Having an Easy Pan Party

Pan party is for one of those who want a reason to gather, eat together and have fun. Most people avoid hosting parties because they bring in a lot of hassle and tedious workload. From setting up space to menu, invitations and preparation of food, all the tasks seem never-ending and unmanageable. 

Having a pan party is way much easier and the best part about it is the creativity and variety of food that comes to the table. What is a pan party exactly? Simply a party with all the food items made in a pan or at least served in a pan. This may include pan pizza, brownies, casseroles, pie, pasta or anything crazy that you can think of. Since the idea is not known to many yet, the announcement of having a pan party will create a buzz around and surely make everyone very excited. 

Starting it off…

Now that you know how easy a pan party could be, arranging one at your place will be no difficulty. You can start it off by preparing party invites. You can use catchy slogans and images to give some definition to the guests. Invitations can be sent through Facebook, WhatsApp or if you have some extra bucks, a small printable card will make it more memorable. In your invitation, you can also the guests to respond with a yes along with what they will bring in their pans.

On the D-day, be prepared to have lots of similar color and designed pans coming in. As your guests come in, you can label their pans, spoons and spatulas with a washi tape to avoid confusion.  You don’t need any serving dishes in a pan party. All the pans can be placed on the serving table from where the guests can try out all the innovations. 

If your guests are out of ideas, here are some of the things you can make in a pan:

  • Mac ‘n’ Cheese
  • Steak And Potato
  • Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll
  • Warm Bread
  • Italian Sausage Frittata
  • Pan Pizza
  • Skillet Brownie S’more
  • Tortilla Casserole 
  • Peanut Butter And Oatmeal Cookies 
  • Baked fries
  • Baked Fish 
  • Skillet Fries and many more.

Some quick recipes:

Baked Fish is one dish that you wouldn’t mind your kids eating as much as they want. Fish is a high source of protein and baked fish is an even healthy choice. The best thing about this food item is its easy preparation and quick cooking time.  Have a look at our simple Baked Lemon Fish recipe below:

Ingredients: 

  • Whitefish fillet
  • Ecallot or French onion
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Garlic
  • Heavy Cream or Low calorie evaporated milk 
  • Butter
  • Lime or white wine 

With just a handful of ingredients, the method to make this creamy lemon fish is equally easy. Simply mix butter, cream, garlic, mustard and lemon nicely. Preheat oven to 200C / 390F (all ovens).Season the fish fillet with salt and black pepper. Place the fish fillets on a greased or non-greasy pan. Pour this creamy mixture on top of the fish and bake in a pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes. Do not over bake the fish or it may lose its tenderness and color. Garnish in the end with parsley, lemon slices and serve with mash potatoes. 

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • Chocolate chip cookies-optional 

Method: Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Take a medium-size bowl and mix all the four ingredients together. Make 1-inch cookie shape balls with your hand, a cookie scoop or any available teaspoon. Place each ball one by one in the baking pan. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Allow the dish to cool for a minute or two and then serve or remove from the baking pan. 

Mac ‘N’ Cheese

Here is the most favourite Mac ‘N’ Cheese recipe:

Ingredients: 

  • 2 cups boiled elbow macaroni 
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
  • 3/4 pound process cheese, cubed
  • Optional toppings: parsley, halved cherry tomatoes and coarsely ground pepper

Method

In a pan, melt butter and add flour to it. Mix well until it is smooth. Now add cream and whisk till the mixture is creamy and boiling. Allow the mixture to slightly change its color and thicken. Lower the flame and add cheese. Keep stirring till the cheese has melted and add boiled macaroni to it. Stir well and use tomatoes, parsley and pepper to add extra flavor to it. 

Pan Party Ideas

Pan party is best arranged in the evening, a little before sunset. Also known as the golden hour, this time is most suitable as the weather will be pleasant and there will be sufficient light to take beautiful pictures without using any filter. 

Having a pan party lessens your workload of using different crockery. However, you can add other decorations to make your party a bit interesting and thematic. You can make pan-shaped wall hangings with welcome word on each pan and hang it over the entrance. There can be small thank-you cards made from pan-shaped cut-outs for all the guests.  You can use a pan-printed table cloth on the serving table or simple pan-print napkins. If you don’t find anything suitable, you can always make one yourself using any old table cloth and fabric paints. 

You can also play games in a pan party. Instead of passing the pillow, a passing the pan game would be fun and pretty different for everyone. Participants can make interesting tunes by tapping a pan and the best music tune can win a pan. 

Pan party can be a great idea to celebrate a friend’s success, a farewell party of class fellows or simply a family gathering to give surprise to the elderly members. Without taking too much stress over work, arrangements and cooking, having a pan party can be a source of joy and unlimited memories.