The Best Latin Small Bites for Catering Menus: Croquettes, Papas Rellenas & More
🥟 Small Bites, Big Impact
In catering, bite-sized means business.
Whether you’re building a passed hors d’oeuvre menu or rounding out buffet stations, Latin-inspired small bites offer bold flavor, craveable texture, and excellent hold times — making them a smart (and profitable) choice for high-volume events.
At Catalina Foods, we specialize in hot, hand-held favorites that deliver both authenticity and convenience.
🧆 What to Feature
Here’s a quick guide to our top picks for catering menus:
Croquettes
– Varieties: Ham, chicken, cheese, Choricheese, cod
– Why it works: Perfectly crisp and creamy; holds well in chafers or hot boxes
– Pro move: Serve with a signature dipping sauce — garlic aioli or guava mustard
Papas Rellenas (Stuffed Potato Balls)
– Size options: Full size or party size
– Why it works: Satisfying bite with mashed potato exterior and seasoned beef center
– Pro move: Offer in trio flights with unique garnishes
Yuca Bites & Yuca Rellena
– Why it works: Naturally gluten-free and fryer-friendly
– Pro move: Serve with chimichurri or mojo verde for upscale flair
Empanadas
– Varieties: Beef, chicken, ham & cheese, spinach & cheese
– Why it works: Hand-held, easy to plate or pass; par-baked format offers flexibility
– Pro move: Cut in half and serve in tasting-size portions
 🔥 Performance in the Kitchen
Every item is designed to go from freezer to fryer, convection oven, or air fryer. No thawing, no marinating, no special training required.
– SQF & USDA facilities Â
– HACCP-compliant handling Â
– Consistent sizing and cook times Â
– Ideal for pre-cook and reheat at offsite venues
đź’ˇ Menu Inspiration
– Passed apps for weddings & galas Â
– Tasting boxes & hors d’oeuvre flights Â
– Buffet trays with upscale dipping sauces Â
– Corporate drop-off menus Â
These products make it easy to say yes to large orders — without extra prep or labor.
📦 Ask Us for Samples
Work with Sysco, US Foods, Cheney Bros, or another major distributor in the Southeast? Â
Just ask for Catalina croquettes and stuffed specialties — or contact us directly for product specs, samples, and pricing.



