And you can serve cold soups on a hot day! Cold Fresh Pea Soup with mint, Gazpacho, and Chilled Cucumber Soup would be a nice combination. Chilled cooked seafood, more fresh herbs, sour cream, heavy cream whipped with salt, and grated cheese are all nice toppings.
Soups are a wonderful choice for a buffet, believe it or not. If you offer your guests large mugs, they can easily handle them sitting around your living room. The mug handles will keep hands cool, and some sturdy spoons make eating a breeze. Big napkins are a must. Think about putting out trays your guests can set on coffee tables and side tables. I would suggest using crockpots to keep these soups steaming hot. Just set the crockpots on low and stir from time to time.
Offer lots of crisp, crunchy, or savory toppings for these recipes too, like cheese popcorn, croutons, goldfish crackers, chopped fresh herbs, and grated cheese. Sour cream, pesto, and salsas are great toppings too. These all add to the fun, flavor, and texture of these great recipes. A fresh, crisp salad is a cooling complement. Lots of easy-to-eat cookies, a cool tartufo, and some tiny pecan tartlets would be wonderful dessert choices for this party. Mix and match the following recipes and you're well on your way to an easy soup buffet party!
Soup Buffet Menu
Soup Recipes
- Crockpot Chicken Barley Stew
I love the intense garlic flavor in this thick and flavorful stew. Top it with sour cream, more cheese, chopped chives, and dig in! - Beer Cheese Soup
This super rich and creamy soup is one of my favorites. I always serve it with white cheddar popcorn. - Chicken Santa Fe Soup
Meaty black beans and tender chicken combine with Tex Mex flavors in this quick and easy soup. Make it ahead of time, then chill or freeze it; reheat it just before serving. - Quick Ravioli Soup
Prepare all the ingredients for this soup ahead of time, then make it just before your guests arrive. The aroma will wow everybody! - Wild Rice Chowder
Lots of wild rice, ham, cream, and onions make this thick and savory chowder really delicious. - Meatball Corn Stew
Lots of vegetables add flavor and wonderful color to this easy stew recipe. Top it with sour cream and some grated Parmesan cheese. - More Soup and Stew Recipes
Bread Recipes
- Onion Scones
These tender and savory scones are wonderful. Make them ahead of time, then wrap them in foil and heat in a 350 degree F. oven for 15-20 minutes; then place on your buffet table. - Cotija Flatbread
Cotija cheese is a Mexican cheese similar to Parmesan, but I think it has more flavor. This simple recipe, using refrigerated breadstick dough, is fun to make and eat! - Toasted Garlic Bread
This crisp bread can be served at room temperature, so it's perfect for a buffet. Use as much or as little garlic as you like! - More Bread Recipes
Salad Recipes
- Nectarine Coleslaw
Combine fresh nectarines (or peaches) with deli coleslaw for a super quick and refreshing salad. - Marinated Vegetable Salad
Fresh and crisp vegetables are marinated in a simple herb vinaigrette in this easy make ahead recipe. - Stuffed Peaches
This unusual salad is really a great buffet choice. Be sure it doesn't stay out of refrigeration for more than two hours! - More Salad Recipes
Dessert Recipes
- Easy Tartufo
Serve a couple of these sweet Italian ice cream balls in a dessert dish, topped with some whipped cream and a sprinkling of cocoa. Yum! - Dobos Torte
Just three ingredients combine for a fabulous make ahead dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth! - Pecan Tartlets
These tiny little pecan pies are perfect for a buffet. Dig in! - Norwegian Oatmeal Cookies
A chewy nut topping is baked on top of classic oatmeal cookies in this fabulous recipe. - More Cookie Recipes
- More Dessert Recipes
