Choosing foods for a party always has to be done with the crowd in mind. While picking a few eats for a kid’s birthday might be simple enough, when you’re dealing with more grown-up palates, you might start second-guessing your choices. It’s not all that complex, however, so let’s take a look at some easy winners and a few options you can choose to elevate them.
Pizza
Pizza is a quintessential buffet food, particularly for a grown-up party. Its versatility allows it to cater to a wide range of tastes, making it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you opt for a classic Margherita, a rich pepperoni, or something more gourmet like a truffle mushroom or prosciutto and arugula, there’s a pizza for everyone. The fact that it’s easy to slice and share makes it ideal for a buffet, where guests can grab a slice or two as they mingle. Additionally, pizza can be customized to fit any dietary restrictions, ensuring that everyone at the party has something delicious to enjoy.
Easy-to-Eat Meats
When planning a buffet, easy-to-eat meats like bratwurst are an excellent choice. Grilled Beer Brats are hearty, flavorful, and can be served with a variety of condiments and buns, allowing guests to customize their own. They also pair well with other buffet staples like salads, pretzels, and dipping sauces. For something a bit more sophisticated, consider offering a carving station with roasted meats like beef tenderloin or turkey breast, where guests can help themselves to thin slices.
Get Some Dip at the Ready
No buffet is complete without a selection of dips. They’re perfect for adding variety to your spread and are easy to pair with vegetables, chips, or bread. Consider offering a range of dips to cater to different tastes—creamy options like spinach and artichoke dip, tangy hummus, or a zesty guacamole are always popular. Providing a variety of dippable items, like crunchy vegetables, pita chips, and crusty bread, ensures that there’s something for everyone and keeps your buffet interesting and dynamic.
Don’t Forget the Salad
A well-prepared salad can be a refreshing and satisfying addition to a grown-up buffet. Opt for something more substantial than a simple green salad—think a Mediterranean-inspired quinoa salad with feta, olives, and a lemon-oregano dressing, or a hearty Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and shaved Parmesan. You can also offer a build-your-own salad bar, where guests can choose from a variety of fresh ingredients like mixed greens, roasted vegetables, nuts, and a selection of dressings.
Cheese Trays
Cheese trays are a classic and sophisticated option for a grown-up party buffet. They’re easy to prepare, and with the right selection, they can offer something for everyone. Choose a variety of cheeses, including hard, soft, and blue varieties, to cater to different tastes. Accompany the cheese with an assortment of crackers, bread, fresh fruit, nuts, and perhaps a few spreads like honey or fig jam. The key to a great cheese tray is variety—not just in types of cheese but also in textures and flavors. A well-curated cheese tray can serve as both an appetizer and a dessert, making it a versatile addition to your buffet.
Unless you’re serving in some fancy establishment, party foods don’t have to be needlessly complex or niche in their appeal. The all-rounders work for a reason, and there are plenty of ways to add a little extra panache to them.
