Embrace the Nostalgia: 10 Ways to Incorporate Comfort Foods Into Event Menus Give Attendees a Taste of Childhood
In the ever-changing world of event planning, trends come and go, but some classics have a curious way of always making a comeback. Case in point: nostalgia food. In fact, macaroni and cheese, root beer floats, and good old PB&J sandwiches have become stars of Gen Z’s culinary journey back to simpler, heartwarming times, according to our in-house experts, who have noticed a trend among young people finding comfort and inspiration in the dining styles of their grandparents.
As event planners, embracing this movement is a good way to add a fun flair to your menus, whether as casual finger foods or sit-down dining options.
Capturing the Essence of Comfort
Nostalgia foods evoke memories of childhood, so it’s no surprise that they don’t just satisfy physical hunger, they also resonate on an emotional level, offering a sense of familiarity to attendees. Serving them at an event tends to put guests at ease—and by extension, make mingling more enjoyable. Just what any event planner strives for!
For events that call for casual mingling and networking, consider the following finger foods:
● Mini Macaroni and Cheese Bites Serve bite-sized portions of creamy mac and cheese in elegant shot glasses or small bowls. Consider offering variations like truffle mac and cheese or lobster mac and cheese for a gourmet twist.
● PB&J Sliders Transform the classic PB&J sandwich into a mini slider. Use artisanal bread, gourmet peanut butter, and homemade jams or preserves for a sophisticated take on this lunch-box staple.
● Root Beer Float Shooters Serve small glasses or shot glasses filled with root beer and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s festive and relatively mess-free.
● Grilled Cheese Triangles Upgrade the traditional grilled cheese by cutting several of them into triangles and serving them with a variety of dipping sauces or gourmet toppings like caramelized onions or bacon jam.
● Potato Chip Crusted Chicken Tenders Give chicken tenders an old-timey feel by coating them in crushed potato chips before baking or frying. Serve them with a selection of sauces—such as ranch, barbecue, and honey mustard—for added flavor.
For sit-down dining experiences, try:
● Three-Cheese Macaroni Gratin Create a luxurious macaroni and cheese gratin using a blend of aged cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses. Serve in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.
● Root Beer Braised Short Ribs Braise short ribs in a root beer-infused sauce until tender and flavorful. Serve with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a hearty and satisfying main course.
● Gourmet Root Beer Floats Offer a sophisticated alternative to the classic root beer float in place of an after-dinner drink by using artisanal root beer and house-made vanilla or bourbon-infused ice cream. Garnish with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of sea salt.
● PB&J-Stuffed French Toast Use thick slices of brioche filled with creamy peanut butter and berry compote. Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
● Dessert Trio Serve mini salted caramel brownies alongside bite-sized lemon raspberry tartlets and chocolate-dipped strawberries. This combination offers a rich, sweet, and tangy variety that will delight guests with familiar comfort foods and surprising flavors.
When incorporating nostalgia foods into your event menus, keep in mind the presentation, flavors, and overall theme of your event. Aim for a balance between quirky and classic (for example, campy picnic food served in chic baskets). And don’t forget to match the music and signage to the mood. All that will be left to do is sit back and watch as your guests take a culinary trip down memory lane—one bite at a time.
