4 Reception Food Ideas You Can Serve Without Catering

Every couple wants to serve food options their wedding guests will enjoy and remember fondly. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t require a team of culinary experts to create a delightful dining experience.

With some planning and creativity, you, your partner and your families can curate memorable dishes without breaking the bank. Discover four easy and delicious recipes you can whip up in your kitchen.

 

1. Chocolate Heart Cookies

These yummy treats will surely appeal to all guests — kids and kids at heart. They have the right amount of sweetness that’s not too overpowering, making it ideal for adults who may not have much of a sweet tooth. This recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies, so double the recipe if you need more.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of softened butter
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup baking cocoa
• 2 tablespoons shortening, divided
• 1 cup vanilla or white chips
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Mix butter and sugar in a small bowl for about five to seven minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla.
• Combine cocoa and flour in a separate bowl, then gradually add to the creamed mixture.
• Roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, then place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
• Bake at 375 F for eight to 10 minutes or until firm.
• Remove from oven and let cool completely.
• In a microwave, melt 1 tablespoon shortening and vanilla chips at 70% power for a minute. Stir, then microwave for 10- to 20-second intervals until smooth.
• Dip both sides of the cookies into the chocolate mixture. Place them on wax paper and wait for the coating to set.
• Melt the remaining shortening and chocolate chips in the microwave. Stir until smooth.
• Drizzle over the cookies, then place on wire racks to cool completely.

2. Caprese Skewers

Impress your guests with a creative take on traditional Caprese salad. Instead of serving them on plates, place the ingredients on skewers so attendees can eat more conveniently. The best part about this recipe is that you can tweak it as you please — if you want it vegan-friendly, you can replace mozzarella with silken tofu. This recipe provides 10 servings and only takes 15 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 20 grape tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 10 ounces mozzarella cheese
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 20 toothpicks

Instructions:

• Toss tomatoes, olive oil, basil, mozzarella cheese, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix carefully until the oil, salt and pepper are fully incorporated.
• Stick one tomato and one piece of mozzarella cheese on each toothpick. You can also add a strip of fresh basil folded in half.

 

3. Chicken Fried Deer Steak With Gravy

This easy, tasty recipe proves that a budget-friendly menu doesn’t mean you have to skimp on food. It’s best if you’re hosting a more rustic celebration with family-style meals. It elevates the usual steak recipe using a few accessible ingredients for that homey vibe. This recipe is easily customizable according to your guest list.

Ingredients for steak recipe:

• Pounded, flattened deer steaks
• Seasoned flour mix
• Salted crackers, crushed
• Whole milk
• Oil
• Green onions, thinly sliced
• Lemon

Ingredients for gravy:

• ½ cup butter
• Whole milk
• Plain white flour
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

• Marinate pounded venison steaks in whole milk.
• Mix flour, crushed salted crackers, salt and pepper in a bowl or plate.
• Dip marinated steak into the dry mixture. Press to ensure the meat is covered thoroughly.
• In a hot pan over medium heat, pour oil and fry the venison steaks until golden brown.
• After frying, prepare gravy ingredients. Remove the oil from the pan, but leave the fried coating leftovers.
• Add ½ cup of butter to the pan, then let it melt. Sprinkle with flour and mix thoroughly.
• Slowly add milk to achieve the desired gravy consistency. Add a hint of salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with thinly sliced green onion. Add a slice of lemon to the plate.

 

4. Sriracha Lime Shrimp Tacos

Transform your reception into a taco party with this healthy recipe. It’s easy to make and is an ultimate crowd-pleaser. Instead of ground beef and unhealthy cooking oils, use shrimp and coconut oil to boost nutritional value. This recipe creates six tacos — adjust the ingredients according to your guest list.

Ingredients for tacos:

• 16 ounces medium cooked shrimp
• ½ tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• Salt and pepper
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 6 corn tortillas
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 1 lime
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro

Ingredients for sriracha sauce:

• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• ¼  cup plain Greek yogurt
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

• In a pan over medium heat, heat the coconut oil and shrimp.
• Add soy sauce, chili powder, red pepper, salt and pepper.
• Cook until the sauce reduces, then turn off the heat.
• In a bowl, mix yogurt and sriracha. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
• Present this appetizer at a taco bar, where guests can customize their tacos. Feel free to add other toppings to cater to guests with dietary restrictions.

 

How Much Food Should You Serve at Your Wedding?

The amount you serve depends on your final guest list. A menu usually includes two to three appetizers and a choice of two or three entrees, including a vegetarian option. Consider this 12-course progression to ensure your guests have a fulfilling dining experience.

• Hors-d’oeuvres
• Tiny appetizers
• Soup
• Appetizers
• Salad
• Fish
• Main course
• Palate cleanser
• Second main course
• Cheese course
• Cake
• Bite-sized desserts

 

Get Creative

Preparing your reception meals is one way to create a personalized and unforgettable experience for your guests. With careful planning, creativity and a focus on quality ingredients, you can provide delicious food everyone will love.

 

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

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