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

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

   8

   Down
   ::

   Alfredo lasagna cups

2. Up

   3

   Down
   ::

   Antipasto

   appetizer platter with olives, cheeses, and meats

3. Up

   2

   Down
   ::

   Apple turnovers

4. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Antipasto salad

5. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Apple crisp

6. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Angel food cake

7. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Au gratin potatoes

8. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Apple pie

9. Up

   -10

   Down
   ::

   Apple tart

10. Up

    -5

    Down
    ::

    Avocado toast

11. Up

    -5

    Down
    ::

    Alexander torte

    iced shortcake with raspberry jam

B

1. Up

   3

   Down
   ::

   Buffalo dip

2. Up

   3

   Down
   ::

   Burgers

3. Up

   2

   Down
   ::

   Buffalo wings

4. Up

   2

   Down
   ::

   Banana bread

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

   1

   Down
   ::

   Cake

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Cowboy caviar

3. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Cheese ball

4. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Cheesecake

5. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Coleslaw

6. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Chips and dip

7. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Cookies

8. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Cupcakes

9. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Chicken tenders

10. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Chicken wings

11. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Croquettes

12. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Charcuterie board

13. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Cheese dip

14. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Collard and artichoke dip

15. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Chicken dip

16. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Cheese pie

17. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Churros

18. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Crab cakes

19. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Cuban sliders

20. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Cheese and crackers

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
   ::

   Deviled eggs

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Dumplings

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

   1

   Down
   ::

   Elephant ears

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Egg rolls

3. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Egg salad tea sandwiches

4. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Enchiladas

5. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   English trifle

6. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Eclairs

7. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Eggplant rollatini

8. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Empanadas

9. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Eskimo pie

10. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Egg custard pie

11. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Earl grey cookies

12. Up

    -1

    Down
    ::

    English muffins

F

1. Up

   2

   Down
   ::

   Fudge

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Fruit salad

3. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Fruit and cheese board

4. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Fruit salsa

5. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   French fries

6. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Falafel

7. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Fried pickles

8. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Fritters

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
   ::

   Gingerbread cookies

3. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Green bean casserole

4. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Guacamole

5. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Gelato

6. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Griddle scones

7. Up

   -2

   Down
   ::

   Garlic bread

8. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Garlic parmesan crisps

   crispy baked parmesan cheese seasoned with garlic

9. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Gorditas

   masa dough filled with meat, cheese, and other fillings

10. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Grilled skewers

11. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Grilled cheese mini sandwiches

H

1. Up

   3

   Down
   ::

   Hamburger pie

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Hushpuppies

3. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Hummus and pita chips

4. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Honeydew melon and cantaloupe balls

5. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Hamburger casserole

6. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Hot dogs

7. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Hamburgers

8. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Hoagies

9. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Hasselback potatoes

10. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Ham and cheese tea sandwiches

11. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Hand pies

I

1. Up

   3

   Down
   ::

   Italian sausage bread

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Icebox cake

3. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Ice cream

4. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Ice pops

5. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Ice cream floats

6. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Italian ice

7. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Ice cream cake

J

1. Up

   6

   Down
   ::

   Junket pudding cups

2. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Jalapeno poppers

3. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Jackfruit sliders

4. Up

   -2

   Down
   ::

   Jelly roll

5. Up

   -2

   Down
   ::

   Jerk chicken

6. Up

   -2

   Down
   ::

   Jordan almonds

7. Up

   -2

   Down
   ::

   Jell-O cups

K

1. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Key lime pie

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Kimchi dumplings

3. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Kebabs

4. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Kale salad

5. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Kielbasa

6. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Kimchi quesadillas

7. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Kiwi sorbet

8. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Kettle corn

L

1. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Lemon pound cake

2. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Lettuce wraps

3. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Latkes

   potato pancakes

4. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Lemon dessert squares

5. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Loaded steak fries

   thick-cut fries with melted cheese and bacon

6. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Lollipops

7. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Lavash

   Armenian flatbread

M

1. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Meatballs

2. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Mozzarella sticks

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
   ::

   Nutella-stuffed strawberries

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Nutella bars

3. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Nectarine cobbler

4. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Nachos

5. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Naan

6. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Nuggets

7. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Nectarine crisp

8. Up

   -1

   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

   1

   Down
   ::

   Orzo salad

2. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Oreo mud pie

3. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Onion rings

4. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Opera cake

   coffee-flavored almond sponge cake with ganache

5. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Oysters

6. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Fried okra

P

1. Up

   2

   Down
   ::

   Pinwheels

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Potato salad

3. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Potato chips

4. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Pie

5. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Pasta salad

6. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Parfaits

7. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Panna cotta

8. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Potato skins

9. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Pizza

10. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Popcorn

11. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Peach cobbler

12. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Pepperoni rolls

13. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Pigs in a blanket

14. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Pretzel bites

15. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Pizza rolls

16. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Popcorn shrimp

Q

1. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Queso dip

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Quinoa salad

3. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Quesadillas

4. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Quiche

5. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Qatayef

   stuffed pancakes

6. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Queen Elizabeth cake

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

R

1. Up

   6

   Down
   ::

   Red velvet cake

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Rum cake

3. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Rice salad

4. Up

   -2

   Down
   ::

   Roasted cashews

5. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Ribs

6. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Rice pudding

7. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Roasted vegetables

8. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Raisin bread

9. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Refried beans

10. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Rhubarb pie

11. Up

    -2

    Down
    ::

    Risotto

S

1. Up

   2

   Down
   ::

   Scalloped potatoes

2. Up

   2

   Down
   ::

   Spinach and artichoke dip

3. Up

   2

   Down
   ::

   Southwestern casserole

4. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Snack mix

5. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Shaved ice

6. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Seven-layer bean dip

7. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Sausage rolls

8. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Sundaes

9. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Stuffed mushrooms

10. Up

    -2

    Down
    ::

    Scones

11. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Shrimp cocktail

12. Up

    -1

    Down
    ::

    Stuffed peppers

13. Up

    -1

    Down
    ::

    Sandwiches

T

1. Up

   2

   Down
   ::

   Thumbprint cookies

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Tamales

3. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Tabbouleh

4. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Tater tot casserole

5. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Toasted ravioli

6. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Tiramisu

7. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Three bean salad

8. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Taco salad

9. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Tacos

10. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Tea sandwiches

11. Up

    -1

    Down
    ::

    Tarts

12. Up

    -1

    Down
    ::

    Tapenade

13. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Turkey burgers

14. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Tuna casserole

15. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Tuscan sausage and bean dip

16. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Turkey stuffing

17. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Tortilla wraps

18. Up

    0

    Down
    ::

    Tuna salad tea sandwiches

U

1. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Upside-down cake

2. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Utah scones

3. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Uszka

   small Polish dumplings filled with mushrooms or meat

4. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Uthappam

   Indian flatbread topped with veggies and herbs

5. Up

   -2

   Down
   ::

   Udon noodle cups

V

1. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Veggie platter

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Vanilla bean cheesecake

3. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Veggie chips

4. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Vol-au-Vent

   French stuffed pastries

5. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Volcano cake

6. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Vanilla souffle

7. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Victoria sponge cake

8. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Vanilla wafers

W

1. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Watermelon

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   White chocolate s'mores bars

3. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Walking tacos

   taco filling added to a bag of Fritos or Doritos

4. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Watermelon ice pops

5. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Waffle cones

6. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Waldorf salad

7. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Water chestnuts wrapped with bacon

8. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Waffle strips

9. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Wontons

X

1. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Xiaodianxin

   Chinese butter cookies; usually served during Chinese New Year

2. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Xocolatl

   spicy hot cocoa drink

3. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Xiaolongbao

   Chinese steamed buns

4. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Xi gua lo

   watermelon jelly

5. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Xingren donfu

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

6. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Xoi

   Vietnamese sticky rice

7. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Xnipec salsa

   salsa made with habanero peppers

Y

1. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Yodel

   cream-filled chocolate cake rolls

2. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Yakitori

   Japanese chicken skewers

3. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Yuca fries

4. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Yorkshire teacakes

   similar to scones

5. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Yorkshire pudding

6. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Yakisoba cups

   single-serve Japanese noodles

Z

1. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Ziti

2. Up

   1

   Down
   ::

   Zebra cakes

3. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Zucchini boats

4. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Zeppole

   Italian fried dough balls with chocolate or powdered sugar

5. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Zuccotto

   chilled or semi-frozen, dome-shaped dessert

6. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Zimtsterne

   German star-shaped cinnamon cookies

7. Up

   0

   Down
   ::

   Zuppa Toscana

   Tuscan soup with zucchini, kale, potatoes, and bacon

8. Up

   -1

   Down
   ::

   Zoodle cups

   zucchini noodles with sauce in a single-serve cup

9. Up

   -1

   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.