Last-minute catering ideas

Short notice event? Impromptu working lunch? Important client on their way, right now and you need to order catering? Don’t worry, we have your back.

Take a breath, keep your cool and check out these delicious last-minute catering menu options.

Rushed catering orders are sometimes inevitable in a fast-paced corporate or office setting. As a catering company we know how hectic things can get. So, trying to organise a last-minute event is stressful enough, let alone when you have catering required. Our last-minute ordering function takes the pressure off your back so you can focus on everything else you need to get done. Next time you need something last-minute, order office catering with Order-In.

Quick pre-ordering checklist:

We know you’re in a rush, but here are a few things to make sure you have everything covered, while making your last-minute corporate catering order:

• Have special diets covered: options for vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan or any food allergy and special diet in your office.
• Make sure you order enough (but not too much). undefined
• Get in contact with an experienced corporate catering company to take care of the finer details.

8 last-minute catering food ideas

If you’re after some quick meals, you’ve come to the right place! Check out our list of easy meals to order when you need something fast for that last minute meeting.

Sandwiches

Sometimes when you’re in a time pinch, it’s best to stick to what you know. Sandwiches are a simple, effective and filling way to feed a team, cater for special diets and can usually be provided with little notice. Definitely worth keeping in mind if you need some same day catering.

Sushi

Sushi is always a healthy, popular and satisfying choice when it comes to office lunch catering, and the best part is, it’s quick to source from a supplier! This is also a fool proof way to cater for vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian and gluten free foods. Special diet catering? Sorted.

Salads

This may not seem like the most exciting option, but we beg to differ. Don’t just think of salads as the vegan food option on a menu, Salads are full of tasty and hearty ingredients that all of your guests can enjoy. You can get them as stand alone, or the side for an extra plate filler.

Here are a few salad ideas to get you started:

• Greek salad - a perfect side to many meals.
• Caesar salad - a tasty crowd favourite.
• Fruit salad - perfect for a fast dessert, morning or afternoon tea, or sweet touch.
• Caprese salad - simple yet satisfying.

Pizza

Fast, delicious and a major crowd pleaser, fresh pizza catering is never a disappointment. Take our word for it. Grab a few varieties and perhaps a couple of side salads for a buffet catering style line up and everyone in the office can grab a slice and fill up. Even though pizza may not be your go-to gluten free food addition to your catering order, the pizza restaurant industry has mastered the gluten free crust, so everyone can grab a slice.

Vietnamese food

If you need last minute catering without it seeming last minute, Vietnamese food may be the way to go. This offers a deliciously unique corporate catering option, which gives the impression you put a lot of thought into ordering, even if you didn’t have the luxury of time. From banh mi, rice paper rolls, pho and bao buns, Vietnamese delicacies are a perfect mix of healthy and flavourful, all while still being easy meals for everyone to enjoy.

Pasta

Let’s face it, everybody loves a good pasta dish and if you’re after a way to get tasty, quick meals fast, pasta may be just the way to go. Opt for a tomato base, creamy pasta or a fresh pesto, a few salads and even some garlic bread for a perfect mix everyone can enjoy.

Platters

Platters and spreads are perfect for any time of day because you can really customize the wide range of delicious food you serve. Gourmet platters have taken the restaurant industry by storm and there’s no reason you can’t enjoy them in the office too. For example, an impromptu breakfast meeting might call for some seasonal fruits, waffle bites, yoghurt pots and mini pastries. Whilst, something filled with cheeses, antipasto meats and fresh bread could be a wonderful addition to any lunchtime meeting. Get a mix of gluten free foods, vegan foods and vegetarian options alongside your beautiful deli meats to keep everyone satisfied.

Cakes and cupcakes

If you have a client coming in for an afternoon or morning tea, ordering in a few sweet finger food options can be the perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of tea or coffee. Serving up a cupcake will give them the boost of positivity only a cupcake can achieve.

Need help with last minute catering?

EatFirst has plenty of experience helping out with last-minute catering orders. We've even been known to sort same day delivery that can have your group eating within 90 minutes! Check out all the awesome crisis catering menus in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Perth.

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