PASSED HORS D’OEUVRES

Passed Hors D’Oeuvres Catering in NYC for Corporate & Social Events

Gotham Catering specializes in passed hors d’oeuvres catering designed for high-touch events across New York City. From rooftop cocktail receptions to in-office mixers and brand activations, our passed offerings create a polished, effortless flow that complements any gathering without the need for a seated meal.

Whether you’re hosting executives, welcoming clients, or celebrating a milestone with your team, passed hors d’oeuvres are a refined way to keep guests engaged while they mingle. Our professional waitstaff moves throughout the event space offering freshly prepared bites that are flavorful, easy to enjoy, and visually impressive.

We tailor each menu based on timing, audience, and setting—ensuring the food fits the moment and never interrupts the energy of the room. All items are crafted to be held in one hand with minimal mess, allowing for uninterrupted conversations and networking.

PASSED HORS D’OEUVRES

ORDERING GUIDE
Pre-Dinner Hors d’oeuvre: 1-2 hours – (3) Pieces Per Guest $11.50 Per Guest
Afternoon Cocktail Party: 2-4 hours – (6) Pieces Per Guest $23.00 Per Guest
In Lieu of Dinner: 4-6 hours – (10) Pieces Per Guest $38.50 Per Guest

When You Order We Recommend:
When Accompanying a Meal 3 Pieces Per Guest
When Served as Light Cocktail Fare 6 Pieces Per Guest
When Substituted for a Meal 10 to 12 Pieces Per Guest

H Served Hot – C Served Room Temperature

VEGETARIAN

• SEEDLESS GRAPES: rolled in stilton and dusted with crusted pistachios C
• MINI-FALAFEL: with spiced hummus on pita crisps HC
• MINI ASSORTED VEGETABLES QUICHES HC
• CRISP JAPANESE EGGPLANT: with feta cheese & oven dried grape tomatoes and pesto HC
• VEGETABLES SPRING ROLL: pear and chèvre w/ cranberry mirin dipping HC
• VEGETABLES QUESADILLAS: with two cheeses HC
• FRENCH AGED BRIE: Apple beggar’s purses served with roasted fig jam HC
• SPANAKOPITA TRIANGLES: filled with spinach and feta cheese HC
• POLENTA WHEEL: with sage, asiago cheese and field mushroom HC
• FONTINA ARANCINI: crispy rice balls served with roasted tomato aioli HC
• WILD MUSHROOMS & GOAT CHEESE TARTLET: topped with caramelized shallots HC
• MAC AND CHEESE FRITTERS: Fontina, provolone, mozzarella and cavatappi with cheese sauce HC
• CRISPY PLANTAIN CUPS: filled with black bean, corn and avocado mousse HC
• INDIAN VEGETABLE SAMOSA: with tamarind dip HC
• VIETNAMESE RICE PAPER: Crisped vegetables in vietnamese rice paper with chili sauce C

FROM THE LAND (BEEF)

• CHEESEBURGER EGGROLLS: with mustard and ketchup HC
• CROSTINI: Filet mignon w/ horseradish cream and caramelized onions HC
• LEMONGRASS BEEF SKEWERS: with a spicy peanut sauce HC
• ARGENTINEAN BEEF SKEWERS: with chimichurri sauce HC
• SESAME SOY GLAZED BEEF SKEWER: with spicy peanut sauce  HC
• MINI JAPANESE BEEF NEGIMAKI: with asparagus, sweet mirin soy dipping sauce HC
• MINI BEEF TACOS HC
• MINI BEEF WELLINGTON HC
• CLASSIC PIGS-IN-A-BLANKET: Served with spicy brown mustard and ketchup HC
• EMPANADAS: Steak and Cilantro HC

FROM THE LAND (PORK)

• BACON WRAPPED DATES: Honeyed dates wrapped in smoked bacon, brimming with a creamy blue cheese mousse C
• PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED ASPARAGUS TIPS HC
• CAROLINA PULLED PORK: on mini corn bread griddle cakes HC

FROM THE LAND (LAMB)

• MERGUEZ-IN-A-BLANKET: Spicy lamb sausage, puff pastry with minted tomato relish HC
• MARINATED LAMB SKEWERS: with cilantro lime pesto HC

FROM THE OCEAN (SEAFOOD)

• AHI TUNA: Wasabi and black sesame tartar on a rice cracker C
• AHI TUNA: Tuna tartare with avocado in miso spoons C
• CLASSIC CRAB CAKES: with chili lime aioli HC
• CRAB MEAT: Crab and mango salad in cucumber cups HC
• MINI FISH TACOS: with cabbage slaw, avocado and chipotle aioli C
• GRAVLAX: on buckwheat blini with a mustard dill sauce C
• LOBSTER: Lobster and shrimp macaroni and cheese martini glass (Additional $3 Per Guest) C
• SALMON SKEWERS: with chile-lime with lime yogurt C
• SMOKED SALMON: on pumpernickel points w/ chives C
• SCALLOPS: with minted pea purée on crisp potato wedges C
• KATAIFI WRAPPED SHRIMP: in shredded Phyllo dough HC
• CHILLED JUMBO SHRIMP: Served with traditional Cocktail Sauce C
• COCONUT CRUSTED SHRIMP: served with a Passion Fruit Chili Dipping SauceHC
• MIRIN GLAZED SHRIMP: with Ginger Lime Dipping Sauce. HC
• CHIPOTLE ORANGE SHRIMP: on a Corn Cake with Avocado & Cilantro HC

POULTRY

• INDIVIDUAL CHICKEN PAD THAI: in chinese takeout containers served with chop sticks H
• TARTLET WITH BANG BANG CHICKEN: with mildly spicy peanut sauce & sliced scallions HC
• COCONUT CHICKEN FINGERS: with piña colada dipping sauce HC
• CHICKEN FINGERS: with house honey dijon dressing and sprinkled green onion HC
• CHICKEN WINGS: Choice of Teriyaki, Honey Dijon, Buffalo, Sweet and Sour Chipotle H
• SOUTHWESTERN FIRECRACKER CHICKEN SKEWERS: with jalapeno and tomato dipping sauce HC
• LIME AND ROSEMARY CHICKEN SKEWERS: with roasted pepper aioli HC
• LEMON PARMESAN CHICKEN SKEWERS: with sundried tomato dip HC
• MOROCCAN CHICKEN SKEWERS: and eggplant bruschetta HC
• TANDOORI CHICKEN SKEWERS: with a spicy yoghurt dipping saucHC
• LEMONGRASS CHICKEN SATAY SKEWERS: with coconut thai chili dipping sauce H
• SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN: (Boneless) waffle bites HC
• CHICKEN AND GINGER WONTONS: scallion dip H
• JERK CHICKEN: in a Plantain Cup HC
• MOJITO CHICKEN: served on a yucca crisp with a citrus salsa HC
• MEXICAN MINI CHICKEN TACOS HC
• EMPANADAS: with herb chicken and olive HC
• RICE PAPER POCKETS: filled with chicken, avocado, basil, and oriental vegetables w/ ginger sauce C
• MINI CHICKEN QUESADILLAS: with queso blanco and three pepper salsa HC

MINI SLIDERS

Mini Sandwiches on a Brioche Bun [Two per guest] HC
• MINI LAMB BURGER SLIDERS $19.55
• MINI HAMBURGERS SLIDERS $10.95
• MINI CHEESEBURGERS SLIDERS: with pickles and plum tomatoes $12.00
• BBQ PULLED CHICKEN SLIDERS: with sliced pepper $12.00
• LOBSTER SLIDERS: with chipotle aioli and pickled ginger $22.95
• BARBECUED PULLED PORK SLIDERS: on a cheddar biscuit $12.25

MINIATURE TARTS WITH: HC

• Asparagus, prosciutto and roasted new potatoes
• Wild mushroom, gruyere and fresh thyme
• Roasted vegetable topped with caramelized shallot aioli
• Artichoke and spinach
• Baked feta, roasted peppers and marinated figs
• Creamy brie and poached pear

CROSTINI: C

• Chicken Caprese Crostini:
Sliced herb-grilled chicken upon toasted ficelle, with mozzarella,  tomatoes, & sun dried tomato pesto
• Prosciutto, fennel &apricot slaw with tarragon vinaigrette
• Mozzarella with tri colored peppers and fresh basil
• Herbed goat cheese, walnuts and pomegranate reduction
• Wild mushroom and goat cheese

FOR THE SWEET TOOTH

$7.95 PER GUEST
• Dark chocolate covered strawberries
• Mini ice cream sandwiches
• Macarons on a stick
• Two bites mini cupcakes
• Nutella and raspberry empanada (cinnamon sugar)
• Banana and chocolate wonton with anise caramel dip
• Mini churros with dulce de leche
• Panna cotta (Vanilla with raspberry coulee)
• Tiramisu pudding shots
• Cake Pops (Raspberry, White Chocolate Caramel, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Red Velvet)

Perfect for Corporate Events and Cocktail Parties

Our passed hors d’oeuvres service is ideal for corporate events and cocktail parties, gallery openings, networking events, and post-conference receptions. We’ve served everything from investor meetups to internal award ceremonies, helping elevate each experience with hospitality that feels personal and premium.

Pair passed hors d’oeuvres with our bar catering options to create a full cocktail-hour experience or build them into a larger event with multiple service types. We also accommodate hybrid events where a mix of passed, stationed, and plated foods are required.

Menu Flexibility & Guest Favorites

Every passed menu is fully customized, but common options include:

• Mini crab cakes with remoulade
• Sesame-seared tuna on cucumber coins
• Petite beef sliders on brioche
• Truffle mushroom arancini
• Endive spears with whipped goat cheese

Need options that travel well or meet dietary restrictions? We offer selections that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, ensuring that every guest has something to enjoy. Our chefs are happy to collaborate on themed presentations or seasonal spins on classic bites.

Pair With Drop-Off and Stationary Platters

If your event includes a mix of service formats, our team can supplement passed items with drop-off platters or elegant stationary platters. These are especially helpful for longer events or larger guest counts, allowing food to be continuously available while passed trays circulate the room.

Our stylists work closely with event planners and venue coordinators to ensure seamless transitions between food and beverage service points. From high-rise conference centers to intimate office lounges, we handle the setup, staff, and pacing so you can focus on your guests.

Staffing & Seamless Event Execution

Passed hors d’oeuvres service is more than just food—it’s a full-service experience. Our event staff are trained to provide discreet, polished service while managing timing and guest flow. This ensures that every tray is passed at the right moment and that each guest feels personally attended to.

From large corporate launches to intimate mixers, we adjust staffing ratios based on your guest count, venue layout, and service timeline. Each tray is refreshed regularly to maintain visual appeal and temperature, ensuring guests experience your event at its best.

Perfect for Social Events & Themed Occasions

Our passed hors d’oeuvres aren’t limited to office events—they also shine at high-end private gatherings, charity galas, or milestone birthday celebrations. If you’re planning a wedding cocktail hour or engagement party, our passed menu is the perfect opener.

For social events, we offer curated selections that complement your venue, time of day, and guest profile. Whether you prefer elegant or rustic, our stylists can match the mood with thoughtful presentation and flavor balance.

Looking for something customized? Our team collaborates on themed events and activations with creative tray design, seasonal ingredients, and branded touches. This flexibility makes passed service feel elevated and on-brand without adding complexity to your planning.

Beyond Passed: Full Menu Integration

Passed service is often one part of a larger menu plan. We help clients build full catering programs that blend formats seamlessly—from passed trays to buffets, desserts, and beverages. You can supplement hors d’oeuvres with hearty bites from our hors d’oeuvre baskets or add crunch with our party snacks for networking events.

We also provide multi-course solutions via our curated event menus—ideal for planners who want to streamline ordering and stay on theme.

Book Passed Hors d’Oeuvres Catering in NYC

With Gotham Catering, passed hors d’oeuvres become more than just appetizers—they become part of the experience. Whether you’re planning a quick reception, all-day summit, or celebratory social, our team is ready to support your vision with skill and care.

Contact us today to explore menu options, service styles, and venue coordination support.