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Plan your best party yet with over 60 crowd-pleasing Buffet Food Ideas! From breakfast to dessert, this easy buffet menu list makes holiday hosting or special occasions a breeze.
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Planning for the holidays can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! My secret is serving party food buffet style. This collection of buffet menu ideas makes it simple to prep everything ahead, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the party.
With over 60 ideas from breakfast bites to buffet desserts, you'll find plenty of inspiration for any get-together. Hosting made easy, stress kept low - just the way it should be!
Breakfast Buffet Foods
Make it an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet with any of my easy and simple breakfast buffet foods!
Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Crescent Rolls
My number one buffet breakfast food. I serve this breakfast every year, and my guests always love it. If you're serving picky eaters, definitely try my sausage breakfast casserole. Even the pickiest eaters love this casserole!
Check out this recipe
Sous Vide Egg Bites
Inspired by Starbucks egg bites, these sous vide egg bites are truly delicious. Made easily in your pressure cooker, egg bites are perfect for making ahead or preparing last minute.
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Baked French Toast Casserole
My easy French Toast Casserole recipe is decadence in a dish, and it's make-ahead friendly, too! Start the day right with a plate of joy!
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Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
My easy sausage gravy recipe uses three secret ingredients that make it extra special! Give it a try- it's ready in under 30 minutes!
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Banana Bread Waffles
Banana Bread Waffles are quick, easy, and so delicious! You'll love every bite of this comforting, homemade waffle recipe.
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Air Fryer Bacon
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.
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Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
So soft, fluffy, and flavorful, you'll be surprised to know these donuts are completely gluten-free!
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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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Roast Breakfast Potatoes in the Air Fryer
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!
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Roast Breakfast Potatoes in the Air Fryer
For a quick, hearty breakfast everyone will love, try my Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole recipe! It's a meal-planner's dream!
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Roast Breakfast Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Making breakfast for a crowd? You've got to try my easy, cheesy Breakfast Sliders Recipe! Made with pillowy soft Hawaiian rolls!
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Buffet Appetizers
Simple party food is a must for buffet appetizers! Try my 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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Delicious Pulled Pork Poutine
Learn how to make poutine with pulled pork for a delicious meal! Pulled pork poutine uses leftovers for a quick and easy poutine recipe you will love.
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Creamy garlic shrimp is a quick and simple appetizer or main dish that comes together in under 20 minutes! The taste is amazing!
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Elote 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!
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Jalapeno Deviled Eggs
Learn how to make deviled eggs taste like jalapeno poppers following my easy Jalapeno Deviled Eggs recipe!
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Spinach Puffs
My Spinach Puffs are easy to make and taste so good! Using frozen spinach and puff pastry, this is a simple recipe that's packed with flavor!
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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!
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Obatzda Recipe
Obatzda is a German beer cheese dip perfect for dipping pretzels, veggies, and more! Serve it up for game day or just as a great snack!
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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.
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Buffet Casseroles
Casseroles make the easiest buffet menu ideas! Our favorites are easy to make, and simple to store and reheat in a pinch.
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!
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Gluten Free Scalloped Potatoes
My Gluten Free Scalloped Potatoes 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!
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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.
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Million dollar chicken casserole is a creamy one-pot dinner dream come true! You won't believe how easy it is to make this cozy comfort food.
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Creamed Corn Casserole
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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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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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!
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Make this classic creamy mashed potatoes recipe for steak, prime rib, meatloaf, and more! Buttery, easy, and delicious!
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Ham and Potato Casserole
My cheesy Ham and Potatoes Casserole is an easy dinner recipe that is perfect for using leftover ham, complete with creamy bechamel sauce and cheddar cheese.
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Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is an extra creamy mac and cheese with incredible flavor that will remind you of the Trader Joe's recipe everyone loves!
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Buffet Vegetables
Vegetable side dishes make such simple buffet ideas! They pair well with everything and are so simple to prepare and serve.
Elegant but Easy Green Beans Almondine
Crisp, buttery green beans almondine is a delicious side dish perfect for the holidays or to pair with your Sunday dinner ideas!
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Air Fryer Mushrooms
Crispy, easy air fryer mushrooms are ready in no time and make a perfect side dish to any main course - or party food for dipping!
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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.
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!
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Small Potatoes Recipe
Garlicky, buttery, and oh-so-crispy, my Garlic Roasted Small Potatoes make a delicious side dish for every meal from beef to chicken.
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Instant Pot Carrots
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!
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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!
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Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are so deliciously sweet, and perfect for the holidays or as a side dish for Sunday Supper! Ready in under 30 minutes.
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Buffet Pastas
Burrata Pasta
Once you try my Burrata Pasta with Sausage, your life will be forever changed. This simple but incredibly flavorful pasta is totally irresistible! Ready in 45 minutes or less.
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Pink Sauce Pasta
My Pink Pasta Sauce is the ultimate pasta sauce. I bet it will be your new favorite! Pink sauce pasta is the perfect blend of creamy and cheesy, and is ready in 15 minutes using simple ingredients.
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Spaghetti Carbonara
Indulge in creamy, savory goodness with my Pasta Carbonara Recipe! Perfectly balanced flavors and simple steps for a delicious dinner.
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Slow Cooker Lasagna
This is the easiest and tastiest lasagna you will ever make. Slow Cooker Lasagna is the only lasagna recipe my family now requests!
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Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe
Hearty, cheesy, and so delicious, our Instant Pot Lasagna recipe uses creamy Béchamel, plenty of cheese, and a ground beef and sausage meat sauce the whole family will love!
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One Pot Spaghetti
My one-pot spaghetti recipe is quick, easy, and delicious. Save time and cleanup with this no-fuss meal. Perfect for busy weeknights!
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Buffet Salads
Salads are a must for filling out your party food buffet ideas! Here are our best salad recipes for a crowd:
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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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Main Course Salads + Grilled Chicken Salad
Main Course Salads are easy, tasty, and filling enough for a meal! Make one of my easy salads for dinner, or experiment with my suggestions!
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Kale Caesar Salad
Learn how to make Chick-fil-A Lemon Kale Caesar Salad at home using easy ingredients! Simple to make and so delicious!
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Buffet Entrees
These buffet-style main course ideas are perfect for holiday menu planning!
Slow Roasted Prime Rib
My Slow Roasted Prime Rib Roast recipe is a melt-in-your-mouth holiday classic using only 4 ingredients with hardly any prep work!
Juicy Grilled Turkey
Your Thanksgiving plans are about to change forever! Our Juicy Grilled Turkey Recipe has the crispiest skin ever and is so juicy.
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Instant Pot Ham
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.
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Fall Apart Sirloin Tip Roast
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!
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Honey Glazed Ham
My Honey Glazed Ham recipe will be your new favorite holiday ham! The ham glaze is so easy to prepare and so moist and flavorful!
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Grilled Crab Legs
Tender, luscious Grilled Crab Legs cook up in just 10 minutes and pair deliciously with garlic butter. You will love every bite of these crab legs on the grill!
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Lemon Butter Chicken
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!
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Beef Chuck Roast Recipe
My Beef Chuck Roast is braised slowly to create a wonderfully tender and flavorful beef dinner your family will devour!
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Pork Loin Pulled Pork
The easiest guide for how to make pork loin pulled pork in crock pot! Follow our guide on how to make pulled pork, and you'll have the best pulled pork recipe on the block. Slow cooker pulled pork is so mouth-wateringly good, you'll be shooing away neighbors.
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Buffet Desserts
These are the easiest desserts to make ahead of time for a buffet party!
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
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.
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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.
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Key Lime 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!
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Fresas con Crema
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!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
Beautiful STRAWBERRY SWIRL CHEESECAKE is an easy dessert recipe made with simple homemade strawberry sauce and smooth, creamy baked cheesecake.
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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.
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!
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Strawberry Dump Cake
My Strawberry Dump Cake recipe is a miracle dessert with just 5 minutes of prep and 50 minutes to bake! Everyone will ask you for the recipe!
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Ina Garten Apple Crisp Recipe
The most amazing cinnamon baked apples and mouthwatering, delicious, buttery streusel topping make up this Ina Garten Apple Crisp. Every bite is heavenly!
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Crumbl Cookie Recipe - Chocolate Oreo
Learn how to make Chocolate Oreo Crumbl Cookies with a rich, chocolatey cookie base and decadent cream cheese icing using simple ingredients!
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Amazing Rhubarb Dump Cake
Rhubarb dump cake is one of the easiest springtime desserts you can make, using cake mix and a handful of other SIMPLE ingredients in a few EASY steps!
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FAQ
How much food should I make per person for a buffet?
You should prepare enough food so that each guest can have 1-2 servings of each dish, or about 1 pound of food per person.
What's the best way to keep buffet food warm during a party?
Depending on the dish, crock pots and banquet pans are best for keeping food warm during a party. You can also keep some meals warm in the oven at 200°F.
Can I mix hot and cold dishes in one buffet?
Yes, you can serve both hot and cold dishes at a buffet. I would advise keeping them separate so the heated foods don't raise the temperature of the cold foods, and be sure you don't leave anything out for too long (no more than 2 hours).
Should I label the dishes on a buffet?
If you can, I recommend it! Labeling your dishes makes it easy to indicate which ones might meet certain dietary needs, like gluten-free or low carb meals, and guests will know what they're eating without needing to ask.
What drinks should I serve alongside a buffet?
Punch bowls are classic, but you can also use pitchers to serve different drinks. I recommend serving water, a non-alcoholic option such as juice or a mocktail, and if you prefer and it suits the occasion, an alcoholic option like Moscato Sangria.
More Holiday Menu Ideas
📌 Pin it for later!
Did you enjoy this page? Save it on Pinterest for later!Buffet foods let your guests build their own perfect plates, which is a lifesaver if you're hosting picky eaters or need allergy-friendly options (just label those dishes!).
And honestly, who doesn't love a buffet? It keeps things fun and easy for everyone.
What's your favorite dish to serve buffet style? Did you try any of these ideas? Let me know in the comments - I love hearing what you're making!
Debra Steinbacher says
Cauliflower augratin and angel food cake with strawberries seem to be two things I make for Easter dinner..
Em Beitel says
That sounds amazing, Debra. We'd love to know how you make your cauliflower au gratin!