Foods to Take to a Banquet

Banquets can offer a mouthwatering spread.

Catering a banquet for a large group can be an overwhelming task. Hosting a potluck-style banquet -- asking each guest to bring a dish to share -- makes this task much easier. When you're deciding what to bring to a banquet, think about recipes that can serve a large group with ease. In addition, you need something that's easy to transport and keep as warm or cold as the recipe calls for.

One-Dish Wonders

A casserole is an ideal food for a banquet because it serves many people in one dish. Pasta casseroles like lasagna, baked ziti and stuffed shells require minimal ingredients, making them a low-cost banquet food option that will please the crowd. Or choose hearty casseroles like shepherd's pie, ham strata or tuna-noodle casserole to keep the banquet guests satisfied. You can also choose meatless one-dish wonders like au gratin potatoes, which pair well with many entrees.

Crockpot Dishes

Crockpots are a useful tool for banquets because you can keep your food warm throughout the event; all you need is a nearby outlet. If you plan on serving a hot dish, think about what you can make in the crockpot. Cocktail meatballs are a go-to crockpot dish that can serve many; simply add your favorite sauce, such as sweet and sour or barbecue, to your favorite meatball recipe. Shredded pork shoulder or shredded chicken mixed with salsa are also easy, hearty crockpot dishes for a group.

Easy-to-Eat Snacks

If your banquet will have a cocktail hour, then you need some appetizers for guests to munch on before dinner is served. Choose easy-to-eat snacks so your guests can mingle and eat without needing to sit down. Fresh fruit skewers are simple to make and a refreshing, light appetizer. A cheese and cracker tray serves the same purpose. Stuffed mushrooms and sausage balls are heartier hand-held appetizers that will delight your banquet guests.

Sweet Treats

Dessert is a must at a banquet, and you can satisfy every guest's sweet tooth with some basic desserts. Focus on easy-to-eat desserts like cookies or bar treats. You can make sugar cookies decorated to match the theme of your banquet -- use the same color scheme, or include the event's logo on the cookie. Bar cookies like brownies, blondies and lemon bars are satisfying treats that you can make in bulk for the banquet.

References

• Family Circle: 16 Hearty Casseroles
• Serrano Hotel: Banquet Menu