Brilliant Bites: 75 Amazing Small Bites for Any Occasion

by Maegan Brown

WOW your family and friends with miniature versions of all their favorite foods! These 75 appetizers are easy to shop for and prepare, for effortless, kid-friendly entertaining.
 
In Brilliant Bites, Maegan Brown (aka The BakerMama)—the best-selling author of Beautiful Boards—has created and curated visually exciting and deliciously enticing finger foods for parties and special occasions, breakfast and brunch, everyday snacks and meals, dessert, and her specialty—holiday-themed bites.

Designed to be simple from start to finish, these perfectly portioned apps contain minimal, easy-to-find ingredients, can be enjoyed in one or two bites, and require no plates or utensils—so shopping, eating, and cleanup are a cinch. You’ll have time to relax and enjoy the little things…and bites.

Whatever the occasion, these munchies will have everyone oohing and aahing and begging for more. After all, who can resist cute food? Offering a perfect mix of classic comfort foods and clever concoctions, you’ll be coming back to this essential entertaining reference again and again.

With a stunning photo for each recipe, the bites

Eggs Benedict BitesMuffins with Mom Mini Muffins Many WaysCharcuterie Board Cracker BitesRamen BitesBacon Mac ’n’ Cheese Jalapeno BitesBanana Split BitesBirthday Cake Cookie Bites with Party HatsStrawberry Shortcake BitesAnd much more!
Including 11 Savvy Sips—creative cocktails and mocktails to pair with your appetizers—these easy-to-make recipes can be enjoyed alone or mixed and matched to suit the occasion.
 
Whatever you choose from this treasure trove of entertaining ideas, it is guaranteed to make a big impression on your friends and family.

Discover even more inspiring food presentation ideas from The BakerMama in Beautiful Boards and Spectacular Spreads.

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Food, Cooking, Reference, Adult

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2023

Reviews

[Rae | The Finer Things Club CA · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friends and I love to have themed potlucks and I’m always looking for inspiration for them, so the idea of Maegan Brown’s 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘉𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 really appealed me. In the book, Brown shares a variety of bite-sized foods across several categories: party, holiday, breakfast, snack, dessert, and even sips. While some recipes inspired me (such as the sushi tacos and elote), there were several that seemed a bit basic (for instance, the loaded baked potato chips and Monte Cristo crackers) or puzzled me because I think they would work better as an actual dish than a miniaturized serving (like the pad thai cups and ramen bites). I also found the holiday section a bit too cutesy for my taste. My favorite category was actually the cocktail one and I’m exited to try a few of the drinks from it. Overall, this recipe book is a decent collection, but it seems more geared to kid gatherings and casual get-togethers. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to Rock Point and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains the different types of eatables. Freshly cooked eatables.

I liked 'Holiday Bites' and egg rolls. Pumpkin Pie Bites were tasty when I tried them. But I found cracker bites more delicious. Rudolph pancake bites seemed easy but I didn't tried yet.
Breakfast Bites were also good, Taco Bites were time taking for me but so good to eat. Burrito Roll-ups I wanted to make someday soon.
Loaded baked paotao chips I tried with Lays way back in time, so does it tastes like nachos that too with Gaucamole, cheese and jalapeños savoured with salsa.

Overall, I found this cooking book interesting and handy, except the dishes in, with Non-veg.

My NetGalley review

[raccoon reader]

3-7-24, skimmed. Had some really great ideas. May check out again and try some out.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the cover and title....meals prepped a little differently if your tired of the grind. Mini bites! I absolutely enjoyed the ideas in this book. Little tightly packed bites with all the flavor. I love the idea. I book marked more than a few to try and the unique way it was presented in.

What did I like. Obviously the scale down method feels like a hit for me. Brilliant bites goes a bit further in my mind with some changes to recipes and personal favorites. If you have littles or dinner party plans this would be a great way to scale down over serving. I personally wish it had some freezing methods for a few of these. For those pop up dinners that you ran out of time for.

Would I recommend or buy? I would definitely love a copy for my shelf. It certainly looked very simple to use. I love simplicity and the types of food displayed as well as the really cute breakfast bites for an on the go. I think anyone with kids would love this book. It also had a drink section which you could do non alcoholic if need be.

I received a complimentary copy to look at and this is my opinion.

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

With most recipes using frozen/premade crusts, phyllo and Pillsbury cans there are a lot of super fast and easy recipes in here.
Not a lot of healthy choices, but definitely something for every occasion if you don't have any dietary restrictions.
Wide variety in flavours with a limited spice palette make it accessible for most.
This is perfect for when you have to make something last minute and don't want to put in too much effort, but still want it to look cute & sorta impressive.
Thanks to NetGalley & Quarto Publishing Group – Rock Point for my DRC.

[KIM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every picture looked amazing. We used this for our Cook the Book book club. Every item made was awesome and simpler than each person initially thought. I personally made the chicken parmigiana meatballs (chef’s kiss) and the chocolate cheesecake strawberry bites (also a home run ). The instructions were clear and easy to understand. The photography was beautiful and every recipe was appealing. This book is perfect for making unique and tasty bite sized party platters. So many great ideas.

[Jamad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay but nothing particularly inspiring here for me. Perhaps aimed more for those who want to feed children and young adults

Thanks to Netgallery for the ARC

[Elaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had a lot of cool recipes in it! My favorites were the breakfast section 😍 Also the deserts lol Gave lots of ideas for different variations of the recipes she shared too! It's just will I actually set aside time to make any of these 🤣

[Honest Mabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

some really amazing recipes

I absolutely loved a lot of these and would make them including mini Dutch babies! I am definitely borrowing this again

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A 2.5

[Alexis Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I check out a lot of cookbooks around the holidays. this is the first time I have done 4 recipes from the same cookbook in one holiday.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

#MaeganBrown has done it again! This book is the book on entertaining with bite size portions as it is easy to try several different ones. She also does a fine job of transforming everyday classics into bite size portions, perfect for today's more grazing way of eating. They are elegantly displayed and attention to details makes each recipe sound and look its appetizing best. These bites are perfect for entertaining, every eats when time is of the essence with busy lifestyles and just an option to try new flavors. My favorites among the recipes include: Elote bites, Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin bites, the Breakfast burrito rollup bites, and my soon to be go to recipe for my entertaining--the Salted Caramel Molton Chocolate Cake Bites. Yes the title is larger than the bite but they are just so good!.

I want to thank #QuartoPublishing and #Netgalley for a proof version of this title in exchange for a honest review

[Dome · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

It was a very interest book, the bites seem really easy to make and the pictures made me want to eat every single bite. It has bites for every occasion and for every sweet or salty lover.

Thank you NetGalley and the author for this book.

[Poppy Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
*********************************************************

Maegan Brown (aka The BakerMama), the bestselling author of Beautiful Boards, continues her quest to share her tips for effortless, stress-free, and foolproof entertaining with 75 small bites that have big flavor for easy grazing.

In Brilliant Bites, The BakerMama has created and curated appetizers that are visually exciting and deliciously enticing for family-friendly entertaining, for parties and special occasions, breakfast and brunch, snacks and meals, dessert, and her specialty, holiday-themed bites, including:
• Mini Manicotti Bites
• Ramen Bites
• Valentine's Day Love Bug Bites
• Jack-o'-Lantern Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites
• Santa Hat Pancake Stacks
• Eggs Benedict Bites
• Frito Chili Pie Bites
• Coconut Key Lime Pie Bites
• Banana Split Bites
• And much more!

Along with 11 Savvy Sips—creative cocktails and mocktails to pair with your finger foods—and a stunning photo accompanying every recipe, these easy-to-make bites can be enjoyed alone or mixed and matched for whatever your occasion requires, guaranteeing to make a big impression on your friends and family.

As someone who could easily live on dips (yes, just like in “Only Murders in the Building”) and appetizers, I highly approve of this book. I especially love that no recipe in this book would be taxing on even the most basic of cooks or bakers and that they cover the year-round aspect as so many books only cover bites themed to holiday parties.

I also especially love the mocktails aspect and their recipes as I hate getting “Christmas / holiday spirit” pushed on me when I drive and don’t like being around drunk people…ever. #cutyourselfoff

A great book that I will recommend far and wide to my foodie friends, family and patrons. #shortbutsweetreviews

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Brilliant Bites: 75 Amazing Small Bites for Any Occasion" by Maegan Brown is a delightful culinary guide that stands out for its diverse and creative approach to small bites. The book impresses with its collection of 75 appetizing recipes, offering a versatile selection suitable for various occasions.

One of the book's notable strengths is its wide range of small bite options, catering to different tastes and preferences. Maegan Brown's creative flair shines through in each recipe, providing readers with a diverse array of options, from savory to sweet. The book's practicality is enhanced by its organization, allowing readers to easily find the perfect bite for any event or gathering.

The author's engaging writing style and clear instructions contribute to a user-friendly experience. Each recipe is presented with attention to detail, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks. The inclusion of vibrant images adds visual appeal, inspiring readers to explore the culinary delights within the book.

However, some readers may find the book lacking in detailed tips or alternative ingredient suggestions. While the recipes are well-crafted, additional guidance on customization or potential ingredient substitutions could enhance the book's adaptability to various dietary preferences or restrictions.

In summary, "Brilliant Bites" stands out for its creative and diverse collection of small bites suitable for any occasion. Maegan Brown's culinary expertise shines through in each recipe, making the book a valuable resource for those looking to impress with delicious and visually appealing appetizers. While additional tips for customization could enhance its versatility, the book overall provides a delightful journey into the world of bite-sized culinary creations.

[Debra Gaynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Bites
75 Amazing Small Bites for Any Occasion
Meagan Brown
“The recipes in this book are for bite size food or finger foods. Bite foods are appetizers, munchies, tasties, and snackies. When serving these you do not have to have a plate, a napkin is sufficient. Many of the recipes in this book can be prepped ahead of time or fully prepared and kept warm in the oven until ready to serve. Plan for 2 or 4 per person. If it is a dessert plan for 2 per person.” You should already have the tools needed to create these yummy bites. Suggestions for serving the bites are platters and boards, cocktail glasses, honey dipper, food picks, cocktail napkins, appetizer plates and/or small bowls.
I found several recipes I want to try including Steak Frites Bite: simple, easy and so cute. Enchilada Egg Rolls look so yummy. Imagine the look on your guests’ faces when they see Meatball Lasagna Cups. A tiny Chopped Kale Caesar Salad keeps the meal healthy. Pad Thai Cups looks difficult, but the directions are explicit, and the ingredients make me want to try this one. I think I will be a pushover for the cup recipes such as Taco Salad Cups. The cracker bites look cute and yummy too such as Thanksgiving Cracker Bites. For the Christmas season how about Candy Cane & Snow Man Bites, the candy canes are shrimp.
Each year we host a neighborhood Christmas Dinner. I may have to make some changes this year and include a lot of these recipes. Neighbors you can expect Candy Cane & Snowman Bites, Deep Dish Pizza Bites, and Frito Chili Pie Bites.
There is a section on drinks that I want to try out. An Orange Cream Mimosa sounds good.
There is an index in the back of this book that is invaluable. Now I’m ready to start cooking.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

TLDR: Pinterest worthy bites that are usually pretty creative! Somewhat time intensive, but easy to find ingredients and most actually seem do-able.

More details:
Full disclosure, I love the BakerMama. I own both of her other books, and I love the creativity of her presentations. This book is another that I will be adding to my collection. She definitely delivers on cute, insta-worthy bites here. Most seem do-able if I'm only making one or two for a party, but unless I'm a stay at home mom I don't think I could manage multiple of the more time intensive ones (caprese snowmen and mummy meatballs...😍😍😍). I like that there is a decent mix of bites that can be prepped a few days ahead and some that have to be prepped a few hours ahead, and that almost every recipe notes that (hoping it's just an editing error that a few are missing a note to tell you storage/or how early you can make them ahead of time). There were a few obvious bite recipes that felt overdone or not as creative as her other bites (ex: multiple pie bite recipes in desserts). I also didn't like that none of the recipes included prep/cook/hands off time, which is crucial when I'm planning a menu for a party. This book doesn't have the most fancy/pretentious flavor combos, but almost all seemed like flavors that would actually go over well at a party. Overall, solid book for the person who wants to impress with insta-worthy cuteness.

[Juli Rahel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy the kind of parties where everyone brings something to eat. I actually recently went to one of those again and it was full of delicious things to try. Sadly, I didn't have anything to bring because I had been super busy. But when I saw Brilliant Bites I figures it could prevent me from ending up in that situation in the future. The only "downside" for me is that I'm currently in a friendgroup with a lot of vegans, which means I'd have to do quite some thinking in order to make all the recipes vegan friendly. Or rather, I'd have to find replacements for many things. But that's something for me, not something for the book to do.

I like the bite-sized approach to the entire book, which really makes all the different dishes perfect for bringing to a party. Brown covers everything from breakfast bites to specific party food and even includes drinks. At the beginning of the book she also has a short section on preparation and, more importantly, how to transport some of the food. I had some favourites, which I'll definitely consider making in the future. On the sweet side, there's the Fro-Yo Bites, the Baklava Bites, the Apple Pie Bites, and the Chocolate Cheesecake Strawberry Bites. On the savory side, I'd love to try making the Taco Salad Cups, the Bacon Mac 'n Cheese Jalapeno Bites, and the Deep-Dish Pizza Bites. The "Sips" also look really interesting, although I'm definitely more of a big drink kind of girl.

[Katie [Read Between the Ears] · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when someone asks you to bring an appetizer or dessert to a party and your mind goes completely blank? Then you start frantically searching the internet for ideas only to be met with millions of recipes? It's overwhelming!
Let Maegan take the pressure off! This book is full of beautiful photos and delicious recipes to wow your friends and family. Each recipe consists of a "bite" that packs a delicious punch. Some of my favorites are from the holiday category including shamrock pretzel bites and birthday cake cookie bites. Who knew a bugel could be made into a party hat so easily?! Speaking of bugels, all of the recipes in this book use easy to find ingredients that can be found at grocery stores.
Like any good hostess, Maegan understands the need for a delicious "sip" to go along with these tasty bites. She includes exciting cocktails at the end of the book including an orange cream mimosa and a merry margarita.
This book will become your cookbook of choice when it comes to parties, holidays and gatherings!

[Caylee Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an adorable cookbook and the foods are OH SO cute.

For me, they were a bit too simple. Recipes include pad thai, ramen bites, taco salad cups, chicken parmesan meatballs, mac and cheese bites. I was expecting (and hoping) to see recipes for bites that exist purely as bites. Things that taste better as tiny things. Instead, I found it just to be a cookbook giving permission to make normal food, but really tiny.

If I'm eating mac and cheese, I need a bowl and a spoon and a warm blanket, not five noodles at a time.

Chapters include
- Party Bites
- Holiday Bites
- Breakfast Bites
- Snack Bites
- Dessert Bites
- Savvy Sips

My favourite chapter was the Party Bites - some ideas for bringing a snack platter out of the norm. The drinks chapter was the weakest for me as it was simply making regular drinks in smaller glasses.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Catlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cookbook is all about small bites, whether appetizers, bite-sized breakfast food, or dessert. While some of the recipes just seem to be mini versions of the regular sized dish, there are some very unique recipes that I'd never considered before. For example, meatball lasagna cups or cinnamon sugar cruffins. I was also impressed at a recipe for apple fritter bites that are baked, not fried. I've never made apple fritters because I didn't want to do the deep fryer thing. I'm definitely going to try these. The recipes are each accompanied by an appetizing photo. This is one of my criteria for a good cookbook--gotta see the finished product! And most recipes appear to be fairly easy to assemble. The last section of the book contains some unique cocktail recipes, including a pumpkin paloma, dirty dill margarita, and the sage bee. I'd recommend this rather unique cookbook, particularly for the simplicity of the recipes and the great photos.

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was around 3.5 stars for me.

This book has beautiful pictures! The tiny food is appealing and makes for some nice photos going by what's in the book. There's also a nice variety of recipes including things like blooming onions, salads, and charcuterie boards so you can probably find something to enjoy, including desserts. That being said this food looks really tiny and potentially work-intensive. These seem like nice recipes for hosting or when you want to impress, but not something I'd normally whip out for fun. The instructions are also high-level at times which may be difficult for those if you haven't made the foods before. This book combines ingredients and pre-made foods for some fun, bite-sized snacks.

[Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book for anyone who likes to entertain, wants to bring something fun to a gathering, wants to have fun with your kids in the kitchen and or be more creative in the all kinds of recipes. There are varied recipes that are pretty simple and many use items you may already have or are easily purchased at any market. This book isn’t necessarily about the specific recipes themselves, but about the fun and creative way of putting them together that makes it so much fun.
The accompanying photographs are wonderful and a big help in putting the bites together. Looking forward to making some more (tried a few already) with my young nephews. I may even be able to get then to eat more than nuggets and fries!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Bites was an absolute treat! I couldn't get enough of the scrumptious small bites that packed big flavors, and the stunning photography made it even more mouthwatering. The thoughtful organization made it a breeze to plan and execute delightful gatherings without any stress. Kudos to The BakerMama for creating such a user-friendly cookbook!

I loved the added bonus of seasonal foods and drinks, perfect for any occasion. From family gatherings to holiday-themed bites, this book made appetizers so much fun and stress-free. I can't wait to try more recipes, and I'm already thinking about gifting this gem to my fellow food-loving friends. It's a must-have for anyone who enjoys effortless and delicious entertaining!

[Dorothy Schwab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get your party on with The BakerMama’s newest collection of seventy-five small bites for any occasion! This will be your new “go to” handbook when planning a kid’s party, a holiday gathering, or figuring out what to take to the next tailgate or book club meeting. The cookbook is divided into six categories: Party, Holiday, Breakfast, Snack, Dessert, and Savvy Sips. Each family friendly recipe includes notes on make ahead tips and how to store-SO helpful for busy schedules. The index is especially helpful since it’s arranged by ingredient, not alphabetical by recipe title. For instance, bacon is followed by ten recipes and page #’s that use bacon! Perfect for fall football, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas-just around the corner!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was more interested in her other cookbooks, but this is what the library had on offer. And really, who isn't tempted by sushi tacos? But the idea isn't particularly practical and most of these are too much work for a weeknight or quick turnaround.

The chapters that made the most sense to me were breakfast and desert, because you might really just want a little and someone else may want more. Also, for breakfast, portable is usually good. Some of these ideas were very cute - like mini charcuterie boards on crackers - and would be fun for a party.

I would recommend this before you host your next party, if you're looking for some creative appetizers. But this isn't the kind of book you'd work into your regular rotation.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains an interesting collection of recipes for small bites, or hors d'oeuvres. I was a bit disappointed to find that the majority of the recipes started with pre done ingredients (crackers, biscuit dough, etc.), I was expecting a more "from scratch" approach. That being said, most of the items in this book appeared to be quick and easy to make, so it would be perfect if that is what you are looking for. I saw a lot of recipes that were new to me (such as ramen bites). I thought that many of the food recipes contained in this book were kid friendly. I was not expecting the collection of drink recipes at the back of the book, and found a few that I intend to try.

[Danielle D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore the bite-sized approach to this book. I loooove bringing things but sometimes come up empty as I don’t know what recipe to pick. This cookbook is perfect to grab when I am having that feeling. It has 75 amazing small bites for any occasion, beautiful photos and the recipes are delicious. My husband was flipping through it has requested the Coconut Key Lime Pie Bites and pretty much all of the breakfast bites (his favorite meal). Can’t wait to try them all out!

I want to thank NetGalley, Maegan Brown and Quarto Publishing Group – Rock Point, Rock Point for the e-ARC of this cookbook. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.

[Amberleigh Million • a.millionbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very impressed with this unique recipe book full of "brilliant bites!" Sadly I don't do much entertaining these days but my family still loves appetizers and small bites on special occasions. Many of these recipes would be perfect for holidays and or dinner parties. This book is perfect for me because I'm a huge visual person and there was a picture for each recipe. There's even a section of cocktail and mocktails. Highly recommend to anyone who does a lot of entertaining or loves to prepare appetizers for all occasions!

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Rock Point for providing me a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Marie 🎀 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The inclusion of beautiful pictures for every recipe was a well-thought-out decision, and the dishes look absolutely delicious. However, one aspect I found slightly disappointing was the relatively high number of ingredients required for some recipes. Given that it's a bite-sized recipe book, I expected the ingredient lists to be shorter. Despite that, I'm excited to add this cookbook to my collection and can't wait to try out some of the recipes.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC. All opinions and thoughts are my own.