How To Plan A Steakhouse-Inspired Event Menu
Ideal for both daytime and nighttime events, a steakhouse-inspired menu is sure to please everyone on your guest list due to a wide variety of offerings. From appetizers to desserts, you can treat your family members and friends to an authentic steakhouse experience in any type of special event venue.
A steakhouse-themed menu will be ideal for both casual and elegant events, including birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, romantic anniversary and Valentine's Day soirees, graduation celebrations, and wedding receptions. The menu will also work for outdoor parties, held at venues such as country barns and local parks, as you can grill the steaks onsite.
When it comes to planning the menu, either have the meal catered by a steakhouse like Z Prime Steakhouse, or use their dishes as inspiration when preparing your own. Hiring the eatery's catering team to make the food for you will free you to focus on other aspects of the event, such as decorations and the guest list. Cleanup at the end of the party will be much easier as well.
Following are some steakhouse-inspired dishes to consider when creating your menu:
Appetizers
1. Onion Rings
No steakhouse menu would be complete without some type of onion rings. You can either serve delicate, thinly sliced rings, or thick-cut rings, depending on your preference. Beer batter will give the onions a traditional flavor, while panko-encrusted rings will have a crispy, crunchy texture.
Along with the onion rings, serve a variety of dipping sauces for guests to choose from. Some options include classic ketchup, a creamy and tangy ketchup and mayonnaise combination, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing.
2. Salads
Start the meal off with a hearty mixed or wedge-style salad, filled with a variety of fresh vegetables, including cherry tomatoes, mini sweet peppers, cucumbers, and red onions. Classic steakhouse dressing choices consist of French, blue cheese, vinaigrette, and ranch.
You can also serve Caprese or Caesar salads for variety.
Main Courses
1. Steaks
Choose the types of steaks you serve according to your budget. You'll also need to decide how you'd like to prepare them, such as battered and chicken-fried in a pan or grilled over an open flame.
2. Vegetable Skewers
To accommodate the vegans and vegetarians on your guest list, serve skewers filled with any type of vegetable, such as portabello mushrooms, squash, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. The hearty meatless skewers can be prepared on the grill as well.
Desserts
1. Pie
Keep the dessert menu classic with a variety of fruit and cream-style pies, including apple, cherry, blueberry, and key lime. Top with whipped cream or serve with vanilla ice cream.
2. Ice Cream Sundae
As another traditional after-lunch or dinner treat, set up a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar, allowing guests to customize their own frozen creations. Provide all of the favorite toppings such as hot fudge, caramel sauce, chopped nuts, and whipped cream.