Individual Entrées Catering

There’s something timeless about sitting down to a perfectly plated meal. At Green Apple Catering and Events, we believe every guest deserves that moment, even at a corporate meeting or rooftop soirée. Individual entrées catering is the refined alternative to traditional buffets—an elevated way to serve your guests with care, creativity, and attention to dietary detail.

Each entrée is packaged or plated as a complete, self-contained meal, designed with portion integrity and presentation in mind. No two plates are exactly alike unless you want them to be. Whether served hot or elegantly boxed, these meals reflect not just our culinary artistry, but your event’s aesthetic and purpose.

If you’re curious how this offering fits into our services, take a closer look at our dedicated page for individual entrées catering in NYC.

Why It’s the Future of Elegant Events

In a post-pandemic world, clients have become more thoughtful about how food is served. Sharing utensils at a buffet or crowding around stations no longer feels sophisticated—or safe. Individual entrées offer a practical solution without compromising the grace or generosity of a shared meal.

More than just convenience, this format allows for intentional menu planning, tailored to each guest’s dietary needs and preferences. We curate every plate to reflect the tone of your gathering—whether that means understated minimalism or a vibrant culinary narrative. With every bite, your guests experience something curated, not collected.

These moments aren’t mass-produced. They’re crafted. That’s why more clients are opting for individually served dishes in both intimate dinners and larger galas. Learn more about how this fits into our approach to corporate catering in NYC.

Customization Options for Every Dietary Preference

We’ve worked hard to make sure every guest at your event can enjoy a full, satisfying plate—regardless of dietary restrictions. That means gluten-free doesn’t equal boring. Vegan doesn’t mean limited. Kosher-style doesn’t compromise flavor. And everything is labeled clearly, with our chefs ready to adapt as needed.

Whether you’re hosting a wellness retreat, a media brunch, or a donor gala, we can design individual entrées that account for allergies, lifestyle choices, or religious needs—all while remaining cohesive in flavor and presentation.

For instance, our individual grain bowls have become a go-to solution for both vegetarian and protein-based menus. See how we build these fully composed meals with flavor and balance in our grain bowls catering menu.

Menus Curated by Our NYC Culinary Team

Our menus begin where seasonality and creativity meet. Every event starts with a conversation—about your guests, your space, your goals. From there, our chefs build a custom experience around your individual entrée vision.

Options range from herb-roasted chicken with lentils and charred leeks, to citrus-glazed salmon with fennel slaw, to roasted cauliflower steaks over saffron couscous. Each entrée is carefully portioned and balanced with accompaniments, sauces, and garnishes that speak to your event’s style.

These aren’t selections pulled from a static list—they’re crafted to reflect the moment. Want a Mediterranean flair? We can design a multi-course experience around that. Planning an autumn rooftop dinner? Expect root vegetables, fresh herbs, and golden tones. Take inspiration from our themed dinner menus curated for NYC events.

Morning Elegance – Breakfast Entrée Packages

Even morning meetings deserve a touch of elegance. Our individually packaged breakfast entrées offer everything from local cage-free egg frittatas with baby arugula to smoked salmon with herb cream cheese on artisanal bagels. Each meal is styled with the same care we bring to our evening events.

These aren’t standard hotel trays. Every breakfast box includes fresh, seasonal fruit, warm baked goods, and your choice of spreads or condiments. Whether you’re hosting a brand activation or planning a leadership summit, your morning menu can speak volumes about your event.

You can explore our range of options for early events by browsing our breakfast catering menu.

Gourmet Lunch Experiences for Meetings & Conferences

Lunch doesn’t have to mean a sandwich and chips. Our gourmet boxed entrées for lunch include carefully plated protein-forward dishes like seared steak with roasted vegetables or grilled tofu with gingered quinoa. Designed for executive retreats or all-day summits, these meals are as energizing as they are elegant.

Each lunch entrée includes optional sides: artisan bread, fresh salad, or chef-made sauces. And our planners are happy to coordinate dietary flags, labeled packaging, and staggered delivery so your team can focus on the day, not logistics.

For those who prefer a lighter midday option, check out our fresh, customizable options in our create-your-own salad catering menu.

Individual Hot Entrées: Elevated Comfort Food

Hot meals don’t have to mean heavy trays or buffet lines. We serve individual hot entrées in insulated containers designed for elegance and function. Think ricotta-stuffed shells with roasted tomato basil sauce, or thyme-rubbed chicken breast over truffled mash. Warm, comforting, and always plated with style.

We’ve designed our system to maintain temperature and texture without sacrificing presentation. It’s the kind of meal that makes your guests pause, breathe, and savor—even at a conference table.

If you’re drawn to bold, satisfying dishes, our hot Italian pasta offerings can be reimagined as plated entrées for your next event.

Packaging with Purpose: Beauty Meets Sustainability

We believe that packaging should serve more than just a function—it should be part of the experience. Our packaging is clean, modern, and made from eco-conscious materials. Compostable containers, recyclable trays, and biodegradable utensils come standard, not as an upcharge.

But sustainable doesn’t mean generic. We brand each element with minimalist touches—neutral palettes, elegant labels, and thoughtful layering—to match the sophistication of your event. Whether you’re planning a donor lunch or a product launch, every visual element contributes to your story.

Explore how we incorporate this approach in our lunch box catering options.

Add-On Pairings: Beverages, Sides & Desserts

Every individual entrée becomes more memorable when paired with thoughtful sides and refreshments. We offer curated beverages such as cold-pressed juices, iced herbal teas, and locally roasted cold brews. Sides range from citrus-dressed microgreens to seasonal grain salads.

And then there’s dessert. Miniature lemon tarts, flourless chocolate cakes, and chia coconut parfaits—each plated for one, yet designed to wow. These final touches bring completeness and polish to your meal experience.

Our full range of options for drinks and enhancements can be found in our beverages catering section.

Pair with Themed Menus for Immersive Events

An individually plated entrée becomes even more memorable when it complements the tone and theme of your event. Whether you’re hosting an Italian garden dinner under string lights or a sleek rooftop cocktail hour inspired by downtown Manhattan, we design plated meals that align with your vision.

A primavera risotto may accompany your spring gala. A grilled jerk chicken dish can elevate your island-inspired team celebration. Our culinary team works hand-in-hand with our event planners to ensure your menu matches not only your brand but your guests’ expectations.

Explore the possibilities through our diverse themed lunch menus curated for NYC clients.

Buffet vs Individual Entrée Catering When to Choose Which

While individual entrées bring elegance and personalization, buffets can still be the right choice for certain events—particularly when variety and speed are priorities. For example, networking events or large-scale casual gatherings may benefit from a buffet format that allows for quick service and guest-led selection.

But if your goal is to offer tailored experiences, reduce food waste, and present dishes with aesthetic intention, then individual entrées are unmatched. Many of our clients blend both styles: plated mains with shared sides, or a buffet-style dessert station following individualized meals.

If you’re considering combining both approaches, you may find inspiration in our flexible special buffets catering page.

Event Styles That Benefit from Individual Entrées

Some events are made for individually plated meals. Art gallery dinners, intimate donor events, luxury pop-up experiences, and even media previews all benefit from meals that are personalized and low-touch, yet high-impact. These settings often call for elegance, precision, and service that flows seamlessly with the atmosphere.

We recently partnered with a fashion house for a post-runway dinner—35 guests seated at a long table adorned with orchids and hand-poured candles. Each received a curated seasonal plate, matched with a house cocktail. It was personal, intentional, and unforgettable.

Our approach to temperature-sensitive menus, such as chilled seafood or warm grain entrées, is showcased in our room temperature menu options.

Full-Service Support from Concept to Cleanup

Beyond food, we offer comprehensive event design services. From layout and lighting to rentals, staff, and floral arrangements, our team handles every detail. Individual entrée service fits seamlessly into our production plans, allowing for smooth logistics and on-brand execution.

It’s not just about the plate. It’s the table it sits on. The server who delivers it. The color story behind the linens. Our goal is to make sure your guests feel something thoughtful in every moment—from the first sip of water to the last forkful of dessert.

To understand how our events operate behind the scenes, review our transparent and thoughtful catering policies.

Unique Entrée Concepts We Offer

While we pride ourselves on customization, we’ve developed a range of chef-tested individual entrées that clients consistently request. Our chipotle-lime chicken with avocado crema is a favorite for wellness retreats. The roasted cauliflower with tahini drizzle is often the star at vegan galas. And for a bold, casual twist, our Mexican fajita boxes bring both flavor and flair.

These dishes are prepared fresh, styled for individual presentation, and paired with optional add-ons like elote salad, mini chips, or fruit skewers.

Discover more bold plated inspirations on our Mexican fajita bar catering page.

Sides & Salads – Perfect Complements to Entrées

An entrée doesn’t stand alone—it comes alive when balanced with thoughtful sides. From wild rice with citrus zest to grilled asparagus with rosemary salt, our side dishes are designed to complement and enhance the main plate.

Our salads deserve their own spotlight. Bright, layered, and seasonally dressed, they add dimension to plated meals while maintaining their own identity. Each salad is packaged separately to preserve freshness and texture.

Our favorite pairings and creative combos can be found in our sandwiches and side salads menu.

Individual Dessert Presentation: A Sweet Ending

Every elegant meal should conclude with something sweet—and our desserts are as thoughtfully presented as our entrées. Picture mini pavlovas with pomegranate glaze, petite carrot cakes with citrus cream, or matcha panna cotta in glass jars.

Each item is plated or packaged with elegance, labeled clearly, and can be customized with logos or brand colors upon request. It’s more than dessert—it’s a memory your guests take with them.

For seasonal inspirations and modern classics, visit our desserts catering menu.

Creative Lunch & Dinner Buffets with Individual Plating

Many clients love the interactive spirit of a buffet but prefer the presentation of individual meals. That’s where our hybrid options shine. We offer buffet-style selections that are portioned and plated individually behind the scenes—allowing for safety, speed, and style.

This approach works beautifully for build-your-own pasta stations or global tasting menus. Guests feel catered to, without slowing down the flow of the event.

Our customizable options begin with our build-your-own dinner buffet packages.

Boxed Sandwich Entrée Alternatives

Sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Our boxed sandwich entrées are handcrafted with artisanal breads and elevated fillings. Think smoked turkey with brie and fig compote, or grilled eggplant with romesco and feta. Each sandwich is packaged with a gourmet side, house pickle, and something sweet.

These boxes are especially well-suited for fashion industry previews, gallery setups, or back-of-house crews who deserve just as much thought and care.

Discover our full selection via our sandwiches catering menu.

Creative Entrées for Casual NYC Events

For casual gatherings that still demand flavor and finesse, our heroes by the foot can be reinterpreted into stylish individual servings. Imagine a selection of bold sandwich cuts served in minimal, custom-labeled packaging with upscale sides like beet slaw or truffle kettle chips.

From birthday brunches to launch parties, this format provides an approachable yet polished way to feed a crowd—without sacrificing taste or experience.

View our signature selections on the heroes by the foot catering page.

Soups as Starters or Individual Main Courses

Nothing soothes or surprises like soup—especially when served individually with care. We offer rich bisques, rustic chowders, and globally inspired broths in elegant packaging that maintains temperature and style.

Our vegan Moroccan lentil soup with preserved lemon is a favorite among winter menus. In the summer, a chilled cucumber gazpacho makes a striking opener for rooftop lunches.

These options can stand alone or be paired with an entrée from our soup catering menu.

Lunch Packages that Scale Elegantly

When serving dozens—or hundreds—of guests, consistency matters. Our individually packaged lunch kits are designed to travel well, scale easily, and taste fresh hours later. Each package is composed with one premium entrée, a seasonal side, house dessert, and drink.

These are ideal for multi-day conferences, press kits, or backstage crews needing nourishment without the mess.

We’ve refined this format with insights from our sandwiches lunch packages.

Build Your Own Individual Lunch Entrée

Empower your guests to choose their own adventure. Our “build-your-own” lunch options let you create personalized combinations of grains, proteins, toppings, and sauces—each packed into a cohesive, chef-balanced meal.

This format is particularly popular with creative teams and tech firms looking to energize staff without overloading them. The meals are individually portioned but full of choice, color, and flavor.

It’s a format rooted in flexibility. You can explore this fully in our build-your-own lunch buffet menu.