When it comes to party food, pizza is often the go-to choice. It’s easy, convenient, and crowd-pleasing. However, if you’re looking to mix things up and offer your guests something new and exciting, there are plenty of delicious alternatives to pizza that are sure to impress.
Why Look Beyond Pizza?
Before we dive into the alternatives, let’s explore why you might want to consider something other than pizza for your party. Here are a few reasons:
- Pizza can be predictable: Let’s face it, pizza is a classic party food, but it can also be a bit predictable. If you’re looking to surprise and delight your guests, you might want to consider something a bit more unexpected.
- Pizza can be messy: Pizza can be a bit of a messy food, especially if you’re serving a crowd. If you’re looking for something a bit neater and easier to eat, you might want to consider an alternative.
- Pizza can be limiting: If you have guests with dietary restrictions or preferences, pizza might not be the best option. By offering alternative foods, you can ensure that everyone has something they can enjoy.
Alternative Party Foods
So, what can you serve instead of pizza at your party? Here are a few ideas:
Tacos
Tacos are a great alternative to pizza because they offer a similar “build your own” experience. You can set up a taco bar with all the fixings, including ground beef, chicken, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. This way, your guests can create their own custom tacos.
Taco Bar Essentials
- Tortillas
- Ground beef or chicken
- Cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Avocado or guacamole
Sliders
Sliders are another great alternative to pizza. They’re easy to make and can be customized with a variety of toppings. You can offer beef, turkey, or veggie sliders, and set up a toppings bar with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments.
Slider Toppings
- Cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Pickles
- Jalapenos
- BBQ sauce
- Mayo
Wings
Chicken wings are a classic party food that can be served in a variety of flavors. You can offer buffalo, BBQ, or honey mustard wings, and set up a dipping station with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Wing Flavors
- Buffalo
- BBQ
- Honey mustard
- Lemon pepper
- Garlic parmesan
International Inspirations
If you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, you might consider serving international-inspired foods at your party. Here are a few ideas:
Sushi
Sushi is a great option for a party because it’s easy to make and can be customized with a variety of fillings. You can offer veggie, California, or spicy tuna rolls, and set up a dipping station with soy sauce and wasabi.
Sushi Fillings
- Cucumber
- Avocado
- Carrots
- Crab
- Salmon
- Tuna
Skewers
Skewers are a great option for a party because they’re easy to make and can be customized with a variety of ingredients. You can offer chicken, beef, or veggie skewers, and set up a dipping station with peanut sauce or tzatziki.
Skewer Ingredients
- Chicken
- Beef
- Pork
- Shrimp
- Vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes)
Food Stations
One way to make your party food more interesting is to set up food stations. This way, your guests can graze and try a variety of different foods. Here are a few ideas for food stations:
Mac and Cheese Bar
Set up a mac and cheese bar with different toppings, such as bacon, ham, and broccoli. This way, your guests can create their own custom mac and cheese dishes.
Mac and Cheese Toppings
- Bacon
- Ham
- Broccoli
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Sour cream
Baked Potato Bar
Set up a baked potato bar with different toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits. This way, your guests can create their own custom baked potatoes.
Baked Potato Toppings
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Bacon bits
- Chives
- Diced tomatoes
- Broccoli
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of delicious alternatives to pizza that you can serve at your party. Whether you’re looking for something classic and comforting or something new and exotic, there’s something on this list for everyone. So next time you’re planning a party, consider breaking the pizza mold and trying something new. Your guests will thank you!
What are some unique pizza alternatives for a party?
If you’re looking for something beyond traditional pizza, consider serving flatbreads or focaccia. These Italian staples can be topped with a variety of ingredients, from classic combinations like tomato and mozzarella to more adventurous options like prosciutto and arugula. You can also try serving individual-sized portions, such as mini flatbreads or breadsticks, to make it easier for guests to grab and go.
Another option is to serve a variety of savory tartlets or quiches. These can be made in advance and are perfect for a party, as they can be easily reheated and served. Consider using a variety of fillings, such as spinach and feta or mushroom and onion, to offer something for everyone.
How can I make my pizza party more interactive?
One way to make your pizza party more interactive is to set up a topping bar. This can be as simple as setting out a variety of toppings, such as cheese, meats, and vegetables, and letting guests create their own combinations. You can also consider setting up a few pre-made topping combinations, such as a “meat lovers” or “veggie delight,” to give guests some inspiration.
Another way to make your party more interactive is to have a “make your own pizza” station. This can be as simple as setting out pre-made pizza dough, sauce, and cheese, and letting guests create their own pizzas. You can also consider setting up a few pre-made pizza combinations, such as a ” margherita” or “BBQ chicken,” to give guests some inspiration.
What are some vegetarian and vegan options for a pizza party?
If you’re looking for vegetarian options, consider serving a variety of roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and red peppers, as toppings. You can also try serving vegetarian-friendly proteins, such as tofu or tempeh, as alternatives to meat. Another option is to serve a variety of vegetarian-friendly cheeses, such as ricotta or goat cheese, as toppings.
For vegan options, consider serving a variety of plant-based milks, such as soy milk or almond milk, as alternatives to cheese. You can also try serving vegan-friendly proteins, such as seitan or vegan sausage, as alternatives to meat. Another option is to serve a variety of vegan-friendly toppings, such as roasted vegetables or avocado, to add flavor and texture to your pizzas.
How can I make my pizza party more festive?
One way to make your pizza party more festive is to set the mood with music and decorations. Consider playing Italian music, such as opera or traditional folk music, to set the mood. You can also try decorating with traditional Italian colors, such as red, white, and green, to add a festive touch.
Another way to make your party more festive is to serve a variety of Italian-inspired drinks, such as limoncello or espresso. You can also try serving a variety of Italian-inspired desserts, such as tiramisu or cannoli, to add a sweet touch to your party.
What are some tips for hosting a successful pizza party?
One tip for hosting a successful pizza party is to plan ahead. Consider making a few pizzas in advance, or setting up a topping bar, to make it easier for guests to serve themselves. You can also try setting up a few pre-made pizza combinations, such as a “meat lovers” or “veggie delight,” to give guests some inspiration.
Another tip is to have fun and be flexible. Consider setting up a few games or activities, such as a pizza-making contest or a trivia game, to keep guests entertained. You can also try having a few backup plans, such as a few extra pizzas or a few alternative toppings, in case things don’t go according to plan.
How can I make my pizza party more kid-friendly?
One way to make your pizza party more kid-friendly is to set up a few kid-friendly toppings, such as pepperoni or olives. You can also try setting up a few kid-friendly drinks, such as juice or soda, to keep kids hydrated. Another option is to set up a few kid-friendly activities, such as a pizza-making station or a coloring station, to keep kids entertained.
Another way to make your party more kid-friendly is to have a few kid-friendly options, such as mac and cheese or chicken tenders, for kids who may not like pizza. You can also try setting up a few kid-friendly desserts, such as ice cream or cupcakes, to add a sweet touch to your party.
What are some creative ways to serve pizza at a party?
One creative way to serve pizza at a party is to set up a pizza bar. This can be as simple as setting out a variety of toppings, such as cheese, meats, and vegetables, and letting guests create their own combinations. You can also try setting up a few pre-made pizza combinations, such as a “meat lovers” or “veggie delight,” to give guests some inspiration.
Another creative way to serve pizza is to set up a few pizza stations, such as a “make your own pizza” station or a “topping bar” station. You can also try setting up a few pre-made pizza combinations, such as a “margherita” or “BBQ chicken,” to give guests some inspiration.