The funeral food menu you select for the reception should fit the style and tone of your event, your budget, your season, and of course, take into consideration what the deceased love one may have wanted. Plan something comforting to give mourners.
Funeral Food Menu Ideas for Buffet Receptions
When planning the funeral reception food, you want to pick something that everyone will enjoy and foods that complement each other. Compare sample menus to pull it all together. On buffets, plan to have hot foods in roasters, slow cookers, and warming plates; cold foods can be kept on ice. Pre-slice anything that may be difficult for people to do with one hand.
Brunch Menu
If your reception will be held mid-morning, it's a bit too early for a full reception luncheon but too late for a breakfast menu. Instead, combine the two into a lovely menu suitable for everyone's tastes. Include:
- Gourmet muffins in flavors like chocolate cinnamon cashew and raspberry caramel streusel
- Cut fruit salad, dressed with a little light whipped cream and lemon juice
- Spinach quiche
- Lobster souffle (can substitute crab)
- Hashbrown potato breakfast casserole
- Sliced ham and/or sliced beef roast
- String beans with garlic or almonds
- Hot buttered corn
- Assorted coffee cakes; some with different fruits and some with cinnamon and/or cream cheese
Appetizer-Only Menu
Sometimes people do not want to eat a full plate at a reception meal. In this case, plan funeral food that allows people to take some small bites without getting too full. This also works well if you're having the funeral and reception on a weekday when people may need to return to workplaces.
- Baked Brie with fruit toppings and pita bread slices
- Fruit tray with assorted marshmallow fluff dips
- Cucumber slices with dill cream cheese and smoked salmon
- Parmesan and asparagus flatbread
- Antipasto skewers, with meats, cheeses, and olives in a marinated Greek dressing
- Slow cooker meatballs
- Mini crab cakes on small dinner rolls
- Finger sugar cookies and dessert bars, like brownies or lemon bars, cut into two-bite pieces
Simple Church Menu
When the service is held at a church, the family may choose thoughtful funeral foods that are comforting to all who mourn. Often, the church will have menu options or provide desserts themselves as part of their funeral services. Check into what they offer before making your own menu.
- Classic seven layer salad
- Deli meat sandwiches, like club sandwiches
- Green bean casserole
- Broccoli rice casserole
- Scalloped potato hot dish
- Assorted funeral cakes and bars
Outdoor Barbecue Menu
At an outdoor event, you'll find that people look for classic picnic and backyard barbecue foods, even when in honor of a deceased loved one.
- Potato salad
- Macaroni pea salad or Texas pea salad
- Baked beans
- Fried chicken
- Country style ribs
- Cornbread with butter and honey
- Assorted cream pies, like French silk, banana cream, and coconut cream
Hearty Winter Menu
Chilly weather means hot dishes. Put together a buffet that features foods to warm the heart and soul after a funeral.
- Butternut squash slow cooker soup
- Ratatouille
- Chicken pot pie casserole
- Classic lasagna
- Roasted cauliflower
- Twice baked potato casserole
- Hot buttered corn
- Dinner rolls
- Warm bread pudding
Menu Options for Served Funeral Meals
Planning a funeral reception with a served meal means you can pick messier and more complicated dishes since you won't be making or serving it yourself. A served meal is a good option if you have a large budget, all ready served finger foods at the wake, or want a more formal reception in honor of your loved one. The caterer you select will also have suggestions for the best menu within your budget, too.
Four-Course Pasta Menu
Pasta is a great option for a low-budget served meal. Offer mourners a couple options for each:
- Appetizer - Italian bruschetta, fried ravioli
- Salad - Ceasar salad, dressed balsamic vinaigrette salad
- Main dish - Traditional lasagna, chicken piccata with angel hair pasta; both served with breadsticks
- Dessert - Cheesecake with cherry sauce, tiramisu
Classic Dinner Menu
Classic dinner menus look great plated and mourners will appreciate the familiar foods. Again, offer a couple options for the meal:
- Salad - Green salad with assorted dressings
- Soup - French onion soup, vegetable soup
- Meat - Stuffed chicken breast, oven roasted pork loin with sauce, beef Wellington
- Potatoes - Baked potatoes with sour cream, garlic mashed potatoes
- Vegetables - Brussels sprouts, steamed zucchini with carrots
- Dessert - Creme brulee, dark chocolate cake
Plan Your Funeral Reception Menu
Hosting a reception after the funeral is not required, but appreciated, by mourners who attend. Plan the menu to meet the time of day and consider including a favorite dish or two of the deceased loved one to personalize it.
