When planning a party or event you have to consider room temperature foods that serve well that can be eaten throughout the event. Warm food is harder to keep warm than cold foods are to keep cold. You can always sit a variety of platters on ice with little to no expense. But keeping food warm, requires some type of warmer, such as a Chafing dish or electrical warmers.
In this post, I will mention foods that serve well at room temperature or will taste good throughout a party or event. So you will get ideas of what you would like to do. The menu for your party or event requires some planning. First you have to know your number of anticipated guests. Then decide what you are going to make or buy that you feel comfortable with. Next, make a list of the items to purchase and when. Some items you can buy ahead except for perishables.
I also recommend making a menu and food cards for everything you serve. This allows the host to mingle among the guests without explaining every 5 minutes what something is. So be sure to label foods that contain any type of nuts.
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Room Temperature Party Food Ideas
- Cheese Assortment – an assortment of cheeses such as Brie, Cheddar, Parmesan, Fontina, Goat Cheese or Cherre all serve well. Do not have too many cheeses or it will overwhelm your guest. Also, don’t forget to label your cheeses. Think about the breads and crackers you want to serve with the cheese. I also recommend a variety of accompany sides such as fruit and veggies like, cherry tomatoes, grapes, strawberries, etc.
- Fruit, Veggie, Deli Meat and Cheese Platter – Making a fruit and cheese platter is always a hit. You can also purchase these at many grocery stores. This is the “go to” platter for most guests. They can nibble and know exactly what they are eating. So I like to add veggies and deli meats to this platter as well or I make two platters.
Ideas for the platter: variety of cheese squares or cheese slices, seedless grapes (various colors), strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, celery stick, sliced bell peppers (various colors), cherry tomatoes, melons, broccoli, apple slices, mild peppers, etc.
- co*cktail Shrimp – I like to buy the co*cktail shrimp packs that I can just open and then put on top of ice covered platter. That way the shrimp stays cool for the duration of the party.
- Olives Assortment – Make a easy platter with a variety of olives, peppers and complimenting cheese. Garnish with fresh rosemary, basil or other herbs. Don’t go overboard or you will be left with tons of leftovers. Guests typically eat 1-2 items off of a olive platter. Use a medium or small platter for serving.
- Tortillas Roll-ups – These can be made with cold meats and soft spreads. Look for recipes on the internet or Pinterest.com. Here are some suggestions: Turkey, Ham, Taco, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Jalapeno Popper, Italian, Veggie, Pizza, Turkey Cranberry, Million Dollar and Spinach Artichoke.
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- Puffed Pastry Pinwheels – these pinwheels are great with a light, flaky taste. Make these with cheese spreads, savory spreads and chopped meats like pepperoni and sausage. These taste good warm and at room temperature.
Charcuterie Board – I like a variety Charcuterie board but they can also be tailored to a theme like breakfast, Italian, brunch, fruit, desert, smores, Easter, Christmas, Halloween, etc. The possibilities are endless! So look around the kitchen and pantry and see what you can come up with.
Ideas for board: various cheese, deli meats, nuts, Vienna sausages, smoked sausages, peperoncini peppers, crackers, breads, pickled veggies, dried fruits, yogurt covered foods, olives, fruit, cookies, mustard’s & sauces, honey, jams,chutneys, etc.
- Deviled Eggs – Try making these in the traditional way or with variations. Some ideas for variations are: bacon, avocado, chives, curry, buffalo, dill and Cajun.
- Dips – I think a variety of dips are great at room temperature. They also satisfy the taste pallets of all types of guests. So make a few and make some savory, spicy and mild. You can create a dip for your fruit.
- Pasta Salads – Taste great at room temperature or while still cold. If you make a salad that has a lot of mayo, use a container that can be placed on ice or buy a container that has the ice tray underneath.
- Sandwiches and Burgers – A variety of sandwiches are easy to make and are filling. So the options are endless. Try to make a gourmet sandwich or burger by looking up new recipes. Also, don’t forget about the vegetarians. You can make a veggie sandwich that tastes delicious!
- Wraps – Along with sandwiches, the possibilities are endless. Wraps are made with burrito sized tortillas. So make a few with regular stuffings such as turkey and ham, and then add some new ones for your guests to try. Some ideas are: Hummus Veggie, Southwest Chicken, Chicken Ranch, Asian Chicken and BLT.
- Bruschetta – You don’t need to know how to cook at all to make Bruschetta. It is such an easy appetizer that packs such a flavorful punch. So everyone can love this dish from kids to adults, so make sure to add Bruschetta to the list.
- Crostini – Baguette bread cut in smaller pieces than Bruschetta but is usually topped in an array of toppings. So make some savory or sweet. This is the perfect room temperature staple for your event or party.
Some ideas for toppings are: Cold Deli Meats with a special spread, Garlic Shrimp Avocado, Brie & Fig, Caramelized Onions & Mushrooms, Olive Tapenade, Pear, Brie & Balsamic and Strawberry Balsamic.
- Desserts – cookies, cupcakes, sliced loaf cakes, cakes – most are great at room temperatures. So make them yourself or buy them. Just make sure you include desserts in your party planning.
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