Best Catering Recipes Designed for Easy Serving and Handling

The success of catering does not depend only on the flavor of the food; what matters mostly is how the food is served, handled, and enjoyed by the guests.

When catering for a big-scale event, reliable and smooth service, along with a mess-free table, matters as much as the taste of the food.

This is why choosing the right catering recipes plays a crucial role in the success of an event. 

The ideal catering recipes can be made in bulk, served effortlessly, and eaten easily.

This blog will take you through the best catering recipes that are easy to serve and handle, including appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts. 

Importance Of Easy-To-Serve Recipes

When catering for an event, the satisfaction of guests and the performance of the staff are dependent upon efficiency. Complicated and messy recipes lead to slow service and custom food boxes.

Easy-to-serve recipes are ideal for helping caterers maintain speedy service and consistency.

These recipes reduce mess and extra staff while letting the guests enjoy their food with ease.

Whether it is a wedding, party, or a corporate event, easy-to-serve recipes create a smooth and professional experience.  

Main Qualities Of Ideal Catering Recipes

A delicious recipe doesn’t have to be the star of the show at an event. A few characteristics make a dish ideal to be served at a large-scale event.

Understanding these qualities will help caterers plan the menu accordingly, which will turn out to be a hit. 

Catering-friendly recipes should have these qualities:

Clean Handling

When a recipe is made with too many sauces or dripping fillings, it makes the eating experience uncomfortable.

Recipes should be made in a way that is mess-free and clean when handled. A tidy and clean recipe keeps the serving as well as eating tidy. 

Fresh At Room Temperature

Some recipes go bad or taste unfavorable when kept at room temperature at a long time. These recipes are not suitable for catering.

Choose recipes that will maintain the taste and flavor when kept at room temperature. 

Example: roasted vegetables, rice dishes, dessert bars, pasta bakes

Minimal Use Of Utensils

An ideal recipe should require minimal to no use of cutlery while eating, so the guests can enjoy the food while networking and moving around at the same time. 

Example: skewers, wraps, finger foods like sliders and sandwiches

Easy To Portion

Receiving equal and consistently portioned food is appreciated by the guests. Each guest gets the same amount of serving that looks professional and makes the service quicker.

Example: sliders, skewers, baked dishes, pre-cut desserts

Ideal Appetizer Options For Catering Events

Appetizers come first, and they set the tone for the event. Appetizers should ideally be light to eat, easy to pick up and handle, while looking appetizing.

The following are a few ideal appetizer options that look well presented and are delicious:

Sandwiches And Sliders

Mini sandwiches and sliders are tasty and convenient to carry as appetizers that are enjoyed well by all the guests.

These are a must at any catering event. They can be prepared before the event and served well at room temperature. 

Some of the varieties include: 

• Chicken salad sliders
• Roast beef and cheese minis
• Vegetable sandwiches
• Hummus sandwiches

Stuffed Pinwheels

Stuffed pinwheels are ideal to be served on trays or displayed at the buffet table. They are bite-sized and easy to eat. The filling remains intact while offering a superb presentation. 

Some filling options include:

• Cream cheese 
• Smoked salmon
• Spinach and feta rolls

Finger Foods Enjoyed By Guests

Finger foods are enjoyed by guests while walking around and talking. They do not require any cutlery or utensils to eat. Ideal to be served at standing events and cocktail events. 

Chicken Skewers

Chicken skewers are considered a delectable option to be served as finger food. They look appetizing and are easy to portion. The skewer acts as a handle and is ideal for faster service. 

Some of the flavour variety includes:

• Chicken tikka skewers
• Teriyaki chicken skewers
• Honey garlic chicken skewers

Ideal for both indoor and outdoor events. 

Mini Meatballs

Mini meatballs are always a hit and a crowd pleaser. They are delicious and easy to serve. They are usually served with a toothpick, in cups, or at a buffet table. 

Mini meatballs come in a variety of flavors:

• BBQ meatballs
• Sweet and sour meatballs
• Italian herb meatballs

They stay warm for quite some time and hold their shape well. 

Easy to Handle Recipes For The Main Course

The main course is an important part of catering. They should be filling, easy to serve in larger quantities, and able to maintain their flavor and quality.

The main course should require minimal assembling effort when serving. 

Ideal main course recipes include the following:

Rice And Pilaf Dishes

Recipes made with rice are ideal as a main course because they are practical, filling, versatile, and easy to scoop. They work well with so many sides, like proteins and vegetables.

Some of the crowd-favorite rice recipes include:

• Chicken biryani
• Vegetable fried rice
• Lemon herb rice pilaf
• Chicken pilaf

Baked Pasta Dishes

Baked pasta dishes are super filling, easy to portion, and affordable to make. They can be made ahead of the event and then reheated, as reheating them does not change the quality or flavor. 

Some of the best baked pasta dishes are:

• Lasagna
• Baked ziti
• Chicken alfredo bake
• Mac and cheese

Whether it is a formal event or a casual event, these recipes work well at all kinds of events. 

Side Dishes That Are Loved By All

Side dishes are supposed to pair well with the main courses. They should add variety and balance. Side dishes should be able to stay fresh for a long period of time and should be easy to serve. The perfect selection of sides enhances the overall meal. 

Roasted Vegetables 

Roasted vegetables are easy to make and low-maintenance. They are loved by almost everyone. Roasted vegetables maintain their flavor and texture for a long time without getting soggy. 

Some of the roasted vegetables include:

• Roasted potatoes
• Roasted broccoli and zucchini
• Roasted carrots and bell peppers

Roasted vegetables are a versatile option and also perform well in vegan and vegetarian menus. 

Cold And Grain Salads

Cold and grain salads are ideal to be served at any catering service, especially at outdoor events. They stay fresh and tasty while looking appetizing. They do not require reheating or cooking. 

Some of the best salad choices include:

• Fresh garden salad
• Pasta salad with feta and olives
• Couscous and herb salad
• Caesar salad

Easy to Serve Desserts

The desserts should be ideally portion-controlled, visually appealing, and easy to serve.

Desserts that require proper plating and slicing should be avoided at large-scale events. For a quick and smooth catering service, go for individual serving desserts.

Mini Dessert Cups

Mini dessert cups are served in equal portions to all the customers. They are easy to handle and require no complex serving. Mini desserts give off a premium and luxurious display while being practical. 

Some of the best dessert cup options are:

• Tiramisu jars
• Mini chocolate mousse cups
• Mini cheesecake cups

Bar Desserts And Brownies

Bar desserts are the most practical to handle yet tasty for catering events. They do not need to be refrigerated, are easy to transport, and can be stored easily. Bar desserts are loved by almost everyone. 

Amazing bar desserts include:

• Chocolate brownies
• Lemon bars
• Blondies

Vegan And Vegetarian Options

A growing number of people today follow vegan and vegetarian diets, so the menu should be thoughtfully curated with these guests in mind.

It is important to include a selection of vegan and vegetarian options to ensure that every type of guest is catered to. These options are typically plant-based, less complex, and easier to handle and store.

We print boxes that are ideal for packaging such meals, ensuring convenience, sustainability, and proper presentation.

Some of the most loved plant-based options include:

• Vegetable spring rolls
• Stuffed mushrooms
• Chickpea patties
• Vegetable patties

Tips To Improve Catering Recipes To Make Them Easier To Handle

Small selections in the recipes and their preparation can make the whole catering process smoother and more impressive. 

• Avoid overly saucy dishes

• Label items to avoid confusion

• Check the quality and portion sizes before serving

• Avoid choosing recipes that lose shape and get soggy

• Select high-quality and sturdy breads and wraps

Conclusion

Selecting the right catering recipes is what makes the event successful. Recipes that are easy to serve and handle are ideal for a smooth and effortless catering service.

The right selection of appetizers, finger foods, main courses, sides, and desserts reduces stress for the catering company, improves the service, and makes the guest experience memorable. 

FAQS

What are some of the ideal recipes for easy serving?

The ideal and easiest-to-serve catering recipes are pre-portioned, clean, and easy to handle. Recipes including mini sandwiches, sliders, skewers, and baked pasta allow the most efficient and smooth catering experience. 

Why is it important to have easy-to-handle catering?

Easy handling makes the service quick and reduces delays and spills. It adds to the whole guest experience and makes it memorable. Cleaning up afterwards is also simple and quick.

What are some of the foods that stay fresh for longer periods during catering?

Recipes like baked pastas, salads, rice dishes, roasted potatoes, and bar desserts stay fresh and maintain their flavor for longer periods.

What are the main courses that are easiest served in bulk?

Recipes including baked pastas, biryani, rice dishes, and casseroles are easily served in bulk quantities. These dishes stay fresh and flavorful for long service times.