21 Perfect Baby Shower Food Ideas on a Budget
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Baby Shower Food Ideas We Love The Most

Are you hosting a baby shower and need baby shower food ideas? We know how stressful it can be to plan a shower, and the food is always a big concern – especially if you’re on a budget. We’ve gathered 21 food ideas that will leave everyone feeling full and satisfied.

21 Perfect Baby Shower Food Ideas on a Budget

1. Sandwich Bar

Self-serve bars are always a hit at parties, especially baby showers. And sandwiches are something everyone enjoys. Give lots of options, and spring for good quality bread if your budget allows.

Make sure your sandwich bar includes:

  • A variety of meat and veggie options
  • Toppings or spreads (mayo, mustard, ketchup, etc.)
  • Cheese
  • Pickles, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and other chopped veggies (like peppers or cucumbers)

You can even include a side, like a pasta salad, traditional salad or something similar.

Even if you’re on a tight budget, a sandwich bar is an affordable option that won’t leave your guests feeling hungry.

Take a look at this adorable baby table decor we just can’t resist! 

2. Bagel Bar

If the shower is in the early afternoon, put together a bagel bar. Offer a variety of bagels, spreads and toppings. Guests can make their bagels savory or keep it simple.

Topping ideas include:

  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Onion
  • Cucumber
  • Olives

You can add lunch meats, too, so guests can choose to make bagel sandwiches or eat a simple bagel with cream cheese.

Either way, you can’t go wrong, and your wallet will thank you.

Check out this insanely creative and fun idea to serve the bagels:

And these hilarious donut pacifiers!

3. Antipasto Skewers

If you’re serving a variety of finger foods at the baby shower, be sure to include these budget-friendly antipasto skewers.

These mini skewers are loaded with:

  • Marinated mozzarella pearls
  • Sliced peppers
  • Tortellini
  • Artichoke
  • Basil
  • Salami
  • Marinated olive

These ingredients are inexpensive when you buy them in bulk, and they make for a tasty appetizer that your guests will love.

4. Enchilada Cups

If you’re looking for savory or filling baby shower food ideas, try these enchilada cups. They’re easy to make, the ingredients are inexpensive, and they are so delicious.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Flour tortillas
  • Red enchilada sauce
  • Green chilies
  • Black beans
  • Cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • Taco seasoning
  • Corn
  • Cheese
  • Green onions
  • Diced tomatoes

You can easily bake big batches of these at home in muffin pans. If you want to save even more on ingredients, omit the chicken. The seasoning, sauce and toppings are so flavorful, no one will miss the chicken.

Place little baby elements or signs to make the perfect table decoration. Here is a great example:

 “Ohh Baby” toppers for the food:

5. Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

Here’s another recipe that you can cook in bulk and is perfect for anyone who is hosting a baby shower on a budget. These BBQ meatballs are bursting with flavor and are so easy to make. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • BBQ sauce
  • Honey
  • Grape jelly
  • Meatballs parsley

Let everything cook in a slower cooker for 1-2 hours and serve at the party with other finger foods.

6. Taco Bar

A taco bar is a great, inexpensive way to feed your baby shower guests. Who doesn’t like tacos? Even if you have some guests who aren’t fans of tacos, they can make their own salads using taco toppings or just eat the filling.

It’s a versatile buffet option that will leave your guests full and happy.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Fillings: Beef, chicken, beans or some other vegetarian option
  • Toppings: Lettuce, cheese, guac (optional), tomatoes, salsa, sour cream
  • Shell: Soft tortilla and/or corn shells

If you use slow cookers to cook the filling options, you’ll save time and stress.

Related: 15 Easy No Bake Desserts for Your Next Party

7. Greek Appetizer Platter

This Greek appetizer platter is loaded with tasty ingredients, and it’s a great way to feed your guests without having to splurge on expensive catering.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Deli meat (salami, pepperoni, etc.)
  • Bell peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Carrots
  • Artichoke dip
  • Olives
  • Hummus
  • Pistachios (or some other nut variety)
  • Feta
  • Pitas
  • Tzatziki sauce

Arrange all of your ingredients on a pretty wooden board, and you have a wonderful grazing tray for everyone to snack on throughout the party. 

Here is an insanely cute baby grazing board we really like!

8. Pasta Bar

Pasta is another food that’s always a crowd-pleaser, easy to cook in bulk and relatively inexpensive. A pasta bar is a fun way to give your guests more options and leave the party feeling full and satisfied.

Your pasta bar can include:

  • Pasta: Offer a few options – spaghetti, tortellini, rigatoni, etc.
  • Sauce: Marinara, vodka, alfredo, pesto, etc.
  • Toppings: Parmesan cheese, olives, fresh basil, sundried tomatoes or fresh tomatoes, vegetables, meatballs, sausage, etc.
  • Sides: Salad, garlic knots, etc.

The great news is that pasta is a filling food, and offering a variety of options will ensure that you cater to everyone’s tastes.

9. Afternoon Tea

Rather than serving a formal meal or buffet, why not serve afternoon tea? Afternoon tea is naturally a lighter meal, and it’s a budget-friendly option that looks luxe.

Along with hot tea, you can serve:

  • Scones
  • Tea sandwiches
  • Cookies
  • Teacakes
  • Shortbread
  • Cream puffs
  • Mini eclairs

Offer your guests a variety of teas, including black, green and herbal. You can often find beautiful teacups and pots at thrift stores.

Sweet little gifts that can fit perfectly are these cuties here:

10. Ham and Cheese Spinach Puffs

We love baby shower food ideas that are easy to pull off and don’t cost a fortune. These ham and cheese spinach puffs fit the bill.

All you need are a few simple ingredients, like ham, cheese and butter, to make these. Use pre-made pastry puffs to save time.

You can serve these with other finger foods that will leave your guests full and satisfied.

11. Quiche Bites

These quiche bites are the perfect appetizer for a baby shower, even if you’re not having brunch. They’re easy to make, and you can bake big batches to save time.

Each batch will make 24 mini quiches, so you can easily feed a crowd on a small budget.

Related: 25 Cutest Baby Shower Invitations We Love the Most

12. Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels

Pinwheels are a classic party food, and these ones are loaded with flavor. They’re easy to make, and they’ll feed a crowd with just a few ingredients:

  • Shredded chicken breast
  • Cream cheese
  • Blue cheese
  • Hot wing sauce
  • Shredded cheddar
  • Tortillas

Each batch will make about 30 pinwheels – more than enough for a crowd.

Here is a stunning table decor that can work perfectly here:

13. Deviled Egg Babies

These deviled egg babies are perfect for a baby shower, and they’re a budget-friendly appetizer if you can get eggs in bulk.

For this appetizer, you’ll need:

  • Hardboiled eggs
  • Vienna sausage

Each egg is assembled to look like a baby in a stroller – how adorable!

14. Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

Need baby shower food ideas for desserts? These mini cherry cheesecakes are perfect. The ingredients are simple and inexpensive, and they taste delicious.

It’s the perfect little treat to serve to your guests, and you can buy most of these ingredients in bulk to save money.

15. Waffle Bar

A waffle bar is a fun way to feed your guests on a budget without compromising on taste. Offer a few waffle options, some toppings and syrups, and you have a tasty little snack or meal that will make everyone happy.

Offer sweet (fruit, chocolate, etc.) and savory (fried chicken, bacon, eggs, etc.) topping options to cater to everyone’s tastes. Serve with some coffee and juice.

Don’t forget to add baby signs or baby decorations. Here is another cute table decor idea we love:

16. Brunch Bar

Brunch bars are so fun to put together, and you can offer a variety of finger foods that are both inexpensive and delicious, like:

  • Mini pancakes
  • Breakfast sandwiches
  • Waffles
  • Croissants
  • Donuts
  • Bread
  • Breakfast burritos

Serve with coffee and juice to complete your delicious brunch bar.

Adding baby shower cookies like these is always a good idea!

17. Fruit Cups

Are you looking for simple baby shower food ideas? Here’s a great dessert option for your guests: fruit cups.

Buy some mixed fresh fruit, and tuck them into a waffle cone. You can add a topping if you like, but the fruit will be sweet and flavorful on its own.

Be sure to get a good mix of seasonal fruit, and choose the freshest mix you can find.

And here is a stunning table decor idea with fruits:

18. Croissant Sandwiches

Croissants are such a great option for sandwich bread because they’re filling and delicious. You can offer a few sandwich options (turkey, salami, vegetarian, etc.), and top with lettuce, tomato, pickles, etc.

You can buy croissants in bulk at clubs or big-box stores, which will make it easier and more cost-effective. Offer a variety of spreads and a few sides or fresh fruit to complete your sandwich lunch.

Related: 15 Fun Baby Shower Games You’ll Actually Want to Play

19. Lunch Packs

Baby shower food doesn’t have to be extravagant. These little snack packs are perfect for guests, and they offer a variety of different foods, including:

  • Crackers
  • Cheese
  • Cucumbers
  • Grapes
  • Deli meat
  • Fruit
  • Cheese

They’re basically adult lunchables that everyone will love.

20. Charcuterie Cups

These charcuterie cups are so perfect for a baby shower. They’re easy to put together, and they look more expensive than they are.

To make these, you’ll need:

  • Paper cups (like those used for French fries)
  • Antipasto skewers (deli meat, olive, pickles, cheese, etc.)
  • Brie on a stick
  • Chocolate covered pretzels
  • Crackers
  • Wafers

You can add whatever you want to your charcuterie cups. Then, guests can grab a cup, and chow down throughout the party.

21. Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

Looking for a simple, budget-friendly dessert idea? Try these strawberry shortcake kabobs. Alternate slices of fresh strawberries and shortcakes on a skewer. Drizzle with yogurt and white chocolate sauce, and you have a gorgeous dessert that’s easy to pick up and enjoy on the go.

Final Thoughts

These 21 baby shower food ideas are perfect for hosts who are on a budget. Consider asking guests to bring a dish to share for a potluck-style party that everyone will enjoy.

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