Easy Party Food Ideas for Hosting

The most important part of hosting a killer tailgate or a perfect holiday party (at least, in our humble opinion) is having delicious food. There’s nothing guests look forward to more than enjoying delicious bites while chatting up family and friends. 

Food is often one of the most memorable and enjoyable aspects of a get-together. Think back to your fondest memories and more than a few will likely involve gathering over a mouthwatering meal. (Even if that memory is Dad accidentally incinerating the Thanksgiving turkey or your best friend knocking over a whole tray of buffalo wings when she shouted “Touchdown!” during the playoffs.)

Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner, a birthday bash, or a game day watch party for your crew, you’ll want to plan out your hosting moves in advance. To keep you on track and your guests happy, here are 9 of our favorite tips, tricks, and hacks for hosting a large party:   

1. Plan a Menu That’s Easy to Scale

Think about dishes that are easy to make in large quantities, like chili, pasta dishes, or casseroles. Set up a buffet or sideboard with a variety of options so that guests can serve themselves. 

If you’re hosting a more casual gathering rather than a dinner party, focus on small appetizers and finger foods like pulled pork sliders, skewers, or pigs in a blanket. This way, guests can nosh and nibble while mingling and enjoying conversation. If you’re including sweets, set up a separate table with easy-to-pick-up desserts like sliced fruits, protein cookies, or even mini yogurt parfaits in individual cups.

2. Don’t Skip the Dip(s)

One of the easiest dishes to whip up for a party is a crowd-pleasing dip. Guests will love filling their plates with chips, fries, or veggies and a side of Buffalo chicken dip, caramelized onion dip made with avocado oil and sour cream, or this sweet-and-tangy cranberry whipped feta dip if you’re fancy like that.

3. Let Guests Help Themselves

Another great option is a DIY food station. Taco bars, burger bars, or build-your-own pizza stations are interactive and allow your crowd to customize their meals. If you’re expecting guests who are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free, make sure to clearly label those options. Pro tip: Many Primal Kitchen sauces and condiments fit into one or more of these categories, so check the label. 

4. Create a Condiment Station

Now that you have your gorgeous display of finger foods, game day appetizers, delicious dips and whatever other foods you fancy, what could be missing? (Hint: Pigs in a blanket are NOTHING without them.) 

Yep, you can’t serve a holiday dinner or watch party buffet without the condiments. Set up a dedicated area just for all the fixins’ that pair with your feast, from staples like Unsweetened Ketchup and its pal Spicy Brown Mustard (in handy squeeze bottles!) to sauerkraut for hot dogs and Ranch Dressing for wings. Tailor your sauce sideboard to whatever you’re serving; for example, avocado oil mayo with sandwiches and cold-cut platters, or a selection of savory sauces for grilled meats. 

5. Set Up a Drink Area

Plan a separate cooler where guests can help themselves to bottled beverages like water, soda, and craft beer. Large beverage dispensers for lemonade, iced tea, or a signature cocktail can also be a hit. In cold weather, opt for hot cocoa or mulled cider that can be batch-cooked in a crock pot and kept warm.

Pro Tip: Want your canned bevs to stay cool without freezing? Add salt to a cold water bath and plunge them in. This lowers the water's freezing point, keeping your drinks at the perfect temperature.

6. Buy in Bulk

When you’re shopping for recipe ingredients for your party food, think BIG! You’ve got more mouths to feed than your typical dinner, which means you may have to double, triple, or even quadruple the average recipe. 

Many discount and bulk retailers carry family-size or party-size packages of meats, shredded cheese, frozen foods, and boxed products like pasta or rice, which can help you stock up on essentials (and often save money) before your feast. 

We make giant versions of some of your favorite Primal Kitchen condiments, so there’s more than enough to go around. Make a big batch of wings or creamy Buffalo chicken dip with our biggie 16.5-ounce bottle of bestselling Buffalo Sauce, served with a side of our creamy, classic Ranch (also in family-size). Or, whip up a summery picnic salad with the homemade taste of our avocado oil mayo, available in a 24-ounce jar.  

7. Cook the Night Before

Prep as much food in advance as you can. Choose easy dishes that can be made ahead of time in the oven or a slow-cooker, like brisket, Buffalo meatballs, or large trays of roasted vegetables drizzled with Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil. This cuts down on last-minute prep.

Pressed for time? Break out the Instant Pot for stews and soups that can be served straight from the pot and one-pot meals like this easy pork carnitas recipe that can be plated or served alongside tortillas and guac for simple DIY tacos. 

8. Use Your Grill

Have a large grill? Let it do the work for you. Grilling burgers, hot dogs, sausages, or chicken in bulk is a great way to feed a large crowd on a budget. Add baked potatoes or veggie skewers as a delicious side, and cook everything at once. 

The best part is that, unlike some other cooking methods, you don’t have to watch a grill every minute. Enlist a friend or family member to help you plate the finished food and carry it to the buffet table. Better yet, tap your grill-loving grandpa or that “grill boss”  friend with a smoker to do the cooking.  

9. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Potlucks may feel a little 1995, but they never really go out of style. If the event is casual, don’t hesitate to ask guests to bring a dish or contribute drinks. This can help lighten the load and offer more variety for everyone. For more formal dinners or holiday events, tap a trusted friend or family member to share hosting duties, or at least help with providing some of the food and supplies.

Get Ready to Party

No matter what type of gathering you’re planning, following these tips will give you an edge right from the start. Planning out your food in advance ensures that you’ll be ready for hosting, your guests will be satisfied, and there will be something for everyone to enjoy. 

So, start making your grocery list and bookmarking crowd-pleasing recipes now. Check off the tips on our list one by one before the celebration begins and you’ll have plenty of time to kick back and enjoy the best part of hosting a big party—spending time with all of your favorite people!