Quick and Easy Party Food and Snacks

Best Ideas for Fast and Delicious Dishes for Holiday Events

Nov 19, 2009 Tamiko Nicholson

Invited to a party and have to bring some food, but don't have much time? Here are some simple and great food options that both kids and adults can make easily.

Hosting a party and don’t have much time to cook? Heading out to a Christmas party after work and want something quick and easy to pick up? Or need something fast for the kids' winter holidays party at school? Here are some quick and simple ideas that will do the trick. These are so easy that even kids can prepare or help prepare these party foods.

Crackers and Cheese are a Party Staple

Crackers and cheese are great to bring or set out for a party because they can be dressed up or down depending on the event. If it’s a party for kids, bring cheeses they are familiar with and that have a lighter flavor like a mild cheddar, mozzarella and gouda. For a grownup party bring a range of cheeses like brie, blue, edam and aged cheddar. For kids, have the pieces pre-cut; for adults it is okay to leave the cheese out in blocks and just set out knives so party attendees can cut as much as they like (this is also great if time is a factor). Put the cheese on a cheese board and put crackers on a decorative plate or basket. Get a variety of different crackers and set them out in rows.

Deli Meat Platter is a Filling Party Dish

Go to a deli and pick up a variety of deli meats such as chicken, ham and roast beef. Roll them up and set them neatly on a platter. Buy a variety of buns to go with the meat and place them in a nice basket, cut the buns in half ahead of time if possible to make it easier for partygoers to make a sandwich. It’s also nice to have small dishes set out with butter, mustard, mayonnaise, horse radish and other such condiments. Set out a dish of pickles and olives so guests can garnish their sandwich.

Chips and Dip are a Quick Party Snack

It can be as simple as buying a bag of potato chips and premade dip from the store. Put them in nice bowls and there is a staple party snack that everyone will go for. Nacho chips are also a great idea. Put out dishes of salsa, guacamole, sour cream and chopped up hot peppers. If there is time, sprinkle nachos with cheese and put them in the oven on a cookie sheet and heat them up until the cheese melts. To make this a more filling option, cook up hamburger meat with some taco seasoning and throw it on the nachos and cheese as well.

Popcorn is Quick and Delicious for a Party

Another big hit, especially for kids, that is easy to make is popcorn. Go for the classic taste and sprinkle with salt and drizzle with melted butter. Alternatively, flavor it by adding parmesan for something savory or shake it up with some cinnamon and sugar for something sweet. Another option is to make some mini caramel popcorn balls and set them in a pyramid on a fancy plate.

Vegetables and Dip is a Healthy Party Option

This looks good, tastes great and is a healthy option to offer partygoers. All it requires is some chopping. Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, mushrooms, red peppers and zucchinis are just some of the vegetables to use. If time is a factor, many of these veggies can be picked up in a bag already cut up and some, like baby tomatoes, don't require any chopping. Pick up a premade vegetable dip or get the kind where a flavor packet is added to sour cream.

Fruit Platter is Always Popular for Parties

Here is a sweet party dish that is well liked and healthy too. Simply cut up a variety of fruits such as apples, cantaloupe, melon, oranges, pineapple and watermelon. Other fruits that are easy to put out and don’t’ require chopping into cubes include most berries from blueberries to strawberries and grapes. Dips aren’t necessary for fruits, but fruit dips are sold at stores. Another option is to put whip cream in a bowl or have a chocolate fondue out for dipping (or do both!).

Easy party food ideas for both kids and adults include cheese and crackers, deli meat and buns, chips and dip, popcorn, vegetables and dip and a fruit platter. Bring one of these to a party or set them all out for a party hosted at home.

Also check out Christmas Party Ideas for Kids, Fun Indoor Activities for Kids in Winter and Fun Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids.

HOL101

The copyright of the article Quick and Easy Party Food and Snacks in Kids Activities is owned by Tamiko Nicholson. Permission to republish Quick and Easy Party Food and Snacks in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Easy and Tasty Dishes for a Party	Cheese and Crackers Make a Great Party Dish	Nachos & Salsa are Easy to Do for a Holiday Event
Chop up Veggies and Make Some Dip for a Party	Pick Up Some Deli Meat and Bread Rolls for a Party