13 Food Ideas For Birthday Parties
Sounds like BBQ time to me – you can go as simple as hot dogs and burgers or make a more elaborate menu of marinated chicken, ribs, etc. depending upon your budget. You can save even more by shopping in bulk.- Build your own hot dog bar! Kids like plain dogs, melted cheese, onions, grilled peppers, etc. Have chili for the adults & some burgers (also veggie).
- Grilled Hawaiian chicken. Pre-cook the chicken breasts, then throw them on the grill in pre-made foil packs of teriyaki, pineapple and chicken.
- A bag of chicken strips can make some kid-happy chicken fingers as well!
- Jello jigglers in matching party colors – cut them out with themed cookie cutters for a festive touch.
- Watermelon slices (for outside parties only, make sure to get the seedless variety for younger children).
- Pre-made salads at your local grocery store deli (cole slaw, potato, etc.)
- Pre-cooked Spiral Ham – it’s fancy, feeds a crowd & uses the same toppings as hot dogs or hamburgers. Ask the deli workers to slice it for you & save additional time.
- Wings
- Roasted Chicken – you can even have 50 or so pieces delivered a few times during the party so it stays hot and fresh.
- Use cookie cutters to create themed, easy finger-food sandwiches (use simple fillings like tuna salad, peanut butter, cheese & ham, etc and be sure to clearly mark the plates for those with allergies).
- Chilled fruit & dip – whatever is in season (beware of grapes & anything with pits if the party has young children).
- Add your own in comments!
Also see our Custom Party Invitations for your event!
Mmmm…Jello jigglers.
They all sound like yummy ideas. I make kabobs with chicken and pineapples, covered in bbq sauce.
Happy TT!
Great list. We like the fruit and dip idea too, especially if the dip is chocolate.
Another idea we like is crackers with Easy Cheese and cake with Reddi-whip. It’s not cheap, but it’s food and fun all at once.
It doesn’t matter how elaborate the food is for any adults at the party, you can’t go wrong with hotdogs for the kids. They just love ‘em and they’re cheap.
Jello jigglers. Yummy!!! Happy T13!
I like the fruit & dip idea. I remember having some type of cream cheese dip, at one time. It was delicious.
Happy TT!
Hmmm, I’m having a birthday party for my 7-year-old son on Saturday and we are going way easy with pizza. At least I’m baking the cake!
Make your own pizza — put those kids to work!
It’s been a long time since I had to plan a party, but I’ll forward these excellent suggestions to my niece. Love the hot dog bar one.