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    Home » Recipes » Christmas » 55+ Simple Buffet Ideas

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    55+ Simple Buffet Ideas

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    Plan the perfect holiday party with my Simple Buffet Ideas! This collection of perfect crowd-feeding recipes makes menu planning for a holiday get-together or special occasion so much easier. From breakfast buffet food to buffet desserts, you will find everything you need on this list!

    collage showing dutch oven pot roast, mexican corn dip, garlic butter mushrooms, and brussels sprouts salad
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    Holiday Menu Planning

    Holiday menu planning does not have to be stressful! I love planning for the holidays, but the trick to coming up with the perfect menu and not stressing yourself out is to plan it all ahead of time.

    Serving your meals buffet-style is the perfect solution to holiday stress. Plan it all out beforehand, then prep and serve. The best part is, simple buffet ideas give you more time to spend with your guests.

    Buffet food ideas also allow your guests to personalize their dinner, so it’s a great choice to serve a buffet when you know you’ll be hosting picky eaters or guests with food allergies.

    And, it’s just plain fun! Who doesn’t love a buffet?

    Breakfast Buffet Food

    Make it an all-you-can-eat breakfast with our easy and simple breakfast buffet ideas!

    Amazing Sausage Breakfast Casserole with Crescent Rolls

    Sausage Breakfast Casserole with Crescent Rolls is an easy breakfast that’s great for feeding a crowd! Filling, hearty, and so delicious!
    Get this recipe!
    Sausage Breakfast Casserole with Crescent Rolls

    Starbucks Egg Bites (Copycat Recipe)

    Just like the popular gruyere and bacon Starbucks egg bites, these sous vide egg bites are rich, velvety, and perfect for an on-the-go breakfast!
    Get this recipe!
    Lifting an egg bite out of the silicone egg mold

    Amazing Sausage Gravy Recipe -Instant Pot & Stovetop

    Our Instant Pot Sausage Gravy Recipe is the easiest way to make the most delicious southern sausage gravy and biscuits ever, using a few secret ingredients!
    Get this recipe!
    Close up of instant pot sausage gravy on top of biscuits on a plate next to a red spatula

    Banana Bread Waffles Recipe

    Banana Bread Waffles are quick, easy, and so delicious! You'll love every bite of this comforting, homemade waffle recipe.
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    Pouring syrup onto two banana bread waffles topped with banana slices

    Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Recipe

    My crispy Air Fryer Bacon recipe will change the way you make bacon! It is so much easier than making bacon on the stove or in the oven and takes just 10 minutes to do.
    Get this recipe!
    Strips of bacon on a white plate

    Gluten Free Donuts

    Gluten Free Donuts are a fun recipe you need right now! Soft, fluffy and tossed in a cinnamon sugar mixture, you’d never guess these donuts are GLUTEN FREE! 
    Get this recipe!
    GLuten Free Donuts #SundaySupper

    Amazing Strawberry Crepes

    My easy Strawberry Crepes recipe is a beautiful breakfast or dessert you can make using simple ingredients in minutes!
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    Strawberry crepes on a white plate with chocolate sauce

    Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

    My Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes are as crispy and delicious as they come. This easy air fryer recipe is perfect for cooking up a simple, quick breakfast the whole family will love!
    Get this recipe!
    Air fryer breakfast potatoes up close on a plate with eggs

    Easy Appetizers for a Crowd

    Simple party food is a must for buffet appetizers! Try our favorites:

    Cucumber Canapés with Shrimp

    Cucumber canapes with shrimp are easy to prepare fancy appetizers with a refreshing homemade tzatziki filling and vibrant herb topping!
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    Cucumber canapes with shrimp on a white plate with fresh herb topping

    Easy Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs

    Learn how to make deviled eggs taste like jalapeno poppers following my easy Jalapeno Deviled Eggs recipe!
    Get this recipe!
    jalapeno popper deviled eggs on a white tray

    Easy Spinach Puff Pastry Recipe

    Learn how to make a Spinach Puff Pastry recipe everyone will love! These delicious spinach puffs are simple and yet so flavorful.
    Get this recipe!
    rows of spinach puff pastries on a serving board

    Amazing Burrata Salad Recipe

    Creamy burrata cheese with salty prosciutto, fresh Parmesan, and crisp arugula, all seasoned with sea salt, pepper, and drizzled olive oil… that's our incredible Arugula Burrata Salad Recipe!
    Get this recipe!
    Burrata cheese topped with parmesan on a bed of prosciutto and arugula with olive oil

    The Best Street Corn Dip

    My Mexican Street Corn Dip is cheesy, creamy, and so delicious! With a kick of heat from jalapeno and tajin seasoning, this hot corn dip recipe has it all. Perfect for parties!
    Get this recipe!
    Street corn dip in a blue bowl with corn chips and green onions

    Shrimp Shumai

    Shrimp shumai is a tasty and EASY staple dim sum recipe made with ginger and garlic shrimp, water chestnuts, and a soy sauce mixture, served as dumplings!
    Get this recipe!
    Four shrimp shumai dumplings in a steamer basket on parchment paper

    Beer Cheese Dip (Obatzda)

    This creamy and flavorful beer cheese dip (also called Obatzda) is an authentic German dip perfect for dipping pretzels, sliced meats, and more.
    Get this recipe!
    Beer Cheese Dip (Obatzda)

    Soft Pretzel Recipe

    Perfect for dipping and sharing, this fluffy soft pretzel recipe is SO easy to make at home and delicious, too! Try these buttery soft pretzels with your favorite cheese dip.
    Get this recipe!
    Soft Pretzel Recipe: a white plate of fresh homemade soft pretzels

    Prosciutto Pinwheels with Gruyere Cheese and Puff Pastry

    These Gruyere and Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels are perfect for a New Year’s Eve party! This festive appetizer is easy to make, flaky, and decadent.
    Get this recipe!
    Gruyere and Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels #SundaySupper

    Casseroles for a Crowd

    Casseroles make the easiest buffet menu ideas! Our favorites are easy to make, simple to store, and reheat in a pinch.

    Easy Mexican Street Corn Casserole

    My Mexican Street Corn Casserole recipe uses simple ingredients to turn your favorite elote recipe into the perfect party side dish!
    Get this recipe!
    Mexican street corn casserole in a white dish up close with hot sauce in a bowl behind it

    Vegetable Au Gratin – Vegetables in Cheese Sauce

    Learn how to make vegetable au gratin using root vegetables in under an hour! These roasted vegetables with cheese sauce are a perfect holiday side dish.
    Get this recipe!
    vegetable au gratin in a black skillet

    Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

    Creamy whipped sweet potatoes with cinnamon and nutmeg are topped with a crunchy brown sugar pecan topping in this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole.
    Get this recipe!
    Southern Sweet Potato Casserole in a serving dish with a wooden spoon to dish some out

    Baked Creamed Corn Casserole Recipe

    With only 5 ingredients and 3 simple steps to follow, this is the easiest Baked Creamed Corn Casserole recipe that takes just 30 minutes to bake!
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    Drizzling honey over cornbread casserole slices

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

    Our recipe for Easy Mashed Potatoes in Instant Pot results in buttery, creamy, and delicious potatoes.
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    spoonful of instant pot mashed potatoes over a bowl

    Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole

    This Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole recipe is so comforting and made from scratch! It's the perfect easy Thanksgiving side dish. Made with fresh veggies!
    Get this recipe!
    A gluten-free green bean casserole in a glass dish with a wooden serving spoon

    Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

    Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes are ready in under 30 minutes! Deliciously cheesy and creamy, these au gratin potatoes make the perfect holiday side dish!
    Get this recipe!
    Close up of instant pot scalloped potatoes in the baking dish with a serving spoon

    Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

    Follow my guide on How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes for the best creamy mashed potatoes recipe you can make in 5 easy steps!
    Get this recipe!
    creamy mashed potatoes piled high in a white dish

    Gluten Free Potatoes Au Gratin

    Our Gluten Free Potatoes Au Gratin is a classic side dish recipe that's perfect for Sunday supper or the holidays. It's bursting with flavor from creamy garlic potatoes and a cheesy crust!
    Get this recipe!
    Gluten free au gratin potatoes in a skillet on a towel

    Vegetable Buffet Dishes

    Vegetable side dishes make such simple buffet ideas! They pair well with everything and are so simple to prepare and serve.

    Green Bean Almondine

    Crisp green bean almondine is a simple side dish made extra special with the addition of buttery, pan fried almonds and fresh dill! There is no better reason to start eating your greens than these green beans with almonds.
    Get this recipe!
    Green beans almondine on a grey speckled plate with a fork

    Crispy Air Fryer Mushrooms

    Light, crispy, and easy AIR FRYER MUSHROOMS are a flavorful appetizer you’ll love! Fried mushrooms make an easy game day appetizer, PERFECT for dipping.
    Get this recipe!
    Air fryer mushrooms in a white square dish up close

    Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

    These Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots are the perfect addition to your Easy Easter Side Dishes! Whole, peeled carrots are seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and oregano, drizzled with a little garlic oil, and roasted until tender. Finish with a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan and melted butter for an easy and delicious springtime side.
    Get this recipe!

    Amazing Button Mushrooms Recipe

    Mushrooms are caramelized in butter and olive oil and sautéed with garlic and herbs in this BUTTON MUSHROOMS RECIPE for the perfect side for any entrée!
    Get this recipe!
    Garlic butter button mushrooms in a cast iron skillet

    Garlic Butter Small Potatoes Recipe

    Garlicky, buttery, and oh-so-crispy, our Garlic Roasted Small Potatoes make a delicious side dish for every meal from beef to chicken.
    Get this recipe!
    Roasted small potatoes in a skillet

    Amazing Instant Pot Carrots Recipe

    Instant Pot Candied Carrots are ready in no time! Made with a maple syrup and brown sugar glaze, these carrots taste delicious. Perfect for a holiday meal!
    Get this recipe!
    Candied carrots on a white plate with fresh herbs and green onions

    Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions

    Using only a few SIMPLE ingredients, quick and easy sautéed mushrooms and onions are the PERFECT versatile side dish for steak, burgers, chicken or pork!
    Get this recipe!
    sautéed mushrooms and onions in a black cast iron skillet

    Buffet Salads

    Salads are a must for filling out your party food buffet ideas! Here are our best salad recipes for a crowd:

    Roasted Artichoke Hearts Salad Recipe

    Roasted Artichoke Salad is one of the easiest and prettiest holiday salad recipes you should be serving all season long! The roasted artichokes combined with the tangy burst of fresh basil vinaigrette is the perfect festive salad and a delicious way to start your meal.
    Get this recipe!
    Drizzling on the vinaigrette for Ina Garten's Roasted Artichoke Salad

    Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

    Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad is a delicious warm salad recipe you will crave more and more of! It's a perfect holiday side dish, with Parmesan, pecans, cranberries, and garlic.
    Get this recipe!
    Close up of roasted brussels sprouts salad in a white bowl

    Zesty & Tangy Orange and Fennel Salad

    With its bright, sweet, and zesty flavors, Orange and Fennel Salad is a perfect side salad or citrus salad recipe for lunch!
    Get this recipe!
    Orange and fennel salad on a black plate

    Easy Grilled Chicken Salad

    Complete with crisp, fresh veggies and deliciously creamy buttermilk ranch dressing, my Grilled Chicken Salad is a must-try for the summer!
    Get this recipe!
    Grilled chicken salad up close with avocado and veggies

    Broccoli Apple Salad

    This Broccoli Apple Salad is absolutely delicious! Make it with deli turkey and follow the recipe for a complete meal that’s super quick and easy.
    Get this recipe!
    Broccoli Apple Salad

    Main Course Ideas for a Buffet

    These buffet-style main course ideas are perfect for holiday menu planning!

    Slow Roasted Prime Rib

    Our Slow Roasted Prime Rib Roast recipe is a melt-in-your-mouth holiday classic. Using only 4 ingredients and hardly any prep work, this is an easy rib roast recipe that will really "wow" your guests!
    Get this recipe!
    Slow Roasted Prime Rib Recipe featured image

    Amazing Grilled Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

    Your Thanksgiving plans are about to change forever! Our Juicy Grilled Turkey Recipe has the crispiest skin ever and is so juicy.
    Get this recipe!
    Grilled turkey recipe up close stuffed with citrus and herbs

    Amazing Instant Pot Ham Recipe

    Not only does it taste amazing, but Instant Pot Ham really is the easiest way to make ham. It takes just 15 minutes to cook, and the reverse sear gives it a super flavorful, crispy, and sticky skin.
    Get this recipe!
    Close up of Instant Pot Ham with two orange wedges

    Sirloin Tip Roast in the Dutch Oven

    The perfect roast for a cold winter night! This Dutch Oven Pot Roast is a family friendly recipe, that is easy to cook and so low effort. Perfect for busy families and novice chefs!
    Get this recipe!
    Close up of Dutch Oven pot roast meat with herbs and carrots

    The Best Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

    This is the BEST ham glaze recipe out there! Your guests are going to love our easy Sunday Ham recipe! It is the perfect holiday ham.
    Get this recipe!
    Sliced honey glazed ham on a platter

    Grilled Crab Legs with Garlic Butter Sauce

    Tender, luscious Grilled Crab Legs cook up in just 10 minutes on the grill and pair deliciously with flavorful garlic butter sauce. You will love every bite of this easy grilling recipe!
    Get this recipe!
    Grilled crab legs on a white surface with fresh herbs and a side of garlic butter in a little bowl

    Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

    Lemon Butter Chicken is a flavorful dinner made with the most delicious lemon garlic butter sauce ever! An instant family favorite. You will love this easy chicken dinner!
    Get this recipe!
    lemon chicken tenders in a pan with lemon slices

    Buffet Desserts

    These are the easiest desserts to make ahead of time for a buffet party!

    Chocolate Salami (Salame de Chocolate)

    Learn how to make Chocolate Salami, or Salame de Chocolate, using 6 simple ingredients in 15 minutes! Easy, elegant, and delicious!
    Get this recipe!
    Chocolate salami on a yellow cloth

    Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

    There is no treat as deliciously sweet as Ooey Gooey Butter Cake! Also known as chess cake, chess pie, or chess squares, this simple dessert recipe is a classic Southern food everyone who tries it loves.
    Get this recipe!
    ooey gooey butter cake on a white platter covered in powdered sugar

    Amazing Instant Pot Cheesecake Recipe

    Instant Pot Cheesecake Recipe is SUPER easy and guarantees you a perfect result every time! Easily make perfect homemade cheesecake in your Instant Pot.
    Get this recipe!
    Instant Pot Cheesecake with raspberry decoration

    Key Lime Pie Bars

    Tart and sweet with a buttery cookie crust, this Key Lime Pie Bars recipe is perfect for spring and summer. Serve it for a backyard BBQ or potluck, and everyone will be asking for the recipe!
    Get this recipe!
    Three key lime pie bars stacked on top of each other surrounded by cookie crumbles with a lime slice on top

    Amazing Strawberries and Cream

    My Fresas con Crema recipe shows you how easy it is to make a special and memorable dessert for your family without spending hours in the kitchen! In fact, it only takes 10 minutes!
    Get this recipe!
    Fresas con Crema in a clear bowl

    Gluten Free Fudge Brownies

    Totally decadent Gluten Free Fudge Brownies are so tasty, they are crave-worthy! You will never believe how easy it is to prepare these gluten free brownies! They are the perfect dessert for any occasion.
    Get this recipe!
    Decadent and delicoous Gluten Free Fudge Brownies on a table

    Amazing Strawberry Cheesecake

    Beautiful STRAWBERRY SWIRL CHEESECAKE is an easy dessert recipe made with simple homemade strawberry sauce and smooth, creamy baked cheesecake.
    Get this recipe!
    Strawberry swirl cheesecake topped with fresh berries and a cup of strawberry sauce to the side

    Zucchini Brownies with Coconut Oil

    My Zucchini Brownies with Coconut Oil are so moist, decadently fudgy, and rich. They're ready in just 40 minutes and are so easy to make.
    Get this recipe!
    Four coconut oil brownies

    Carlota de Limón

    Sweet and tangy Carlota de Limón is a classic Mexican NO BAKE dessert recipe with layers of Maria biscuits, condensed milk, dulce de leche, and lime juice!
    Get this recipe!
    Single slice of Carlota de Limon with fresh strawberries and a fork to serve

    Easy Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe

    Quick and delicious, this Strawberry Dump Cake with Bananas is a miracle dessert! You can prepare it with almost no efforts but the result will certainly amaze everyone around you!
    Get this recipe!
    Strawberry Banana Dump Cake in a baking dish on a table, served in plates. Delicious and easy fruit dessert

    Ina Garten Apple Crisp

    The most amazing cinnamon baked apples and mouthwatering, delicious, buttery streusel topping make up this Ina Garten Apple Crisp. Every bite is heavenly!
    Get this recipe!
    Ina Garten Apple Crisp #SundaySupper

    More Holiday Menu Ideas

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    What’s your favorite dish to serve for a buffet? Did you try any of these party food buffet ideas? Let us know in the comments below! We love to hear from you!

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    About Isabel Laessig

    Isabel Laessig, better known as Family Foodie and the founder of the Sunday Supper Movement, is passionate about food and family! She hosts Family Foodie Friday on WTSP's Great Day Tampa Bay, along with other television appearances, to spread her mission of bringing Sunday Supper back around the family table in every home.

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    Comments

    1. Debra Steinbacher says

      Cauliflower augratin and angel food cake with strawberries seem to be two things I make for Easter dinner..

      Reply

      • Em Beitel says

        That sounds amazing, Debra. We’d love to know how you make your cauliflower au gratin!

        Reply

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