41 Filling Foods You’ll Definitely Want To Skip On Your Next Buffet Visit

Ah, the buffet—a magical land where plates become mountains, diets are forgotten, and that third trip to the dessert table suddenly feels “necessary for research.” But as tempting as it is to load up on everything in sight, some foods are sneaky little traps. Whether they’re deceptively heavy, drowning in calories, or just plain filling, these items can bring your all-you-can-eat adventure to a screeching halt. So grab your stretchy pants and a game plan because we’re about to help you enjoy your next buffet trip to the fullest.

Muffins at a buffet are the sneaky dessert that pretends to be a breakfast food—like they’re somehow less guilty just because you can eat them with coffee. But let’s be real, once you bite into that fluffy, sugar-loaded goodness, it’s a full-on dessert party in your mouth. Muffins look innocent, but they’re basically cupcakes in disguise, and no one’s fooling anyone here. By the time you finish one, you’re too stuffed to even glance at the rest of the buffet, all while telling yourself, “It’s totally a healthy choice, right? It has oats in it!” Spoiler alert: It’s not.

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, but at a buffet, it’s a dangerous trap wrapped in gooey cheddar. The combination of pasta and rich, creamy sauce makes it overstay its welcome. It’s a calorie-loaded brick that will leave you watching the rest of the buffet line with regret and a full stomach. You’re not at your childhood dinner table tonight, so maybe let this one stay in its chafing dish and go for something you can’t make from a box.

Pizza at a buffet feels like a jackpot—until you realize it’s hogging all your stomach space. Between the doughy crust, melty cheese, and toppings, a single slice is already enough to slow you down. Plus, let’s be honest, buffet pizza isn’t exactly gourmet; you’re sacrificing prime real estate for a food you can have literally anywhere else. Unless the buffet has some wild, once-in-a-lifetime pizza creation, skip it and focus on dishes that are actually worth the trip.

Garlic bread may smell irresistible, but it’s a classic buffet misstep if you’re playing the long game. Made of fluffy bread slathered in butter and oil, it’s loaded with empty carbs that fill you up fast without offering much nutritional value. It’s also a common filler food designed to keep you satisfied on the cheap—buffet operators love when you load up on it early. While it’s hard to resist that garlicky, golden crust, your plate is better spent on dishes that offer more bang for your buffet buck.

Pasta Alfredo is a creamy, dreamy carb bomb that’s as filling as it is indulgent. Between the heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is practically designed to fill you up as quickly as possible. A few bites can leave you feeling sluggish and full, which is a buffet rookie mistake when there’s so much left to try. Unless you’re here for a pasta party, it’s better to leave Alfredo in the pan and focus on lighter options that won’t slow you down.

Bread pudding might look innocent enough, but this dessert is a hidden heavyweight in disguise. Made with chunks of bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, sugar, and spices, it’s the kind of dish that fills you up without you even realizing it. Add in a drizzle of sweet sauce or whipped cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as filling as it is delicious. It’s like a carb-and-sugar bomb that leaves you satisfied—and possibly too full for anything else. If you’re trying to pace yourself, bread pudding might be the one dessert you want to admire from a distance.

The worst feeling at a buffet is when you realize that you’ve effectively overstuffed yourself before you’ve even begun. Between the thick layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and heaps of cheese, it’s like taking a bite out of a calorie-packed casserole. Not only does it leave little room for the lighter, more flavorful options, but it’s also a dish that takes way longer to digest. If you want to stay energized and ready for round two, you might want to skip this heavy hitter and save yourself for something a little less intense.

Pancakes at a buffet are like a fluffy trap designed to fill you up without you even realizing it. They seem innocent enough—stacked high, golden, and soft—but with each bite, you’re piling on the carbs and syrup, making it harder to stop. What starts as “just one pancake” quickly turns into a full plate! The worst part? Pancakes are deceptively filling because of how dense they get, especially when paired with syrup and butter, leaving you sluggish and full long before you’ve had a chance to explore everything else. They’re tasty, sure, but unless you’re in the mood to take a nap afterward, maybe skip the stack.

Sure, it looks harmless with its creamy dressing and chunks of potato, but don’t be fooled by the potato salad—it’s a buffet landmine. A couple of scoops and suddenly you’re full, your plate is heavier than your willpower, and the rest of the spread is looking at you like, “You sure you want to keep going?” Skip the potato salad and make room for the real showstoppers; after all, no one’s ever left a buffet saying, “I’m so glad I ate all that potato salad.”

Meatloaf at a buffet is like the classic overachiever—it looks solid, but it’ll drag you down faster than you can say “seconds.” While it seems like a comforting, hearty choice, it’s dense with protein and carbs, making it harder to finish off the rest of the spread. What’s worse? It’s often dry, and all those toppings and sauces won’t make up for the fact that it’s a heavy anchor on your appetite. If you’re after a meal that keeps you going, ditch the meatloaf and find something that doesn’t come with a food coma attached.

Creamy soups are deceptively dangerous at the buffet—they’re warm, comforting, and can quickly fill you up without you realizing it. A few spoonfuls of chowder, clam bisque, or creamy potato soup and suddenly your stomach’s about 90% full. You might think you’re just enjoying a little appetizer, but that rich, velvety texture coats your stomach and leaves little room for anything else. It’s tempting, sure, but unless you came to the buffet just for soup, you might want to pass and save your appetite for something with a little more variety.

Chili at a buffet can seem like a great choice—until you realize it’s more of a brick than a bowl of comfort. Packed with beans, meat, and spices, it’s a hearty meal that can quickly take over your stomach, making it hard to enjoy anything else. A few spoonfuls in and you’re already full, wondering why you didn’t save room for the lighter, more exciting dishes.

Light, fluffy, and warm, bread rolls seem like the perfect addition to your plate—but don’t let that golden crust fool you. Before you know it, you’ve inhaled three or four, and now the rest of the buffet is just a distant dream. They don’t add much to the flavor or variety, so if you want to experience the full offerings of the buffet, it’s time to let these carbs stay in the basket.

Biscuits and gravy are the dynamic duo of buffet regret—partners in crime who will have you full before you’ve even made it to the real stars of the spread. Those fluffy biscuits soak up the creamy, sausage-packed gravy like they’ve been starving for days, making it way too easy to overdo it. By the time you’ve polished off your first plate, your stomach’s already waving a white flag, and the rest of the buffet might as well be a dream. These two might be best left for a quiet Sunday brunch, not a buffet marathon.

French fries at a buffet are the ultimate “why did I do this?” moment. They’re easy to grab, sure, but once you start munching, it’s like your appetite has been hijacked by a salty, starchy army. You’ll end up filling up on something you can get in 30 seconds at a drive-thru instead of indulging in the unique dishes the buffet has to offer. By the time you’re halfway through, you’ve become one with the fries—heavy, greasy, and stuck in a loop of regret.

The dense, rich filling of cheesecake is made from cream cheese, sugar, and eggs, creating a thick, indulgent slice that can easily tip the scales in terms of fullness. Add a buttery graham cracker crust, and suddenly, you’ve got a dessert that packs a punch—one slice can be as filling as an entire meal. It’s delicious, no doubt, but that creamy indulgence might just leave you too stuffed for anything else on the buffet, so be sure to plan your dessert attack wisely!

Of the countless ways that buffets prepare potatoes, hash browns may just be the most deceptive, filling you up before you even realize what’s happening. Golden and crispy on the outside, they look harmless enough, but underneath that crunch is a mountain of grease and carbs just waiting to weigh you down. One bite turns into another, and suddenly, your plate is half full with these starchy, savory bites that don’t leave much room for anything else. They’re delicious, sure, but unless you’re in the mood to tap out early, you might want to skip these potato troublemakers.

Onion rings at a buffet are a classic case of looks better than it is. Sure, they’re crispy, golden, and probably calling your name from the fried food section, but once you take a bite, you realize they’re just a greasy roadblock between you and all the other delicious options. Between the batter and the oil, those rings will quickly fill you up with empty calories and leave you wishing you’d saved room for something with more flavor. They’re fun in theory, but when you’re at a buffet, the onion rings just aren’t pulling their weight in the taste department.

Stuffed mushrooms might seem like a sophisticated choice at the buffet, but trust me, by the time you’re done, those mushrooms won’t be the only thing that’s stuffed. The rich fillings, often packed with cheese, breadcrumbs, and sometimes sausage, can quickly add up to a calorie overload. Before you know it, you’re struggling to finish your plate, feeling more like you’ve been stuffed into a food coma rather than indulging in a light, flavorful bite. Unless you’re trying to sabotage your appetite for everything else, these little fungi might be best left behind.

You grab one, then another, and suddenly, your plate is a dumpling wonderland. Steamy, doughy, and packed with fillings like meat or veggies, they’re like little pockets of comfort… except you might not realize they’re way heavier than they look. Before long, you’ve filled up on these bite-sized treasures, leaving you with zero room for the more exciting buffet options. If you try to imagine yellow and black warning tape around the dumplings and stay away, you may get more out of your buffet visit.

Spring rolls at a buffet seem innocent enough—light, crispy, and a little crunchy. But don’t let that fool you; these little rolls are deceptively filling. Inside, they’re packed with a mix of veggies, meat, or shrimp, and deep-fried to perfection, which means they’re not exactly as light as they seem. A few bites in, and you’ll realize that you’ve traded your stomach space for something that’s more oily than you expected, leaving you regretting the missed opportunity to try something more unique. The crispy allure is strong, but your buffet stomach needs better planning.

Fried shrimp might look tempting at the buffet, but don’t be fooled by their crispy exterior—they’re far from the light, healthy option you’re hoping for. Unlike their simpler, grilled or boiled cousins, fried shrimp have been dunked in batter and oil, turning them into calorie bombs that’ll fill you up faster than you can say “shrimp cocktail.” The frying process adds unnecessary heaviness, leaving you with that sluggish, “I should have stopped at three” feeling. If you’re looking to sample more without feeling stuffed, skip the fryer and opt for the shrimp served a little more naturally—they’re much easier on your stomach and much better for your buffet strategy.

Sausage gravy is one of those dishes that can quickly derail your buffet plans. It’s thick, rich, and packed with fat, which makes it surprisingly heavy despite its comforting allure. A small ladleful might seem harmless, but before you know it, you’re feeling sluggish, wondering how it turned into the main course. Skip the gravy if you want to avoid that “I’ve had enough” feeling before you even get to dessert.

Casseroles at a buffet can be deceptively filling, often loaded with layers of carbs, cheese, and rich sauces that will fill you up faster than you’d expect. Whether it’s green bean casserole, tater tot casserole, macaroni and cheese casserole, tuna noodle casserole, or even breakfast casserole, the results are the same: you’ll hit your limit before you even realize what happened. These hearty, baked dishes are meant to be comforting, but they’re often so dense that you’ll find yourself stuck with a heavy stomach and no room for anything else.

While the ribs themselves aren’t exactly a light meal, it’s the sticky BBQ sauce that really packs on the pounds. The sauce is usually loaded with sugar and syrup, turning those tender, smoky ribs into a calorie-laden mess. Even if you’re just nibbling on a few, the combo of meat and sauce quickly fills you up, leaving you too stuffed to explore the rest of the buffet. While ribs are undeniably tasty, unless you’ve got a serious appetite, it’s best to save them for a meal where you can savor every bite without sacrificing room for everything else.

Pot pies at a buffet might seem like a cozy, comforting choice, but the combination of ingredients is what makes them a major pitfall. A flaky, buttery crust surrounds a thick filling of rich gravy, chunks of chicken or beef, and a medley of vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes. The result is a heavy, calorie-packed dish that fills you up fast, leaving little room for lighter or more exciting options. Between the creamy filling and the buttery crust, you’re essentially eating a meal in one bite—without realizing that it’s taking up valuable stomach space you could’ve used for something else.

Ah, creamed spinach—the dish that tricks you into thinking you’re being healthy at the buffet. It looks like a sophisticated side, but don’t let that green color fool you. The creamy sauce is so thick it might as well be called “creamed regret.” You start with one spoonful, then suddenly you’re face-to-face with a bowl of spinach that’s decided it’s going to be more butter and cream than leafy greens. It’s like trying to eat your way to health, but someone snuck in a cheat code for calories. Skip it unless you’re aiming for the most filling, least satisfying veggie experience of your life.

Scalloped potatoes are the kind of dish that lures you in with their cheesy, creamy goodness, but before you know it, you’re sinking into a carb-filled coma. Layers of tender potatoes smothered in a rich, buttery sauce might sound like heaven, but that sauce is basically a food trap, designed to fill you up fast. The potatoes are already starchy enough, and when you add the cheese and cream, you’ve got a heavy, filling dish that’ll have you too stuffed to appreciate anything else on the buffet.

Crispy and golden on the outside, egg rolls seem harmless, but inside is a surprising combination of meat, cabbage, and sometimes noodles—all wrapped up in a deep-fried package of regret. You pop one in your mouth, and before you know it, you’re reaching for another, filling up on something that’s more grease than gourmet. Egg rolls are easy to munch on, but they’ll quickly steal your appetite for all the other, less-oily options.

Cheese-stuffed breadsticks—essentially mozzarella sticks in disguise—are the kind of buffet food that seems to call your name, but don’t be fooled: they’re calorie-packed time bombs. The doughy exterior gives way to a gooey, melty center of cheese that’s rich enough to make you reconsider your life choices after just one bite. You’re thinking, “I’ll just have a couple,” but then you’re reaching for more, forgetting that they’re already filling you up before you even get to the good stuff. There’s nothing wrong with a small appetizer before your real meal arrives, just make sure you don’t let your appetizer turn into an entrée!

Quiche at a buffet is the fancy cousin of the egg dish family, but don’t let its posh reputation fool you—this savory tart is a total trap. Packed with creamy eggs, cheese, and whatever fillings they decided to throw in (spinach, bacon, maybe some mushrooms), it’s a delightful bite that fills you up faster than you can say “I’ll just have a sliver.” The buttery, flaky crust is like a carb magnet, pulling you in with its tempting crunch, only to weigh you down with a dense, filling combination that leaves little room for the rest of the buffet.

Cornbread at a buffet is the sneaky side dish that tries to hide in the corner of your plate, just waiting to pounce. You think, “I’ll just have a bite,” but before you know it, you’ve devoured half of the fluffy, slightly sweet, buttery squares, and it’s taken up precious stomach space you didn’t even know you had. It’s the kind of food that doesn’t seem like it’s doing much harm until you realize you’ve eaten more than you planned, and now you’ve got no room for anything else. While cornbread’s comforting, it has a way of filling you up without you even noticing, leaving you to wonder why you didn’t just stick with the lighter options.

Sushi rolls with cream cheese are the sneakiest of the sushi world. At first, they seem harmless—just your usual sushi roll, right? But then you bite into the creamy surprise, and suddenly, your stomach’s like, “Why did I do this?” The cream cheese might seem like a small addition, but it’s surprisingly rich and dense, turning what should be a light snack into a filling meal. Add in the rice, which is already a carb-heavy base, and you’ve got a sushi roll that quickly turns into a calorie-packed bomb. Before you know it, you’ve eaten more than you bargained for, leaving little room for the rest of the buffet—those sushi rolls are deceptively filling!

Waffles could honestly be described as a syrup-soaking, carb-loading disaster, just with extra crispy edges. They may look lighter, but don’t be fooled: one bite, and you’re in the same sticky, syrup-filled boat as pancakes. The starch from the waffles, combined with the sugary toppings, makes for a dense dish that fills you up quickly. They’re just as filling as pancakes as well, and before you know it, you’ve eaten half your plate and have no room for anything else. If you thought pancakes were the enemy, wait until you meet their crunchy counterpart.

Loaded baked potatoes are the buffet equivalent of a meal disguised as a side dish. You start with a fluffy potato and pile on toppings like cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives—delicious, right? But before you know it, that potato has turned into a heavy, calorie-packed mountain that takes up valuable stomach space. The potato itself is starchy enough, and with all those rich toppings, it quickly becomes a meal in itself, leaving you too full to enjoy the lighter, fresher options on the buffet. It’s a trap of deliciousness you might want to avoid if you’re planning on trying anything else.

Pecan pie might look like a harmless dessert, but it’s a sugar-packed powerhouse that can sneakily fill you up faster than you think. Between the sticky, sweet syrup and the crunchy pecans, it’s a flavor explosion, but also a calorie bomb—one slice can easily pack more calories than a full meal. The rich filling is made with butter, sugar, and corn syrup, creating a sticky sweetness that sticks to your stomach long after the last bite. So while it’s delicious, that piece of pecan pie might leave you with no room for anything else, making it a dessert that demands careful consideration!

Mashed potatoes might seem like a safe choice at the buffet, but don’t let their creamy charm fool you—they’re experts at filling you up fast. The secret lies in their starch content, which makes them dense and deceptively heavy. A few scoops can sit in your stomach like cement, leaving little room for the fancier, harder-to-find dishes you actually came for. Unless you’ve been dreaming about potatoes all day, it’s best to skip the pile and aim for foods that won’t make you wave your fork in surrender halfway through.

Chocolate cake with frosting is the buffet’s secret weapon—sweet, rich, and practically designed to sabotage your plans for a light meal. You start with a small piece, thinking, “I’ll just have a bite,” but then the frosting is so smooth, the cake so dense, that you can’t stop at just one bite. Before you know it, that “small slice” has turned into a full-on sugar rush, leaving you feeling as stuffed as if you ate an entire meal.

Fried rice might seem like a harmless side dish, but it’s really just a sneaky stomach filler in disguise. Packed with oil, soy sauce, and endless grains of rice, it’s the buffet equivalent of loading up on packing peanuts—space you can’t get back. Sure, it’s tasty, but you didn’t come all this way to fill up on something you can grab at any takeout joint. Save your appetite for the big-ticket items and let the fried rice stay where it belongs: as a forgotten side next to the egg rolls.

Donuts have earned their place as the iconic buffet staple, sitting there, golden and tempting, daring you to take just one. With their sweet, fluffy dough and irresistible glaze, they seem harmless—until you realize that one bite turns into several, and suddenly you’ve eaten half a dozen without even blinking. The combination of sugar and carbs makes them deceptively filling, and despite their light appearance, they can easily take up precious stomach space. Donuts may be the champions of a quick dessert, but they’re also the buffet’s sneaky snack that fills you up before you even realize what’s happening.

Croissants may look elegant, sitting there all golden and flaky, but don’t let their buttery layers fool you—they’re sneaky little carb bombs. One bite of that soft, delicate pastry, and you’re hit with a rich, flaky texture that makes it hard to stop at just one. While they seem light, croissants are surprisingly dense and filling, especially when paired with butter or jam. Before you know it, you’re so full from those airy layers that there’s no room left for anything else, leaving you wondering why you fell for the croissant trap in the first place.

Buffets are all about strategy—like playing Tetris, but with food and fewer rules. Avoiding these super-filling options means you can taste a little bit of everything without waving the white napkin halfway through. Remember, it’s not about skipping what you love, just being picky about what’s worth your precious stomach real estate. Now go forth, pile your plate like a pro, and let nothing—not bread pudding, not biscuits, and definitely not a surprise dumpling—stand in your way. Bon appétit!