Planning the menu for a baby shower is one of the most fun and delicious parts of hosting.
Food always brings people together, and whether you are putting on a cozy brunch or an afternoon gathering, the right mix of dishes will make your shower feel special.
From finger foods and salads to desserts and drinks, these baby shower food ideas will help you decide what food to serve at a baby shower so your buffet feels simple, crowd pleasing, and perfect for celebrating.
Pin For Later!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.
Baby Shower Food by Themes
One of my favorite ways to plan food is by matching it to the baby shower theme. It instantly makes the whole event feel more thoughtful and cohesive.
For a fall baby shower, for example, I love serving pumpkin pie, warm soup in a crockpot, and apple cider with cinnamon sticks.
At a Winnie the Pooh baby shower, honey cupcakes and piglets in a blanket are always a hit.
A Baby in Bloom or garden party shower feels fresh with fruit skewers, edible flower salads, and lemonade with floral ice cubes.
For winter, a hot cocoa bar, snowflake cookies, and white chocolate dipped pretzels set the perfect mood.
If you do not have a theme yet, check out my posts for baby shower themes for boys, girls, or gender neutral celebrations.
How Much Food to Prepare Based on Your Guests
I believe that any baby shower, no matter the time of day, should offer food.
It does not have to be a full meal, but having something for guests to enjoy makes the celebration feel more welcoming.
If you are not planning on serving food, and will only have snacks or desserts (for budget purposes or simply the style of your gathering), it is thoughtful to mention it on the invitation with a note like, “Join us for cake and punch as we celebrate the mom-to-be.” This way, guests know what to expect and can plan their day accordingly.
I love planning buffet style gatherings, whether it is a baby shower or a birthday, because guests get to choose what they like and it feels relaxed.
Nothing’s worse than running out of food at a shower, but you also don’t want to overdo it and waste.
So over time, I have found a simple rule of thumb that always works:
- For finger foods and appetizers, plan on about two pieces of each type per person
- For salads or side dishes, aim for around half to 1 cup per person
- For sandwiches or wraps, count on about one and a half per person
This way, you will have enough variety to keep everyone full and happy without going overboard.
Baby Shower Food Ideas
So, what food should you actually serve at a baby shower? The best buffets are balanced with some light salads, easy baby shower finger food ideas, and a few heartier bites.
Mix in dishes that can be prepped ahead of time, and do not forget presentation. It makes the simplest food feel extra special.
Baby Shower Finger Food Ideas
When people ask what food to serve at a baby shower, finger foods are always at the top of the list. They are easy to grab while mingling and look extra special when displayed on a tiered tray with baby-themed picks.
Here are some of my go-to finger food ideas:
- Tortilla pinwheels can be filled with cream cheese and smokes salmon, turkey and cheese
- Guacamole deviled eggs, an upgrade from the traditional version
- Caprese skewers with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil
- Crostini with riccota and roasted tomatoes
- Chicken nacho wonton cups are such an easy and tasty recipe
- Spinach and ricotta stuffed mushrooms
Baby Shower Salad Ideas
Salads are a great and refreshing option and you can prepare them ahead of time. Just keep the dressing in a mason jar and add it at the last minute, or let guests pour it on themselves.
Some salads I love serving are:
- Pasta salad with veggies, olives, feta and Italian dressing
- Avocado Chicken Salad
- Caesar salad with chicken, crunchy croutons and parmesan
- Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta
Baby Shower Tray Ideas
Trays are one of the easiest ways to feed a crowd, and they always look impressive on a buffet baby shower food table.
A well-arranged board can double as decor while giving guests plenty of options to nibble on. They are also a budget-friendly way to create variety without a lot of extra prep.
- Charcuterie tray with cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and olives
- Veggie tray with colorful peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and a creamy dip
- Fresh fruit tray with watermelon, grapes, pineapple, and berries, and if you really want to go all out, carve the watermelon into a baby carriage.
- Salty snack tray with pretzels, popcorn, or nachos
Use wooden boards or BABY letters tray to make your trays look abundant and photo-ready.
Baby Shower Sandwich and Wrap Ideas
Sandwiches and wraps are classic baby shower food ideas that everyone loves.
They are inexpensive, easy to assemble, and can be styled to look elegant. To elevate them, arrange them neatly on wooden serving boards.
- Chicken salad croissant mini sandwiches (egg salad works just as well)
- Roast beef and horseradish mayo sliders
- Mini BLT sandwiches
- Chicken Caesar wraps rolled and sliced
- Pesto chicken pull apart sliders – I love this recipe
- Veggie wraps with hummus and roasted vegtables
Warm Baby Shower Buffet Food Ideas
If you are hosting a longer shower or an evening event, one or two warm dishes will keep guests happy. Using a crockpot or warming dish makes them easy to serve buffet style without much fuss.
- Baked ziti or lasagna
- Chili with cornbread on the side
- Creamy mac and cheese
- Bite-sized sausages
- Cheesy Potatoes
Savory Baby Shower Pastry Ideas
Savory pastries are a wonderful option for a baby shower menu.
Many savory pastries can be prepared in advance and baked right before the shower so they are warm and fresh for your guests.
One of my favorite shortcuts is puff pastry, it is so versatile and works with whatever filling you like.
Some of my favorites are:
- Spinach and cheese quiche, baked as minis or sliced into small portions
- Caramelized onions tart
- Tomato and mozzarella tart
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Asparagus tart with prosciutto and pesto
Baby Shower DIY Bar Ideas
One of my favorite things when hosting a gathering is preparing a DIY bar, usually connected to the theme of the party. The last one I did was an ice cream bar for my daughter’s Two Sweet birthday, and it was such a hit.
DIY bars are such a fun way to feed guests because everyone gets to customize their own plate. They are also budget friendly since you can set out a few basics and let guests build their own creations.
- Taco bar with tortillas, seasoned meat or beans, and all the toppings
- Mini burger slider bar with mini buns, cheese, lettuce, and condiments
- Soup bar with a crockpot or two and sides like bread, croutons, and shredded cheese
- Bagel bar with cream cheese spreads, lox, cucumbers, and tomato slices
- Panini bar with assorted breads, cheeses, deli meats, and a press to toast them fresh
- Baked potato bar with toppings like sour cream, bacon bits, and chives
- Pasta bar with different noodles, sauces like marinara, alfredo, and pesto, and toppings such as parmesan, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies
Baby Shower Dessert Ideas
A dessert table often steals the show at a baby shower, and it doubles as décor. Whether you go simple with cupcakes or fancy with a tiered cake, desserts bring joy to every guest.
- Cupcakes with pastel frosting and baby-themed toppers
- Cake pops decorated in pinks, blues, or neutrals
- Sugar cookies shaped like rattles, bottles, and onesies
- Mini fruit tarts or parfait cups
- Color-coordinated candy jars with scoops
Do not skip the main cake. It makes a perfect photo moment even if you serve smaller desserts alongside it.
Baby Shower Drink Ideas
No menu is complete without refreshing drinks. Drinks set the mood and can be as simple or as fun as you want them to be.
- Mom-osa bar: orange juice, sparkling cider, and a splash of bubbly for guests who want it
- Punch bowl with fruit floating on top
- Coffee and tea station for a brunch-style shower
- Infused water like cucumber-mint or mixed berries
- Sparkling lemonade in dispensers
Arranging drinks in large glass dispensers with paper straws and cute napkins makes the setup look festive and coordinated with your theme.
Wrapping Up
The best baby shower food ideas are those that make guests feel cared for without adding stress to the host.
Keep your menu balanced with a mix of finger foods, salads, sandwiches, warm dishes, and of course desserts and drinks.
Whether you are building a simple spread with cheap baby shower food ideas or planning a lavish buffet, what matters most is that your food feels thoughtful and inviting.
And if you are still deciding on your theme, make sure to check out my posts for themed shower ideas to match your menu perfectly.
With love,
Shely
