Birthday Party Snack Foods

Successful birthday parties always have the requisite cake and ice cream, but to make your party especially memorable, add some other party snacks. They are many easy-to-prepare snacks that are inexpensive to make, yet they will reap compliments from your guests. It is a wise idea to include sweet and salty snacks, and plenty of ice-cold beverages to wash them down. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Fried Pasta

This salty, crunchy snack can be made with any type of pasta, but tri-colored rotini and the bowtie pastas are interesting shapes to use in this dish. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, and drain it well as suggested by Great Party Recipes. Spread the cooked pasta on some paper towels to absorb the excess moisture. Fry it in hot oil (375 degrees Fahrenheit) until it is golden brown. Drain the pasta again on paper towels and dump it into a bowl. Create your own seasoning by adding different spices to about 1 cup of parmesan cheese. Some spices to try are garlic powder, cumin, dry ranch seasoning, onion salt or Italian seasoning.

Build Your Own Sundae

Making your own one-of-a-kind ice cream sundaes or banana splits is always a party favorite. Have about three different flavors of ice cream, and several ice cream toppings from which your guests can choose. You can purchase jars of caramel, hot fudge, strawberry or pineapple topping, or have different kinds of crushed candies, nuts and sprinkles. Be sure to have some whipped cream and maraschino cherries.

Traffic Light Snacks

These are a fun and nutritious snack that will be snatched up quickly, so be sure to make plenty. Break graham crackers along the perforations to make brown rectangular shapes. Spread the crackers with peanut butter and add red, yellow and green candies for the different traffic signals.

Mock Cocktails

If your friends don't drink, or you are entertaining teenagers or children at the birthday party, mock cocktails are always a hit. You can purchase fun cocktail umbrellas and brightly colored straws at liquor or party supply stores. Provide different colors of juices for your drinks as suggested by the Birthday Party Ideas. Offer plenty of sliced fruit, such as pineapples, strawberries, lemons and orange slices to decorate the drinks; you can even put these on skewers to add a tropical touch. Another idea is to freeze different juices in ice cube trays. Offer chilled, clear, carbonated beverages to your guests, and allow them to design their own tasty drink by adding one or more of the different flavored ice cubes to their beverage.

Spicy Nuts

After eating birthday cake, many guests like to nibble on something salty; spicy nuts make a delicious, salty snack. Buy about 1 1/2 lbs. of your favorite nuts, pecans, almonds and cashews, or used mixed nuts. Melt about cup of butter in a skillet and add the nuts, stirring them occasionally to coat them with the butter. When they are thoroughly warmed, sprinkle them with salt and sugar, and any of your favorite flavored seasonings, such as cinnamon, cumin, garlic or chili powder. Toss them lightly and serve.