• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Parallel Plates
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
×
Home » Recipe Collections

40 Lazy Backyard Party Foods That Are Smarter Than Hiring a Caterer

Published: May 1, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Lazy backyard party foods are way smarter than hiring a caterer. These recipes are quick to make, super simple, and can easily feed a crowd without stressing you out. No need to spend hours prepping or spending big—these dishes do all the work for you. They’re the perfect way to impress your guests and still keep your weekend chill.

An image of veggie pinwheels on a serving plate.

Veggie Pinwheels. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegetarian Nachos

Vegetarian Nachos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy chips, melted cheese, and fresh toppings make these nachos impossible to pass up. A great pick for any casual gathering when you need something quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Nachos

Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

A close-up image of gochujang cauliflower tacos on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of lime slices and sliced red onions.
Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy cauliflower tacos with bold Korean spices add something different to your spread. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for a unique, low-maintenance snack.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

Easy Air Fryer Samosas

An image of air fryer samosas on a plate that's ready to be served.
Easy Air Fryer Samosas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer samosas turn crisp and golden with barely any prep work. A handheld favorite that fits right into any laid-back lineup without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Samosas

Mushroom Tartlets

A close up image of a single mushroom tartlet on a serving plate.
Mushroom Tartlets. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese, and mushrooms make these tartlets a simple appetizer. They look fancy but come together in just 35 minutes, perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Tartlets

Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

An overhead image of vegetarian stuffed mushrooms on a serving late.
Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegetarian stuffed mushrooms mix walnuts, cranberries, and cheese for a quick, bite-sized snack. Easy to prep, they disappear fast, making them a solid choice for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

Veggie Pinwheels

An image of veggie pinwheels on a serving plate.
Veggie Pinwheels. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Hummus and fresh vegetables are rolled up into easy bite-sized pinwheels. A no-mess snack that disappears fast, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the company.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pinwheels

Arepas Con Queso

Close up of arepas con queso on a wooden board.
Arepas Con Queso. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Arepas con queso mix masarepa, mozzarella, and butter for a crisp, cheesy bite. A quick and easy favorite that adds a simple yet delicious touch to the spread.
Get the Recipe: Arepas Con Queso

Air Fryer Nachos

A close-up imag of loaded nachos topped with melted cheese, avocado chunks, black beans, diced tomatoes, green onions, and dollops of sour cream.
Air Fryer Nachos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer nachos take just 10 minutes, making them a quick win. Perfect for serving up a shareable snack with no hassle, great for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Nachos

Avocado Deviled Eggs

A close up image of avocado deviled eggs.
Avocado Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Avocado deviled eggs give a creamy upgrade to a classic snack. Simple to make and always one of the first to go at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Deviled Eggs

Boondi Raita

An overhead view of a boondi raita in a bowl.
Boondi Raita. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Boondi raita mixes yogurt, crisp chickpea flour balls, and spices in minutes. It’s a cool, simple dip that works with any snack table and is easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Boondi Raita

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Air fryer vegan buffalo cauliflower bites in a bowl with dip nearby, placed under a wooden board.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy buffalo cauliflower wings crisp up perfectly in the air fryer or oven. A bold snack that keeps things exciting with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

A close-up image of stuffed baked potatoes.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked potatoes stuffed with mushrooms, spinach, and cheddar come together in 30 minutes. A hearty, no-fuss addition to any spread, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Veggie Quesadilla

An overhead image of veggie quesadilla on a serving board with a dip on the side.
Veggie Quesadilla. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and cheese come together in these crispy quesadillas. Bold flavors and easy prep make them a go-to choice.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Quesadilla

Corn Nuggets

A bowl filled with golden, crispy corn nuggets.
Corn Nuggets. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheesy corn nuggets cook quickly and are easy to grab. A simple snack that never lasts long at any gathering and needs little effort to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Corn Nuggets

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

An image of tortilla chips with a dip on the side.
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer tortilla chips crisp up in under 15 minutes with barely any oil. A homemade upgrade that’s great for scooping up dips without the store-bought hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Vegan Cabbage Fritters

A bowl of vegan cabbage fritters on a wooden board.
Vegan Cabbage Fritters. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Crisp vegan fritters packed with cabbage and onions bring a great crunch. A must-have with dips or chutneys when you want something simple and crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cabbage Fritters

Pizza Sliders

An image of a hand picking up one pizza slider from the baking pan.
Pizza Sliders. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheesy, saucy, and packed with veggies, these pizza sliders always go fast. A simple way to serve a favorite without the wait, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sliders

Tater Tot Nachos

An overhead image of tater tot nachos served on a plate.
Tater Tot Nachos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tater tots, melty cheese, and bold toppings turn into nachos that go fast. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these nachos are always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Nachos

Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sweet potatoes, black beans, and lime crema come together for a filling taco. A meat-free option that’s just as easy to make as it is to eat for any casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Puffed Quinoa

An image of puffed quinoa in a small bowl with a spoon resting on top.
Puffed Quinoa. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Puffed quinoa turns crispy in just 15 minutes for a crunchy snack. Eat it alone or sprinkle it onto other favorites for an easy and fun bite.
Get the Recipe: Puffed Quinoa

Samosa Chaat

Straight view of samosa chaat served in a white bowl and is topped with cilantro, red onions, and sev. On the sides is a samosa and a cup of drink.
Samosa Chaat. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Samosa chaat layers chickpea curry, samosas, chutneys, and spices for a packed plate. A mix of textures and bold flavors that never lasts long at the table.
Get the Recipe: Samosa Chaat

Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes

Healthy Brussels sprouts and potato latkes.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Potato and Brussels sprout latkes pair with avocado-lemon crema for a fresh, crisp bite. A fun way to mix things up with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes

Keto Lemon Pepper Wings

Keto Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lemon pepper wings crisp up with a hit of lemon and black pepper. A great pick for those wanting something different with both easy prep and bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Keto Lemon Pepper Wings

Halloumi Tacos With Pepita Salsa, Cherry Tomatoes And Avocados

Halloumi Tacos With Pepita Salsa, Cherry Tomatoes And Avocados. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Halloumi tacos with salsa macha, cherry tomatoes, and avocado add a fresh, bold bite. A lively choice that stands out without requiring much prep.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Tacos With Pepita Salsa, Cherry Tomatoes And Avocados

Honey Habanero Tacos

Image shows three honey habanero tacos with corn shells sitting on a wooden board.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Honey Habanero tacos come together fast with fresh spices and simple ingredients. A classic favorite that never sticks around for long.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Ground Beef Tacos

A top view of ground beef tacos on a white plate.
Ground Beef Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ground beef tacos with fresh toppings and simple spices make a great meal. A reliable choice that’s always a hit with minimal work involved.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Tacos

Vegan Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Garlicky Mushroom & Tomato Topping

Vegan Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Garlicky Mushroom & Tomato Topping. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cauliflower pizza crust topped with garlicky mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes is a great plant-based option. A simple way to keep things fresh with little prep time.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Garlicky Mushroom & Tomato Topping

Reuben Sliders

Reuben Sliders. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Reuben sliders stack meat, cheese, and tangy dressing in soft rolls. A surefire crowd-pleaser that disappears every time.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders

Blackened Cod Tacos

Blackened Cod Tacos. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Blackened cod tacos with crisp cabbage and fresh pico de gallo bring big flavors fast. A simple seafood pick that’s always a hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod Tacos

Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Grilled Rockfish Tacos. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Grilled rockfish tacos with pickled slaw, mango salsa, and avocado dressing add fresh flavor. A fun pick for any casual gathering, easy to make and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Barbeque Turkey Sliders

Turkey Sliders with cheese, red onion, avocado, and lettuce.
Barbeque Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Grilled barbecue turkey sliders cook up quickly with smoky, tangy flavor. A leaner choice that still brings excitement without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Barbeque Turkey Sliders

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

Top view of air fryer buffalo wings with a small bowl of white dip on a plate.
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air fryer buffalo wings turn crispy and bold with barely any effort. A go-to snack that’s easy to make and saves you the deep-frying mess.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

Beef Quesadillas

Stack of beef quesadillas on a plate.
Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Beef quesadillas come together fast with plenty of cheese and flavor. A great pick for a quick, no-hassle meal.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Ground Pork Tacos

Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork tacos come together fast with bold spices and fresh toppings. A simple way to bring big flavors to your spread with little prep.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders

Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders with poppy seeds.
Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Ham and cheese sliders on buttery rolls bake up quickly with a savory glaze. A classic that disappears every time with minimal work involved.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Overhead image of air fryer pizza rolls on a plate.
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Air fryer pizza rolls crisp up quickly and make a great snack. Minimal prep and bold flavor make them a fan favorite every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air fryer whole chicken wings turn out crispy and juicy with little effort. A go-to snack that’s easy to make and saves you the deep-frying mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings

Chicken Fajita Sliders

Slider on a blue plate with rice.
Chicken Fajita Sliders. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Chicken fajita sliders stack juicy chicken and toppings into an easy handheld bite. A great way to serve bold flavors with zero hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Sliders

Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

Homemade mini pizza bagel bites on a wooden board.
Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Mini pizza bagel bites pack all the flavor of pizza into a fun, bite-sized snack. A simple grab-and-go option for casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Hot honey lemon pepper wings on a dark blue plate surrounded by lemon pepper, lemons, a white linen, and lemonade.
Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Hot honey lemon pepper wings bring a mix of sweet and spicy in a crispy bite. A must-have snack that always delivers excitement for any spread.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

More Recipe Collections

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Close up headshot

Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

More about me →

Popular

  • Overhead image of cozy bowl of potato and sausage chowder with breads on the side.
    Potato And Sausage Chowder
  • Close-up of a bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup, garnished with parsley, ready to serve.
    Stuffed Pepper Soup
  • A slice of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars on a white plate in the foreground, with another slice on a pile of plates in the background.
    Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars
  • A serving of Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells on a plate.
    Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure & Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up!

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 Black Bicycle LLC