Baby shower dinner food
37 Crowd-Pleasing Baby Shower Food Ideas
Planning a baby shower is lots of fun, especially when it comes to brainstorming food ideas. Whether you’re looking for food ideas that match your chosen baby shower theme or you’re just looking for quick, easy, and flavorful options that everyone will love, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our 37 baby shower food ideas, including savories, sweets, and thirst-quenching drinks.
9 Tips and Ideas for Planning a Baby Shower Menu
When planning a baby shower, you can be as creative as you like with the food ideas, but it’s also important to consider some practical aspects.
As the host, you’ll have a lot to take care of, including decorating the venue, so it’s good to plan food that is quick to make and easy to serve and eat.
Here are some tips to help you think about the types of food to choose, how to serve it, and more:
Savory Baby Shower Food Ideas
Whether you plan on having only finger foods or an entire menu at the baby shower, here are some ideas for the savory food:
Baby Shower Dessert Table Food Ideas
Besides having a baby shower cake as a centerpiece, you may want to have a dessert table with an assortment of other sweet offerings. Here are some ideas for crowd-pleasing sweets and desserts:
Drinks
Beyond serving the usual wine spritzer or sparkling wine at the baby shower, consider some alcohol-free drinks, like mocktails, punch, and homemade sodas:
The Bottom Line
You’ll no doubt have lots of fun planning and serving the food for the mom-to-be’s baby shower.
If you’ve decided to prepare most of the food, round up some of the mom-to-be’s friends and family to help. Make it easier on yourself by using some store-bought elements, too. You could also make some of what’s on offer but ask each guest to bring a small plate to share.
Set up food and dessert tables so that guests can serve themselves buffet style, and stick to foods that aren’t too messy to eat while standing up and mingling.
If you have a set theme, you can tie the food into the theme by using colored frosting, or by piping lettering onto foods like “Oh, Baby!” Cookie cutters are your friend! Cut everything from brownies to sandwiches into shapes that match the theme.
You can also connect the food and drinks to the theme based on the colors you choose for the straws, napkins, and cupcake liners.
Having a chocolate fondue fountain or a soda bar can create an interactive element that guests will love.
Have fun with it! Your options are endless, and you might find you really get into it once you get started. And, always remember, no matter what food and drinks you serve, your guests — especially the guest of honor — will really appreciate your efforts and thoughtfulness.
While you’re here, check out our baby shower checklist to double-check that you’ve covered everything for the upcoming event.
25 Perfect Baby Shower Food Ideas on a Budget – Instacart
Throwing a fun, memorable party to celebrate the new arrival in your life doesn’t have to break the bank. You can decorate a party or backyard and prepare a tasty menu affordably without compromising on quality—it just takes planning. If you’re stuck and don’t know where to start, these baby shower food ideas on a budget will get the ball rolling.
How to throw a baby shower on a budget
Before we get into baby shower food ideas, these are our cost-cutting tips for throwing a wonderful baby shower on a budget.
1. Don’t host at mealtimes
If you host a baby shower at mealtimes, you’ll have to serve full meals, which can be expensive. Instead, throw your baby shower between meals, so you can serve only appetizers and sweet snacks. 2 p.m. is a popular time for these events.
2. Keep a pared-down guest list
On average, guests eat around 5 pieces of food at baby showers. The more people you invite, the costlier the event will be.
3. Ask guests to bring food or drinks
If you still want a full party but can’t afford to feed everyone, ask your guests to bring over food or drinks. It will be a baby-shower-meets-potluck type of event, which can be a lot of fun.
4. Choose local, seasonal ingredients
The cheapest food for a baby shower is the one that’s local and in season. Research what fresh produce is cheapest, then come up with recipes using those ingredients.
Following a themed menu can help you pinch pennies. For example, if you’re using chicken for 1 appetizer, make sure to include it in another snack. This way, you don’t have to buy as many ingredients and end up saving money.
6. Ditch the fully stocked bar
Choose just 1 or 2 drinks to serve—preferably non-alcoholic for baby showers. No need to keep a handful of spirits and mixers on hand.
7. Make your own decorations
DIY the décor using things you already have at home. Visiting a thrift store can also help you throw a stylish baby shower for cheap.
Affordable appetizers for a baby shower
Plate up these tasty, budget-friendly appetizers for your guests.
1. Ham and cheese sliders
Ham and cheese sliders are simple, easy to make, and affordable.
2. Pulled pork buns
Pulled pork sliders are also a popular snack for baby showers. Don’t skip out on the barbecue sauce.
3. Turkey cheddar hot pinwheels
With pre-made pizza dough, deli turkey slices, and cheddar cheese, you can make this comforting finger food.
4. Tomato and broccoli mini quiches
Quiches are sophisticated but surprisingly cheap to make. For this version, use ripe sliced tomatoes and broccoli florets for the filling.
5. Hummus and roasted veg toast
Spread homemade or storebought hummus on toasted bread and top with an assortment of roasted veggies.
6. Build-your-own chili
If you’re looking for a more filling snack, chili is the way to go. Let your guests add their own toppings.
7. Potato skins with bacon
Hollowed-out baked potatoes, bacon, and sour cream make the perfect appetizer. It’s easy to eat and packed with flavor.
8. Summer pasta salad
For something lighter, serve individual portions of pasta salad. Toss fusilli and whatever veggies are in season in olive oil and a pinch of salt.
9. Deep-fried pickles
Pickles are a popular satisfying snack among many moms-to-be. Set out a plate of deep-fried pickles with ranch dressing on the side.
10.
Babies in a blanketGive pigs in a blanket a twist. Wrap the dough around the sausage so it looks like a swaddled baby and add chocolate sprinkles for the eyes.
11. Grape jelly wieners
Toss smokies in a grape jelly and ketchup mixture, then serve on toothpicks.
12. Barbecue meatballs
Another hearty appetizer, meatballs doused in barbecue sauce are a crowd-pleaser.
13. Tater tot casserole
Tater tot casserole is pretty inexpensive to make. Use a blend of affordable cheeses to take this comfort food to the next level.
14. Chicken salad sandwiches
Spread chicken salad on soft white sandwich bread and serve with an olive and a toothpick on top.
15. Pesto chicken tea sandwiches
Grilled chicken and basil pesto is another great combination. Cut the sandwiches into quarters so they’re easier to eat.
16. Hamburger meat empanadas
Pie crust and hamburger meat can be turned into delicious empanadas. Salsa makes for a great dipping sauce.
17. Cheese pizza bites
Make finger food pizza bites using a cupcake tin, pizza dough, pizza sauce, and shredded cheese.
Cheap desserts and treats for baby showers
What’s a party without something sweet? These cheap recipes for a baby shower will satisfy your sweet tooth without going over budget.
1. Gendered rice crispy treats
Rice crispy treats are cheap to make. They only call for margarine, marshmallows, and puffed rice. Add red or blue food dye for a gendered twist.
2. Carrot cupcakes
Not into gender-themed desserts? You will probably love carrot cupcakes. Making your own is cheaper than getting it from the store—and surprisingly easy!
3. Fruit on a skewer
Pierce a skewer through pieces of fruit for a healthy snack. Grapes, banana, strawberry, apple—whatever is in season.
4. Caramel apples
In the fall, when apples are abundant, caramel apple slices hit the spot.
5. Waffle bites
Waffle mix is inexpensive, so why not make waffle bites? Cut a waffle into fourths and top with fruits, caramel, or chocolate.
6. Decorated sugar cookies
Take sugar cookies to the next level by decorating them. All you’ll need is icing, food dye, and a piping bag.
7. Ice cream sundaes
Sundaes are perfect for summer baby showers. Choose 1 ice cream flavor and let your guests pick their toppings—pretzels, caramel drizzle, and chocolate chips are just some of the options.
8. S’mores bar
Set up a s’mores bar for a DIY dessert. You’ll need graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows. Don’t forget skewers and a few candles.
Save time and money with a little help from a friend
You probably have a clearer picture of what you’ll serve at your budget-friendly baby shower, right? Now comes the fun part: creating invites, making a playlist, and decorating the space. What’s not so fun is doing the grocery runs—but, fortunately, you can leave that to Instacart. Order everything you need with just a few clicks and focus on the party. You may also want to check out current deals from our retailers.
Grab it now on Instacart:
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What to serve at Baby Shower? 14 Delicious Baby Shower Snacks
These little tartlets are great because you can make them ahead of time and offer your guests either raw honey or a spicier version with chili flakes.
You can add apples or pears to the tartlets or use cream cheese instead of goat cheese.
4 - Spicy Mango Salsa Shrimp Cakes
This Shrimp Spicy Cakes recipe uses delicious mango salsa to add a sweet touch to this savory appetizer.
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This salsa combines mango with pineapple, red bell pepper and green onion for a refreshing taste.
Serve these shrimp cakes with mango salsa in smaller quantities as they are more filling than other snacks like bruschetta or mini crab cakes.
Spicy shrimp patties go well with white wine and light beer.
5 - Fried mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce
These fried mozzarella sticks are another great way to combine cheese and bread in one succulent appetizer.
These appetizers are usually served with marinara sauce, but you can also get creative with other sauces like ranch dressing or even some salsa.
Your guests will be amazed at how much cheese is in each mozzarella stick.
They also won't have to wait long to enjoy these little snacks, as they're ready to eat in just a few minutes in the fryer. nine0003
The deliciously hot butter will also free the cheese from the breading, so it's a win-win situation.
6 - Spinach and Artichoke Appetizer
These small appetizers are a traditional spinach and artichoke sauce served with tortilla chips or crackers.
These single servings are perfect for baby shower guests who want to eat without filling themselves too quickly.
These delicious spinach and artichoke slices are easy to make ahead of time or just before your guests arrive for their baby shower, but can also be served cold if you want to bring them in early. nine0003
They pair well with light beers and white wines.
It's also fun to serve this appetizer in a mini flower pot with a mini baguette sticking out of it, but if you're in a hurry, a serving plate or even just a piece of wax paper will do.
Appearance is not as important as taste.
7 - Creamy Chicken and Bacon Puffs
These small cream cheese puffs have a creamy chicken and bacon filling seasoned with onions, garlic and black pepper.
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These tasty snacks are easy to make in advance, but also pair well with wine or beer, whatever your guests prefer.
They can be served either cold or hot, so you don't have to worry about making something at the last minute.
After taking these pieces out of the oven, you can leave them on the counter covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep them warm for several hours.
8. Bacon and Blue Cheese Slices
This is another great recipe if you want to add a little spice to your snack list.
It consists of pieces of bacon rolled into crescent-shaped balls of dough, which are then baked in the oven until golden brown.
These snacks pair well with red wine and especially hoppy beer.
Don't worry about serving alcohol at a baby shower; in fact, most people think that drinking is pretty fun, and they will be even more excited when they can enjoy an adult drink on such a unique occasion.
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They don't take long to cook either - roll the bacon pieces into a crescent-shaped dough and bake in the oven for about 15 minutes.
You can even take care of this task while you wait for guests to arrive.
9 - Vegetarian Sushi Rolls
These vegetarian sushi rolls are a slightly unusual choice, but they will add something special to your snack menu.
They combine healthy vegetables and cream cheese wrapped in sheets of rice and seaweed for a delicious combination of flavor and texture. nine0003
These starters pair well with white wine, especially beer, so order what you need accordingly.
Just keep a few bottles and cans of each on hand to make sure you have a variety of drink options for your guests.
These sushi pieces are easy to make too: cut vegetables, top with cream cheese and roll up.
You can even make a few of them a day and refrigerate overnight. nine0003
10 - Egg or Pork Spring Rolls
These pork-stuffed eggs or spring rolls are very easy to make in advance and then cook for about 10 minutes when guests arrive.
They also don't take up much space, which means you can store your ingredients in the kitchen without too much trouble.
They also pair well with wine, beer and even champagne if you want to serve something a little more sophisticated.
Just make sure you also provide as many napkins as your guests require because things can get a little messy. nine0003
11 - Mini Quiche
The quiche can be made in advance and then baked when you are ready to receive guests.
This is the perfect option if you are looking for a snack that your guests can eat while standing up.
These individual quiches are easy to make.
They pair well with light beer, white wine and champagne; in fact, this recipe is one of the few occasions when it is acceptable to serve champagne at a baby shower. nine0003
They only take about 40 minutes to prepare and prepare, so you have plenty of time to attend to your guests while the appetizers are being prepared.
12 - Swedish meatballs
These meatballs are served with a creamy sauce, which makes them especially delicious.
They can be served hot or cold, so you don't have to worry about doing something at the last minute, although they go well with wine or beer. nine0003
Pair these appetizers with white wine and light beer - no champagne needed.
Set up a place for guests to sit and eat if that sounds like it would work, otherwise spread them out on a plate for people to take as needed.
13 - Mini Meatball Sliders
Mini Meatball Sliders are similar to Swedish meatballs, but instead served on burger buns, which makes them even more interesting. nine0003
They are also great for chatting with your guests because you can eat them with one hand without making much of a mess.
These snacks pair well with wine or beer, so equip the bar with a variety of drinks of your choice.
No champagne pairings here, so save the finest drinks for later.
14 - Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate truffles are a great option for a baby shower snack because they are much lighter than a piece of cake. nine0003
They can be made ahead of time and then stored in an airtight container until you are ready to serve them - leave them on the counter for guests to enjoy whenever they want.
If you want to serve truffles with something, put a small bottle of champagne on ice for guests to take at any time.
They also pair well with white wine if you want an alternative drink.
These appetizers are the tastiest options to serve at a baby shower. nine0003
They can be prepared ahead of time or ready for guests to arrive.
They don't take up too much space in your kitchen, so you can easily feed everyone with food and drink.
They also pair well with wine, beer and champagne - make sure you have enough drink options for your guests.
If you want to serve something you can eat with one hand while you chat with everyone at the party, any of these appetizers will do.
PREP Time 10 minutes
Cooking time 10 minutes
Total time 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- MINICAL PIPS
- BRUSKETTA with tomatoes
- 9020
- Spicy Shrimp Cakes with Mango Salsa
- Fried Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce
- Spinach Artichoke Dip Bites
- Creamy Chicken and Bacon Puffs
- snacks from bacon and blue cheese
- Vegetarian sushi-rolls
- Evacal or spring rolls with pork
- Mini-rod with cream cream
- Swedish meatballs
-
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
- Gather all the ingredients you need and cook delicious food in 30 minutes or less!
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