ksr5377 Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 I'm thinking taco bar? I could cook all the meat on the Friday before the party and just put it in the slow cooker Saturday afternoon to warm up. Dice up all the toppings the day ahead as well. Maybe some rice in the rice cooker the day of, but that's quick. Chips and salsa to munch on. Is that enough? For reference it's my daughter's 4th birthday party, but soon after we scheduled it the morning filled up with a variety of other commitments. I can't cancel as it's really the only evening that works and I do need a full meal, as a few people will be traveling 3 hours to get here. I don't need to impress anyone with anything fancy and it doesn't have to be "kid" food as all the children there are good eaters. Is there something that would be easier, other than ordering pizza? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 When I saw your title my first thought was taco bar too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 Casual--taco bar or chili A 'real' meal--German meatballs in mushroom/caraway gravy. You can make spaetzle in advance and heat it up in the oven on the day of, or make noodles right then at the last minute. As last minute things go, noodles are pretty easy. A 'company' meal--Veal rolls. You make them in advance, and simmer then for 30 minutes to warm them up right before serving. French rice pilaf is great with this and can also be made in advance and warmed in the oven. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 We usually make chili on days like that. Though I’m liking Carol’s ideas a lot! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monica_in_Switzerland Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 Taco bar sounds awesome! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Random Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 We did the same thing recently. I made it 'walking tacos' with single-serve bags of Doritos. You cut the top of the Doritos bag off and use the Doritos as a broken up taco shell by adding toppings to the bag. I also had bowls for anyone who wanted to skip the Doritos and have a taco salad. It ended up being a little less work for me as the hostess and I had less cleanup after. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 I was going to say taco bar! That is my go to, easy, people pleasing buffet. It can easily also accommodate vegan, GF, dairy free if they build their own. And most kids can go with it too. I usually do Chicken (there is a recipe out there for Chipotle's chicken in bulk) white rice Black beans (also a recipe for Chipotle's out there somewhere) In crock pots. Then I have Guac, salsa, cheese, sour cream, hard shells, soft shells, maybe jalapenos/hot sauce, cilantro, lettuce. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 Love the taco bar idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monica_in_Switzerland Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 If you want other ideas: Sandwich stuff plus cold salads Pulled pork sandwiches ... but I still think tacos sound great!!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 I like taco bars, tacos in a bag... But I loooove chili. Chili, corn bread, green salad or veggie tray. I also love sausages cooked then kept in crockpot. Italian with peppers and onions or Polish with sauerkraut. Chopped salad with the italian sausage or potato salad with Polish sausage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 We've done the taco bar several times, and it is easy. I do cheat and buy the shredded lettuce to save that step! We are going to try a Mac-n-cheese bar this time. We can make the mac-n-cheese the day before and just bake it in the oven the day of. We've already smoked a brisket, and it is frozen waiting to be reheated. I'll make bacon the day before too, and just crumble it in a baggie. Chop some green onions. Crush a bag of chips. Purchase a bag of additional shredded cheese. Wait - this is sounding like more work than the taco bar now. Oh, well, I wanted to do something different! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Familia Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 A 'company' meal--Veal rolls. You make them in advance, and simmer then for 30 minutes to warm them up right before serving. French rice pilaf is great with this and can also be made in advance and warmed in the oven. Please share a favorite recipe for this...I need this soon - sounds wonderful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storygirl Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 I'm looking at your list in the OP, and I think you could use a vegetable. A veggie tray with dip would be easy and kid friendly. My SIL will make a big pot of slowly cooked green beans in advance and then keep it warm or reheat it, which would also be easy to deal with at the last minute. I think a taco bar can be a fun option. But I also think if you will have a lot of small children there, it can be a hassle for parents to help their little ones with all of those separate food components, while also needing their hands for assembling and eating their own food. If there will be lots of children who need adult help with their meal, something like a big pan of macaroni and cheese (as suggested above) would be easier. Because one scoop on the plate, and it's ready to eat. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Grace Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 Taco bar sounds great, but I'd do it with pork instead of ground beef. Ground beef feels messy, like it's always rolling out of the tacos, plus pork just tastes better to me. I'd do it in the crockpot and then shred. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amber in SJ Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 I did a make-ahead buffet for a family of 20 at Easter and this was the menu: Shredded Ham https://www.melskitchencafe.com/sweet-baked-ham-the-most-unique-and-delicious-ham-ive-ever-had/ You cook it & shred it ahead then layer it in the slowcooker to "bake" Assortment of rolls for the ham for sammies Sliced cheeses & mustards for sammies Pea & bacon salad (make ahead & chill) veggie tray cup cakes & fruit Amber in SJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 I love the walking taco bar idea, and I think the kids would too. Sam's will sell you multipacks of Doritos single size for like $10.00. I would also have fruit salad or fruit kabobs.... and maybe juice/sparkling water type drinks (maybe with fruit frozen inside of the ice cubes to make it fancy?) Honestly, I'd probably just get $5 hot and ready pizzas from Little Caesars, but I think parents and kids would appreciate a non-pizza party! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frances Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 While I’m personally not a big fan of them, lots of people I know do sloppy joes for these types of birthday parties or another hot meat one pot meal sandwich filling. It’s easier than tacos because you don’t have to deal with all of the various toppings. Then just a veggie tray, some cut up fruit, some chips, and maybe a salad of some type. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalsummer Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 I generally think lasagna is better the second day anyway. It's messier than a taco bar, though, esp. with kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 (edited) Add a pan of mac and cheese for the youngesters - easier than tacos for them. When I have a group like this, the entree varies, but I always have two or three trays that are easy to make ahead and easy finger food for guests - Cheese & crackers/charcuterie Cut veggies Cut fruit Edited March 22, 2018 by Seasider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.