Easy Fast Party Foods

Easy fast party foods can be just as impressive as a gourmet spread at your next celebration. Skip the expensive dishes and long hours preparing and enjoy your guests by making quick, simple foods that appeal to everyone on your guest list.

Shop the frozen food aisle for yummy options that quickly go from the freezer to the oven. Frozen dips, chicken wings, meatballs and pies are perfect for impromptu parties, or as a supplement to your other party menu items.

A meat and cheese tray is great for graduation parties and birthday parties. Have some crackers and spreads nearby, or offer breads and condiments to go with the tray. Make part of the tray selected cut vegetables.

Kebabs are quick to cook and easy to put together. Purchase skewer sticks and precut meat pieces at the butcher counter. Intersperse some vegetables and add a dash of seasoning for a delicious dish that cooks in no time on an outdoor or indoor grill.

Pasta dishes are perfect for large sit-down dinners. Make a huge batch of spaghetti, baked ziti or even lasagna (with no-boil noodles) for a fast meal that is filling and serves a crowd. Use store-bought sauces to make the dinner even simpler.

Serve up some delicious, easy soups at your next party. Tomato soup, chili and chicken noodle are easy to make in large batches and are yummy in the fall and winter. Try a chilled strawberry or melon soup in the spring and summer, along with gazpacho. Add a large tossed salad and sliced bread to round out the meal.

Wrap up some deli meat, cream cheese and jam or even seasoned cooked vegetables with cheese and slice into small pieces for fast appetizers at your next party. Make these a day or two ahead of time and store in the refrigerator, so you have more time to socialize at your next gathering.

Cut fruit salad is a perfect side dish any time of year and takes little preparation. Buy whatever fruit is in season and cut into bite-size wedges. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the whole bowl, mix and cover in the refrigerator until it is time to serve.

Pudding is a dessert that requires few ingredients and only a few minutes of preparation. Dress yours up by serving in a parfait glass or elegant stemware. Layer flavors together, such as chocolate and vanilla, strawberry and lemon or pistachio and dark chocolate for a pretty look. Garnish with grated almond bark, sliced wafer cookies or cut fruit for a special touch.

By making easy fast party foods, you will have more time left to spend with your guests. Simple party foods are always a hit with everyone, because it lets them enjoy your company during the party!