Arranging food for parties can be a whole lot of work. Especially, when it’s a party for teens. Most teenagers are picky eaters and will not be pleased with dishes that promote healthy eating.
In such a case, it can become really difficult to come up with party snacks that are healthy yet tasty. And if it’s a party, the food really shouldn’t be too boring.
But there’s nothing to worry about because here are a few recipes that are tasty, easy to make, and will leave your teen guests lining up for them.
Quick and Tasty Recipes for Your Teen Guests
Since you’re prepping for a party, the quantity is expected to be large. This is why it’s only wise to stick to items that can be made in large batches at once. But if it’s not a party then you check our 10 best foods guide.
01. Chips and Pretzel Mix
What’s a party without a delicious snack? And for teenagers, the most favorite is a classic chip and pretzel mix.
There are other party-mixes available too but this one’s the most common and the cheapest.
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02. Breadsticks and Various Dips
Dips are another appetizer that’s easy to make. You can prepare a variety of them in advance and making a large volume wouldn’t be a problem either.
Serve variants like an artichoke dip, cheese dip, a marshmallow fluff dip with breadsticks or crackers, etc.
03. Vietnamese/lettuce Veg Rolls
Are you looking for a fancy way to make the teen guests eat salad?
Vietnamese veg roll or even salad in lettuce cups with some tangy dressing can do the trick. These make for an amazing appetizer too.
04. Burgers
Now, burgers do have a bad name in the world of healthy eating. But the ones you serve the kids do not have to be the same.
Burgers from the market are processed. By making it fresh at home and with healthy ingredients you’re making it better.
05. Sandwiches
If you still aren’t convinced about the burgers, sandwiches are a healthier option.
You could include healthy ingredients like avocado, grilled chicken, and salad to make it tasty.
06. Mexican Rice Bowls
Enough with the appetizers! For a more filling meal, what’s better than a hearty bowl of rice?
Mexican rice bowls are the perfect meal. You can add beans, salsa, chicken, and a whole lot of other spices to make it tasty.
07. Pasta
Pasta is among the most commonly served dishes at a party. And why not? It ticks all the boxes.
It can be made in bulk quantities, is tasty and easy to make. And you can get creative with the choice of sauce and meat.
08. Tacos
This small yet filling Mexican dish can be a real crowd-pleaser if made right. It makes me sad seeing people line up for the sorry tacos they serve at fast-food joints.
Freshly made tacos can be delightful to eat. The filling and salad can be made in bulk prior to your party.
09. Lasagna
Another pasta dish that’s popular with the kids of this age group. The best thing about lasagna is that you can add in carbs, fats, protein, and even vegetables.
And yet thanks to the flavors present, children do not usually hate lasagna.
10. Pizza
What’s the ultimate party dish? Yes, Pizza. And you can never go wrong with pizza. Everybody loves it – be it kids or adults!
Pizzas are such a party dish because of the fact that one large pie can feed quite a few.
11. Casseroles
Casseroles for a party aren’t such a bad idea. There are recipes aplenty and all of them can be made well ahead of your party and in bulk quantities.
One casserole recipe that’s usually a hit with everyone is cheesy chicken enchiladas.
12. Roast Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Talking of chicken enchiladas, who doesn’t love a good roast chicken? Reminds me of Sunday family meals.
Every family has a special recipe and this is the perfect opportunity to make others taste your family’s secret. A side of fluffy mashed potatoes and gravy go well.
13. Pasta Salad
By now you already know most people love pasta dishes at parties. One other way to prepare pasta other than the usual is to make a pasta salad.
Toss some boiled pasta with chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, feta. Whisk in the dressing of your choice and there you go!
14. Iced Coffee
A party isn’t a party without drinks. Now, it’s a party for the teenage kids so we are obviously talking about non-alcoholic variants like cold coffee.
There are plenty of easy cold coffee recipes. Serve it with some fancy whipped cream on top and you’ll have the teens clicking Instagram pictures in no time.
15. Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Iced coffees aren’t your only options when it comes to drinks. Some kids might even be lactose intolerant. It’s good to have backup options.
Serve drinks like strawberry smoothies or tropical fruit juices punched with some soda water. Coke floats are another option.
16. Brownies
All’s well that ends well. And a well-ending party should be serving some yummy dessert.
What spells yummy more than a fudgy chocolate brownie! Brownies are also easy to make given that they can be baked in large trays all at once.
17. Chocolate Chip Cookies
I would have suggested a cake as the last dish, but this isn’t a 5-year-old’s birthday party.
Chocolate cookies are the perfect way to end a party. If you arent’ serving these as a dessert. You could put a few in a goodies bag and gift them as a small token to carry back home.
Related Topics:
- Baking Recipes 2. Meals for Fussy Teenagers 3. What to Cook for a Teenager 4. Learn to Cook As a Teenager 5. Easy Recipes for Teenage Cooks
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I serve at a sweet 16?
A sweet 16 party is like any other party for teenagers. This also means that most dishes mentioned here would go well for a sweet 16 party.
What are some good finger foods for a teenage party?
Usually, teenagers at a party these days are busy with video games or their phones. So finger foods that are dry will do well. Dishes like sliders, breadsticks, and dips, pizza roll-ups, etc.
What should I make for a last-minute party?
A party that’s been planned at the last minute doesn’t give you much time to prepare. Serve dishes that are easy to make and can be done quickly. Dishes like potato wedges, tacos, chicken nuggets can be some of the options.
Conclusion
Hungry teens at a party aren’t fun to be around. To please their taste buds and keep them filled is a difficult task but not entirely impossible. These dishes are some of the most popular ones for a teen party and hopefully, they’ll be a great success at your party too.
