What food to make for baby shower

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 blanket

Give 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.

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20 Easy-to-Make Baby Shower Food Ideas

Leave the guests wanting for more with these easy and tasty delicacies.

Image: Shutterstock

You cannot plan a baby shower without some finger-licking food. To help you plan a memorable event, we have some of the best baby shower food ideas to share with you. These food suggestions will leave your guests with delicious snack options and make you a loving host.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out our list to explore some delectable meal options for your guests, varying from finger foods to appetizing mains. Trust us; your guests will love them!

Easy Baby Shower Food Recipes

You need not pull off a Michelin-star restaurant menu to please your guests. Simple and easy, yet comfortingly delicious food can be enough to impress your guests. So, here are a few easy baby shower food ideas.

1. Lasagna grilled cheese bites

These bite-sized grilled cheese sandwiches have a tangy twist to them. This is one of the snacks your guests would not mind having a second and even third time.

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

¼ cup mayonnaise or butter
8 slices sourdough bread
½ jar of marinara sauce (26oz)
One container ricotta (14oz)
2 cups shredded mozzarella

How to:

Spread mayonnaise or butter on one side of each bread slice.

On the other side spread marinara sauce, add a dollop of ricotta and spread evenly, then sprinkle mozzarella on top of each slice.

Now, close the sandwich by placing one slice over the other.

Heat a cooking pan and add half a spoon of oil, and fry the sandwiches on both sides until crisp golden brown.

Once they are cooled, cut into triangular pieces and serve them. If you wish to serve them later, then place them in an oven preheated to 200°C.

It’s important to let it cool before cutting them else the ricotta and mayo will ooze out making a mess.

Serves: 24

Preparation time: 30min

2. Fruit kebabs

Image: Shutterstock

This vitamin packed snack is healthy, colorful and is a great refresher during summers. If there are kids among your guests, then impress them with fruits cut in different shapes, which they will love to eat.

You will need:

10 raspberries
10 hulled strawberries
10 tangerine segments
10 peeled, cubed mango
10 peeled, cut pineapple chunks
10 peeled and cut kiwis
10 green grapes
10 red grapes
17 blueberries
Lemon juice (optional)

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 15min

How to:

Take a wooden skewer and thread a raspberry, a hulled strawberry, a tangerine segment, a cube of peeled mango, a chunk of peeled pineapple, a chunk of peeled kiwi, a green grape, and a red grape.

Thread all the skewers in a similar order, and put a bowl of lemon juice next to the skewers, for guests who wish to have something tangy.

Arrange all the skewers in order and ask the guests to help themselves.

3. Italian pasta salad:

Image: Shutterstock

This salad is fresh, healthy, and colorful when you add a variety of vegetables. You can also add your choice of meat if you like. This dish is super easy to make and tastes better when prepared two hours before the guests arrive.

You will need:

16 oz tri-color rotini pasta
½ cup diced green bell peppers
½ cup diced orange bell peppers
½ cup red bell peppers
1 pint halved grape tomatoes
½ cup sliced black olives
1 cup mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup diced red onions
8oz chopped salami
1 cup Italian vinaigrette dressing
⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
3 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

How to:

Cook the pasta and immediately transfer it into chilled water. This gives them a rich texture. Add salt and a little oil to boiling water.

Add all the chopped ingredients in a large bowl, then add the dressing and toss well so that the ingredients are coated well with the salad dressing.

Refrigerate the salad for two hours before serving.

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20min

4. Cheesy pizza bombs

Image: iStock

There is a burst of flavor in each bite of these easy cheesy pizza bombs! It’s an excellent appetizer and easy to handle. Serve them to your guests and amaze them with this treat.

You will need:

1 tube crescent roll dough
2 sticks white string cheese (cut into 4 even pieces)
One jar pizza sauce
32 slices of pepperoni
2 tbsp dried Italian herbs
8-Muffin tin

How to:

Preheat the oven to 350° F.

You can either spray the muffin tin with cooking spray or just apply melted butter with a brush so that it doesn’t stick.

Use a roller pin to flatten the dough and cut it into eight small triangles that fit into the muffin mold.

Place one triangle in each of the molds of the muffin tray.

Now add a spoonful of Pizza sauce into each of the triangular pieces of the dough.

Add two slices of pepperoni on top of the Pizza sauce, then add one string cheese slice and add two more pepperoni slices on top. Repeat the same for all the other pieces.

Fold the dough ends to close it completely, like a dough ball.

Sprinkle Italian herbs and cheese on top, and bake for 10 minutes.

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 12min

5. Guacamole deviled eggs

Image: Shutterstock

This is a common appetizer and can be made in many ways. Here is a recipe that combines guacamole and deviled eggs.

You will need:

9 large eggs
1 pitted and halved avocado (only ripe ones)
2tbsp sour cream
1 ½ tbsp lime juice
⅓ cup finely chopped tomato
¼ cup scallions
Salt and pepper to taste
Cilantro to taste
Jalapeno, diced and de-seeded

How to:

Boil the eggs for 20 minutes, then shell them, cut into halves and remove the yolk.

Add the yolk in a bowl, add the rest of the ingredients and mix until it forms a creamy texture.

Transfer the mixture into a piping bag and top the egg halves.

Serve the spicy, tangy deviled eggs to your guests.

Serves: 18

Preparation time: 30min

6. Sausage bites

Image: iStock

These bite-sized appetizers are easy to make, and your guests would simply love them.

You will need:

1 tube pizza dough
40 cocktail sausages
¼th cup salt
1 tbsp flaked salt

How to:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Take out the pizza dough and cut it into as many long strips as there are cocktail sausages.

Now, wrap the sausages in the pizza dough stripes. Make sure you tuck or pinch the ends inside so that they do not open up.

Take 4-6 cups of water in a pan, add salt, and let it come to a boil. Turn off the heat once done.

Drop the wrapped sausages into the water and let them sit until they float on their own, later remove them and place them on a baking sheet. You can brush them with butter on either side.

Bake the sausages for 10-12 minutes until they become golden brown and the sausage is cooked through.

Once done, remove them from the oven, sprinkle flaked salt and serve.

Serves: 40

Preparation time: 30min

7. Bacon jalapeno poppers

These are addictive and make the perfect food for a baby shower party.

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

18 medium-sized jalapenos
One pack 8oz cream cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar
2 thinly sliced green onions
18 slices of bacon (cut in half)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder

How to:

Crank up the oven to 325°F.

Wash the jalapenos and remove the ends.

Slice them into lengthwise halves and remove the seeds and membranes.

In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Fill the jalapeno halves with the cheese mixture.

Wrap the bacon around the jalapenos and secure it with toothpicks.

Pop them into the oven and bake for one hour until bacon is crispy.

Serves: 36

Preparation time: 1hr 30min

Baby Shower Mini Food Recipes

Want to serve finger foods, but do not want to miss out on some of the mom-to-be’s favorite dishes? Here is how you can create the most interesting mini versions of them.

8. Mini banana cream pies

Image: Shutterstock

These no-bake pies are extremely easy to make and take less time to prepare and is super delicious too.

You will need:

6 mini Graham cracker shells
8oz whipping cream
2 medium bananas
2oz Graham cracker crumbs
1 cup Banana instant pudding

How to:

In a bowl, beat the whipping cream for about 4-6 minutes. And fill it into a piping bag.

Add two tablespoons of the banana pudding into each Graham cracker shell, then line each shell with five slices of banana.

Sprinkle Graham cracker crumbs on top, and pipe the cream in the center.

1. Add an extra piece of banana on top and garnish with some more Graham crackers crumbs.
  1. You can top up with sweet shredded coconut for that extra flavor.

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10min

9. Slider style mini burgers

Image: Shutterstock

These mini burgers are bite-sized and make the perfect appetizers for the baby shower.

You will need:

1. - 2lb ground beef
  - 1.25oz onion soup mix
  - 2tsp cooking oil
  - ½ cup mayonnaise
  - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  - 24 dinner rolls split equally into two
  - ½ cup sliced pickles

How to:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  1. Heat a large skillet and add two teaspoons of cooking oil, now add the ground beef and onion soup mix and stir until the beef cooks to evenly brown.
  1. Drain the excess grease if any and take it off heat. Add the mayonnaise and cheddar cheese and mix well.
  1. On a baking tray, spread the baking sheet and arrange the bottom portion of the dinner rolls.
  1. Spread the beef and cheese mixture on the dinner rolls, and cover it with the other half. Now, cover all the burgers with an aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes.
  1. Once the burgers are baked and the cheese melts, add the sliced pickles and serve.

Serves: 24

Preparation time: 50min

10. Mini mac and cheese bites

Image: Shutterstock

Convert the good old Mac and Cheese into bite-sized appetizers and see them disappear in seconds.

You will need:

1. - 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  - 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  - 2tbsp butter
  - 2tbsp all-purpose flour
  - ½tsp onion powder
  - ½tsp garlic powder
  - ½tsp salt
  - 1-¾ cup milk
  - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  - 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  - ¾th cup baking mix
  - 2 large eggs (beaten)

How to:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  1. Take a muffin tray and sprinkle bread crumbs in each of the muffin tins.
  1. In a skillet add butter, flour, onion, garlic powder, and salt and mix well.
  1. Now, add the milk while stirring continuously, let the mixture boil for 3 minutes.
  1. Add the cheddar and Swiss cheese and mix until all the ingredients come together.
  1. Remove it from heat and add the biscuit mix, eggs, and bread crumbs mix and then add the elbow macaroni.
  1. Now take a spoonful of this mixture and add them into the muffin tray, and add some cheddar cheese and bread crumbs on the top.
  1. Bake them for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and serve hot.
  2. You can tailor these bites by adding jalapenos, herbs, and spices of your choice or mashed bacon.

Serves: 36

Preparation time: 45min

11. Mini cinnamon rolls

Image: Shutterstock

These mini Cinnamon rolls are the best if you are planning a tea-time baby shower.

You will need:

1. - ⅔ cup whole milk
  - ⅓ cup maple syrup
  - ⅓ cup softened butter
  - 1 large egg
  - ¾ tsp salt
  - 3 cups bread flour
  - ¼ ounce active dry yeast

Topping

1. 1. ½ cup packed brown sugar
  1. 2tbsp bread flour
  1. 4tsp ground cinnamon
  1. 6tbsp cold butter

Maple icing

1. - 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  - 3tbsp melted butter
  - 3tbsp maple syrup
  - 1-2tsp whole milk

How to:

1. 1. Place the first seven ingredients in a bread machine and knead.
  1. Once done, place the dough onto a floured surface and roll it into two 12×7 rectangles.
  1. Mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon powder, and cold butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  1. Sprinkle half of the mixture over the two triangles and roll them up in jelly-roll style and pinch to seal the ends.
  1. Now, cut each roll into 12 slices each. Put them on a greased baking pan, cover and leave for about 20 minutes.
  1. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  1. In another small bowl add all the ingredients of maple icing and spread it over the warm rolls.

Serves: 24

Preparation time: 60min

12. Mini phyllo cups

Image: Shutterstock

These taco seasoned beef filled cups will be a surefire hit at your party.

You will need:

1. - 1lb lean ground beef
  - ½ cup finely chopped onion
  - 1oz taco seasoning
  - ¾th cup of water
  - 1-¼ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  - 2 packs of frozen phyllo tart shells

How to:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  1. In a skillet, cook the beef and onion over medium heat until and drain any excess grease.
  1. Now stir in the taco seasoning, add water and bring it to a boil.
  1. Reduce the heat and let it cook for 5 minutes, uncovered.
  1. Remove from the heat and add the cheese blend and mix thoroughly.
  1. Take a baking pan and place the phyllo shells on it and fill each with a spoonful of the beef mixture.
  1. Place the tray in the oven and bake them for 6 minutes.
  1. Add some more cheese blend on top and bake for 2-3 minutes.

Serves: 30

Preparation time: 40min

13. Mini chicken pot pies

Image: Shutterstock

These mini pot pies are easy to make, and they are so good that your guests would want some more.

You will need:

1. - 1½ cups cubed cooked chicken
  - 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
  - 16oz chopped mixed vegetables (onions, mushrooms, carrots, garlic, potatoes, celery, and cauliflower florets)
  - All-purpose flour to roll the biscuits
  - 12oz refrigerated biscuits
  - ½ cup shredded cheese

How to:

1. 1. Heat the oven to 350°F and grease a muffin tray with butter.
  1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix all the vegetables and the soup and chicken.
  1. On a flat surface, flatten the biscuits and place them in the muffin mold of the tray and press the sides to form a cup.
  1. Fill one-third of each cup with the chicken and vegetable mixture, press gently so that it settles, add two teaspoons of cheese on top of each.
  1. Place them in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Serves: 5

Preparation time: 40min

14. Chocolate dipped S’mores

Image: Shutterstock

These s’mores are dipped in chocolate and will take your guests into a state of euphoria.

You will need:

1. - 2 cups milk chocolate chips
  - ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  - 1 pack of graham crackers (quartered)
  - 1 cup marshmallow creme
  - 14oz milk chocolate for dipping

How to:

1. 1. In a saucepan, add whipping cream and boil it. Add it to the milk chocolate chips. Stir it until it forms a smooth mixture.
  1. Melt marshmallows in a bowl. Now spread the chocolate mixture on half of the graham crackers and marshmallow creme on the other half.
  1. Place the chocolate crackers on the top of the marshmallow crackers.
  1. Dip one end of the combined crackers into a bowl of melted milk chocolate and place it on a baking sheet until the chocolate settles.

Serves: 43

Preparation time: 55min

Budget Baby Shower Food Recipes

Can’t spend on an exorbitant menu for the shower? Here are some budget options you may like.

15. Veggies and black bean dip

Image: Shutterstock

This is not only light on the pocket but also one of the best options for health conscious guests and refreshing and easy to make. You can either serve veggies, nachos, or pita bread with this dip.

You will need:

1. - Assorted vegetables of your choice (chopped into long pieces)

Black bean dip

1. - 2¼oz cans of black beans
  - ¾th cup of salsa
  - 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  - 2tsp fresh lime juice
  - 1tsp ground cumin
  - 1tsp water
  - ⅛tsp salt
  - ¼ cup chopped cilantro

How to:

1. 1. In a food processor, add all the ingredients but cilantro, and blend into a smooth paste.
  1. Now add the chopped cilantro and pulse until it is just mixed.
  1. Serve this yummy dip with your assorted vegetables.

Serves: 2 cups

Preparation time: 15min

16. Pink brownies

Image: Shutterstock

These are the perfect addition to a pink or flamingo themed baby shower.

You will need:

1. - 1 box strawberry cake mix
  - 2 large eggs
  - ⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil
  - ½-¾ cup white chocolate chips

How to:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  1. In a larger bowl add the cake mix, eggs, and oil and mix until it becomes a smooth paste.
  1. Then add chocolate chips and stir well.
  1. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking tray lined with greased parchment paper.
  1. Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes off with a few crumbs.
  1. Once it is cooled, refrigerate for some time and then cut into bars and serve.

Serve: 10

Preparation time: 20min

17. Vegetable chili

Image: Shutterstock

This is the vegetarian version of the famous chili.

You will need

1. - 2tbsp olive oil
  - 2 bell peppers (diced)
  - 1½ cup medium yellow onion
  - 1 cup peeled and diced carrots
  - 1½ cups zucchini chopped
  - 1½ cup corn
  - 1 can dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  - 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  - 1½tbsp minced garlic
  - 1 can diced tomatoes
  - 1 can tomato sauce
  - 1 can vegetable broth
  - 2tbsp chilli powder
  - 2tsp ground cumin
  - ½tsp ground coriander
  - ¼tsp cayenne pepper
  - Salt and black pepper

How to:

1. 1. In a large pot, add olive oil and heat it on medium-high flame.
  1. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and carrots and sauté for three minutes.
  1. Next, add the garlic and sauté for two more minutes, now add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, chili powder, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  1. Bing the mixture to boil and reduce the flame to medium-low, cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  1. Add the Zucchini and simmer for ten minutes. Next add corn, kidney beans, and black beans and let it boil for two more minutes.
  1. If it thickens, add some more broth and adjust the consistency.
  1. Serve hot with the toppings of your choice.

Serves: 7

Preparation time: 45min

18. Waffle ice cream sandwiches

Image: Shutterstock

These are delicious, and you can serve a variety of toppings like decorative candies, sprinkles, crushed nuts, coconut, granola, etc., within your budget.

You will need:

1. - One 28oz box waffle mix
  - Waffle iron
  - 1 tub vanilla ice cream

Toppings

1. - Maple syrup
  - Roasted nuts
  - Fresh berries

How to:

1. 1. Take a large bowl, add the waffle mix, make it into a smooth batter by adding water.
  1. Pour the batter into the sections of the waffle iron and cook until they are golden brown and set them aside.
  1. Open the tub of ice cream and dump the block of ice cream and cut it into 1- inch thick slices.
  1. Once the waffles cool down, cut them into desired shapes and sandwich the ice cream between two waffles.
  1. Press the sides of the sandwich into your favorite toppings and serve them chilled to your guests.

Serves: 14

Preparation time: 30min

19. Tortilla pinwheels

Image: Shutterstock

With this recipe, you can serve a large crowd, and within the budget too.

You will need:

1. - 6 spinach tortilla wraps
  - 6 tomato tortilla wraps
  - ½ pound jalapeno turkey, thinly sliced
  - ½ pound roast beef, thinly sliced
  - 7½oz chive onion cream cheese
  - 7½oz jalapeno cream cheese
  - 6oz baby spinach

How to:

1. 1. Take one tortilla wrap and spread the cream cheese evenly on it.
  1. Arrange the meat all over the tortilla wrap, and sprinkle the greens on the top.
  1. Start from one end and tightly roll the tortilla to form a log, wrap it, and let it set.
  1. When your guests arrive, take out the rolls, slice them, and serve.

Serves: 20

Preparation time: 30 min

20. Vegetable fried rice:

Image: Shutterstock

This is another recipe which you can make at once and serve a large number of guests.

You will need:

1. - 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  - 3 cups cooked rice
  - 12oz packed, frozen stir-fry vegetables
  - ½ cup water
  - 2tbsp soy sauce
  - 1tbsp sesame oil
  - A pinch of sugar
  - 1-2 eggs (beaten)

How to:

1. 1. Heat the oil in a large skillet and add the cooked rice and fry it for five minutes, until each grain is separated and fried.
  1. Next, add the vegetables and stir for 19 minutes, until the vegetables are half-cooked.
  1. In a small bowl, combine water, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Add this mixture to the rice and mix.
  1. In another pan, add a spoon of oil, and the beaten eggs and scramble them, with some seasoning if you prefer.
  1. Now add the scrambled eggs to the rice and mix so that it gets evenly distributed.
  1. You can serve this rice while hot.
  2. You can add mushroom, bell peppers, french beans, carrots, etc., according to your taste, availability.

The list of baby shower food ideas has many refreshing and quirky dishes with their presentations. These recipes include various appetizers, main courses, desserts, and finger foods to offer your guests. However, you may want to replace certain food items with suitable alternatives to suit your dietary choices based on your requirements. So either create a simple meal plan or design an elaborate one that suits your ideas and the guests’ requirements for the party.

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Sanjana did her graduation in Pharmacy from Andhra University and post graduation in management from GITAM Institute of Management. It was during her first job, she recognized her skills in writing and began working as a freelance writer. Later, she completely moved into content writing and began working as a full-time content writer. Sanjana's articles in MomJunction cover topics related to... more

Seeemaa Budhraja is a Delhi-based dietitian and nutritionist. She specializes in weight and lifestyle management. She is a healthy recipe designer, works as a health motivator and wellness coach as well. She has worked as a slimming head with one of the top organizations in India. She excels in therapeutic diets for various lifestyle-related diseases. This renowned nutritionist is a... more

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Children's birthday menu: photos, recipes, dish ideas

How to make a child's birthday truly unforgettable? Gather his friends, come up with entertainment and, of course, treat everyone to something delicious. But pleasing little guests is sometimes more difficult than adult gourmets. Our article will come to the rescue. In it, we have collected 10 dishes that will enchant even the most capricious persons. Serve these treats for a kid's birthday party and no one will leave hungry.

Original canapés

Kids will appreciate the unusual presentation, and adults will appreciate the ease of cooking. Indeed, among the recipes for a children's birthday, it is important to have at least one option for a quick snack. For canapes in the form of ladybugs, it is better to take unsalted crackers with the addition of whole grain flour. You can grease the products with both pate and hummus or curd cheese.

Ingredients:

crackers - 10 pcs.
cherry tomatoes - 5 pcs.
leaf lettuce - 3-4 leaves
olives - 3 pcs.
pate - to taste

Preparation:

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and make a shallow cut in each half.
Brush crackers with pâté and cover with lettuce. Excess greens can be removed.
Top the salad with half a cherry and a quarter of an olive.
Decorate the finished ladybug with a pattern of white dots. To do this, dip a toothpick in Greek yogurt or mayonnaise and gently color the workpiece.

Snack muffins

Children are rarely fans of vegetables. But thanks to such muffins, they will even eat the hated green beans or green peas. It's nice that you can change the toppings to your liking. For example, take corn, ham or some broccoli and cauliflower. It is also better not to forget about the vegetable slices on the table. Serve carrot, pepper and cucumber sticks with yoghurt sauce.

Ingredients:

green beans - 100 g
green peas - 100 g
cheese - 100 g
chicken eggs - 2 pcs.
sour cream - 3 tbsp. l.
flour - 3 tbsp. l.
Bulgarian pepper - 1 pc.
baking powder - 0.5 tsp.
salt - to taste

Preparation:

Defrost beans and peas.
Pepper and cheese cut into small cubes.
In a clean bowl, mix eggs with sour cream and salt. Gradually add the sifted flour mixed with the baking powder.
Add prepared cuts to batter.
Divide the pastry between molds and bake for 15 minutes at 180°C. Then lower the heat to 160°C and bake the muffins for another 15-20 minutes in the oven.

Cheese donuts

If you don't know what to cook, try these donuts. At a children's birthday party, they will definitely become a popular treat. The main thing is to find a good crumbly cottage cheese with a fat content of 5-9%. It is desirable that there is not too much moisture in the mass, gluing the grains together. Otherwise, wrap the cottage cheese with gauze and put it under pressure for 2-3 hours to remove excess moisture.

Ingredients:

cottage cheese - 200 g
cheese - 80 g
flour - 70 g
chicken eggs - 2 pcs.
baking powder - 0.5 tsp.
sesame - to taste

Preparation:

Mash the cottage cheese with a fork or chop with a blender.
Add grated cheese, whole egg and one egg white.
Add the sifted flour and baking powder and knead into a stiff dough.
On a floured surface, form the dough into a ball and divide it into 6-8 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a sausage and seal the ends.
Transfer the blanks to a baking sheet lined with baking paper and brush with the remaining yolk.
Garnish with sesame seeds and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C.

Mini pizzas

Who would say no to a popular treat? For a children's holiday, it makes sense to make portioned pizzas. It will be easier for kids to hold them in their hands. As a sauce, ordinary ketchup or a mixture of pureed tomatoes boiled with spices is suitable. In addition to cherry tomatoes, you can use bell peppers or broccoli for the filling, and put boiled chicken or turkey instead of ham. When serving, garnish pizzas with fresh herbs, if desired.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

flour - 200 g
water - 90 ml
olive oil - 30 ml
sugar - 1 tsp.
dry yeast - 4 g
salt - pinch

Basic:

ham - 200 g
cherry tomatoes - 8 pcs.
tomato sauce - 3 tbsp. l.
cheese - 50 g

Preparation:

Mix yeast, sugar and water. Cover the bowl with a towel and put it in a warm place for 15-20 minutes. After the specified time, a foam cap should appear on the surface of the mixture.
Sift flour into activated yeast, add olive oil and salt. Knead a homogeneous dough that will not stick to your hands.
Transfer the workpiece to a clean dish, greased with olive oil, and leave warm for 1 hour.
Punch down the risen dough and divide into 8 equal parts.
Shape each piece into a 8-10 cm round shape and place on a baking sheet.
Brush base with tomato sauce, top with ham and cherry halves, sprinkle with cheese and place in the oven.
Bake the mini pizzas for 15 minutes at 210°C.

Chicken skewers

Homemade skewers continue the selection of recipes for children's birthdays. When preparing a marinade, remember that the child likes simple and understandable tastes more. A large set of seasonings, especially spicy, he will not appreciate. But vegetables will add benefits and make the meat juicier. For variety, place sliced bell pepper or zucchini between the chicken pieces. Don't forget to prepare wooden skewers. Before stuffing the meat, it is advisable to soak them in boiling water, otherwise the wood may burn in the oven.

Ingredients:

chicken fillet - 800 g
kefir 3.2% - 180 ml
onion - 1 pc.
garlic - 1-2 cloves
salt - to taste

Preparation:

Divide the chicken fillet into 2-3 cm pieces.
Chop the onion into rings, mince the garlic.
Mix the chicken with chopped onion and garlic, season with salt.
Pour in the kefir and mix well. Leave the blank in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Thread the pickled pieces onto skewers and bake for 15-20 minutes at 200°C.

Fish fingers

Children love variety. Give the kids a choice between several dishes. For example, serve chicken skewers and crispy fish fingers. The appetizer is made from white fish: pollock, cod or haddock. If desired, breading can be supplemented with sesame seeds. Ready-made sticks go well with tartar sauce.

Ingredients:

white fish fillet - 600 g
vegetable oil - 150 ml
breadcrumbs - 3 tbsp. l.
chicken eggs - 1 pc.
salt - to taste
pepper - to taste

Preparation:

Cut the fillet into strips 1.5–2 cm thick. Season with salt and a little pepper.
Beat the egg with a fork in a flat bowl.
Place the breadcrumbs in another bowl.
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan.
Dip the fish fillets in turn into the egg and breadcrumbs, and then fry in hot oil.
Wipe finished sticks with a paper towel to remove excess oil.

No Bake Cake

When planning what to cook for a child's birthday, don't forget about sweets. What's a holiday without cake? This recipe can be made the day before. Any gelatin is useful, but the rules for working with sheets and powder are different. The layers are randomly poured with cold water, and then squeezed out. For crystals, it is desirable to observe a ratio of 1: 6 (take 6 parts of water for 1 part of gelatin).

Ingredients:

For the cake:

cookies - 300 g
Butter - 100 g

Basic:

cottage cheese - 800 g
cream 20% - 200 ml
sugar - 100 g
sour cream - 100 g
cocoa - 2 tbsp. l.
gelatin - 40 g

Preparation:

Grind cookies with butter into crumbs. Spread the mass over the bottom and sides of the form and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Soak gelatine in water.
Beat cottage cheese with sugar and sour cream. The easiest way to do this is with an immersion blender.
Mix swollen gelatin with cream and heat to 60-70°C. The thickener should dissolve, but the liquid should not be allowed to boil.
Add the warm mixture to the curds and beat everything well again with an immersion blender.
Cocoa mix with half of the curd and cream mass.
Spread the filling as follows: 1 tablespoon cream mixture, then 1 spoon chocolate mixture. It is advisable to finish the cake with a colored layer.
Using a skewer, make patterns on the top of the workpiece and send it to the refrigerator until completely solidified.

Funny apple slices

Even ordinary fruits can be served in an original way. For example, make funny monsters out of apple slices. Sweet sprinkles in the form of eyes can be found on the Internet. If there is no unusual decoration, then make it yourself. Melt the chocolate and use a toothpick or skewer to drizzle over the marshmallows. The same melted chocolate or peanut butter will help to fix the marshmallows on the slices.

Ingredients:

apples - 2 pcs.
strawberries - 100 g
peanut butter - 8 tsp
sunflower seeds - 2 handfuls
confectionery topping in the shape of eyes - 8 pcs.

Method:

Quarter medium-sized apples.
Remove the center from the skin side of each wedge.
Brush the resulting hole with peanut butter and fill with a strawberry slice.
Peel the sunflower seeds and stick a few into the apple blanks.
Seal eyes with peanut butter and serve.

Cake pops

Bright cakes on skewers - why not treat a child's birthday? It is easy to attract even the birthday man himself to their preparation. Or you can make blanks in advance and invite guests to decorate them with sprinkles and icing. For the latter, it is better to choose white chocolate, since dyes can be added to the resulting mass. Let the little chefs cover the balls on their own and show imagination in decorating.

Ingredients:

For the biscuit:

chicken eggs - 3 pcs.
sugar - 90 g
flour - 90 g

For cream:

curd cheese - 90 g
powdered sugar - 30 g

For glaze:

chocolate - 200 g
butter - 20 g

Preparation:

Whisk eggs with sugar until fluffy white foam.
Carefully add the sifted flour and knead the dough.
Bake the biscuit for 30 minutes at 180°C.
Cool the finished cake and grind into crumbs.
In a clean bowl, beat the cream cheese with the powdered sugar.
Add biscuit crumbs to the cream and mix. Form into balls 4–5 cm in diameter and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
Melt chocolate in a water bath and mix with butter. Thread the balls onto wooden skewers.
Dip the balls in the frosting one by one. Let the mass take over.
Decorate each cake pop as you like.

Nut bars

Although a sweet table is an obligatory part of a children's holiday, it is not worth pampering children with a lot of sugar. Instead of store-bought bars or candies, make an alternative treat of nuts and dried fruits. Don't be afraid to change the filling to your liking. For example, make a treat only from almonds or add walnuts.

Ingredients:

pitted dates - 200 g
almonds - 60 g
cashews - 50 g
peanuts - 50 g
hazelnuts - 50 g
honey - 50 g
coconut oil - 1 tbsp. l.

For glaze:

chocolate - 200 g
coconut oil - 1 tbsp. l.

Preparation:

Crush the almonds.
Chop the remaining nuts and dates.
Add crushed almonds, honey and coconut oil to the mixture. Mix the base for the bars.
Line a mold with foil and place the mixture on top. Smooth out.
Melt the chocolate with coconut oil in a bain-marie.
Decorate the blank with the resulting glaze. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top, if desired, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Divide the formed cake into bars, wrap each with parchment and serve.

As you can see, there are many interesting ideas of what to cook for a children's birthday. The original menu will definitely be remembered by both guests and the hero of the occasion.

What to cook for a child's birthday. Ideas in pictures! | Holiday again!

I'm not only the author of the website "Snova Prazdnik", which describes children's programs and gives free scripts, but also an experienced adult mother of two children. My son is 8, my daughter is 18, and during all this time I spent a lot of children's home holidays.

I always cooked myself, I share my experience.

Main principles

It's beautiful, but fast

One of the main mistakes of many mothers is choosing beautiful and complex canapes and sandwiches with a bunch of small details (ears, peephole, spouts) that cannot be made the day before the holiday, and for which there is almost never enough time before guests arrive. On the pictures on the Internet, everything looks cool, but it is insanely difficult to repeat this with an inexperienced hand. For example, design one sandwich, and put the plate to “zapchati”. Children themselves can spread the eyes on their personal sandwich.

It takes a very long time to make these penguins from olives, carrots and cheese. I checked!

It's common

Don't even argue. I had the opportunity to make sure that children do not like the new experimental salads. They are generally alarmed by a mixture of 3 or more products. Of course, you can cook something original, adult guests will eat it, if anything, but you must have “on duty” chicken cutlets, mashed potatoes, pastries with the usual fillings, etc. Fantasy can be shown when serving all these dishes.

This is not harmful

The Internet is full of battles in the comments of parents with different opinions. Some believe that it is not scary to offer pizza, fries and hamburgers once a year, flavored with mayonnaise and ketchup. Others insist that food should not be harmful on any day of the year. Endless argument, I don't interfere. It is definitely worth avoiding too fatty, salty, fried (suddenly one of the guests has problems with the pancreas), soda and other drinks with aggressive dyes.

Corresponds to age

This, I think, is clear. Even now, parents of two-year-old and ten-year-old children read the article. Naturally, there are restrictions for every age. If guests from 2 to 10 years old gather for a holiday (this often happens at family events), it is better to cook several options for dishes.

You can eat it neat

Yes, that's a problem. Children come to the holiday in lush snow-white lace or simply in expensive fashionable clothes. A drop of red juice or ketchup, smeared blue cream on a cake, berry stains, etc. often spoil all this beauty forever.

Plenty of drinking water

Many children can only drink water. Sweet-sweet juice that you have prepared can make you even more thirsty. Be sure to mark small water bottles with different bright labels so that everyone knows “their own water”. After an active game program, you want to drink a lot, make a sufficient supply.

Three rounds

Children don't like feasts. Most guests eat little and quickly. Let there be 2-3 sets of 5-10 minutes. While the guests are gathering - light snacks, then played. Hot meal, entertainment again. Cake, good evening everyone, goodbye. At a home holiday, you can allow such gastronomic breaks, no animator will rush.

Assemble Canape Construction Set

This is also my personal experience. Once I saw enough of beautiful and tasty canapes, I decided to make 5 types of 20 pieces for the children. The result was disastrous. My whole idea with a combination of cheeses, berries, grapes, ham with vegetables and fish with lemon failed.

Comments poured in: “But I don’t eat bell peppers”, “Ugh, unhook the fish, I just want an olive”, “I’ll have blueberries, but I won’t eat cheese”, etc. Adults then finished eating this “battlefield” disassembled into its component parts with canapes.

I took into account the experience, suggested next time empty skewers and small bowls with olives, cheese, slices of cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, lemon, slices of ham, chicken fillet, lettuce leaves and sprigs of greens. More squares of white and black bread (3x3 cm).

It was a hit! You could fold your own canape and give it an unusual name. Teach children how to skewer food so that they do not touch the common plates with their hands.

By the way, I have a free script for a home cooking quest, I recommend it! This is "Ratatouille" - about a rat and the spirit of a great cook. Any mother can conduct, all materials (pages of the book) can be downloaded. Lots of puzzles and culinary experiments.

Main course

It's hard to write all the recipes here, I'll throw in a couple of ideas from my own experience.

Chicken skewers (grilled and oven cooked)

This is my go-to dish. Many parents complain, but they themselves do not have time to try the kebabs, as the children quickly eat everything. They are made first in a frying pan, then 30 minutes before serving - in the oven. It is convenient for mom, since there is no need to stand at the stove when guests gather, and preparations can be made in advance. Sparing marinade - sour cream, olive oil, lemon.

Here is a detailed recipe for chicken skewers in pictures.

Pigs

Here you need the ability to sculpt from ready-made puff pastry, but the result is cool.

Defrost a square of dough. Cut the chicken fillet into pieces, thinly beat off, salt and lightly pepper. In some pieces we wrap a block of cheese (this is for piglets), and in other chops we put prunes.

Now roll the ones with cheese , and the ones with stuffing from prunes . If you are worried that not all children will like prunes, do it with cheese only.

Lightly roll out the puff pastry, cut into squares and wrap the meat rolls in it. Ears and nose and tail are sculpted separately and attached to the "carcass".

Roll out the other part of the puff pastry and cut into thin strips. Wrap around the meatballs to form a ball.

Put together on a baking sheet, generously brush with egg yolk. 45-50 minutes in the oven at 200 degrees (at the end can be reduced to 180). What sweethearts… 🙂

Chicken balls

I used to make all sorts of mouse-hedgehogs out of them, using pieces of different products. Then it got tired of me, I began to stick bright pictures on sticks (they are called “cupcake decorations”) on the theme of the holiday or ordinary skewers. You can easily find Disney princesses, pirates, and all sorts of different super-heroes. I had to print out Sherlock Holmes and attach it to toothpicks myself, but this can be done in advance.

My recipe: fry 2 onions in sunflower oil, combine with 1 kg of chicken fillet, add 100 g of soaked bread to 100 g of milk. Salt, pepper, remove the minced meat for 2-3 hours in the refrigerator. Fry the balls over high heat until a crust forms, then bring to readiness in the oven for another 30 minutes.

Making our own hamburger with homemade cutlet

It's incredibly difficult to organize a children's party on your own, so I personally rejoice in every way to entertain restless guests.

This 5-minute hamburger maker's workshop with your homemade round patty is sure to please. Here again it is easy to cut off the vagaries “I don’t like tomatoes, pickles, onions, lettuce, cheese”. Let them do what they love. From buns and cutlets. Or vice versa, only with tomatoes and cheese)).

I buy ready-made (small) sesame buns, I don't offer sauce and mayonnaise to small ones.

Small pies with different fillings

Also a good idea, but the pies are better baked, not fried. The size of the pies is "one tooth". My guests, even the most capricious, gladly agree to a pie with potatoes and a meat pie. Experiments with salted cottage cheese and greens, cabbage and fish pies are a success with parents, children do not like it.

Do not be too lazy to mold pies of different shapes so that you can tell by their appearance what kind of stuffing is “flying saucer” or “boomerang”.

I always make pancakes too. For adults, I suggest wrapping salmon or caviar, kids eat it with sour cream.

Duty puree (spaghetti)

This is for the most capricious. Well, the truth is, there are children who categorically refuse to eat something that looks different from what they are used to at home. And only mashed potatoes and pasta give them confidence that it is definitely edible.

Fruits and berries

Fruit pampering (do-it-yourself game again)

This is also like a canape constructor, only from chopped fruits, Let them collect grapes, banana wheels, pieces of apples, pears, watermelon, strawberries on a skewer etc.

Glasses with berries

This is usually placed on a table with sweets (there is no Russian name, we borrow the English candy bar). Just plastic or cardboard cups with a mixture of washed berries. It is better, of course, not to give to children under 5 years old, they will get dirty.

Just put them before the start of the holiday, as this is the first thing children grab. Everyone likes small individual portions of beautiful berries, there is no strength to hold on. Let them eat hot first!

Fruit hedgehogs

With this name and this example, I call for a simple cooking class. Everyone always gets a hedgehog, you can even take it home for mom in a small gift bag. You can not eat right away, just use the fun at the moment when you need to pacify overexcited guests.

Sweets

There is no consensus here either. Of course, in all the beautiful photos of children's birthdays there are breathtaking cakes with mastic to order. They are not only beautiful, but also delicious, with natural dyes, with low-fat yogurt instead of cream, etc.

My ideas are for ardent opponents of such cakes. And in general, any products with cream at children's parties.

Sour cream casserole

Naturally prepared for very young guests (2-3 years old). Instead of cakes - layers of casseroles. Cream - fresh sour cream with sugar. Decorations - fresh berries and colored sprinkles.

Meringue

Safe and can be prepared in advance. There are few secrets: cold proteins, into which not a single drop of yolk has fallen, a whisk mixer at medium speed (a blender will not work), add sugar gradually. Beat the egg whites into a strong foam (4 egg whites, 1 cup of sugar), put on greased paper with a spoon or a pastry bag, bake for 1.5-2 hours at a temperature of 100 degrees. The oven must be turned on beforehand. You can tint part of the protein with beetroot juice or natural dyes in bags.

Gingerbread cookies

It's not the biscuits that matter, but the fun. Painting gingerbread. If you find Dr.Oetker sugar drawing pencils for drawing, it will be great. Most often I make little men “like from Shrek”, the children squeeze the icing out of the tubes and immediately eat it. Here is the prescription.

Marshmallows and berries in warm chocolate

This game is suitable for children from 7 years old. The cafe offers a chocolate fountain or chocolate fondue (a special heated thing), and you can simply melt milk chocolate in a water bath and invite guests to dip pieces of biscuit, marshmallows, strawberries into warm chocolate on long skewers. Fragrant, delicious and fun!

Ready-made sets for decorating a table and a room for a birthday

There are tablecloths, candles, bags, invitations, caps, napkins, plates and cups, balls and garlands to decorate a children's party of any subject!

It is very convenient to buy themed sets. For example, "Minions", "Funny Pirates", "Hello Kitty", "Princesses", "Spider-Man", "Fixies", "Cars", "Masha and the Bear", "Just you wait", "Barbie", "Chuggington Engines " etc.

Fun programs for children's parties

Snova Prazdnik website is a collection of ideas for children's and adults' holidays.