Corporate holiday parties, quarterly meetings, small office gatherings: these events share one thing in common. Guests need food they can eat while standing, talking, and moving through a room. Small bites solve that better than a plated dinner or a heavy buffet line does. You’ll also want to please a wide range of palates and diet restrictions: older guests may prefer less spice and sodium, and a gluten-free or pork-free option covers most dietary needs and religious preferences. Below are ten small bites catering ideas we’ve served at corporate events across San Diego, plus a few options built for morning meetings.
1. Butternut Squash Chimichanga
Sweet and savory blend well together for satisfying, flavorful bites. A vegetarian spin on the classic chimichanga, this dish puts butternut squash, roasted corn, sugar carrots, and black beans center stage. Ranchero sauce and cheese top off each bite with just the right amount of creaminess.
2. Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese
You can’t go wrong with classic grilled cheese and tomato soup. Spinach and artichokes add an adult spin to this comforting dish, served alongside tomato bisque shooters for dipping.
3. Buttery Garlic Shrimp
Creamy, cheesy grits serve as a base for each buttery garlic jumbo shrimp. Every shrimp and perfectly portioned dollop of grits comes served on an individual spoon, easy to enjoy as guests mingle through the crowd.
4. Chili Relleno
Chili relleno is a wholesome, flavorful option that guests may not even realize is meatless. Each serving includes a blend of fontina cheese, ranchero sauce, ranchero sour cream, and avocado cream. Fresh cilantro adds an extra layer of flavor, and refried black beans round out the dish.
5. Kalua Pulled Pork Sliders
Kick traditional pulled pork sliders up a notch with smoky, sweet Hawaiian kalua flavor. Rainbow slaw brings a much-needed crunch to each bite while sweet Polynesian sauce brings all the flavors together. Don’t forget the crispy waffle fries.
6. Ham and Swiss Sliders
Ham and Swiss sliders are the perfect choice for fall and winter corporate events, served with a spiced pumpkin sauce for dipping. A side of perfectly battered sweet potato fries complements the pumpkin flavors.
7. Argentinian Grilled Flat Iron Steak
A flavorful gluten-free choice, Argentinian grilled flat iron steak includes classic chimichurri for acidity and authentic flavor. Whipped purple potatoes and delicate broccolini make this a small yet satisfying dish for any business luncheon or dinnertime corporate event.
8. Braised Beef Short Ribs
You can’t go wrong with classic braised beef at a winter event. Each plate includes a savory demi-glace and goat cheese whipped potatoes that are sure to please.
9. Mini Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Mini chicken tinga tostadas offer another hearty gluten-free choice. Each tostada includes rich crema, tangy cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Mini tostadas make an excellent option for action-packed events because they come in individual portions served on a platter.
10. Chicken Salad Bites
Instead of sliced bread, these chicken salad bites come served in convenient, buttery, crispy phyllo cups. Cranberries add tangy sweetness while apples and walnuts break up the creamy salad with some crunch.
A Few Small Bites Ideas for Morning Corporate Events
What about morning events? Bagels, donuts, and scrambled eggs are always a fallback, but a few small swaps go a long way for a group that’s used to the same breakfast spread.
- Chicken and Waffles: A crowd-pleaser because it combines savory and sweet with crispy and smooth textures. Each serving comes with maple syrup and a little crispy bacon.
- Smoked Salmon Macaroons: Swap out the lox bagels for smoked salmon macaroons. Flavored with “everything” seasoning, each bite includes lemon dill mascarpone for acidity and port wine shallots for depth and sweetness.
- Watermelon Skewers: Another sweet-and-savory combination, these include honey goat cheese for creaminess, a blueberry balsamic reduction, and pistachio dust for color contrast.
- Honey Ricotta Crostini: Switch your traditional toast and jam for honey ricotta crostini topped with fig jam and poached pear. Each crostini holds the ideal blend of creamy and crunchy to satisfy everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Bites Catering
What counts as small bites catering?
Small bites catering means food built to be eaten standing, in one or two hands, without a fork and knife. Sliders, tostadas, skewers, and individually portioned spoons or cups all fall into this category. It works especially well at events where guests are mingling rather than seated for a full meal.
How much food do I need for a small group?
Plan for 6 to 8 small bites per guest for a two-hour reception without a full meal, or 4 to 5 pieces per guest if small bites are supplementing a fuller spread. Guest count, event length, and whether alcohol is served all shift that number, so share your date, headcount, and event style with us, and we’ll build a custom quote.
Is small bites catering a good fit for a small office party or team lunch?
Yes. Small bites work well for offices and small teams because they don’t require seating for everyone at once, and guests can keep working the room while they eat. See our corporate catering menus for full small bites and plated options built around office and team events.
Can small bites catering work for a private or at-home gathering?
Small bites translate well outside the office too. For a small dinner party or at-home gathering, we build the same station and tray logic around your kitchen or living space; see our private and at-home catering to learn how that works.
Start Planning Your Small Bites Catering for Your Next Corporate Event
As with all events, start planning early to make sure everything runs on schedule the day of. No one likes last-minute surprises and changes.
Personal Touch Dining is one of San Diego’s most trusted catering and event companies. Our menu includes selections from a wide range of cuisines, built to please every palate in the room.
Send us your date, headcount, venue, and menu direction, and we’ll build a custom quote for your event.
Start planning your corporate holiday event with Personal Touch Dining today!