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50+ Fabulous Party Food Ideas

Looking for a few fantastic party food ideas? These appetizers, dips, and finger foods are sure to be crowd pleasers at any party.

What makes the perfect party food? Things that can be served in individual portions, can be eaten with one hand and on the move, single-bite snacks, and food that is good even at room temp. We’ve got some great party food ideas to share with you so whether you’re hosting or just bringing something to share, you can prepare something that noshable.

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Fabulous Party Food Ideas

Party Food Planning

When it comes to planning a party, especially a good sized one, you want to keep a few things in mind and have a variety of styles of food and drink on hand for guests. If you’re hosting yourself, make a checklist and plan out your provisions. If it’s going to be potluck style, make a sign up list for everyone to note what they are bringing to avoid too many duplicates.

Here are a few things to think about when planning your party food ideas.

Drinks

  • Have non-alcoholic beverages as well as beer, wine, and/or cocktails
  • Have drinks for the kids
  • Have individual water bottles for guests
  • Have plastic cups for beverages
  • Be sure to have plenty of ice
  • Consider having coffee and tea available

Hearty & Filling Food

  • Make a big batch of a main dish style food that can be self-served, like crockpot chili or slider-style sandwiches
  • Have bowls or paper plates on hand as well as plastic utensils
  • Wraps and crescent roll rings are other types of hearty and filling foods to keep on hand
  • Casseroles are also great hearty options that are easy to make in large batches

Snack Foods

  • Cheese and crackers
  • Chips and dip – choose a variety of chips (tortilla strips, regular potato chips, corn chips)
  • Bread and dip
  • Popcorn
  • Candy or snacky sweets
  • Mixed nuts

Finger Foods & Appetizers

  • Make a few big batches to serve a crowd
  • Have a variety of warm and cold style apps, but choose things that are still good at room temp
  • For things that are best kept warm, have a warming tray or crockpot keeping them warm throughout the party – this is perfect for meatballs
  • Try hot wings or chicken drumsticks, puff pastry appetizers, and crescent roll appetizers

Other Things To Keep In Mind

  • Have a variety of both healthy and not-so-healthy items
  • Think about food allergies and if your guests may have something they need to avoid
  • Make a vegetarian or vegan option or two if you have guests with specific dietary preferences
  • Use seasonal ingredients when making your menu to keep costs down
  • Have plenty of paper towels and napkins
  • Make sure there is plenty of variety, for example, don’t make 6 different cheese-based items
  • Keep most of the food in one place
  • Keep hot food hot and cold food cold where possible
  • Choose recipes that are easy to make – you don’t want to spend days in the kitchen prepping and cooking
  • Pick a few things that can be made in advance to cut down on prep time on the day of the party
  • Be sure there will be enough food to serve the number of guests coming to the party
  • Consider the duration of the party as well – longer parties will require more food
  • If you’re having a theme party, make food that matches the theme
  • Grab a few pre-made store-bought items to cut down on prep time such as sliced cheese platters, veggie trays, a few packages of rolls or garlic bread, and pre-cut fruit

Time to party! Check out these fabulous party food ideas.

Party Food Ideas

Heidi Deal
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