277 Best Party Foods That Start With Each Letter, A to Z (Curated & Ranked)

Buffet table full of party foods

Parties are a wonderful opportunity to connect with people, have great conversations, and enjoy delicious food!

Celebrating special events with food is a long-standing tradition. The word “party” has been used to describe social events with food and drink since the 1700s.[1]

The word “potluck” was first used even earlier, in the 1500s. However, it originally meant a hastily-prepared meal for an unexpected guest. Now, it’s known as a party in which each guest brings a dish or snack to pass around.[2]

Before any of these terms existed, celebrations with food were popular. The oldest known party invitation was sent in the first century, inviting guests to celebrate a Roman woman’s birthday.[3]

Below is the list of party foods that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Scroll past the list for more information about planning the perfect party or potluck!

A

  1. Up
    4
    Down
    ::

    Alfredo lasagna cups

  2. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Antipasto

    appetizer platter with olives, cheeses, and meats

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Apple crisp

  4. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Apple turnovers

  5. Up
    -2
    Down
    ::

    Angel food cake

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Apple pie

  7. Up
    -2
    Down
    ::

    Au gratin potatoes

  8. Up
    -4
    Down
    ::

    Avocado toast

  9. Up
    -10
    Down
    ::

    Apple tart

  10. Up
    -2
    Down
    ::

    Antipasto salad

  11. Up
    -4
    Down
    ::

    Alexander torte

    iced shortcake with raspberry jam

B

  1. Up
    4
    Down
    ::

    Buffalo dip

  2. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Banana bread

  3. Up
    3
    Down
    ::

    Burgers

  4. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Buffalo wings

  5. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Bacon-wrapped pineapple

  6. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Breadsticks

  7. Up
    -3
    Down
    ::

    Brownies

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Bruschetta

  9. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Blondies

  10. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Brownie batter dip

  11. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Baked beans

  12. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Black-eyed peas

  13. Up
    -2
    Down
    ::

    Bacon-wrapped dates

C

  1. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Cookies

  2. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Cake

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Cowboy caviar

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Cupcakes

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Chips and dip

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Chicken tenders

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Chicken wings

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Croquettes

  9. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Charcuterie board

  10. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Cheese dip

  11. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Collard and artichoke dip

  12. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Cheese ball

  13. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Chicken dip

  14. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Cheese pie

  15. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Churros

  16. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Crab cakes

  17. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Cheesecake

  18. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Cuban sliders

  19. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Cheese and crackers

  20. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Coleslaw

  21. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Collard greens

  22. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Cheddar biscuits

  23. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Candied apples

  24. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Cheese straws

  25. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Chocolate tart

  26. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Crab spread

  27. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Crostini

  28. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Cake pops

  29. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Cauliflower buffalo wings

  30. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Cheeseboard

  31. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Caprese salad

  32. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Chocolate truffles

D

  1. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Dumplings

  2. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Deviled eggs

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Divinity candies

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Donuts

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Danish

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Deep-fried Oreos

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Donut holes

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Dippin' Dots

  9. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Doritos

E

  1. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Eggplant rollatini

  2. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Elephant ears

  3. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Egg rolls

  4. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Eclairs

  5. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Empanadas

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Egg salad tea sandwiches

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Enchiladas

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Eskimo pie

  9. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    English trifle

  10. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Egg custard pie

  11. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Earl grey cookies

  12. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    English muffins

F

  1. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    French fries

  2. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Fruit and cheese board

  3. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Fudge

  4. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Fruit salsa

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Falafel

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Fried pickles

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Fritters

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Fruit salad

  9. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Flatbread

  10. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Frozen custard

  11. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Frybread

  12. Up
    -3
    Down
    ::

    Frozen yogurt

G

  1. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Greek salad

  2. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Gelato

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Guacamole

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Griddle scones

  5. Up
    -2
    Down
    ::

    Garlic bread

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Garlic parmesan crisps

    crispy baked parmesan cheese seasoned with garlic

  7. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Gorditas

    masa dough filled with meat, cheese, and other fillings

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Grilled skewers

  9. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Gingerbread cookies

  10. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Grilled cheese mini sandwiches

  11. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Green bean casserole

H

  1. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Hushpuppies

  2. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Hamburger pie

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Hot dogs

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Hummus and pita chips

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Hamburgers

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Honeydew melon and cantaloupe balls

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Hoagies

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Hasselback potatoes

  9. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Ham and cheese tea sandwiches

  10. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Hamburger casserole

  11. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Hand pies

I

  1. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Italian sausage bread

  2. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Ice cream

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Ice pops

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Icebox cake

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Ice cream floats

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Italian ice

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Ice cream cake

J

  1. Up
    7
    Down
    ::

    Junket pudding cups

  2. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Jackfruit sliders

  3. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Jelly roll

  4. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Jerk chicken

  5. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Jordan almonds

  6. Up
    -2
    Down
    ::

    Jalapeno poppers

  7. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Jell-O cups

K

  1. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Kebabs

  2. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Kale salad

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Key lime pie

  4. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Kielbasa

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Kimchi quesadillas

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Kiwi sorbet

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Kettle corn

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Kimchi dumplings

L

  1. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Lettuce wraps

  2. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Latkes

    potato pancakes

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Lemon dessert squares

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Loaded steak fries

    thick-cut fries with melted cheese and bacon

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Lollipops

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Lemon pound cake

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Lavash

    Armenian flatbread

M

  1. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Mozzarella sticks

  2. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Meatballs

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Mac and cheese balls

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Mini quiche

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Mediterranean layered dip

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Mini bagel pizzas

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Marinated shrimp

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Mini tacos

  9. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Mousse cups

  10. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Muffins

  11. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Mushroom caps

  12. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Mini cheesecake

N

  1. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Nectarine cobbler

  2. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Nutella bars

  3. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Nutella-stuffed strawberries

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Nachos

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Naan

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Nuggets

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Nectarine crisp

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Neapolitan ice cream

  9. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Nonpareils

  10. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Nutella and banana tea sandwiches

  11. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Nacho fries

O

  1. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Onion rings

  2. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Orzo salad

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Opera cake

    coffee-flavored almond sponge cake with ganache

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Oreo mud pie

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Oysters

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Fried okra

P

  1. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Panna cotta

  2. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Potato skins

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Pasta salad

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Parfaits

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Potato salad

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Pizza

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Popcorn

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Peach cobbler

  9. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Pepperoni rolls

  10. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Potato chips

  11. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Pigs in a blanket

  12. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Pretzel bites

  13. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Pie

  14. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Pizza rolls

  15. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Popcorn shrimp

  16. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Pinwheels

Q

  1. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Quesadillas

  2. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Quiche

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Queso dip

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Qatayef

    stuffed pancakes

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Quinoa salad

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Queen Elizabeth cake

    made with sugar, flour, dates, eggs, butter, and coconut

R

  1. Up
    4
    Down
    ::

    Red velvet cake

  2. Up
    -2
    Down
    ::

    Roasted cashews

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Ribs

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Rice pudding

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Roasted vegetables

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Rum cake

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Raisin bread

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Rice salad

  9. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Refried beans

  10. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Rhubarb pie

  11. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Risotto

S

  1. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Scalloped potatoes

  2. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Snack mix

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Southwestern casserole

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Spinach and artichoke dip

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Shaved ice

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Sausage rolls

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Sundaes

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Stuffed mushrooms

  9. Up
    -2
    Down
    ::

    Scones

  10. Up
    -2
    Down
    ::

    Seven-layer bean dip

  11. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Shrimp cocktail

  12. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Stuffed peppers

  13. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Sandwiches

T

  1. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Taco salad

  2. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Thumbprint cookies

  3. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Toasted ravioli

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Tiramisu

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Tacos

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Tea sandwiches

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Tarts

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Tamales

  9. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Three bean salad

  10. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Tapenade

  11. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Turkey burgers

  12. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Tuna casserole

  13. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Tuscan sausage and bean dip

  14. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Tabbouleh

  15. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Turkey stuffing

  16. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Tortilla wraps

  17. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Tuna salad tea sandwiches

  18. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Tater tot casserole

U

  1. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Upside-down cake

  2. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Utah scones

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Uszka

    small Polish dumplings filled with mushrooms or meat

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Uthappam

    Indian flatbread topped with veggies and herbs

  5. Up
    -1
    Down
    ::

    Udon noodle cups

V

  1. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Veggie platter

  2. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Vol-au-Vent

    French stuffed pastries

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Vanilla bean cheesecake

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Veggie chips

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Volcano cake

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Vanilla souffle

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Victoria sponge cake

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Vanilla wafers

W

  1. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Walking tacos

    taco filling added to a bag of Fritos or Doritos

  2. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Watermelon ice pops

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Waffle cones

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Watermelon

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    White chocolate s'mores bars

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Waldorf salad

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Water chestnuts wrapped with bacon

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Waffle strips

  9. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Wontons

X

  1. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Xocolatl

    spicy hot cocoa drink

  2. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Xiaolongbao

    Chinese steamed buns

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Xi gua lo

    watermelon jelly

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Xingren donfu

    sweet Chinese dessert made with almond milk, sugar, agar-agar, and gelatin

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Xoi

    Vietnamese sticky rice

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Xnipec salsa

    salsa made with habanero peppers

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Xiaodianxin

    Chinese butter cookies; usually served during Chinese New Year

Y

  1. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Yakitori

    Japanese chicken skewers

  2. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Yuca fries

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Yorkshire teacakes

    similar to scones

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Yodel

    cream-filled chocolate cake rolls

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Yorkshire pudding

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Yakisoba cups

    single-serve Japanese noodles

Z

  1. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Zebra cakes

  2. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Zucchini boats

  3. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Zeppole

    Italian fried dough balls with chocolate or powdered sugar

  4. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Zuccotto

    chilled or semi-frozen, dome-shaped dessert

  5. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Zimtsterne

    German star-shaped cinnamon cookies

  6. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Ziti

  7. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Zuppa Toscana

    Tuscan soup with zucchini, kale, potatoes, and bacon

  8. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Zoodle cups

    zucchini noodles with sauce in a single-serve cup

  9. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Zucchini and cheese roulades

Choosing the Perfect Party Menu

With various options available for every letter of the alphabet, it can be challenging to plan a great party or potluck menu that will satisfy all of the guests without overwhelming them with options!

Consider the following tips to choose the perfect party menu:

  • Choose a theme. Whether or not your party has a theme, selecting a theme for the menu can make it easier to choose dishes that go well together. For example, you might decide to serve only Italian recipes, foods of a certain color, or dishes that highlight your favorite cheeses.
  • Decide whether you’d prefer variety or cohesiveness. It can be fun to have a table full of very different foods at a party, but you might also want to consider whether the flavors of each dish will work together. A varied menu can provide something that will please all of your guests, while a cohesive menu can provide a curated dining experience. If hosting a potluck, it’s okay to ask the guests to choose from a curated list of dishes or stick with a certain style of food.
  • Keep dietary restrictions and allergies in mind. No one wants their party ruined by an illness or allergic reaction! Be sure to gather information about your guests’ dietary needs before planning your menu. For example, if you have a guest who is lactose intolerant, you’ll want to plan a dairy-free menu or clearly note which dishes are dairy-free.

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