7 Easy and Yummy Last-Minute Catering Ideas

Did your boss just tell you about an impromptu meeting, and now you are responsible for serving the most mouth-watering food to everyone? Finding good catering food that is not only delicious but can also be delivered within a few hours can be challenging and overwhelming.

When ordering last-minute catering for your coworkers and clients, it is crucial to include every catering diet restriction from gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free to food allergies such as nut allergy and seafood allergy.  

Here, we have listed some safe and yummy last-minute catering orders that are available in most catering service providers or you can gather them by yourself easily. So, let's jump right into the article and look at these ideas.

Finding the right meals can take a lot of time but now no need to worry because this article got you covered. Below are 7 best options that you can choose from for the last-minute catering ideas. So let’s have a look at them. 

Sandwiches

One of the best food you can order for last-minute catering is sandwiches. Because of its simplicity, these can be served as a starter and kept as a meal. The best thing about sandwiches is that they can be pretty filling, and you can find a lot of variety here.

 A grilled chicken or beef sandwich can be a fantastic option for people who like to keep their food simple. Ham and cheese, the classic combination, is one of the most requested sandwiches that can be kept on the platter. The ultimate avocado sandwich is a perfect option for your vegan clients. When it comes to these sandwiches, the possibilities are limitless.

Also, you can be creative with different sauces, bread types and fillings to customize the sandwiches to your taste. Because of the versatility, you can ensure that everyone will find a sandwich that they like, even if they have dietary restrictions or food allergies.

Salad

Moving on to our salad selection, you have a plethora of options to cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. Salad is an excellent choice due to its light and healthy nature, ease of preparation, and versatility. It's also an ideal choice to accommodate your vegan friends and customers.

• Greek Salad: A beloved classic, Greek salad is not only delicious but also a standalone crowd-pleaser. It pairs seamlessly with other dishes, making it a versatile addition to your menu.
• Caesar Salad: Another classic option that combines both flavor and healthiness is the Caesar salad. Its rich taste and nutritious ingredients make it a favorite among many.
• Fruit Salad: For those seeking something light yet delectable, consider offering a fruit salad. This option is perfect for afternoon tea or as a delightful dessert, especially for those with a sweet tooth.

The beauty of salads lies in their incredible diversity and the ability to customize them to your liking. Whether you choose protein sources like chicken, beef, or boiled eggs to complement your salads or experiment with various ingredients, you can create a menu that suits your event perfectly. Plus, the quick preparation time makes salads an excellent choice for spontaneous office meetings or events.

Pizza

Who can resist the allure of pizza, especially after a lengthy meeting? That's why it's essential to have pizza as a go-to option for last-minute catering needs. It's not only delicious and universally loved but also incredibly quick to prepare, offering a wide array of choices.

Pizza's versatility shines through as it can easily be tailored to your specific requirements. This means that all your clients and coworkers can enjoy a slice of something they truly savor. You have the freedom to select toppings, the type of dough, and even the sauce, making it a customizable delight.

Moreover, pizza is a satisfying meal, eliminating the need for excessive ordering and food wastage. It's perfect for accommodating varying tastes and dietary needs, with options available for gluten-free, vegan, and individuals with food allergies. Pizza also comes in various sizes and portions, making it effortlessly adaptable to the number of attendees or servings required.

One of the most remarkable advantages of having pizza as a last-minute catering option is its availability at any time. Whether you're in need of a lunchtime treat, an afternoon snack, or even late dinner ideas, pizza is a dependable and universally appreciated choice among office workers.

Sweet Treats

Satisfy your clients with a sweet ending to their meal. Last-minute dessert options are endless, but consider muffins, cupcakes, truffles, mini danish, almond croissants, and fresh fruit for their universal appeal and variety of flavors. Cupcakes and muffins offer chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla options, some with creamy fillings or whipped cream layers. Mini danish and almond croissants add a touch of sophistication, while fresh fruit provides a healthy choice. These desserts not only taste great but also enhance your presentation.

Sweet treats can boost energy and morale while fostering togetherness among guests. It's a delightful way to conclude a meal and create memorable moments. 

Platters

If there is one underrated last-minute catering option, it must be the platters. One of the main reasons there is a fantastic last-minute catering idea is that they require minimal preparations while the results are delicious. Another reason you should consider platters for last-minute catering ideas is because they can be changed and catered according to different tastes and requirements.

There are so many different kinds of platters that you can choose from. Cheese and meat boards can be a fantastic option to keep protein in your platters. This classic option has so many different flavors to pick from. Also, most of the meat and cheese platters have various textures like fruits and olives for a pop of color.

There are sweet and salty platters which can be perfect for starters. Here, you will find a mixture of chocolates, fruits, with different crackers, peanuts, and other dry fruits. There are also vegan options that you can choose from. One of the most famous vegan platters is the vegetarian mezze platter, a combination of hummus, bread, fiber, pita wedges, sliced veggies, and many other things.

Fruit platters are also considered a fantastic option to add freshness to the table and allow people to snack on something healthy. Therefore, keeping these platters can be a great option because you can personalize them according to your colleagues' and clients' liking. Also, they promote interaction between the workers.

Sushi

Another last-minute catering option that you can keep in mind is sushi. Sushi can be a good option when you want to give your clients and coworkers a more refined and elegant dinner or lunch. Moreover, it is very easy to supply.

You will find so many different kinds and variations when it comes to sushi. The best thing is that it is for everyone, even with different diets. Special vegan sushi feature avocado, edamame, cabbage, cucumber, and many other choices.

There are non-vegan options as well that you can put in the platters for non-vegan people. There are also gluten-free, pescatarian, and all different options available. Sushi is also known to be a healthy option when compared to other food items. If your client has discerning tastes and you aim to offer an elegant culinary experience, sushi is the ideal choice.

Sushi is also a mess-free dish that allows your clients and workers to eat comfortably without getting their hands dirty or creating a mess.

Rice Paper Rolls

If you want something fancy and presentable cuisine during our meetings, the Vietnamese rice paper roll is a good option. This is a flavorful food that can be customized according to the needs and dietary requirements. 

There are so many different kinds of rice paper roll fillings that you can choose from, such as prawn rice paper rolls, pork rolls, veggies rolls for vegans, and so many other types. This means this option is also very customizable and can be made according to preference.

So make sure you add these scrumptious bombs of flavor and freshness to your meeting food, as you can keep them as a starter, snack, or part of the main course and let your clients enjoy this fantastic dish.

Tips and Checklist for Last-Minute Catering

Last-minute catering can be very overwhelming and stressful. You need to decide what you order, how much to order, and other things can lead to panicky situations. Therefore, the following are some tips and something that you should know and will make your life a lot easier.

Estimate Quantities Based on the Number of Attendees

The first and most important thing you should know before placing an order is the amount of food you need to order. Ask your boss or manager for the number of people attending the meeting so that you can order accordingly. This will save you from ordering less food and creating an embarrassing situation for yourself and your company.

Checking Dietary Restrictions

Keeping the diets of everyone in mind is also very important, and we are presenting the options accordingly. Some people don't eat meat, so you must present alternative possibilities. You need to look into the food allergies of your clients so that you can protect them from any hazardous situations.

Confirming the Delivery

It is essential that once you place an order, you confirm the delivery. Ensure you keep tabs on them and ask them for the timing so that you receive the food at the right time.

Serving Utensils and Tableware

When arranging food for your colleagues and clients, you should ensure everything is proper. Double-check for the serving utensils, spoons, plates, and everything you might require while your guests have their food.

Conclusion

There can be many unwanted situations where you can be stuck, one of the worst situations can be when you have to arrange a meal for your clients. This can be hectic, especially when you have to organize everything on short notice. Therefore, in this article, the last-minute catering ideas will help you make an excellent menu that will be yummy and leave a good impression on your clients.

If you are trying to find good places where the food is made with high-quality ingredients, check out our catering menu. We have many options for last-minute food catering that you can choose from, and we also offer reliable delivery in Brisbane CBD and inner suburbs.