Are you a cater everything type of person, or do you like to let your DIY passion shine from time to time? To be honest, it’s fun to be a little of both! When it comes to planning birthday parties, it can be overwhelming to do everything yourself. We’re talking finding a theme, party decorations, venue, table and chair rentals etc. The list goes on and on. Today on the blog, we’re sharing our favorite crowd pleasing birthday party food ideas to inspire you for the next birthday party you’re in charge of planning! These ideas are fun, outside the box and will without a doubt, wow your guests.
Image via Fuertes Photography
01. Baked Potato Bar
Image via Platings + Pairings
Who doesn’t love potatoes?! Keep them plain, or jazz them up with all the yummy toppings. The great thing about this idea, is that you can cook multiple at a time, and even better, prep them a few days before. If you are going to DIY this one, we recommend wrapping them individually in tin foil, and place them in a roasting pan on your table. Fresh cut jalapeños, onions, a dollop of sour cream and bacon crumbles are some of our favorite toppings!
02. BBQ Theme
Image via Great British BBQ
If you are a DIY person, purchasing a large amount of meat from Costco is a great route to go. If you have a smoker, this idea is even more ideal!
Maybe you choose to cater the meat, and you put yourself in charge of side dishes. Perhaps, you even have guests/family members bring their favorite BBQ sides to help you out. Here are some BBQ side dish ideas : coleslaw, mac and cheese, potato salad, fresh fruit, beans, corn on the cob, a few barbecue sauces etc.
03. Nacho Bar
Image via Casual Epicure
Guacamole, queso, beans, variety of meats, different types of chips, and your favorite salsas are all winners for this easy nacho bar idea!
04. Brunch Theme
Image via FeedFeed
Waffle/Pancake bar with toppings, cinnamon rolls/monkey bread, donuts with the theme colors, or yogurt parfait bar with fresh fruit all make for a great brunch theme.
05. Pizza Party
Image via Ooni
Whether you research a local pizza food truck, purchase your own Ooni oven, or hire a pizza chef, you can’t go wrong with pizza!
Bonus – Dessert Ideas
Self Serve Dessert Bar
Image via This Worthey Life
This can include different types of popcorn and sweet treats. Allowing kids to ‘build their own bags’ is a great idea for any party!
S’mores bar
Image via Fun365
This is a great idea if you have a firepit (for older kids parties)
Shaved Ice Bar
You can have this catered, or purchase your own shaved ice maker. Again, allowing the kids to choose their own flavors is so fun for them!
Candied Apple Bar
Image via Chelsea’s Messy Apron
All you need is a bunch of fresh apples, an apple cutter, scewers, and your favorite toppings. Toppings may include : caramel, marshmallows, nuts, chocolate chips, sprinkles, coconut, melted chocolate.
Your party guests will be totally be thanking you for these unique birthday party food ideas! If you are looking for a theme, here are some of our go to birthday party themes : superhero, rainbow/unicorn, artistic/colorful.