If you plan to host a small get-together and need a failsafe menu, consider Tex-Mex cuisine. Its bold flavors, shareability, and familiar staples make it the perfect choice for gatherings of all sizes. Whatever the occasion, from a milestone celebration to a spontaneous backyard bash with friends, this versatile cuisine brings a variety of dishes to the table that should appeal to every palate.
Tex-Mex cuisine offers a versatile blend of flavors, which include spicy, zesty, tangy, and savory notes. Whether it’s a creamy guacamole, crisp tortillas, gooey melted cheese, or delicious smoky grilled meats, your guests are guaranteed to be satisfied. If some have special dietary requirements, it’s easy to make a workaround, as vegetarian, gluten-free, or even vegan adaptations can be added to the mix, ensuring nobody goes hungry at the fiesta.
Due to its communal nature, Tex-Mex catering for small parties is easy to portion. Most dishes can be pre-prepared in batches without sacrificing freshness or flavor, and it’s perfect for buffet or family-style serving, with everyone diving in and creating their custom plates. Read on for a complete list of Tex-Mex party planning tips to ensure your small fiesta goes with a big bang!
Tex-Mex Menu Essentials for Your Fiesta
Planning a fiesta needn’t be stressful—this is where the fun begins! As long as you bring variety and freshness to the party, you shouldn’t fail to create a festive and satisfying spread. Here are some fun fiesta menu ideas to inspire you and your guests:
Tacos, Enchiladas, and Fajitas
This is the holy trinity of Tex-Mex dishes, which can be found at the heart of every fiesta.
- Tacos: Offer your guests a variety of proteins, including grilled chicken, carnitas, beef, and shrimp, with delicious toppings, such as pico de gallo, queso fresco, sour cream, and crispy shredded lettuce.
- Enchiladas: These rolled tortillas are stuffed with a combination of meat, cheese, and beans, and served with savory chili or verde sauces. These are easy to portion individually, based on the number of attendees.
- Fajitas: Serve these sizzling hot with a choice of protein, sliced bell peppers, and onions. The fun lies in letting your guests build their own, taking some pressure off you when it comes to serving.
Classic Sides: Elote, Rice, Beans, and Guacamole
A selection of traditional Tex-Mex sides will make your fiesta pop. Consider adding these tasty meat-free dishes to your spread:
- Elote: This is Mexican street corn, served on the cob or as a salad for easy sharing. Coat with sour cream, chili powder, lime, cojita cheese, and cilantro for that authentic flavor.
- Mexican rice and refried beans: These affordable and wholesome additions complete the plate and are hearty and filling, ensuring no guest is left unsatisfied.
- Guacamole: This savory staple never fails to be a hit, as a zesty, fresh, and creamy topping that perfectly complements any Tex-Mex entree.
Appetizers and Salsas for Snacking
Make sure your guests are satisfied from the moment they arrive with tasty tortilla chips and a selection of dips, such as a classic red salsa or roasted tomatillo salsa, a creamy queso dip, and black bean and corn salsa. Arrange these in Mexican-style terracotta bowls for an affordable and authentic style.
Tres Leches Cake for Dessert
Top off your meal with a crowd favorite. Tres leches cake is made with three types of milk and topped with strawberries and cream for a light yet indulgent Tex-Mex classic. This can be served as individual slices, or you can present it as an elevated centerpiece, and let your guests help themselves.
Fiesta-Ready Drinks and Presentation Ideas
No fiesta is complete without a selection of imaginative and refreshing drinks. You can also set the tone for your celebration with a few colorful and creative decorations.
Margarita Bar and Micheladas
Offer a drinks menu with a difference by creating a traditional margarita bar. This can include exotic fruit, strawberry, and classic lime options, and you can add a choice of salt rims and a selection of garnishes, such as citrus slices, jalapenos, or Tajin seasoning. Beer lovers will appreciate micheladas—a tangy beer cocktail with a spicy twist—as an authentic alternative to their usual choice of refreshment.
Agua Fresca as an Alcohol-Free Option
Keep designated drivers and non-drinkers happy with agua frescas. This easy-to-make fruit-based beverage can include cereals, nuts, and seeds, with flavors like hibiscus, lime and cucumber, pineapple, and watermelon, mixed with sugar and water.
Tips for Table Setups and Serving Styles
Decorate your tables with bright, traditionally-styled tablecloths and hang papel picado banners for that authentic Tex-Mex aesthetic. Consider using tiered platters to elevate your dishes and wooden boards to add visual interest to your culinary creations. Label your dishes to help guests navigate the spread easily and notify those with dietary restrictions of any ingredients to avoid.
The Benefits of Professional Catering for Small Events
A party should be fun for all involved, including the host! Hiring professional Tex-Mex Catering in Houston can make your fiesta go without a hitch, leaving you with less stress and more time to attend to your guests and let your hair down. Other benefits include:
Portion Control and Flexibility
Professional caterers know how to provide enough food while minimizing waste. Whether they’re creating a spread for five or 25 people, they can scale with precision, potentially saving you money in the process. They also bring flexibility, with a wealth of experience in intimate event catering, so they can easily accommodate allergies, dietary preferences, or popular party themes.
A Trusted Reputation and Local Flavors
If you’re seeking the best in Texas hospitality and authentic Tex-Mex catering in Houston, Goode Co. Catering & Events makes organizing any fiesta seamless. With almost 50 years of catering expertise, the team delivers authentic, made-from-scratch Tex-Mex and Southern favorites. Their high-quality meals come with a personal touch, with local roots, and are guaranteed to impress your guests, whether you are planning a small corporate event or a private gathering.
Customize Your Fiesta with Goode Co. Catering & Events
Planning your Tex-Mex fiesta couldn’t be easier, thanks to Houston’s own Goode Co. Catering & Events. Offering some of the best Tex-Mex Catering in Houston, their diverse menu bursts with flavor and includes all of the classic staples. These include their famous slow-smoked brisket, handmade tortillas, fresh guacamole, and traditional desserts, like tres leches, all lovingly crafted with plenty of Texas flair.
Do you need more vegetarian choices, gluten-free, or low-spice options? Goode Co. Catering & Events will work with you to build a custom menu that suits your group’s dietary requirements and preferences.
Are you ready to bring your vision of the perfect fiesta to life? Reach out to us to request a catering quote and get the ball rolling today!
Whether it’s a corporate event, a lunch with clients, a milestone celebration, or simply a gathering of friends, Goode Co. Catering & Events ensures stress-free, delicious, and customized small party catering in Houston. With its unmatched service, local expertise, and Texas hospitality in spades, it will leave a big impression, long after your last guests have returned home.