Southern Living
Weddings
Bridal Showers
This Is What to Serve at an Outdoor Bridal Shower

This Is What to Serve at an Outdoor Bridal Shower

By Southern Living

June 01, 2017

Jennifer Davick

Southerners love to celebrate. When we hear that friends and family are engaged, we’re excited for them of course, but we’re also looking forward to planning and throwing a bridal shower. Update your go-to bridal shower menu with a few of our classic (and easy!) recipes for finger foods and punches. All of these recipes are easy to prepare, fresh, and flavorful. They travel well, and they’re perfect for an outdoor bridal shower. They pair well with outdoor showers, garden parties, and long afternoons spent snacking al fresco because they’re so vibrant and unexpected. We’ve included recipes ideal for morning and afternoon parties, both brunch-style finger foods and more filling, snackable options for later in the day. No matter the time of your party, construct your menu from our recipes below, and plan a bridal shower guests will remember—and savor. (Don’t forget the beverages! We have a few ideas for those too.)

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Lemon-Almond Tarts

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lemon-Almond Tarts

Sweet and subtle, these tarts are the ideal finish to a shower of delicious nibbles. With the brightness of citrus and the subtle creamy crunch of almond, you'll be giving out this recipe long after the shower is over.

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Cheesecake Tarts

Credit: Van Chaplin

Recipe: Cheesecake Tarts

These no-bake cheesecake tarts can be piled with your favorite fresh fruits for a seasonal dessert perfect for a bridal shower.

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Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Easy and portable, these Lemon Cheesecake Bars are sure to please a crowd.

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Sparkling Ginger-Orange Cocktails

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Sparkling Ginger-Orange Cocktails

This sparkling sipper has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy thanks to the pairing of orange and ginger.

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Lemon-Lime-Rosemary Punch

Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Lemon-Lime-Rosemary Punch

Put a fragrant spin on the classic citrus punch for a refreshing, tart, herb-infused beverage.

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Sparkling Punch

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Sparkling Punch

Pretty and pink, this punch is perfect for a bridal shower and can be altered easily for alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.

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Fruit Salad with Yogurt

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Fruit Salad with Yogurt

Fruit salad is a must for any outdoor shower. Guests can scoop their favorite fruits and savor them in the morning light.

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Apple Butter-and-Cheddar Puffs

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Apple Butter-and-Cheddar Puffs

For morning or afternoon, these sweet and savory puffs will keep guests coming back for more. (Better double the recipe.)

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Avocado Fruit Salad

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Avocado Fruit Salad

Update your classic fruit salad recipe with this idea—a genius addition of avocado elevates the staple.

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Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

Mini chicken and waffles. Need we say more?

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Gouda Grits

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Gouda Grits

The perfect side for a brunchtime shower, gouda grits are a favorite of party planners (and guests!) everywhere.

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Tomato-Herb Mini Frittatas

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Tomato-Herb Mini Frittatas

Bake up a few batches of these frittatas for a shower, no matter the time of day.

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Ham-Stuffed Biscuits With Mustard Butter

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Ham-Stuffed Biscuits with Mustard Butter

Easy to make and even easier to eat, these classic ham biscuits get a touch of tangy tartness from our delicious mustard butter.

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Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

These super-fresh, supremely snackable skewers are just perfect for an outdoor shower.

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Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

These savory, satisfying mini bites are easy to load onto app plates and easy to eat while chatting with other guests.

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Baked Brie Bites

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Baked Brie Bites

This recipe makes baked brie even easier to prepare and to eat. Win-win!

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Pimiento Cheese Gougères

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Pimiento Cheese Gougeres

Pimiento cheese is a must at any bridal shower. Make it memorable with this gougères recipe.

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Blackberry-Brie Pizzettas

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Blackberry-Brie Pizzettas

These sublime blackberry-brie pizzettas charm guests with a burst of blackberry and the creaminess of brie.

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Chicken Salad Pitas

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Chicken Salad Pitas

Don’t forget the chicken salad. If it’s missing, every Southern lady will notice. These pitas are fresh and easy to eat, just perfect for outdoor parties.

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Apple Flatbread

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Apple Flatbread

Fresh and crisp, this flatbread is as delicious as it is easy to prep. Slice it up for guests and add a sampling of dipping sauces if you'd like.

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Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe:

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Stuff juicy cherry tomatoes for a poppingly delicious finger food.

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Mini Crab Cakes

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Mini Crab Cakes

These mini crab cakes take some prep, but they’re a perfect app for an outdoor bridal shower, especially by the coast.

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Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

Make the most of seasonal produce with this spin on crowd-pleasing baked brie.

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Guacamole-Goat Cheese Toasts

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Guacamole-Goat Cheese Toasts

Guacamole and goat cheese pairs beautifully in this recipe for crisp toast points.

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Muffuletta Deviled Eggs

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Muffuletta Deviled Eggs

No Southern shower would be complete without a pretty plate of delicious deviled eggs.

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Ham-and-Cheese Skewers

Credit: Charles Walton IV

Recipe: Ham-and-Cheese Skewers

These skewers are always a favorite, and they’re ideal for outdoor showers. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a simple treat.

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Smoked Trout Crostini with Radishes and Dill Cream

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Smoked Trout Crostini with Radishes and Dill Cream

Elevate your app game with this crisp crostini. Don’t skimp on the dill cream.

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Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball

Update the much-loved cheese ball with creamy feta, tangy olives, and fragrant fresh herbs.

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Tiny Tomato Tarts

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Tiny Tomato Tarts

These are cutest tarts you could ever serve (and they’re perfectly at home served on the patio or in a leafy green garden!).

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Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves

Another Southern bridal shower mainstay, make the traditional cheese ring extra special with the addition of strawberry preserves.

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Mini Caprese Bites

Credit: William Dickey

Recipe: Mini Caprese Bites

The fresh flavors of mozzarella and tomato burst in these teensy, party-pleasing bites.

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This Is What to Serve at an Outdoor Bridal Shower

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Lemon-Almond Tarts

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Cheesecake Tarts

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Lemon Cheesecake Bars

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Sparkling Ginger-Orange Cocktails

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Lemon-Lime-Rosemary Punch

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Sparkling Punch

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Fruit Salad with Yogurt

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Apple Butter-and-Cheddar Puffs

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Avocado Fruit Salad

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Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

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Gouda Grits

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Tomato-Herb Mini Frittatas

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Ham-Stuffed Biscuits With Mustard Butter

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Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

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Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

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Baked Brie Bites

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Pimiento Cheese Gougères

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Blackberry-Brie Pizzettas

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Chicken Salad Pitas

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Apple Flatbread

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Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

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Mini Crab Cakes

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Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

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Guacamole-Goat Cheese Toasts

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Muffuletta Deviled Eggs

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Ham-and-Cheese Skewers