8 Party Food Ideas That Don’t Spoil Easily

How do you decide on your Christmas party menu? Figuring out what to make or bring to events can get stressful! Do you base it on everyone’s all-time favorites or come up with a new lineup based on trending recipes? Or, just like any seasoned host, do you also consider the time, venue, and theme? If so, you’re likely on the lookout for versatile party food ideas that can go from day to night with minimal supervision. 

You might have to skip the baked macaroni, creamy fish, or mashed potatoes if you want a fuss-free feast. But don’t worry, there are more options beyond the usual adobo! Take your pick from these eight party recipes that don't spoil easily.

1. Lumpia

Lumpia is a party staple for good reason. It can pass as finger food, it pairs well with many other dishes, and it’s easy to prep in advance. The major plus? Most lumpiang shanghai recipes won’t go bad quickly. A good tip is to pre-cook your filling before wrapping. Make sure it’s as dry as possible – drain the oil and let it cool completely. When frying your rolls, cook them all the way through. If you want to surprise your guests, try making a vegetarian option with togue, carrots, singkamas, and some mushrooms.

2. Embutido

Embutido is another easy party food you can always rely on. Whether you serve it cold, warm, or at room temperature, it’ll survive the entirety of your event. Perhaps that is why embutido is a mainstay at Christmas parties!

You can also do this recipe ahead of the holidays. Have a few rolls on standby – they can be lifesavers whenever a big group visits. Here's a tip: add Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise to the blend to keep your embutido moist. It’ll always come out tender even after months in the freezer.

3. Grilled Corn

Grilled corn is always a fuss-free choice. Slice corncobs into two-inch pieces and serve them hot or cold with a pat of butter. That’ll make for a hearty meal starter or a dependable side for roasts. But as the party progresses, you can consider giving them a makeover and preparing them for a second appearance. Shave off the kernels and make a delicious dip to pair with chips. Simply mix in mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, chili powder, and chopped parsley and you’re good to go.

4. Tuna Melt Pie

Have you ever considered serving crispy tuna melt pies at a party? They will be a sure hit! The best part? You can prepare them in advance and freeze them until needed. A few hours before your event, bake them until warm and golden. From then on, they won’t require much attention, so you can just leave them on the table and enjoy the party. Try making a version filled with cheese and serving them with a selection of delicious dips. But skip anything with tomatoes because those spoil quickly.

5. Potato Balls

Unfortunately, mashed potatoes also spoil quickly. The solution? Turn them into crispy fried balls filled with cheese! These party treats can last the night – unless your guests finish them in the first hour. Try combining regular potatoes with kamote for a sweetish take. You can keep them plain and vegetarian or fill them with Christmas ham or leftover canned tuna. Or, prepare a platter of different kinds to cater to all diets.

6. Brownies

Brownies would be a terrific dessert addition to your Christmas party menu. They are simple enough to whip up a fresh batch on the day, but you can also freeze them up to a month in advance. Simply follow your favorite brownie recipe, cool, cut, and store. Take them out of the freezer in the morning, and they will be perfectly chewy by party time. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container – they’ll last up to four days at room temperature.

7. Turon

Most classic Filipino desserts, like fruit salad, buko pandan, and ube halaya, are temperature sensitive. They go bad if you keep them out for too long. A reliable alternative is turon! These rolls can stay crunchy at room temp for hours. Don't cover them to keep them as crispy as possible. And don’t even think about putting your turon in the fridge. Additional moisture will make them soggy.

8. Cookies

Impress everyone at the party with homemade cookies. The holidays are your excuse to indulge in fancier chocolates for choco chip nibblers. Or, you can intensify the Christmas feels with a version loaded with chopped candy canes. Remember that cookies can last at room temperature for three days. That means you can already bake batches nights before Santa comes to visit.

Avoid the nightmare of serving spoiled food this holiday season. Take your pick from these party food ideas for a worry-free celebration!