• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to home navigation
  • Skip to privacy navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Top 10 Party Games
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Play.Party.Plan

Adding fun and creativity to everyday life

  • Fun Ideas by Occasion
    • Baby Shower
    • Bridal Shower
    • Birthday
    • Game Night
    • Movie Night
    • Super Bowl
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Graduation
    • Summer
    • 4th of July
    • Back to School
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year’s Eve
  • Games
    • Adult Games
    • Baby Shower
    • Bridal Shower
    • Birthday Party
    • Bingo Games
    • Board Games
    • Card Games
    • Christmas Games
    • Dice Games
    • Disney Games
    • Group Games
    • Holiday Games
    • Kid Games
    • Minute to Win It
    • Outdoor Games
    • Party Games
    • Scavenger Hunts
    • Teen Games
    • Trivia Games
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Baked Goods
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Main Dishes
    • Party Food
    • Sides
    • TikTok Recipes
  • Free Printables
    • Crafts
    • Gift Tags
    • Kids Activities
    • Party Printables
    • Printable Games
  • Travel
    • Caribbean
    • Cruises
    • Disney
    • International
    • Travel Tips
    • United States
  • Popular Posts
    • Girl Baby Showers
    • Bridal Shower Games
    • Bachelorette Games
    • Diaper Cake DIY
    • DIsneyland Food
    • Dunkaroo Dip
    • Fun Math Games
    • Saran Wrap Game
    • SeaWorld San Antonio
  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Work With Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility
  • Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter
  • Join the Free Party E-Club!
Home Recipes Party Food 40 Best Adult Birthday Party Food Ideas

40 Best Adult Birthday Party Food Ideas

By: Britni Vigil
5/20/2022Updated: 5/20/2022
This post may contain affiliate links. Privacy policy.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
collage of party food images
table with lots of party food on it and text

If you’re planning a party menu, these are the best adult birthday party foods for any occasion! These are the fool-proof recipes that work all year long and are great for any theme.

Collage of party food images

Best Party Foods

There’s not a lot that’s more important for planning a party than coming up with good food and the perfect party menu! Okay, well maybe perfecting the guest list and planning party games are both important too, but the food – the food is a great way to make or break a party.

So I’ve put together my top party food ideas that work at pretty much any kind of party you might be throwing because let’s face it, we all want the food to make, not break the party. So it’s a good idea to really think about what you’re making!

I’ve called this post the best adult birthday party foods, but let me get one thing straight – these aren’t just party foods for adults. And they aren’t just for birthdays. This is my list of the top party foods for any occasion, they’re just not necessarily childish or cutesy food but that doesn’t mean kids and teens won’t enjoy these as much as adults.

The one thing all of these recipes have in common is that they’re delicious. They’re perfect for your next party no matter what the occasion!

Easy Appetizer Ideas For a Party

If you’re not serving a full dinner, you’re probably going to want to serve some sort of snacks or appetizers! I’ve put together a list that are either still delicious at room temperature or easy to keep warmed up!

There’s everything from finger foods to dips to slow cooker appetizers that adults will love!

Stack of pizza roll ups on a blue plate
Easy Pizza Roll Ups
Wrap your favorite pizza toppings and mozzarella cheese in crescent rolls, brush with butter and spices, and enjoy pizza in a bite-sized form! They're good both warm and cold and make a great appetizer for any party!
Get the Recipe
Tray full of cheddar pigs in a blanket
Cheddar Pigs in a Blanket
A delicious cheddar pigs in a blanket recipe that uses cheese and flaked salt to elevate this delicious appetizer! Serve them with a homemade dipping sauce for the ultimate party snack! They may seem childish but believe me, adults love them.
Get the Recipe
A cooling rack full of spinach dip cups
Spinach Dip Cups
These spinach artichoke cups combine a crunchy wonton cup with a creamy spinach artichoke dip filling! The perfect party food or finger food for a dinner party! It's like a finger food version of the most popular party food – spinach artichoke dip! You could even add fresh tomatoes if you want a little more color!
Get the Recipe
white plate with Bisquick sausage balls in a stack
Cheesy Sausage Balls
These quick and easy Bisquick sausage balls take just five ingredients and a few minutes to make! They work for all times of day from breakfast to dinner! You could also make sausage rolls if you think those will be a better fit.
Get the Recipe
bowl with salted soft pretzel bites
Soft Pretzel Bites
These soft pretzel bites are a homemade version of everyone’s favorite snack! Make salted pretzel bites or cinnamon sugar bites, or even both! They’re delicious, simple to make, and a huge crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe
This buffalo chicken potato skins recipe is healthier than getting them at a restaurant
This buffalo chicken stuffed potato skins recipe is one of the best appetizer recipes ever! It’s easy, quick to make, and loaded with homemade buffalo chicken filling! Or go with traditional bacon and cheese loaded potato skins instead. Potato skins are also an easy way to fill up guests for cheap!
Get the Recipe
chip dipped into buffalo chicken dip
Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
The easiest baked buffalo chicken dip! Cream cheese, buffalo chicken (made out of shredded chicken breast) and ranch dressing are layered together then baked into a creamy, cheesy, and delicious dip! I recommend making it mild or at most medium heat so everyone can enjoy. It's the perfect version of dippable buffalo wings for any party!
Get the Recipe
A crock pot full of grape jelly meatballs with a wooden spoon
Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
These crockpot grape jelly meatballs are a delicious appetizer that takes very little work plus the ground beef makes them filling! Frozen meatballs combined with grape jelly, chili sauce, and a few other ingredients make these an appetizer that'll disappear fast!
Get the Recipe
Best spinach artichoke dip in a bread bowl
Spinach Dip
The best spinach artichoke dip ever! It only takes a few minutes to make and is the perfect addition to pretty much any menu that calls for appetizers! Dips are always great ideas, especially when they're topped with parmesan cheese like this one!
Get Recipe
garnished queso fundido
Chorizo Cheesy Dip
A hot and cheesy dip is always a winner and this homemade queso fundido combines a mild chorizo and lots of cheese in an amazing dip. Serve with chips and sliced up bread for a real crowd pleaser!
Get Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies
Little smokies get an adult upgrade with a brown sugar brushing and a hot honey drizzle on top. This slow cooker appetizer is a great addition to any menu.
Get Recipe
White plate with bacon wrapped dates
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
These bacon wrapped dates are stuffed with feta and about as elegant of an appetizer as you can get. If you're looking for gourmet appetizers to go with your fancy birthday dinner ideas, these are perfect.
Get Recipe
Wooden spoon stirring a batch of homemade Chex Mix
Homemade Chex Mix
This yummy oven Chex Mix combines Chex cereal, pretzels, bagel chips, and more in one delicious salty party mix! It's technically more of a snack than an appetizer but always a popular option, so I had to include it!
Check it out!
Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings
These garlic parmesan chicken wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of amazing flavor! They're first tossed in olive oil for a crispy coating, baked, then finished with a delicious butter garlic sauce and fresh parmesan. They savory topping on the top is so good!
Get Recipe

Main Course Options

If you want to or need to serve a full main course, there are a couple of options that work really well if you don’t want to do a full sit down dinner. If you do, then this may not be the post for you.

But if you don’t, there are two really good options for serving enough food for a full meal without actually serving a meal.

DIY Food Bars

These are great because it allows you to serve a full meal without having to actually plate everything! Plus, everyone can choose what and how much they want. You could do everything from one of these nacho bar ideas (serve a variety of meats with toppings like black beans, refried beans, and sour cream) to something more substantial like a pasta bar, baked potato bar, or Caesar salad bar.

Just make sure you have plenty of small bowls on hand!

Love this DIY nacho bar with free printables for a football party, how fun are those football playbook printables?

Charcuterie Boards

One of the biggest growing trends is creating charcuterie boards or even full charcuterie tables as a substitute for serving appetizers or a main course at a party. I’m loving this trend and have jumped fully on board! They’re totally worth the extra time it takes to put them together.

I’ve seen everything from this Mexican charcuterie board to a breakfast charcuterie board used for a breakfast or brunch birthday party!

Mexican charcuterie board with fiesta flags laying around it

Soups and Stews

Another great option for a main course that doesn’t take a lot of time or money is serving up some of your favorite soups and stews. I always recommend this zuppa toscana, this white chicken chili, and this beef and barley soup for flavorful and filling options!

Two white bowls full of beef barley soup with bread in the background

Best Party Desserts

One of the best ways to honor the special person of the hour is to create some sort of signature dessert that’s made just for this special occasion. I’ve included a couple of options that are perfect for celebrating the guest of honor as well as some of my tried and true dessert that would work for any adult birthday parties!

Piece of striped delight with a bite out of it
Striped Delight
My personal all-time favorite dessert, this one is good any occasion! Plus, you can make it ahead of time or right before serving and it still tastes amazing!
Get Recipe
chocolate berry bites with a bite taken out of it
Chocolate Berry Bites
If you want chocolate but different than cake, serve up these chocolate berry bites. They're elegant little bites of sweetness that would go well with any savory options you might be serving. Plus, they're a super easy dish to make and fancy enough to serve at a birthday dinner party for dessert!
Get the Recipe
Sopapilla Cheesecake
This delicious cinnamon sugar cheesecake tastes just like a sopapilla or a churro but with a cream cheese filling. Plus, it's super easy to make and tastes good both chilled and at room temperature! These are good for a large party because of how simple they are to make!
Get the Recipe
chocolate chip bundt cake on a cake stand
Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake Recipe
This gorgeous chocolate chip bundt cake uses sour cream to get a really moist cake with incredible chocolate flavor. Top it with a chocolate ganache for a showstopper dessert perfect for any birthday whether it be milestone birthdays or just any regular party!
Check it out!
loaf of sliced funfetti ice cream bread
Funfetti Ice Cream Bread Recipe
While any sweet quick bread would be a good option for a simple dessert, this ice cream bread is really fun because it uses ice cream and sprinkles, perfect for celebrating an adult birthday!
Get the Recipe
Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie
Part pie, part chocolate chip cookie, this delicious recipe is the ultimate comfort food and perfect for any celebration! I recommend it served with vanilla ice cream, but it's also good with fresh whipped cream!
Get Recipe
slice of Snickers pie
Snickers Pie
This super easy no bake dessert tastes great at any temperature! Serve it by itself or with even more fresh whipped cream to go on top!
Get the Recipe
Chocolate lava cake topped with ice cream
This chocolate lava cake is everything you want in a molten lava cake – soft on the outside and super chocolately in the center. It’s an impressive and delicious chocolate dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make! It's a great option for a fancier sit down type of party where you want individual, smaller cakes.
Get Recipe
piece of Dr Pepper cake on a white plate
Chocolate Dr Pepper Cake
This Dr Pepper cake is a chocolate cake turned into a decadent dessert with the help of a little Dr Pepper and an incredible chocolate frosting! Even if you don't like Dr. Pepper, you'll likely like this cake, making it a great thing for a birthday party!
Get Recipe
Old-Fashioned Chocolate Brownie Cake
This easy chocolate brownie cake is an old-fashioned recipe that gives you the the taste of chocolate walnut brownies in sheet cake form. Just like grandma used to make and perfect to go with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! If you're looking for food items that are easy to make for a crowd, add these to your menu!
Get Recipe

Dessert Dips

If you’re not the baking type or just want to keep the desserts simple, you could also just serve up some yummy sweet dips instead! They’re perfect for adult parties where people will be spending time walking around, mingling, and enjoy the yummy food.

chocolate chip cheese ball on a white plate
Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
This chocolate chip cheese ball only takes a few simple ingredients and is perfect for any party! Plus, even if you're serving an elaborate dinner, it's pretty enough that it wouldn't look out of place on the appetizer table.
Get Recipe
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
With only four ingredients, this cream cheese fruit dip is simple to make and the perfect addition to any celebration! Serve it with a tray of gorgeous fresh fruit so that even if someone doesn't want to go heavy on the desserts, they have something sweet to enjoy!
Check it out!
A small glass cup of fruit salsa with a cinnamon chip stuck in it
Fruit Salsa
This fruit salsa recipe combines all sorts of fresh fruit with sweet jam and a little sugar for the perfect fruity dip. Combine it with homemade cinnamon chips for a fresh and yummy snack.
Get Recipe
pink bowl with cannoli dip
Easy Cannoli Dip
This easy cannoli dip takes Italian cannolis and turns them into a dessert dip that’s great for parties or just a sweet treat! Serve it with cannoli chips or pieces of waffle cones for the ultimate cannoli inspired dessert! This one would be great for a more sophisticated soiree.
Get the Recipe
dipping a strawberry into strawberry dip
Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Dip
If you like strawberry shortcake, you’ll love this delicious strawberry dip recipe that combines cream cheese, whipped cream, and strawberries in a delicious dessert dip! 
Get the Recipe
Brownie batter dip in a white bowl
Brownie Batter Dip
This brownie batter dip is creamy and full of amazing chocolate flavor! And unlike other brownie dips, this one first cooks the brownie batter with milk to avoid the gritty texture of most brownie batters! It’s delicious and the perfect dessert dip for any occasion!
Get the Recipe
White bowl of dunkaroo dip
Dunkaroo Dip
This homemade Dunkaroo dip is kind of like a birthday cake but in dip form! It's easy to make, delicious, and the perfect way to add some sprinkles to any shindig!
Get the Recipe
Easy Funfetti Dip
If you think the Dunkaroo dip is a little too childish, you can get the birthday fun in with this funfetti dip as well! It's a simple dessert dip that goes well with fruit, crackers, and cookies! Plus, sprinkles are almost a universal way of saying happy birthday!
Get Recipe

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

I don’t personally drink alcohol but even if you’re planning to serve alcohol at the party, I highly recommend having fancy or signature non-alcoholic drinks as well for anyone who might drink for any number of reasons.

Since I’ve never drank alcohol, virgin drinks and non-alcoholic punches are my speciality. These are some of my personal favorites that would be popular choices with guests.

Easy Citrus Strawberry Mocktail Recipe
This citrus strawberry mocktail is full of flavor from the perfect combination of sweet strawberries, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Get the Recipe
Red cotton candy drink with ice and a pineapple wedge garnish
Strawberry Cotton Candy Drink
This delicious strawberry cotton candy drink is such a fun mocktail for a baby shower, party, or just to enjoy with the kids! Combine a strawberry based mocktail with a pink cotton candy bomb for a drink that sparkly, fun to make, and delicious!
Get the Recipe
Easy Strawberry Mojito Mocktail Recipe
This virgin strawberry mojito mocktail has the perfect combination of sweet strawberry flavored combined with tart citrus and a hint of mint.
Get the Recipe
Glass of fruit punch in front of a pitcher of fruit punch with fruit all around
Homemade Fruit Punch
Forget using the store bought stuff and try the homemade version that tastes 100% better than the bottled stuff from the store! This fruity drink is a great option to go with pretty much any party meal.
Get the Recipe
Glass of creamy lemonade with a lemon slice garnish
Creamy Lemonade Recipe
This creamy lemonade uses just three ingredients including fresh lemon juice to create a version of lemonade most people will have never tried! This one works best for summer parties like at a backyard bbq but is also a fun staple during the spring and fall!
Get the Recipe
Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
Speaking of lemonade, this homemade strawberry lemonade is good for any occasion! It has a nice pink color that would be perfect for a girly surprise party or a special event like baby showers! It's also a really easy recipe with great flavor, so you could just make it for any special event! If you want something a little darker, you could go for this blueberry lemonade instead!
Get the Recipe

Party Food FAQs

What do you serve for an afternoon party?

For an afternoon party that starts after lunchtime, serve light snacks, appetizers, and desserts. Things like fruit plates and charcuterie boards are a perfect option because it’ll give people something to snack on without ruining their dinner.

What is the most popular party snack?

The most popular party snack out of all in my opinion is buffalo chicken dip or spinach artichoke dip. Those two dips are seen at more parties and events throughout the year than any other.

What kind of food should you serve at a birthday party?

Serve food that the guest of honor will enjoy and that go with the timing and theme of your party! Appetizers, finger foods, and individual desserts at a great option. Plus, make sure there is some sort of special birthday cake or dessert!

More Adult Birthday Party ideas

If you need help planning more than just the food, here are some of my favorite birthday party resources!

  • Party games for adults – the top 10 games to play at any party!
  • Game night board games – great for a game night but also for any party, birthday or not!
  • Birthday scavenger hunt – this may be designed for kids but it’s great for adults as well and a really fun way to hide a birthday surprise!
  • 30th birthday gifts for him – a fun way to give gifts for milestone birthdays no matter who you’re giving to!
  • Surprise party ideas – if you’re planning a surprise party, start here!
Want more Goodies?

Want more delicious recipes just like this one? Enter your first name and email address in the form below to join the Play Party Plan community! You’ll receive weekly recipes and party ideas directly to your inbox!

Loading

you may also like…

  • Birthday Party
    The Ultimate Collection of Pirate Party…
  • This awesome Disney party has tons of great ideas inspired by Disney World attractions and even a fully Epcot inspired food table! With DIY games, favors, even simple invitations, this is perfect for any little princess, boy, or even a grown up who loves Disney! Such a fun party theme!
    Party Ideas
    Disney World Themed Birthday Party Ideas
  • Christmas Food
    30 Easy Christmas Appetizers
  • Love all of these Halloween carnival ideas especially this awesome Halloween carnival dessert table!
    Parties
    Halloween Carnival Ideas

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love hearing from you and seeing what you made!
rate this recipe:




text here

Previous Post
How to Create the Perfect Party Menu
glass of butterbeer with butterscotch running down the sides
Next Post
Easy Homemade Butterbeer Recipe

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I'm
Britni

I love sweet treats, my family, games, and anything fun!

Read More

Ideas By Theme

Baby Shower Birthday Bridal Shower Disney Game Night Holiday Just For Kids Movie Night Outdoors

Popular Party Ideas

Bridal Shower Games

woman blindfolded with her hand in a plastic cup

Party Games

Kids Board Games

Blindfolded blocking is one of the best baby shower games

Baby Shower Games

Top Recipes

slice of chocolate dr pepper cake on a white plate

Best Party Foods

Wooden spoon stirring a batch of homemade Chex Mix

Homemade Chex Mix

cropped-best-buffalo-chicken-dip-recipe-11-of-14-e1609965122832.jpg

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Slice of peanut butter pie on two plates with a blue napkin

Reese's Pie

Free Party Ideas E-Club

Loading
As Featured On
connect
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter
  • Play
    • Board Games
    • Kids Activities
    • Minute to Win It
    • Scavenger Hunts
  • Party
    • Food
    • Games
    • Printables
    • Themes
  • Plan
    • Disney Trips
    • Easy Meals
    • Family Travel
    • Gift Ideas

Disclaimer

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Back to Top
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
© 2023 · PLAY PARTY PLAN · Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window