe: Egg Salad Sandwiches

Ah, a Southern shower staple: egg salad. This recipe is made with the usual suspects—celery, pickle relish, and mayonnaise—but has a few unexpected additions, too. Grated onion, dried salad seasoning (the kind that comes in a packet), and Dijon mustard give it a flavorful twist.

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Fried Deviled Eggs

Fried Deviled Eggs
Micah A. Leal

Recipe: Fried Deviled Eggs

Wow the crowd with this interesting take on the traditional Southern deviled egg hors d'oeuvre. A mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese creates its fried crispy coating.

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Strawberry-Spinach Salad with Sweet Vidalia Onion Dressing

Strawberry-Spinach Salad with Sweet Vidalia Onion Dressing
Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Strawberry-Spinach Salad with Sweet Vidalia Onion Dressing

If you want to add just a slight nibble and palate cleanser to the baby shower menu, look no further than this salad recipe.

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Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Buttery Chive-and-Mustard Drop Biscuits
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Give your buttermilk biscuits a special makeover with whole-grain mustard, fresh chives, and Parmesan cheese.

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Mini Cheese Grits Casseroles

Mini Cheese Grits Casseroles
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Recipe: Mini Cheese Grits Casseroles

These mini grits casseroles add a festive touch on any spread. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the grits the night prior to serving, and then bake the casseroles before everyone arrives.

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Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Tami Hardeman

Recipe: Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

Pairing salty bacon with buttery crackers is about as fail-safe as it gets. They're a match made in hosting heaven.

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Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad

Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Recipe: Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad

You won't find a salad that tastes more fresh, fun, and delicious than this summer-ready recipe.

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Herbed-Goat Cheese Spread

Herbed-Goat Cheese Spread
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Herbed-Goat Cheese Spread

This ain't your mama's pimiento cheese—but she'd still approve. We turned your basic cheese spread up a notch with goat cheese.

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West Indies Crab Salad

West Indies Crab Salad
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: West Indies Crab Salad

This little-known Southern salad—it is believed to have originated in Mobile, Alabama—will be a winner at any baby shower, coastal or otherwise.

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Radish, Avocado, and Citrus Salad with Orange-Poppy Seed Dressing

Radish, Avocado, and Citrus Salad with Orange-Poppy Seed Dressing
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Radish, Avocado, and Citrus Salad with Orange-Poppy Seed Dressing

Not only does this citrus salad look pretty, but it tastes light and fresh.

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Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

Filled with mushrooms, Gruyére cheese, and a little thyme, these mini savory bites make a great fit for a baby shower brunch.

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Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche

Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche
Alison Miksch

Recipe: Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche

You've never had quiche quite like this one. Made with a grits "crust," it makes for a hearty addition to a brunch spread.

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Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham

Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham
Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham

Recipe: Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham

This classic dip gets a Southern twist with sweet onions and country ham. If hosting the event, you'll be happy to hear this dip can be made in advance and reheated.

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Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Recipe: Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

By using a mix of multicolored cherry tomatoes and small fresh mozzarella balls, this simple salad becomes super easy to serve at a luncheon or shower.

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Deviled Potatoes

Deviled Potatoes
Hector Sanchez Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Recipe: Deviled Potatoes

Consider these hors d'oeuvres a cross between deviled eggs and potato salad.

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Cheddar-Caramelized Onion Bread

Cheddar-Caramelized Onion Bread
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Katelyn Hardwick

Recipe: Cheddar-Caramelized Onion Bread

This bread makes a much more fun alternative to your frozen rolls, trust us.

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Queso-Filled Mini Peppers

Queso-Filled Mini Peppers
Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Queso-Filled Mini Peppers

Forget about serving your guests basic tortilla chips. These mini sweet peppers are a great bite-sized vessel for cheese dip.

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Basic Deviled Eggs

Basic Deviled Eggs
Southern Living

Recipe: Basic Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs simply can't be beat.

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Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

Dress up this funky Southern classic for a fancy occasion.

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Crustless Ham and Collard Greens Quiche

Crustless Ham and Spinach Quiche
Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Crustless Ham and Collard Greens Quiche

Consider this crustless quiche your baby shower savior. It feels fancy and tastes amazing—but is so easy to make. A bag of frozen chopped collard greens eliminates prep time.

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Fresh Fruit Salad

Fresh Fruit Salad
Jen Causey

Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad

Every brunch or shower needs the quintessential fruit bowl, and this recipe goes above and beyond with a dressing of orange juice, honey, and fresh mint.

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Marinated Shrimp

Marinated Shrimp
Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Marinated Shrimp

If you're hosting a spring or summer shower, look no further than this cool pickled shrimp. Tip: Keep the shrimp cold on the spread by nestling the serving bowl inside a larger bowl of crushed ice.

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Spinach-and-Artichoke Bites

Spinach-and-Artichoke Bites
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: William Smith

Recipe: Spinach-and-Artichoke Bites

If you've ever wondered what your favorite party dip would taste like wrapped up in a buttery crescent roll, here's your answer. Delicious.

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Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Bacon

Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Bacon
Callie Nash

Recipe: Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Bacon

Because pairing small bites of this elevated version of classic grilled cheese with shooters of our Roasted Tomato Soup will be about the most comforting thing to serve your expecting mama.

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Tomato Tea Sandwiches

Tomato Tea Sandwiches
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Tomato Tea Sandwiches

The Southern hostesses that came before us would approve. This classic tomato sandwich only requires a few ingredients, but that's all it needs.

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Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines

Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines
Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines

This fresh take on finger sandwiches is much more eye-catching (and delicious).

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Mini Shrimp Rolls

Mini Shrimp Rolls
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Mini Shrimp Rolls

This recipe proves that all this time, the only thing Grandma's vintage shrimp salad recipe was missing is jalapeno.

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Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad

Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad
Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad

Grandma's retro ham salad gets twirled up for luncheons with this pretty presentation. Plus, you can make the cheese puffs ahead of time.

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Herbed Goat Cheese-Melon Party Bites

Herbed Goat Cheese-Melon Party Bites
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Herbed Goat Cheese-Melon Party Bites

These cute bites are ideal for a summer shower. Prep them the morning of the party and let them chill for an hour or two.

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Ham Delights

Ham Delights
Photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Ham Delights

These cheesy sliders are practically required at any Southern shower or luncheon. This recipe is so easy to throw together and double or triple if you're serving a large crowd.

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Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese

Pepper jelly and cream cheese is an iconic Southern pair on appetizer boards, and Chef Adam Evans just upped the ante on it by adding seasoned crackers and pan-fried shrimp.

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Mamau's Cheese Straws

Mamau’s Cheese Straws
Robbie Caponetto; Prop Styling: Mary Beth Wetzel; Food Styling: Pam Lolley

Recipe: Mamau's Cheese Straws

Is it really a Southern shower if there's not a tray of cheese straws on the table? We'll let your guests decide if you leave them off the menu.

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Crudités Platter

Curdités Platter
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Katie Jacobs

Recipe: Crudités Platter

Leave it to Nashville entertaining expert Katie Jacobs to put together the most gorgeous spring appetizer platter we've ever seen. This colorful dish is an easy way to make eating healthy fun for any kids in attendance.

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Chicks in a Blanket

Chicks in a Blanket
Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Recipe: Chicks in a Blanket

Instead of classic pork sausages, this recipe uses chicken-and-apple sausages for a lighter, more flavorful take on the classic appetizer.

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Focaccia With Ricotta and Crispy Herbs

Focaccia with Ricotta and Crispy Herbs
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Focaccia With Ricotta and Crispy Herbs

No one will realize this beautiful focaccia appetizer started with pizza dough from the grocery store. That's right: You don't need to fuss with yeast bread to serve this summery dish.

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Pear-and-Brie Puff Pastry Tarts

Pear-and-Brie Puff Pastry Tarts
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Pear-and-Brie Puff Pastry Tarts

These pear tarts look impressive, but they're so easy to pull together. A tip from the Test Kitchen: If you want to make the tart a bit sweeter, skip the pepper and brush the pears with apricot jelly before baking.

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Snickerdoodle Doughnut Hole Muffins

Snickerdoodle Doughnut Hole Muffins
Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Snickerdoodle Doughnut Hole Muffins

Instead of running by the doughnut shop before the baby shower brunch, make these easy doughnut hole muffins that will delight everyone.

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Vera Stewart's Egg Salad

Egg salad finger sandwiches and option for dipping
Peter Frank Edwards

Recipe: Vera Stewart's Egg Salad

Georgia native and Southern hostess Vera Stewart shared this recipe for her mama's egg salad, which is a favorite for Masters watching.

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Caesar Salad Bites

Caesar Salad Bites
Photo: Jennifer Davick/Prop Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell/Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: Caesar Salad Bites

Throwing together an appetizer has never been so easy than with these healthy salad bites.

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Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches

Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches

You're going to love our savory spin on the classic Czech pastry that's beloved in Texas.

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Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls

Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Southern Living

Recipe: Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls

We know every Southern host has a sausage ball recipe, but we just changed the game with the addition of pimiento cheese.

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Strawberry Caprese Salad

Strawberry Caprese Salad
IAIN BAGWELL

Recipe: Strawberry Caprese Salad

This springy version of classic caprese is easy to serve as an appetizer over toasted baguette slices.

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Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts

Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts
Alison Miksch

Recipe: Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts

Instead of slicing a tomato pie and risking a mess or everyone not getting their share, serve up these personal-size tomato tarts.

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Cheese Dreams

Skewered Persimmon and Herb Bites
Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

Recipe: Cheese Dreams

These cheesy bites are the ultimate make-ahead appetizer for a busy host. Refrigerate the day before or freeze them for up to three weeks.

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Hot Brown Party Rolls

Hot Brown Party Rolls
Victor Protasio; Food Stying: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Hot Brown Party Rolls

Test Kitchen Pro Ivy Odom created this Kentucky-inspired recipe for a Derby party, but they're delicious and easy to make for any gathering.

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Strawberry-Avocado Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing

Strawberry-Avocado Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Melissa Gray; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Recipe: Strawberry-Avocado Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing

This colorful spring salad is such a pretty way to start a meal. Instead of everyone serving themselves from a large bowl, pre-portion the salad into serving cups for an easy grab-and-go appetizer.

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Mini Muffuletta Sandwiches

Mini Muffuletta Sandwiches
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Mini Muffuletta Sandwiches

The entire platter of these mini sandwiches will be gone in a flash.

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Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

Instead of your usual sausage balls with breakfast sausage, this dressed-up version uses spicy chorizo and sweet potatoes for complex flavor.

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Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta

Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Recipe: Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta

Cherry tomatoes are in abundance during the summertime, and this easy recipe is our Test Kitchen's new favorite way to use them.

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Easy Egg Salad

Easy Egg Salad
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Easy Egg Salad

We love presenting these egg salad tea sandwiches on a tiered cake stand for visual appeal in an appetizer lineup.

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Spicy Strawberry-Goat Cheese Crostini

Spicy Strawberry-Goat Cheese Crostini
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Spicy Strawberry-Goat Cheese Crostini

It's amazing how much flavor is packed into a recipe with so few ingredients (and that looks this beautiful!). "Perfect combinations of flavors. My family loved it. Very light and fresh!" wrote one reviewer who gave this recipe five stars.

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