Must-Have Party Foods - Home & Texture
Parties Party Foods That Never Miss

7 Crowd-Pleasing Party Foods That Never Miss

Put these foods out at your next party and watch them disappear.

August 16, 2024 at 4:07 AM PST
Parties Party Foods That Never Miss

7 Crowd-Pleasing Party Foods That Never Miss

Put these foods out at your next party and watch them disappear.

August 16, 2024 at 4:07 AM PST

Planning a party can be a lot of fun, but deciding what food to serve can sometimes be a bit of a headache. You want dishes that are easy to prepare and eat while standing and mingling and, most importantly, have to taste great.

Fortunately, you can have it all. There are plenty of tried-and-true party foods that never disappoint. Not only do they check all the boxes, but they also make menu planning much more convenient.

hosting party with foods
Photo credit: People Images

To discover these crowd-pleasers, here are seven party foods that will make your next gathering a hit:

Chicken Wings

Listen, you can’t go wrong with chicken wings. They’re a staple at any casual gathering.

You can prepare them however you want—baked, grilled, or fried—take your pick. Plus, you can make any flavor, from classics like buffalo and barbecue to more unique flavors like sweet chili or garlic parmesan. Just make sure to have enough dipping sauce on hand—and, of course, plenty of napkins.

Cheeseburger Sliders

Sliders are a super fun and popular party food that nearly everyone likes. Most people go for classic cheeseburgers, but you can try mini-fried chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, or even cured salmon on miniature bagels. Whatever you decide to make, sliders are a super versatile party food that is just as fun to make as they are to eat.

Photography Credit: Ana Maltez

Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are like Lunchables, but for adults. Instead of those slimy ham and cheese squares, imagine a beautifully curated platter of cured meats, aged cheeses, and artisan accompaniments like pickled veggies, crostini, or tangy fruit jams.

If you decide to go this route, make sure to include a mix of meats and hard and soft cheeses rather than just one. With charcuterie boards, variety is essential.

And don’t be afraid to add grapes, nuts, and crackers for a complete spread that pairs really well with wine.

Vegetable Crudité with Dip

Some of the most popular party foods are the unhealthiest. And when you’re craving a lighter option, a nice veggie tray can come in handy between bites of greasy, fried foods.

To make a proper veggie crudité platter, think in color. Red bell pepper slices, orange carrot chips, green celery sticks—the more color, the better. Then, add in a good mix of dips like hummus, ranch, and guacamole, and you’re all set.

Meatballs

Meatballs are another classic party food because they’re easy to eat and super versatile. Both kids and grownups love them. From classic Italian with marinara sauce to Swedish or even spicy Asian-inspired versions, cocktail meatballs always seem to be a hit.

And if you plan on having many people over, they’re perfect for making in bulk, then freezing for later, or keeping warm in a slow cooker during the party.

A person scooping salsa from a platter of chips and dip
Photo credit: RDNE Stock Project

Chips and Dip

Chips and dip are a classic party food duo and a must-have at any gathering. For a chic dinner party, serve beet chips with goat cheese and herp date or classic tortilla chips and guacamole for a casual game night.

Pro Tip: If you decide to go with chips and salsa, go beyond the basic store-bought kind and add in a fruity option like mango or pineapple salsa to make things interesting.

Deviled Eggs

You can’t have a cookout without deviled eggs. But they aren’t just popular at cookouts and family reunions— they’re a favorite at backyard barbecues, brunches, and any other casual get-together.

Deviled eggs taste amazing on their own, but you can add some savory toppings like crumbled bacon or chives to up the flavor.

Because deviled eggs tend to go bad after just a few hours, practicing food safety is necessary. But the good news is that you probably won’t have to worry about that because they’re usually gone of the first to go!




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