Planning a baby shower is such a special way to celebrate and support an expecting mom. From decorations and games to thoughtful details and meaningful moments, every part of the shower helps create memories the parents-to-be will always remember.
Of course, one of the biggest parts of any successful baby shower is the food. Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch, a themed shower, or a larger gathering, choosing the right mix of appetizers, desserts, drinks, and easy crowd-pleasers can help guests feel comfortable and excited to celebrate. Many hosts also look for easy baby shower food ideas that can be prepped ahead or served buffet-style.
If you’re looking for menu ideas that feel fun, practical, and easy to customize for different shower styles and food preferences, this list is filled with inspiration for every type of shower theme and menu.
What to Consider When Planning the Baby Shower Food
When planning the menu, consider the mother-to-be’s preferences and serve some of her favorite foods, while also keeping the party theme in mind.
My shower theme was “Fiesta, Baby,” and we had a taco and nacho bar—some of my favorite things, and on theme!
You will also want to consider your guests’ dietary needs and ensure you have some gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options mixed in. This helps make sure there are options for a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Of course, make sure to have plenty of bottles of hand sanitizer available to your friends and family as they prepare to navigate the food table. This will help keep everyone healthy.
Related: Baby Shower Checklist: Plan and Host the Perfect Shower
Baby Shower Food Ideas
The best shower menus usually include a mix of appetizers, sweets, drinks, and filling foods guests can enjoy throughout the celebration.
Baby Shower Appetizers
Finger foods and baby shower snacks are often some of the easiest foods for guests to enjoy throughout the event. I love going to a baby shower where there are a variety of appetizers. Guests especially appreciate it if they are on a toothpick or in a single-serving cup! Serving many appetizers is a great way to offer everyone plenty of options that meet the needs of even the pickiest attendees. Here are some delicious ideas for appetizers:
- Pimento cheese crostini
- Charcuterie board
- Individual cups of cut veggies and dressing
- Tea sandwiches
- Fruit kebabs
- Sandwich pinwheels
- Meatballs
- Pigs in a blanket
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Mini crab cakes
- Shrimp cocktail
- Spanakopita
Mini foods and individually portioned appetizers are often especially popular at baby showers because they make it easy for guests to snack while mingling and playing games.
Baby Shower Buffet
Buffets of entrée foods are a great, inclusive baby shower food idea for your guests. They can choose exactly how they want to customize their meal, based on their preferences and dietary needs. I have shared some crowd-pleasing buffet ideas and examples of items to put on that buffet that will give your guests many options.
- Taco/nacho bar (taco meat, chicken, refried beans, sour cream, salsa, taco shells, tortillas, corn chips)
- Baked potato bar (cheese, chili, sour cream, chives, butter, bacon, ham, black olives, scallions, chicken)
- BBQ and classic barbecue sides (pulled chicken, pulled pork, brisket, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, potato salad, cornbread)
- Bagels (various cream cheese flavors, lox, capers, pickled onions, dill)
Buffet-style meals can also make hosting easier since guests can customize their plates based on dietary preferences and portion sizes.
Related: 50 Baby Shower Favor Ideas
Baby Shower Brunch
A common time for baby showers is brunch. Many baby showers are hosted as late-morning brunches, and I love a good brunch shower. Here are some popular brunch options for baby shower food ideas during brunch:
- Mini quiches
- Breakfast casserole(s), both with meat and vegetarian
- Deviled eggs
- Baked French toast
- Chicken salad on Hawaiian rolls
- Croissants
- Scones
- Muffins
- Fruit salad
Brunch baby showers are especially popular because they feel relaxed, cozy, and easy to personalize with themed drinks and desserts.
Baby Shower Desserts
The options for baby shower desserts are endless, and the center of a shower’s celebration. Traditionally, you can serve a beautiful cake decorated like the shower’s theme. A trendy idea is to set up a dessert bar with a variety of options for your guests. Here are some other more non-traditional dessert ideas:
- Decorate your own cookie station
- Cinnamon buns (cute for a “bun in the oven” theme)
- Cake pops
- Cookies
- Chocolate-covered pretzels
- Petit fours
- Cupcakes
- Fun-sized candy bars
- Hershey’s Kisses
- Personalized M&M’s
- Caramel popcorn
- Chocolate-covered strawberries
- Rice Krispie Treats
- Chex Muddy Buddies
Dessert tables are often one of the most memorable parts of a baby shower, especially when they tie into the shower theme or color palette.
Related: Baby Shower Cakes We Love
Baby Shower Drinks
The drinks you offer at a baby shower depend heavily on the theme! One cute theme that I have seen is “Something’s Brewing.” You would serve beer and coffee at that shower. At a brunch shower, you’ll probably have a mimosa bar with many different juice offerings. Depending on the time of day and audience, a signature cocktail inspired by the mother-to-be is also a festive option! Of course, a nice offering to have is mini bottles of water. I find that at events where mini bottles are served, it cuts down on the half-empty water bottles being found everywhere after the event!
- Mimosa bar (various fruit juices such as mango, pineapple, and orange)
- Coffee or hot cocoa station
- Iced tea
- Hot tea
- Infused water
- Signature cocktail
- Bottled water
Offering a mix of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks can help everyone feel included throughout the shower.
Related: 25 Best Baby Shower Songs for the Perfect Playlist
Whether you’re planning a simple brunch shower or a larger themed celebration, the right mix of food and drinks can help the celebration feel thoughtful and welcoming for everyone attending. From appetizers and desserts to buffet stations and signature drinks, there are so many easy ways to customize the menu and make the celebration feel more personal.
Most importantly, remember that the mom-to-be will appreciate the love and effort behind whatever you choose to serve.
Simple details, thoughtful food choices, and time spent celebrating together are often what guests remember most. At the end of the day, the best baby showers are the ones where everyone feels celebrated, comfortable, and cared for.
