A cold buffet is one of the best ways to cater for large groups. It lets you get ahead of things by preparing dishes well in advance, so on the big day, all you have to do is remove the clingfilm and make sure your decorating skills are on point. Weddings, birthday parties, special occasion brunches and more can all benefit from a cold buffet. This article will help you choose the right dishes for your next event.
Exploring the origins of buffets
The word buffet comes from French, but it's actually another region of Europe that popularised self-service dining. Swedes have been enjoying the traditional Scandinavian smörgåsbord since the 16th century. In a smörgåsbord, diners help themselves to a selection of cold meats and fish, salads, vegetarian recipes, cheeses and more. By the 1970s, the smörgåsbord had become trendy all over the world. You might not want to serve the traditional pickled herring as part of your cold buffet, but the Swedish influence is undeniable!
Cold buffet vs hot buffet
A hot buffet is more difficult to prepare. Not only is there more last-minute prep involved, but you'll have to think about the practicalities of keeping dishes warm while you serve them. Cold buffets are simpler for hosts, which can give them a more casual feel. Even if you're serving elegant dishes like this crispy serrano caprese bruschetta, cold buffets often have a more relaxed, informal vibe.
Of course, a cold buffet is a particularly good idea in summer, when fruit and veggies are at their best and salads really come into their own. A cold buffet in the middle of winter may be less appealing for your guests!
Easy cold buffet food ideas
The best party foods involve plenty of variety. A cold buffet might have a selection of dips, such as hummus and baba ghanoush, served with flatbreads and vegetable sticks. You could also include a few different salads, elegant sandwiches like the kind you'd see at an afternoon tea, cold meat recipes such as grilled chicken skewers, a selection of cheeses and, of course, cakes and other desserts.
You might want to pick a theme and stick to it. For instance, your cold buffet may be inspired by a traditional British afternoon tea, Italy or the Middle East. A French country cold buffet could feature pâtés served with sliced baguettes, quiches and chocolate mousse.
Planning a cold buffet for a crowd
When planning a buffet, it's important to think about your guests. If you have vegetarians or vegans attending, ensure that there are meat-free dishes like this beetroot, cheese and walnut salad for them to enjoy. It's a good idea to label dishes, both to save yourself from repeated explanations and to highlight any special diets or allergens.
Think about ages, too. If children are coming to the buffet, you'll need some kid-friendly dishes. Make sure you have enough food for everyone. It's always better to over-cater than to have guests leave hungry.
On the day, stay organised. You may need to monitor the buffet to make sure meat eaters don't grab all the veggie options before your vegetarian friends have a chance to get to them.
Tips for making a good cold buffet
Don't put out all the food at once, especially on a hot day. Instead, serve a small amount and replenish it once it runs out. This ensures your guests will have fresh, cold food to eat when they go up for seconds.
To keep food fresh, use large, shallow dishes filled with ice. Place the food in smaller dishes inside these. If you're setting up your buffet outdoors, make sure it's in the shade. Don't forget to provide enough drinks for everyone, including plenty of non-alcoholic options. Fancy cordials and sophisticated soft drinks are a wonderfully elegant alternative to cola.
Check out more kitchen hacks and tips to make catering a breeze.
What to serve with a cold buffet
It's always a good idea to provide plenty of carbs to fill guests up. Flatbreads go well with dips, and crackers are essential if you're serving cheese. Think of carby salads like potato salad, pasta salad or a massive dish of couscous packed with roasted veggies. You could also make bread-based treats like mozzarella, serrano ham and roasted tomato bruschetta.
For dessert, baked goods are always welcome. Ice cream and other frozen desserts can be tricky, as they will melt quickly. Instead, go for chilled but unfrozen sweets like trifle or chocolate tart.
Cold buffet food ideas FAQs
How much food do you need for a cold buffet?
That depends on a few factors: the number of guests, their appetites, the kind of food you're serving and how long you expect the event to last. As a general rule, you should aim for about 500g of food per person.
What is a smörgåsbord?
A smörgåsbord is a traditional Swedish buffet. This self-service style of eating has been popular in Scandinavia for centuries, but it became a global hit in the 1970s. Cold fish, meats, veggies, salads and breads are all commonly served.
What can be made ahead for a cold buffet?
A good cold buffet consists of dishes that can be made in advance, such as salads, dips, tarts and quiches, cheeseboards, fruit platters and desserts. Ideally, everything should be prepped and ready to go before your guests arrive.
How long can cold buffet food stay out?
Usually, you can keep cold buffet food out for two to four hours, but it depends on the type of food and the ambient temperature. On a hot summer's day, it should be out for a shorter time than in winter.
How do you keep cold buffet food fresh?
Try placing your serving platters inside larger dishes that have been filled with ice. Serve the food in a shady spot if your party is outdoors. Don't put all the food out at once. Serve smaller amounts and replenish regularly.