Kid’s party food can be tricky…children can be notoriously picky eaters, and sometimes the occasion calls for more than just a few pizzas (although, don’t get us wrong, pizza parties are awesome too). Check out these eight ideas to make your child’s next bash a major hit in the food department!
Finger Sandwiches
We’ve yet to meet a kid who hasn’t gone through a “the crust on my sandwich is disgusting and should be banned” phase of their childhood, so finger sandwiches are a great option for the crust-averse! Start by choosing a few different filling options (some crowd-pleasers include peanut butter and jelly, peanut butter and Nutella, and cream cheese with either sliced cucumber or sliced strawberry). Cut the crust off the edges and discard. Then, cut the sandwich into thirds, or better yet, use fun theme-shaped cookie cutters!
Food on a Stick
We have a history of obsessing over the novelty of food on a stick…think corn dogs, cotton candy, and kabobs! When choosing kid’s party food, having at least one stick option not only allows for easy eating, but it also helps with portion control!
- Fresh fruit wands — Alternate grapes, pineapple, melon, and berries.
- Apple slices dipped in caramel or chocolate
- Cubed meat and cheese
Punch
Combine 100 percent fruit juice with some sparkling seltzer in a large punch bowl, or even add a few drops of food coloring to fresh lemonade! This eliminates the waste from several juice boxes and minimizes the range of drink options needed!
Individual Bags of Treats
Make cleanup a breeze and fill small bags with goodies for each child! This keeps 20 hands from diving into shared bowls. Try one of these fan favorites, and put your own themed spin on it.
- Popcorn
- Candy
- Trail mix
Bite-Sized Snacks
- Mini grilled cheese
- Mac-n-cheese bites — Prepare mac-n-cheese based on your favorite recipe, then scoop spoonfuls into greased mini cupcake pans. Top with a pinch of shredded cheese, then bake in a 425-degree oven for 8-10 minutes to set. Cool in the pan for a few minutes before moving to a tray to serve.
- Sliders — Think mini cheeseburgers, grilled chicken, or deli meats!
A Bar
No, not that kind of bar, save that for the adults! Incorporate some fun into the food spread by allowing your guests to build their own creations!
- Cupcake — Bake cupcakes and include various colored frostings in decorating bags, sprinkles, candies, and toppings for the kids to decorate their treat.
- Ice cream — Grab a large cooler or ice chest and place a few different flavors of ice cream on ice inside to keep them chilled. Put out chocolate sauce, caramel, cherries, whipped cream, and toppings in separate bowls.
- Taco bar — Cook up some seasoned ground beef, chicken, or pork, then serve with all the fixings (sour cream, shredded cheese, lettuce, avocado, beans, corn, salsa, and crispy and soft taco shells).
All-In-One Snacks
- Dip and veggies — Scoop hummus (or any dip) into the bottom of a plastic cup, then add julienned vegetable slices into the hummus, so that they stick straight up. This creates way less mess for little hands as they snack!
- Yogurt parfaits — Use your favorite fresh and dried fruits, along with crunchy granola to layer in between vanilla Greek yogurt!
Chocolate Fountain
These are available for rent from most party rental businesses, or you can purchase one at big box stores for $30-$40. Pick your chocolate of choice, then compliment the fountain with a spread of cubed pound cake, fresh fruit (strawberries and pineapple are our faves), marshmallows, and pretzel rods!
Are you heading to a family party and needing ideas to feed a crowd? Check out these No Fail Potluck Recipes!
Photo Credit: Christina Carter
