Tips and Tricks on How to Keep Food Warm for a Party

Are you hosting or attending a party where food will be served? A common consideration people encounter when serving food at events is how to keep food warm long enough so that party-goers can enjoy it. Below we discuss common tips and tricks for keeping food warm on the way to a party or during an event so that you can provide the best experience for other guests.

First things to consider: how to keep food warm for parties

There are a few considerations to keep in mind to plan how to keep food warm at an event. Since there are a few ways to keep food warm, these considerations will help you narrow down your options:

• How big is the party? First, you’ll want to determine how big the party will be, including how many guests will be in attendance. Not only will this help you determine how much food to make, but it will also give you an idea about what types of food warmers are practical for your dish.
• What type of food are you making? Different types of dishes will require different kinds of warmers and temperatures. For example, dishes involving meat should generally be kept warmer than baked goods.
• How long will the party last? If a party will last for a significant amount of time, or if the food will remain available to guests for a long period of time, you may need a stronger warmer than you would for shorter periods of time.
• How much time will pass between prepping your dish and plating it at the party? The time that elapses between when your dish is fully prepared and when the food makes it to a guest’s plate can be short or very long. If your dish is immediately served, you may not need an elaborate warming plan, while longer wait times may require them.

What temperature should hot food be served at?

The FDA recommends serving hot foods with an internal temperature of 140° Fahrenheit or warmer to ward off bacteria growth. Dishes that include eggs as an ingredient are often kept refrigerated before they are reheated for serving. For these types of dishes, the FDA recommends reheating to 165° Fahrenheit or warmer. Food kept at room temperature for two or more hours is prone to developing bacteria. At the two-hour mark, consider replacing a dish that has been held at room temperature. To check the internal temperature of your dish, try using a food thermometer.

What is the right oven temperature to keep food warm?

If you plan to keep your dish warm in the oven before serving, the FDA recommends setting the oven temperature to 200° to 250° Fahrenheit. Keeping hot foods warm in an oven is a great idea for events that may last a while or have guests who show up later. By keeping the food warm in the oven, you can ward off bacteria growth so that all guests can enjoy your dish, regardless of when they arrive at the event.

Food warmers for parties

When it comes to food warmers for parties, you have options. Depending on the type of food you’re making or bringing and how long you need to keep it warm, you may opt for any of the following food warmers.

1. Oven

Ovens provide a great way to keep hot foods warm during a party, especially if the food will be served at a specific time. They’re also ideal for keeping food warm if guests will arrive late. Ideally, you should keep the oven set to 200° to 250° Fahrenheit to maintain the food’s internal temperature of 140°. You can also incorporate aluminum foil over the food for increased heat retention.

2. Oven drawer

The oven drawer is located beneath the oven and typically slides out to make the drawer more accessible. Placing hot food items in the oven drawer while the oven is on is a great way to keep the item warm during a party. Using both the oven and the oven drawer is an efficient way to keep multiple dishes warm at once.

3. Chafing Dishes

Chafing dishes are specifically designed to keep food warm for a long period of time at events and are usually made out of stainless steel. To use a chafing dish, fill the bottom pan with water and then light the chafing fuel containers underneath to heat it. Placing your food dish on top of this pan will keep the dish warm for around six hours or more. Chafing dishes are not necessarily expensive and can provide a great alternative for keeping food warm without electricity.

4. Slow Cookers

Slow cookers or instant pots are other great alternatives for keeping food warm at a party. They typically come with options for heat settings and are designed to trap moisture so your dish is not dried out. Slow cookers are a great option if your dish will be available for guests for an extended period of time.

5. Grill

Barbecue grills are a terrific option for keeping food warm at outdoor events, especially during the warmer months and summer. To keep your dish warm with a grill, place the dish in a foil tray or oven-proof containers on the grill and close the grill lid. Then, turn the side burners to low and allow the heat from the grill to warm the food.

How to keep food hot while traveling

If you are preparing a dish to take to a party or event, you’ll need to know how to keep your dish hot while traveling. A great option for this includes the use of aluminum foil and towels. Wrapping aluminum foil tightly over the top of the dish container will trap steam and moisture. Using a few towels to wrap the dish further will also trap in heat. Using both of these methods together will keep your dish warmer longer.

Takeaways for how to keep food warm at parties

If you are preparing a hot dish for a party or event, keeping your dish warm on the way to the event or during the event is a top priority. To figure out how best to do this, first consider how many guests you’ll be serving, the type of food you will make, how long the food needs to be kept warm, and how long the food will have to cool between prep time and plating. Next, consider the type of warming option, or combination of options, that best suits these considerations. Remember to serve your hot foods with an internal temperature of 140° F and replace dishes kept at room temperature at the two-hour mark.

Ready for your next party? Find the supplies you need with Instacart

Instacart offers a convenient way to shop for the ingredients and party supplies you need to make your next dish a hit at a party. Browse items from stores near you, add your desired products to your cart, and checkout with options for same-day food delivery or a scheduled time to pick up your buy.

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