Easy Food Ideas for Parties

Planning a party? Hosting a get together at your
house can be fun, but planning can also be stressful and expensive. 

Whether you’re throwing a large party or a more
intimate gathering, it’s always a good idea and proper etiquette to provide
food for guests. You don’t have to break the bank on catering, however – a few
simple, homemade dishes or easily purchased options can go a long way! 

Before you start planning or purchasing food for
your party, make sure you know how many people are coming! This will affect how
much food you should buy.

Depending on your crowd and the type of party
you’re throwing, you can then plan what types of food will go over well, and
account for dietary restrictions or picky eaters. 

It can be hard to provide something for
everyone, but with a few solid dishes, your party is sure to be a hit! If
you’re looking for simple, easy to prepare foods, you’ve come to the right
place. 

Try these easy party foods, from classics like
pizza to more unusual options to surprise your guests!

Easy Party Foods:

1. Pizza 
2. Potato skins
3. Skewers
4. Antipasto
5. Chips and Dip

Pizza

Pizza is a pretty reliable choice – most people
like pizza, and this is usually the most obvious option for feeding large
groups. If you’re trying to save yourself some preparation time, ordering from
your favorite local pizza shop is an easy way to check
one meal off the list with little effort.

If you aren’t a big fan of delivery pizza, it is
easy and cost effective to make pizza at home as well! You can buy pre-made pizza dough
or even already baked crust to save time, or make the dough yourself if you’re
so inclined. Either way, homemade pizzas are simple and can be just as good or
even better than delivery! 

For a fun activity, you could even have a pizza
making station with different toppings, so your guests can create their own
personal pizzas. This is not only a form of entertainment, but also takes some
of the responsibility of cooking off of your shoulders.

Mix it up and try specialty pies or unusual
toppings, or serve a classic cheese pizza. You can’t go wrong with this classic
party food. 

Potato Skins

Potatoes are cheap and filling, but rather than
just buying or making French fries, try potato skins for an alternative! Much
like pizza, potato skins can incorporate different toppings and flavors to fit
any crowd, or you can set up a toppings bar for guests to add what they like
best. 

A little research can help you find a variety of
unique potato skin recipes, ideas, and toppings. Making the potatoes is easy
enough – simply bake them and remove some of the inside potato to make room for
other toppings. 

Many recipes will have you empty the potato
skins and mash up some of the inner potato with butter for added moisture and
flavor. After that, throw in cheese, bacon, scallions, avocado or whatever you plan to add and throw them back in the oven if
you want to melt the cheese! 

Potato skins can be super inexpensive depending
on your add-ons, and they can be amenable to many dietary restrictions since
they are meat and gluten free.

Skewers 

Skewers, shish kabobs – whatever you call them,
these are an easy and fun party food! These are popularly made on a grill, but
if you don’t have one a stove top or oven will work as well depending on what
you’re adding. 

Like our other options, skewers can be whatever you
want them to be – you can make them with only vegetables, meat, different
flavors – you could even do fruit skewers for a more exciting presentation than
the standard fruit tray. 

Depending on what ingredients you choose to
include, skewers can be inexpensive. As far as preparation, simply cut up your
meats or larger vegetables, add seasoning if you want, and throw them on the
grill! Skewers make an easy finger food for party guests.

Antipasto

For a classy dish that will take your party up a
notch, prepare an antipasto plate or tray! Antipasto makes for a delicious and
elegant finger food. 

You don’t have to break the bank, although some
finer meats and cheeses may be on the pricier side. Choose what price level and
ingredients you prefer, however, and this is sure to be a hit. 

Some classic antipasto options to include are
Italian meats like prosciutto, salami, and other cured meats. Add your favorite
cheese or multiple types of cheese, like a sharp provolone, aged cheddar, or
whatever matches the other flavors. 

Include grapes, olives, crackers, bread slices,
peppers, or any other typical or even unusual antipasto ingredient. All you
have to do is arrange your choices on a tray, and your guests are sure to be
impressed.

Chips and Dip

Another party classic, chips and dip are a go-to
party food. Whether you make the dip yourself or choose a store-bought option,
most dips are relatively inexpensive and easy to prepare.

Make a bowl of your favorite dip, put out chips,
and let your guests enjoy! You could even do a variety of dips to include
different flavors and appeal to different guests.

Some classic dips include salsa, guacamole,
buffalo chicken dip, French onion dip, taco dip, and so on. Some dips, like
hummus, could be served with veggies as well for a healthier alternative or for
vegetarian or vegan guests.

Try These Easy Foods to Serve at Parties

Try out any or all of these easy and popular
party foods and your next gathering is sure to be a success! These foods are
great options for groups, as you can amend them to your or your guests tastes
and dietary needs. Serve up these dishes and enjoy your party!