Planning a menu for a big crowd isn’t easy. You want to serve something delicious and exciting while thinking outside the normal menu box. Toronto foodies are craving a few specific flavours, so try these seven catering menu ideas at your holiday party.
You’ll create a menu unlike anything you and your guests have experienced before.
1. The Signature Cocktail
Bring a single, memorable aspect to your party with a signature drink that can only be found at your event. Infuse it with seasonal flavours—think cranberries, white wine, and green apple, and present it to your guests upon arrival.
Add local herbs, such as rhubarb-basil or rosemary gimlet. So many options exist for mixing your own drink, and doing so will add a little bubbly to the party and something special to the event.
2. A Heritage Dish
For catering menu ideas that encompass a nostalgic holiday feel, a heritage dish is a winner. The dish itself may vary, but, regardless, it’s a friendly reminder of enjoying meals with your family each holiday.
Evoke feelings of nostalgia by serving it to your guests while at the same time providing a delicious menu. It might be Nonna’s signature lasagna or Dad’s annual chocolate cheesecake. A deep-rooted link exists between food and feeling. Recreate a dish that adds a warm, personal touch and share that feeling with a new crowd this year.
3. The Brunch Menu
Start the party early with a brunch feast. Serve casserole frittatas with mixed vegetables, fresh bagels with jams and cream cheese varieties, and croissants alongside freshly baked muffins. Offer French toast with fruit, whipped cream, and fresh maple syrup for a sugary option.
Don’t forget about the classics: Breakfast potatoes, eggs, ham, bacon, and sausage never fail. This menu idea presents a lighter option than the usual dinner fare.
4. A Sweet Dessert
Instead of the usual holiday desserts, venture off the beaten path and serve crepes. Guests can fill their own or choose from a few options. Offer chocolate- and fruit-filled crepes. Show off a bar lined with bananas, berries, whipped cream, ice cream, and chocolate chips for guests to fill however they please.
These light, fluffy pastries are an appetizing alternative that can be dressed in so many ways.
5. Gourmet Charcuterie Boards
Cheese and charcuterie are a crowd favourite. They also enable you to put a few different items together. Place classics, such as aged cheddar, blue cheese, and havarti, alongside newer varieties, such as gruyere, halloumi, and emmental. Prosciutto, salami, and pepperoni can round out the charcuterie side.
Finish it off with bread steaks, fresh baguettes, dried nuts, house pickles, and seasonal jellies. It’s a perfect snacking appetizer that’ll tide guests over while providing an elegant table setting that’s perfect for the holidays.
6. Exotic Hot Dip Platters
Cold weather outside makes warm dips inside that much more appetizing. Impress your guests with unique catering menu ideas: Offer several different baked dips with fresh bread and crackers.
A trio of dips, for example, allows guests to try a little bit of everything. Hot baked crab dip or taramasalata, both served with warm pita or bread, will fill up guests and fuel their appetites.
7. A Seasonal Salad
Get your veggies in with a light starter before bringing in the mains. Encompass the flavours of the season with a warm salad and light vinaigrette dressing. Mixed baby greens with dried cranberries, walnuts, feta, and baked beets encompass all the holiday colours and act as a delicious, healthy part of the menu. Salad has never looked so good.
