Ingredients

Frozen pizza (regular, gluten-free, or vegan)

Frozen chicken fingers or veggie chicken nuggets

Frozen meatballs or vegetarian meatballs

Turkey deli slices or sliced bell peppers/cucumbers for vegetarian pinwheels

Sliced cheese

Wraps (for pinwheels)

Mayonnaise

Hummus

Cucumbers, celery, broccoli, cauliflower (cut into sticks or florets)

Popcorn or ingredients for salted caramel popcorn

Cubed cheese

Red and orange bell peppers (sliced)

Whole wheat bagels

Cream cheese

Assorted fruit (purple grapes, blueberries, green grapes, pineapple, cantaloupe, watermelon, apples)

Sunbutter

Lemon juice

Mini chocolate chips

Toothpicks

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the main course finger foods. Bake frozen pizzas according to package instructions. Bake chicken fingers and meatballs, then let them cool to room temperature. For pinwheels, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on a wrap, layer turkey slices and cheese, roll tightly, secure with toothpicks, and slice into 1½-inch pieces.

Step 2: Assemble the cold buffet items. Cut vegetables into sticks and arrange them with hummus for dipping. Prepare popcorn, either pre-purchased or homemade salted caramel. Cube cheese and slice bell peppers. Slice whole wheat bagels, spread cream cheese, and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Create fruit options. For fruit skewers, thread grapes, blueberries, pineapple, cantaloupe, and watermelon on skewers to form a rainbow. To make a watermelon bowl, scoop melon balls using a melon baller, discard excess juice, and pile balls into the hollowed half.

Step 4: Prepare apple slices by sprinkling lemon juice to prevent browning. Serve with sunbutter in small sauce cups. Portion mini chocolate chips into small cups for a sweet treat.

Step 5: Arrange all food items on a buffet table with eco-friendly disposable plates and napkins, encouraging kids to serve themselves finger foods without utensils.

Tips & Variations

Make vegetarian versions by substituting chicken nuggets and meatballs with plant-based alternatives, and use vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers instead of deli meat for pinwheels.

Peel celery with a vegetable peeler to remove fibrous strands for easier eating.

Use biodegradable plates and cups to keep the party eco-friendly and make cleanup easier.

Add toothpicks to meatballs and pinwheels for a fun, easy-to-handle presentation.

Balance savory snacks with plenty of fresh fruit to keep the menu healthy and colorful.

Storage

Most finger foods like chicken fingers, meatballs, and pinwheels can be prepared ahead and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep cut vegetables and fruit chilled until serving to maintain freshness. Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly and eaten within 24 hours. Reheat warm items like chicken fingers and meatballs in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make the finger foods ahead of time?

Yes, many items like chicken fingers, meatballs, and pinwheels can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Cold vegetables and fruit can also be pre-cut and stored until the party.

How can I accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Consider offering gluten-free or vegan pizzas, and use vegetarian chicken nuggets or meatballs. Substitute deli meats with sliced vegetables in pinwheels. Always check ingredient labels and communicate with parents ahead of time to ensure safe options for all kids.