Are you worried about catering for your next party? Creating the perfect menu that fits your budget- well, it can be a challenge. Everyone loves delicious food and in this blog, we’ll take the hassle of planning off your plate with some top catering menu items for any occasion.
Pro Tip: Remember to collect everyone’s dietary preferences before you finalize the menu so you have something for every guest!
- Appetizers and Small Bites: The Perfect Start to Any Event
Every great meal begins with a memorable appetizer. Something light, think finger food that pairs well with drinks. Garlic bread, fries, bread sticks, onion rings–honestly, the list is never-ending. With countless varieties and serving styles, there’s something for everyone.
Small bites are particularly great for cocktail parties or corporate events, where guests may not feel as hungry. Some popular options include:
- greek fries
- garlic bread
- ravioli bites
- onion rings
- chicken tenders
- mozzarella sticks
To serve, you can do so on a platter– buffet style, or hire waiters to serve them to your guests.
If you’re planning a short networking event- small bites may be all you need, but if you’re planning a longer gathering with more guests; read on to find the perfect catering menu items to jazz up your day (or night).
- Pizza: A Universal Favorite
Pizza catering is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. It works for any gathering- big or small; it’s versatile and customizable. From thin crusts to deep dish and gluten-free to vegan. There’s something for health-conscious adults and picky young ones.
A few large plates with a variety of veg, non-veg, gluten-free, and vegan options (all clearly labeled). Your guests can enjoy a slice (or five, we don’t judge) at their convenience.
This option works best for college parties, game nights, and birthday celebrations and can also be jazzed up for a more formal event like a corporate dinner or a wedding. It’s all in the presentation– your college party means straight out of the box, and corporate dinner may involve some fancy silverware. Either way, people will leave with a smile on their faces.
Here are some delicious flavor options to try out:
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Tender chicken breast, caramelized onions, mozzarella cheese, and BBQ sauce on our original sauce. Saucy and delicious!
- California Greek White Pizza: Filled with garlic, oregano, ricotta, feta & mozzarella cheese. A Mediterranean fiesta in every bite.
- Hawaiian Pizza: Yup, this is exactly what you’re thinking– ham, pineapple, bacon, and mozzarella cheese. Some folks love it and others don’t, either way, it’s a super fun addition to your menu.
- Vegetarian Pizza: Freshly sliced tomatoes, crunchy onions, yummy green peppers, black olives, mushrooms, green olives & extra cheese– a veggie-lovers dream!
To browse more pizza options, check out our menu!
- Pasta: A Comforting Classic
Another old favorite that will never fail you is pasta. It’s hearty and comforting with endless options. Pasta catering works because it caters to every gathering, from elegant weddings to laid-back birthday parties. From spaghetti and penne to lasagna and baked ziti, these timeless classics are a hit at every event.
The magic of pasta lies in customization:
- Offer vegan pasta dishes and gluten-free options so everyone gets to join in on the fun. You can offer different sauces, such as creamy Alfredo, tangy marinara, or hearty Bolognese.
- Add protein options like grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage so that your guests have the chance to customize their plates. Some veggie options include- grilled mushrooms, broccoli and zucchini.
- A pasta bar is always a crowd-pleaser and prepped trays of baked ziti or lasagna are terrific for a more formal occasion.
Imagine chefs cooking pasta on the spot, and guests choosing their favorite sauce, toppings, and preferred pasta shape. A more affordable alternative is a DIY pasta station – with large bowls of cooked pasta, a few different sauces, and a variety of toppings- guests can make their own delicious rendition.
To check out some delicious flavors, check out our house specialties!
- Complementing Sides: Round Out Your Menu
No catering menu is complete without a variety of side dishes. They add variety, balance, options, and flavor to your meal. Also, including them means you’ll have something for everyone. They complement the main course and round out the dining experience.
Fresh salads, like Caesar or Greek, are classic favorites, offering a light and refreshing contrast to heartier dishes like pizza and pasta. Some delicious salad options include:
- Gyro Salad: A fresh mix of Romaine Lettuce, freshly sliced tomatoes, crunchy onions, kalamata olives, pepperoncini, cucumbers, and tender, grilled gyro meat on top
- Asiago Spinach Salad: Fresh baby spinach, paired with sliced tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, pepperoncini, kalamata olives, and a generous sprinkle of asiago cheese—delicious and simple.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing, topped with crunchy croutons and fresh parmesan.
- Greek Salad: A classic combination of tangy tomatoes, romaine lettuce, onions, kalamata olives, pepperoncini, cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese.
For sides, consider adding some flavorful calzones or crispy chicken wings in a variety of mouthwatering options: Hot, Mild, BBQ, Sweet-n-Sour, Teriyaki, Sweet Chili, Mango Habanero, Old Bay Hot Sauce, Nashville Hot, or Garlic Parmesan. Don’t forget the blue cheese or ranch dip—and, of course, plenty of napkins!
Don’t worry about making all of this at home- we, at Manny and Olga’s, offer everything on your catering menu and more. Learn more about our catering here.
- Desserts: Ending the Meal on a Sweet Note
Last on this list, but definitely the thing you should order most- desserts! Some delicious mini dessert ideas that are easy to serve and eat are:
- Chocolate cake
- Cannoli
- Carrot cake
- Baklava
- Cheesecake
Dessert charcuterie boards look as good as they taste and will make your catering spread pop.
Why Choose Manny and Olga’s for Your Next Event?
Among the top catering services, Manny and Olga’s stands out for all the right reasons: our ability to craft menu items tailored to any event, from corporate lunches to intimate family gatherings, and our expertise in delivering exceptional pizzas and pasta are also some reasons why.
For convenient, affordable catering that Washington DC and Maryland event planners trust, look no further than Manny & Olga’s. From delicious pizza and sandwiches to mouthwatering Italian and Greek dishes, we’ve got the perfect menu to satisfy your guests. Whether it’s a children’s birthday party or a corporate gathering, we cater events of all sizes.
Planning food for an event can be stressful, but with Manny & Olga’s, it doesn’t have to be. Skip the hassle and rely on one of the most trusted catering names in the Washington DC area. Call us today, and let our catering experts make your next event a breeze.