Delicious Birthday Party Food Ideas for Teens!

December 21, 2024

Food is one of the most important elements of planning the perfect birthday party for teens. Birthday party foods should be fun, delicious, and easy to eat. You should avoid foods that have potential to be super messy, or foods that are an acquired taste. It is important to also take dietary restrictions into account when it comes to choosing birthday party food for teens to make sure everyone can participate!

Ready to create a party spread that’s a total hit? Here are some awesome party food ideas for teens to get you started!

Party Food Ideas For Teens

Pizza

Pizza is probably the most classic birthday party food! The slices make it easy to grab and it doesn’t require silverware. You can make your own at home or order from a local pizza shop!

Sliders

Make mini burgers with a variety of toppings (cheese, tomato, lettuce, condiments, etc). The small sliders are great because they’re easier to eat than a full-sized burger. You can also get some veggie parties in case anyone at the party is vegetarian.

Taco Bar

Most teens love tacos. You can set up a taco bar by including tortillas, taco shells, seasoned meat, beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Chicken Wings or Nuggets

Chicken wings and chicken nuggets are great finger foods for birthday parties. You can offer a variety of sauces, like BBQ, buffalo, and honey mustard.

Mac and Cheese Cups

Serve individual portions in cupcake liners or small bowls. You can also offer toppings in case the teens at the birthday party want to customize their mac and cheese!

Hot Dogs

This classic grilled food is great for parties! Include a topping station with chili, cheese, onions, and mustard.

Sandwich Platters

You can make large amounts of sandwiches, or get them catered from a sandwich shop. Include a mix of deli meats, cheeses, and bread for easy-to-grab options.

Birthday Dessert Ideas for Teens

Desserts are the highlight of any teen birthday party, and there are so many fun, creative options to choose from! It doesn’t have to be extravagant, you can keep it simple with cookies, brownies, or a classic birthday cake—whatever makes your teen’s big day extra special!

Birthday Party Cupcakes

Cupcakes are great because they’re just like cake, except handheld and pre-portioned. Decorate with a theme or let the teens decorate their own.

Doughnuts

Get a couple dozen doughnuts from a local doughnut shop for a cheap and easy birthday party dessert!

Cookies

Offer a mix of classic chocolate chip, sugar cookies, and fun shapes. You can decorate the cookies to match the theme of the party!

Churros

Pair with chocolate or caramel dipping sauces. You don’t have to make the churros yourself, you could just get them at Costco or any other store and just warm them up before the birthday party.

Fruit Kabobs

If you’re looking for a healthier dessert, consider making fruit kabobs! To make fruit kabobs, skewer a mix of colorful fruits for a healthier sweet option.

Party Drinks for Teens

Drinks at a teen birthday party should be fun, refreshing, and easy to serve. Consider a colorful punch or a mocktail station where teens can mix their own flavors. Make it extra fun with garnishes like fruit slices or cool straws!

Mocktail Station

Teens should not be drinking alcohol at birthday parties, but you can still offer mocktails so they can get the fancy feel! Include juices, sparkling water, and garnishes like fruit slices and mint. Come up with the mocktail recipes in advance, or let the teens come up with their own!

Party Punch Bowl

Punch is a classic party beverage. You just need a large bowl of juice, cups, and a ladle. Make a fruity or fizzy punch, depending on what ingredients you use.

Soda

This might be the easiest party drink for teens. Simply get a couple of 2 liter bottles of your teen’s favorite sodas and let everyone choose their drink. Make sure to include caffeine-free options if the birthday party takes place in the evening, especially if it is a sleepover party.

Water

Make sure to offer some good old water at the party too! Some teens want to avoid sugary drinks and just want to stay hydrated. Especially if the birthday party includes physical activities.

Party Snack Ideas for Teens

Snacks like popcorn, chips with dips, and pretzel bites are always crowd-pleasers. You can also include a veggie platter or a cheese and cracker spread for variety, giving everyone something to munch on while they hang out and have fun!

Popcorn Bar

Popcorn is a great birthday party snack, especially if you’re watching a movie or playing games. You can make microwave popcorn or get use a popcorn maker for larger quantities. Offer a variety of seasonings like cheese, caramel, and butter.

Chips and Dips

You can get tortilla chips to dip into guacamole, salsa, or queso. If you want to skip the dips, you can get flavored chips like Doritos, Ruffles, or Takis.

Veggie Platter

Birthday party snacks don’t have to be unhealthy. Consider offering a veggie platter including carrots, celery, and peppers paired with ranch or hummus for dipping.

Cheese and Crackers

Make your own charcuterie board for the birthday party! Arrange a mix of cheeses, crackers, and fruit. You can also include meats like salamis or prosciutto.

Cheap Food for Teen Birthday Parties

Birthday party food ideas for teens don’t have to be expensive, and there are plenty of affordable options that teens will love! Generally speaking, preparing food at home will be more affordable than having a party food catered. However, there are still many affordable options that don’t require cooking. One of the most classic examples of this is pizza. You can feed a group of teens at a birthday party with a couple of pizzas that cost you $10-$15 each. For sweet treats, bake a batch of cupcakes or cookies instead of buying a pricey cake. Even drinks can be fun and affordable—serve flavored water or a homemade punch to keep everyone refreshed. With a little creativity, you can serve up a delicious party food without spending a fortune!