There are numerous ideas for simple party foods. Whether you are planning a birthday party, housewarming or an intimate get-together, offering a simple menu can be both time-saving and stress free for the host or hostess. Who wants to be in the kitchen all day long when you could be out mingling with your guests? Keep the food simple to make the day easy for all involved.
First, consider what style foods you would like to serve. There are tons of finger foods that can be prepared in advance and set out when the guests arrive. By offering finger foods you don't have to worry about a sit-down style dinner. Some simple finger food ideas include:
•Chips and salsa
•Vegetable crudités and dip
•Cheese and crackers
•Fresh fruit
•Bruschetta
•Chicken wings
Another option to consider is having a dessert only menu. Serve a variety of desserts such as cookies, an assortment of cakes and brownies. You could also offer a healthy option such as fresh fruit for those not wanting to indulge!
If you are going with a party theme, then have your simple foods fit into the theme. For example, for a luau you could serve simple food items such as grilled pineapple, vegetable kabobs and satay.
For a child's birthday party, serve simple foods that kids will like and you won't have to spend much time creating. Items like pizza, cupcakes and a variety of snacks are always a big hit with children.
A cocktail party is a great way to have your guests mingle and get to know each other better. By serving simple foods that are portable, guests will be able to eat while socializing. A full-menu is never expected at a cocktail party. Instead offer simple hors d'oeuvres and appetizers including:
•Fresh fruit
•Peeled shrimp
•Antipasti platter
•Assorted cheeses and crackers
•Tarts
Other Options
First, consider what style foods you would like to serve. There are tons of finger foods that can be prepared in advance and set out when the guests arrive. By offering finger foods you don't have to worry about a sit-down style dinner. Some simple finger food ideas include:
•Chips and salsa
•Vegetable crudités and dip
•Cheese and crackers
•Fresh fruit
•Bruschetta
•Chicken wings
Another option to consider is having a dessert only menu. Serve a variety of desserts such as cookies, an assortment of cakes and brownies. You could also offer a healthy option such as fresh fruit for those not wanting to indulge!
If you are going with a party theme, then have your simple foods fit into the theme. For example, for a luau you could serve simple food items such as grilled pineapple, vegetable kabobs and satay.
For a child's birthday party, serve simple foods that kids will like and you won't have to spend much time creating. Items like pizza, cupcakes and a variety of snacks are always a big hit with children.
A cocktail party is a great way to have your guests mingle and get to know each other better. By serving simple foods that are portable, guests will be able to eat while socializing. A full-menu is never expected at a cocktail party. Instead offer simple hors d'oeuvres and appetizers including:
•Fresh fruit
•Peeled shrimp
•Antipasti platter
•Assorted cheeses and crackers
•Tarts
Other Options
If cooking is not on your agenda, then you could always visit your local market and pick up a few pre-made items. Sandwich rings, deli trays and pre-made salads are all great options. Add some snacks such as chips and pretzels and you are ready to go.If you live close to a warehouse club, there are a variety of frozen items to choose from that only need to be heated and are ready to serve.
Don't Forget The Drinks!
Complete your simple party foods menu by offering a variety of drink choices. Instead of standing around mixing up individual cocktails, whip up a pitcher of margaritas or make fresh lemonade. Keeping the drinks simple will also save you time and energy. There are also easy punch recipes that can be made in advance and served either with or without alcohol. You could also serve several different wines and have your guests pick their favorites. Always offer both red and white wines.
Keep it simple and not only will your guests enjoy themselves but you will as well.
Some recipes for you to try:
The key to making recipes for party finger foods is to have items that do not drip, fall apart or require any utensils whatsoever. Remember to provide serving spoons, toothpicks and napkins for your guests.
Tortilla Rollups
Tortilla rollups are a good finger food for a variety of parties. You can customize them to fit almost any palate by swapping out the seasonings, vegetables, cheeses and meats. The recipe for a taco rollup is listed below; use the ingredients in parentheses for a pizza version.
Ingredients
•5 to 10 10-inch flour tortillas
•8 oz. cream cheese
•8 oz. sour cream
•1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese)
•1/2 package of taco seasoning (2 tsp. Italian seasoning)
•1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained (1 cup diced pepperoni)
Directions
Mix together the cream cheese, sour cream and seasoning. Fold in the cheese and diced tomatoes/chilies. Spread over flour tortillas. Roll up tortillas and place in refrigerator. After chilling for a few hours, slice them into 1-inch pieces.
KebabsKebabs are the perfect party finger food. Virtually anything that isn't liquid-based can be put on a kabob. Kebabs are great luau party finger foods, but they can work for any occasion. Skewer fruits, like watermelon, cantaloupe and strawberries, in the summer. Put lamb, green peppers, tomatoes and onions on a kebob and marinate in a bottled Greek dressing before grilling for a Mediterranean twist. Grapes, strawberries and cheese cubes are perfect kebabs for a wine tasting party.
The best thing about kebabs is that you can make your own recipes even if there isn't a recipe available for something that fits your theme. You could bake kebabs with hot dog slices and French fries in the oven for a child's party or put tofu with raw vegetables on a kebab for a vegetarian twist.
Lamb shish kebabs are easy to make and are very tender. This recipe for lamb shish kebab is easy, requires few ingredients, and is perfect for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
•1 lb. lamb fillet
•2 medium onions
•salt and pepper to taste
•olive oil
Preparation:
Cut lamb fillet into 1 inch cubes. Generously sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cut onions into eighths. Sprinkle with salt and pepper as well.
Lightly oil skewers with cooking oil. Thread lamb and onions alternately onto skewers. Sprinkle kebabs with olive oil.
Spray grill with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place lamb kebabs on grill. Cook for about 5 minutes each side, or until lamb is lightly browned.
Serve lamb kebabs with fresh vegetables, hummus, baba ghannouj. French fries are commonly served with grilled lamb.
Pecan Mini-Tarts
Skip the typical cookies and bars and put a unique twist on dessert by making pecan mini-tarts. These tasty treats are similar to the pie, but without the mess.
Ingredients
•1 cup finely chopped pecans
•1 cup brown sugar
•2/3 cup melted butter or margarine
•1/2 cup flour
•2 beaten eggs
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line mini-muffin pan with paper. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Mix butter and eggs. Add to dry ingredients and stir until just mixed (there may be small lumps). Bake for approximately 20 minutes (oven times may vary), until a toothpick in the center mini-muffin comes out clean. Place on wire racks to cool.
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