13 Unique and Delicious Ideas for Open House Food
As realtors, we know that first impressions are everything. When a potential client comes to an open house, you want to make sure they feel welcomed and comfortable. One way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere is through food.
Not only does it provide a delicious treat for your guests, but it also shows that you’ve put thought and effort into the event.
Let’s explore 13 unique and delicious ideas that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
From classic cookies to trendy charcuterie, we’ve got you covered. But before we dive into the food ideas, let’s take a look at some changing trends in open house food.
Changing Trends in Food
In light of the recent global pandemic, there has been a shift towards individual servings and safety measures on food in general. Individual servings help to reduce the risk of spreading germs and also make it easier for guests to grab a quick bite without having to touch shared serving utensils.
Additionally, there has been a move towards healthier options such as fresh fruits and vegetables. While cookies and other sweets are still popular, it’s important to offer a variety of options to cater to different dietary needs and preferences.
…Ok, here is the list!
13 Of The Best Open House Food Ideas
1. Estate-worthy Elegance: Artisan Charcuterie
Charcuterie boards have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They are not only visually appealing but also offer a wide range of flavors and textures. Create a beautiful spread of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruits for your guests to enjoy.
2. Compact Cuisine: Dainty Finger Sandwiches
Finger sandwiches are a great option as they are easy to eat and offer a variety of flavors. Create an assortment of sandwiches with different fillings such as cucumber and cream cheese, turkey and cranberry, or ham and Swiss cheese.
3. Homestyle Comfort: Reinvented Cookies
You can never go wrong with a classic batch of freshly baked cookies. Consider offering a variety of flavors to cater to different tastes, or play it safe with chocolate chip. Who doesn’t like chocolate chip cookies?
4. Property Prospect Brownie Bites (Personal Favorite)
Indulge your guests’ sweet tooth with a tray of rich and fudgy brownies. You can go for the classic chocolate brownies or get creative with flavors like salted caramel or peanut butter swirl.
Serve them with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special touch!
5. Sophisticated Savories: Flaky Puff Pastries
Puff pastries are a delightful and elegant option for open house food. Whether you fill them with savory ingredients like cheese and spinach or sweet fillings like Nutella and strawberries, puff pastries are sure to impress your guests.
6. Twisted Traditions: Artisanal Pretzels
Soft pretzels are a comforting and delicious option that will make your guests feel right at home. Serve them with a side of mustard or cheese dip for dipping. You can also offer different flavors like cinnamon sugar or garlic Parmesan.
7. Hearthside Delights: Hand-Roasted Nuts
Offer your guests a savory and crunchy snack with a bowl of roasted nuts. You can mix different types of nuts like almonds, cashews, and pecans and season them with spices like cinnamon, paprika, or rosemary for added flavor.
*Be sure to have a warning for any potential nut allergies!
8. Celebration in a Kernel: Festive Popcorn Mix
Popcorn is a versatile snack that can be easily customized to match the theme of your showing. Create a popcorn bar with different toppings such as caramel, cheese, or chocolate drizzle. Your guests can mix and match their favorite flavors.
9. Whirls of Wonder: Gourmet Pinwheels
Pinwheels are a fun and bite-sized option that your guests will love. Roll up tortillas with a variety of fillings such as ham and cheese, turkey and avocado, or spinach and feta. Slice them into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.
10. Hearth-Baked Crisp Chips
For a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips, consider serving baked chips. They are lower in fat and calories but still offer a satisfying crunch. Choose a variety of flavors like sea salt, barbecue, or sour cream and onion.
11. Petite Fiesta: Mini Nacho Platters
Create a mini nacho bar with individual servings of tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Your guests can customize their nachos to their liking and enjoy a tasty and satisfying snack.
12. Property Picker’s Skewers
Skewers are a great option because they are easy to eat and can be customized with a variety of ingredients. Create skewers with a combination of meats, vegetables, and cheeses. You can even offer vegetarian options like caprese skewers with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil.
13. Curb Appeal Crostini’s: Toasted Bread Rounds with Assorted Toppings
These could include a variety of spreads, cheeses, and toppings to cater to different tastes, making them a flexible and crowd-pleasing addition to your next open house. This flexibility also allows you to cater to dietary restrictions by offering a mix of meat-based, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Key Considerations
Incorporating Variety: It’s important to offer a diverse range of food options to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. Consider including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to ensure that all of your guests can find something they can enjoy.
Ensure Shelf Stability: Since open houses can last for several hours, it’s crucial to choose food options that can withstand being out at room temperature without spoiling.
Choosing Finger Foods: This allows your guests to mingle and explore the property without the need for a formal dining setup.
Avoiding Messy Options: While delicious, buffalo wings might not be the best option for finger-food. Keep everything clean and ensure that your guests can enjoy their food without worrying about making a mess.
Adding Drinks to the Mix: it’s important to offer a selection of beverages to complement the culinary spread. Provide a variety of options such as water, soda, iced tea, and lemonade. You can also consider offering a signature drink or a refreshing mocktail to add a special touch to the event.
Don’t forget to provide appropriate servingware, such as cups, napkins, and straws, for your guests to enjoy their beverages comfortably.
Any tips for baking cookies for an open house?
Our advice is to bake several batches and consider offering a couple different options. As long as you don’t make oatmeal raisin cookies and pass them off as chocolate chip, you should be in the clear.
Are you hosting an open house soon? Check out some of our other related articles:
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