One of my favorite things about Halloween is seeing all the creative “spooky” food ideas that come to my inbox. But if you’re like me, you want to make sure that dinner ends well before the little goblins start knocking on doors — so the least effort that goes into it, the better! This Halloween, put the spooktacular creativity into your decor, not your dinner preparation. With very little effort, you can serve a beautiful buffet dinner with Polish pottery that’s not only quick and easy but also satisfying and gorgeous. These five ideas offer something for everyone, and the best part is that they keep things relaxed and enjoyable, so you can focus on making the most of the Halloween festivities without getting tangled in the kitchen cobwebs.
Pizza Night
Ward off the vampires with a little garlic sauce, pesto, and marinara, along with some breadsticks and your favorite pizza — whether store-bought or homemade, this is a tasty and filling option that requires little clean-up! If you like to make your own dough and are blessed with a pizza oven, this is also a surprisingly quick-cooking and healthy fare as long as you’ve made dough ahead of time. And when everyone gets to customize their pizza (a blank canvas for those who’ll create festive versions like “olive eyeballs”, “mozzarella ghosts”, and “mini-mummy” pizzas with their toppings) it makes sampling different versions a joyful experience. Just put out a parmesan shaker and a few pizza-sized plates and you’ll have them coming back for more.
DIY Subs
All you need is a platter with some pre-sliced deli meats, cheese, and a divided dish or two with an assortment of veggies. Slice a couple baguettes down the middle, set out a cutting board, and let everyone slice and compile their perfectly-sized sammy’s. A little oil and vinegar, along with bottles of mayo and mustard — and even a seasoning shaker — create just the right zesty combination.
Potato Bar
This is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it buffet food. After popping the potatoes in the oven, the only thing left to do is fill a few small bowls with some pre-shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and sour cream. Finely dice some chives or use a dried version if you prefer and set out some pasta bowls and forks. Just don’t forget the butter dish and your salt and pepper set! Viola! A very simple, healthy, and filling meal.
Slow-cooker Soup or Chili
Another fuss-free meal-prep option if you plan ahead of time! Just use your favorite slow-cooker, pressure cooker, or stoneware tureen (cook it in the oven and take it straight to your trivet on the dining table for easy, stylish serving), add all your favorite ingredients, and let them meld together into savory deliciousness. By the time it’s done, you’ll have a fragrant kitchen and meal no one will want to miss. Drop in a ladle and serve it buffet style with spoons, loop-handled soup bowls or bouillon cups, and saltines.
DIY Noodle bowls
Let’s face it — If you have little ones heading out the door, a full belly will (hopefully) keep them going for a few hours and might even stave off the eventual rush for candy when they come home tired. Most kids love Asian-style noodles, and they’re easy to combine with a few veggies, making them a healthy and filling buffet dinner option. Stir-fried vegetables are quick and easy to make, and you can serve these alongside a couple pre-cooked protein options like teriyaki chicken or tofu. Don’t forget various sauce favorites like soy, peanut, or sweet chili for added flavor – serve these in a small condiment server, and you have everyone loving their dishes.
From pizza night to DIY noodle bowls, these buffet options are the perfect treat for your family and little trick-or-treaters alike. So, go ahead, enjoy the Halloween fun, and let the buffet-style magic begin! Happy Halloween! 🎃👻🍕🥖🥔🍲🍜