Office lunches serve an important role in the workplace. They provide employees with a needed break to refuel and re-energize. But coming up with fresh, innovative ideas for office lunches day after day can be challenging.
This article aims to provide over 2024 catering ideas for office lunch. Foods that are portable, easy to eat, and promote productivity are ideal for the workday. Options that offer choice and dietary accommodations also make for happy employees.
The sections below offer you a diverse range of office lunch catering concepts. From build-your-own bars to food trucks, thematic potlucks to snack stations, there are ideas to suit any office’s preferences and budget. This article by The Office Caterer aims to spark new lunchtime solutions to nourish your team and keep the midday energy high.
Contents
Healthy Sandwich Bar
Setting up a DIY sandwich bar is great for providing variety and healthy choices as a part of catering ideas for office lunch.
Offer a selection of whole grain breads, rolls, and wraps along with lean protein options like turkey, chicken, roast beef, tuna salad, and hummus or roasted vegetables.
Provide a variety of cheeses, including reduced-fat options like Swiss and provolone. Offer fresh veggies like lettuce, tomato, onion, spinach, bell peppers, cucumbers, and sprouts. Include condiments on the side like mustard, mayo, pesto, oil and vinegar, and salsa. For healthier condiment choices, provide hummus, avocado spread, or Greek yogurt-based dressings.
Employees can craft their perfect sandwich with the healthy ingredients they prefer with a DIY sandwich bar. The variety caters to all tastes and dietary needs. Setting up stations for each ingredient helps the lunch line move quickly. Offering cold and hot sandwich options, like paninis or melts, gives even more variety. A healthy sandwich bar is sure to satisfy any office lunch!
Build Your Salad Bar
A build-your-own salad bar is a healthy and customizable lunch option that allows employees to create their own fresh salad. This easy catering idea appeals to various dietary needs and preferences.
The key components of a DIY salad bar include:
Salad Greens
Offer 2-3 types of lettuce and greens, such as romaine, spinach, arugula, kale, and mixed greens. These are low-calorie and provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Veggies
Have a variety of raw veggies to add crunch and nutrients to salads. Good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, mushrooms, onions, etc.
Proteins
Add protein sources like grilled chicken, turkey, hard-boiled eggs, beans, chickpeas, nuts, and seeds. Proteins help keep you full and satisfied.
Dressings
Offer 2-3 healthy salad dressing options, such as balsamic vinaigrette, lemon vinaigrette, olive oil, and vinegar. Allowing employees to control dressing portions promotes healthier options.
Toppings
Round the salad bar with toppings like shredded cheese, croutons, sunflower seeds, craisins, etc. These add flavor and crunch.
With a wide variety of ingredients, employees can craft nutritious salads to suit their preferences. DIY salad bars are lower in calories than some hot-catered options and provide nutrients that boost energy and health.
Taco Bar
A taco bar is a fun and tasty option for office lunch catering. You can offer a variety of protein, topping, and shell options to satisfy different preferences.
For proteins, consider providing grilled chicken, ground beef, carnitas pork, grilled shrimp, or fish like tilapia or cod. Make sure the meats are seasoned with taco spices for plenty of flavor.
Offer both corn and flour tortillas so people can choose their preferred wrap. You can also provide crunchy taco shells for those who want that classic taco crunch.
Toppings are key for tacos. Provide shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, guacamole, salsa, cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce. Lime wedges are also a nice touch.
Set up the taco bar buffet-style with the proteins in warming trays, toppings in serving bowls, and the tortillas and shells in baskets. Let everyone build their custom tacos for a fun, interactive lunch.
Baked Potato Bar
A baked potato bar could be a fun and filling option for an office lunch.
Offer white and sweet potatoes and a wide variety of tasty toppings for people to customize their spuds.
Some topping ideas include:
Chili
Make a big batch of chili and let people ladle it on top of their baked potatoes. You can make it meaty with ground beef or turkey or vegetarian with lots of beans and vegetables. This hearty topping turns a simple baked potato into a satisfying meal.
Broccoli
Steamed, sautéed, or roasted broccoli florets add color and nutrition to your baked potato bar. This vegetable pairs well with both cheese and creamy toppings, making it a versatile addition to the spread.
Cheese
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, feta, and blue cheese crumbles are good melty options that add a rich, savory element to the potatoes. Offering a variety of cheeses allows guests to customize their potatoes to their liking.
Bacon
Crispy cooked bacon bits add smokiness and a delightful crunch. Bacon is a favorite topping for many and can elevate a simple potato with its bold flavor.
Salsa
Offer mild and spicy salsa for dipping or topping. Salsa can add a fresh, zesty kick, making it a great addition for those looking to spice up their baked potato.
Sour Cream
A cooling complement to hot toppings like chili, sour cream provides a creamy texture and flavor, balancing out the richer and spicier toppings.
Green Onions
Sliced green onions provide flavor and crunch, adding both a visual appeal and a bite of sharpness that complements softer textures and milder flavors.
Butter
Have butter available to melt into the potato, creating a rich and indulgent base for other toppings or simply enjoying on its own for its creamy, savory goodness.
Chives
Fresh chopped chives give a pop of color and a mild, onion-like flavor. Like green onions, they offer a fresh contrast to the richer, heavier toppings.
Provide potato toppings in serving dishes so people can customize their potatoes how they like them. Have a potato bar once a month or weekly as a fun lunchtime treat.
Pasta Bar
A pasta bar is a fun and customizable option for office lunches.
Employees can create their perfect pasta dish With various noodles, sauces, meats, and veggie add-ins.
Some pasta shape ideas include penne, spirals, bowties, or shells. Make sure to have a gluten-free pasta option as well.
You can go right with classics like marinara, alfredo, or pesto for sauces. Get creative with unique options like sundried tomato cream or spicy vodka sauce.
As for protein add-ins, meatballs are an easy crowd-pleaser. Grilled chicken breast and sautéed shrimp are lighter options.
For extra nutrition, include a variety of vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, roasted peppers, and artichokes. Provide freshly grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella as cheese choices.
Remember to round out the meal with sides like garlic bread or Caesar salad.
A make-your-own pasta bar allows endless customization that satisfies all your coworkers. The interactive element also encourages employees to move around and engage during lunch.
Healthy Snack Stations
Having snack stations around the office is a great way to encourage employees to eat healthy foods throughout the day. Stock these stations with nutritious snacks like:
Hummus and Vegetables
Set out store-bought or homemade hummus, carrot sticks, celery sticks, sliced bell peppers, cucumber slices, broccoli florets, etc. Hummus provides protein and fiber.
Trail Mix and Granola Bars
Keep a jar or basket filled with trail mix made with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Also, individually packaged granola bars should be provided that are low in sugar and high in fiber. These snacks offer protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Fresh Fruit
Always keep a bowl of washed grapes, apple slices, orange slices, bananas, etc., on hand. Fruit gives a quick boost of vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars.
Yogurt and Cheese Sticks
Individual yogurt cups and cheese sticks are protein snacks. Look for unsweetened yogurt and cheese that is low in saturated fat.
Baked Chips and Popcorn
For a crunchy, salty snack, provide bags of baked potato chips, tortilla chips, or popcorn. These are lower in fat and calories than traditional chips and popcorn prepared in oil.
Having a variety of convenient, tasty, good-for-you snacks available throughout the office helps keep employees nourished and focused during their workday. It’s a simple way to improve eating habits.
Catered Hot Lunches
One popular option for office lunches is to work with local restaurants or caterers to provide hot lunch specials on certain days.
This allows employees to enjoy restaurant-quality meals without having to go out. Consider featuring a different cuisine each week or month, such as:
Indian
Order aromatic curries, biryanis, naan bread, and more from an Indian restaurant. Provide an assortment of vegetarian and meat dishes as a part of indian cuisine.
Thai
A Thai restaurant can supply pad Thai, curry dishes, spring rolls, and other flavorful options. Thai cuisine’s bright, fresh flavors are perfect for lunch.
Barbecue
Order classic barbecue dishes like pulled pork, brisket, baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread. The smoky flavors and hearty portions make for satisfying lunchtime fare.
Mexican
Build make-your-own taco and nacho bars with all the fixings from a local Mexican restaurant: meat, beans, rice, salsas, guacamole, cheese, etc.
Italian
An Italian deli or restaurant can cater to your needs with lasagna, chicken parmesan, pasta with marinara or alfredo, Caesar salad, and garlic bread.
Deli
Sandwiches, soups, and salads from a local deli provide simple but delicious options.
Catered hot lunches add variety and allow employees to try cuisines they may only occasionally cook at home. Just coordinate with restaurants in advance and have lunch delivered or picked up at a set time each day. This takes the effort out of daily meal planning.
FAQs
You asked, we answered:
What Are Some Popular Catering Ideas for Office Lunch?
Some popular catering ideas for office lunch include sandwich platters, individual boxed lunches, themed buffets such as Mexican or Italian, salad bars with a variety of toppings and dressings, and hot entrees like stir-fry stations or pasta bars. Offering a variety of options can accommodate different dietary preferences and restrictions.
How Can You Accommodate Different Dietary Requirements?
To accommodate different dietary requirements, consider including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options in your menu selection. Labeling food items with ingredients and potential allergens can also help individuals make informed choices that fit their dietary needs.
What Is the Best Way to Serve Office Lunch to Large Groups?
For large groups, buffet-style serving can be efficient and allow for easy customization of meals. Individual boxed lunches are another effective option, particularly for meetings or events where seating is limited, as they are easy to distribute and minimize the setup and cleanup required.
How Can I Ensure the Food Stays Fresh Until Lunchtime?
If the food is prepared off-site, ensure it’s transported in insulated containers to maintain the right temperature. For hot dishes, using chafing dishes can keep them warm, while cold items can be served on ice or from refrigerated display cases. Timing the delivery or final preparation of food to coincide closely with lunchtime can also ensure freshness.
Is it Necessary to Have Dessert Options?
While not necessary, offering a variety of dessert options can be a pleasant way to end the meal. Consider including a mix of healthier options like fruit salads or yogurt parfaits, along with traditional sweets such as cookies or brownies to cater to different preferences.
In Conclusion
Catering for an office lunch doesn’t have to be a mundane affair. By incorporating a variety of food options that cater to different dietary needs, preferences, and budgets, you can make the midday break something employees look forward to.
Enabling choices through buffet styles, boxed lunches, or interactive food stations can elevate the dining experience, boost morale, and encourage team bonding. Remember, the key to successful office lunch catering lies in good planning, variety, and consideration of your team’s dietary needs and food preferences.Luckily for you, The Office Caterer experts are masters at all of them and beyond. Choose from a variety of menus and let us take care of the rest. Contact us today to reserve your office lunch.
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