Expect The Best: 8 Hot Catering Trends for 2015

Yum! I always love to check out some of the catering trends each year brings. For 2015, Kristi Casey Sanders of Plan Your Meetings gives her top 8 trends that we can't wait to devour! These dishes will without a doubt have attendees coming back for seconds. Check them out and make sure to serve them up at your 2015 meetings and special events!

1. Local Sourcing

This desire is what’s behind the consumer-fueled farm-to-table trend that’s showing up with more frequency on catering menus.

2. Vegetarian Dishes

Did you know that 50 percent of all Americans have at least one meatless meal a week? That percentage rises when you consider international attendees. So stay ahead of the game by always serving one vegetarian dish at your next event!

3. Gluten-free Dishes

This trend has been going on for a while but it is definitely more popular and has changed the face of cooking so much, it has now become commonplace in the kitchen. Instead of wheat, barley, rye and spelt, chefs are using ancient grains like quinoa, buckwheat and amaranth. These grains are more nutritious than wheat-based flours and more interesting than a rice pilaf.

4. Ice Cream Combos in Gourmet Flavors

It is being predicted that attendees will start seeing more liquid nitrogen ice cream stations at event. Easy for chefs to do, this creates an entertainment piece for attendees, adding to the value of the food and beverage.

5. Upscale Comfort Food

People will always love simple, home-cooking. Chefs are now taking that to another level by giving attendees that same warm belly feeling but incorporating ingredients you wouldn't typically fine in these ordinary dishes. Think macaroni and cheese, but served Italian-style with sautéed salami, garlic, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes and basil.

6. Mash-Up Dishes

Trending in 2015 will be a variation on sliders. Instead of bread, cheeseburgers are served on grilled ramen noodle buns.

7. Umami

The forgotten flavor taste buds pick up. Recognized as a meaty flavor, examples include soy sauce and ketchup. It’s a taste you can add to beef, sauces and soups.

8. Biscuits

The new "it" ingredient, it is predicted that biscuits will be 2015′s most popular handheld food container for miniature passed sandwiches, salads, apps and more.

 

Devour the details and ring in the New Year with these delectable catering trends of 2015!