If you’re hosting a baby shower lunch buffet, then you’re going to want to serve food that’s delicious and easy to prepare.
The tricky part is knowing what to serve. While you can’t go wrong with some classic favorites like chicken salad sandwiches and deviled eggs, there’s always room for some creative twists on these dishes.
Taking this into account, here are some of our favorite baby shower buffet ideas:
Table of Contents
Appetizers
Start the lunch buffet off right with a variety of fun and tasty appetizers. Guests can graze on light bites while mingling before sitting down to eat. Focus on finger foods that are easy to pick up and eat with one hand.
Some good options include fruit and veggie platters, cheese and crackers, mini sandwiches, stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs, and bruschetta.
The key with appetizers is to keep the portions small so guests don’t fill up before the main meal. Focus on fresh ingredients and crowd-pleasing flavors to kick off the baby shower lunch in style.
Salads
Salads are an absolute must-have at any party or gathering. They are incredibly easy to make, and the combinations you can come up with besides the classics is endless.
You can also make salads in a variety of sizes, from small side salads perfect for one person to large family-style bowls that will serve several people.
The key to a good salad is to use ingredients that are fresh and in season. Choose produce that is ripe and flavorful, and you won’t have to add as many additional ingredients.
You can also get creative with your salads by serving them on different types of plates or bowls.
Some popular and tasty options include:
- Greek Salad: Filled with cucumber, tomato, onions, olives, and feta cheese, with a vinaigrette dressing.
- Pasta Salad: A medley of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, mixed with cooked pasta and a light vinaigrette.
- Caesar Salad: A classic choice, featuring fresh romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan, and creamy Caesar dressing. Add grilled chicken for a protein boost.
- Cobb Salad: A hearty salad complete with ham, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, avocado, and more, all atop a bed of mixed greens.
- Spinach and Strawberry Salad: Fresh spinach and sweet strawberries, accompanied by slivered almonds or walnuts and a light poppy seed dressing.
Sandwiches & Wraps
Mini sandwiches, pinwheel wraps, and tea sandwiches are always popular and easy to make for a baby shower lunch buffet.
- Chicken Salad Sandwiches: These can either be presented traditionally in a sandwich format or as a mini-open-faced sandwich on a toasted crostini.
- Mini Ham and Cheese Sliders: Ham and cheese on a soft roll, perhaps accompanied by a flavorful spread like honey mustard or a sweet jam.
- Egg Salad Sandwiches: A classic and always popular. Consider adding a little avocado for a twist.
- Caprese Wraps: Mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze and wrapped in a soft tortilla.
- Turkey Club Pinwheels: Turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and a bit of mayo, layered and rolled into a wrap, then cut into slices.
- Vegetarian Wraps: For a vegan or vegetarian-friendly option, consider wraps filled with hummus, cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, spinach, and avocado.
- Greek Pita Pockets: Fill mini pita pockets with chicken, cucumber, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean touch.
Main Dishes
The main course for a baby shower lunch buffet should be warm and comforting. Lasagna and baked ziti make excellent choices, as they can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before the shower.
Both dishes also reheat well. Consider making a vegetable lasagna or spinach and cheese lasagna for guests who don’t eat meat. You can also bake ziti with different fillings, like spinach and ricotta or ground turkey.
Baked chicken dishes like chicken parmesan, chicken cacciatore, or chicken tetrazzini also make tasty main dish options.
For a lighter main, build your own taco bar or fajita bar. Offer grilled chicken or steak along with warm tortillas, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and any other favorite taco toppings.
Sides
A simple yet filling baby shower menu should include a variety of side dish options beyond just a green salad.
Some crowd-pleasing recipes to consider include roasted vegetables or potatoes, cauliflower rice, or pesto pasta salad.
When it comes to side dishes, remember that both warm and room temperature options work well. Focus on hearty, delicious sides that will nicely round out the menu.
Desserts
No baby shower is complete without something sweet to nibble on. Desserts are a fun way to celebrate the mom-to-be and her new baby.
Choose bite-sized treats that are easy to eat while mingling and chatting with guests. Some top dessert options include cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, mini cheesecakes, tarts, and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Beverages
Consider a selection of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
Non-alcoholic options can include a colorful fruit punch, refreshing mint lemonade, or infused waters like strawberry basil. Also, offer traditional hot coffee and tea, alongside fun mocktails.
For guests who prefer alcoholic options, consider classic mimosas in various fruit flavors, light and fruity sangrias, and a selection of popular wines and beers.
Remember to clearly mark drinks that contain alcohol and have plenty of water available for all guests to stay hydrated.
EndNote
There are a lot of different ways to make a baby shower lunch buffet. It can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be.
As long as you have a variety of food options that cater to different tastes, preferences, and dietary needs, your guests will be satisfied.
Sources
Pampers. (n.d.). Baby Shower Food Ideas. Pampers. https://www.pampers.com/en-us/pregnancy/baby-shower/article/baby-shower-food-ideas/
LoveToKnow. (n.d.). Baby Shower Buffet. LoveToKnow. https://www.lovetoknow.com/celebrations/parties/baby-shower-buffet/
Cooked Goose Catering. (n.d.). Baby Shower Food Buffet Ideas. Cooked Goose Catering. https://www.cookedgoosecatering.com/blog/baby-shower-food-buffet-ideas/
