what to feed a crowd in the summer

What food do you bring to a summer party?

A grilled, juicy hamburger (meat or plant based) served with or without cheese is a summer party classic. People will expect it. Don’t let them down. The other summer party food classic for those who don’t like hamburgers. You must have fruit at a summer party, it’s like an unwritten law.

What are the best crowd-feeding dishes for summer?

Our crowd-feeding creations run the gamut—whether you're looking for appetizers or cocktails, sides or desserts, we're sharing summertime favorites. Go big with a colorful and easy to make main like the Chicken, Tomato, and Bread Cube Kebabs with Lemon-Oregano Marinade that are pictured here.

Is your food serving up enough for a crowd?

While there are many aspects of a party to consider, arguably the most important is the food. But serving up enough for a crowd can involve more numbers—and headaches—than you bargained for. That's why we're sharing some of our favorite big-batch and easy to double (or even triple) recipes so you can focus more on the joys of cooking, than math.

What are the best grains for summer salad?

—Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia I often create salads for summer using a variety of healthy, filling grains. This version with tender couscous is amped up by the bright flavors of oranges, cranberries, basil and a touch of fennel.

What do you serve at a summer buffet?

Sample Summer Buffet MenuSalads. Garden Salad With Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, Carrots, And A Variety Of Garden Vegetables Served With Herb Dijon Red Wine Vinaigrette. ... Seafood. Grilled South African Lobster Tails With Garlic Butter. ... Meat And Chicken. ... Vegetables (Served Warm) ... Desserts. ... Full Coffee And Tea Service.

What is the most popular food in summer?

The Greatest Foods of Summer, RankedItalian Ice.Hot Dogs. ... Lobster Rolls. ... S'mores. ... Almost Anything With Fresh Tomatoes. ... Clam Bakes. ... Corn (specifically, on the cob) ... Assorted Melons. ... More items...•

What do you feed a crowd of people?

47 Big-Batch Dishes to Feed a CrowdWhite Pesto Spinach Lasagna (10 servings) ... Slow Cooker Crispy Carnitas (10 servings) ... Baked Sausage and Cheese Rigatoni (8 servings) ... Caramelized Shiitake Mushroom Risotto (8 servings) ... Korean Beef Tacos (12 servings) ... Healthy Instant Pot Turkey Chili (8 servings)More items...•

What is the cheapest food to feed a crowd?

Having a meat as your main protein or entrée can often be costly. Remember, beans and potatoes are the cheapest foods on the planet, so make use of them.

What is a summertime food?

Soup gets a summertime makeover in the form of gazpacho, a chilled, Spanish-style vegetable soup that's most often tomato-based. Gazpacho is a great way to utilize peak summer produce like tomatoes, cucumbers and avocados, as well as juicy watermelon, grapes and fresh herbs.

What is the food most eaten in summer and loved by everyone?

For a lot of people, summers are synonymous with mangoes – the king of fruits.

What do you feed a crowd of 20?

Easy Meals for 20 PeopleFrench Bread Pizzas.Meatball Sliders.Sausage Cream Cheese Braid.Chicken Tetrazzini for 20.Sheet Pan Pancakes.Paula Deen Lasagna for 20.Chicken Quesadillas for a Crowd.Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese.More items...•

What do you feed a group of 12?

Easy Meals for a Group of 12Cheesy Roast Beef Casserole Sliders.Chicken Parmesan Slider Bake.Twice-Baked Potatoes.Sheet Pan Breakfast Bake.Ham and Swiss Sliders.Easy, Peasy Carbonara.Reuben Braid Sandwich.Sheet Pan Cuban Sandwiches.More items...•

What is comfort food examples?

The 20 Best Comfort Foods in America—and Where to Eat ThemChicken and Waffles. Where to get it: According to John T. ... Spaghetti and Meatballs. ... Chicken Fried Steak. ... Mac and Cheese. ... Hotdish. ... Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. ... Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup. ... Matzo Ball Soup.More items...•

How would you feed 100 guests on a budget?

Wedding Menu- 5 Lunch ideas to feed up to 100 people for under $250Pizza and Breadsticks. Nothing could be simpler than pizza and breadsticks for a lunchtime reception- and you don;t even have to cook it! ... Tacos, Rice and Beans. ... Pasta and Bread. ... Burgers and Fries. ... Sub Sandwich Bar.

What is the easiest way to feed a crowd?

25+ Ways to Feed a CrowdCrock Pot Chicken Baked Tacos | NoBiggie.net.Baked Ziti | NoBiggie.Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Sliders | NoBiggie.net.Sticky Ring and Hash (aka Monkey Bread) | NoBiggie.Sandwich Bar for a crowd | She Knows.Strawberry Slab Pie | NoBiggie.Sparkling Raspberry Sherbet Party Punch | NoBiggie.net.More items...•

What is the cheapest food to make?

Meals to Make When You Have No Money1.) Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. This one's a bit obvious, but PB&J is a classic staple and a REALLY simple meal. ... 2.) Pasta and jarred sauce. ... 3.) Bean and cheese burritos. ... 4.) Pancakes/waffles. ... 5.) Grilled cheese sandwiches. ... 6.) Chili cheese dogs. ... 7.) Sloppy Joes. ... 8.) Goulash.More items...•

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables

Baked ziti is made even better by being packed with loads of in-season squash and tomatoes, then topped with fresh mozzerella and basil. It offers amazing freshness to a classic comfort dish.

Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa

It's hard to beat the easy entertaining of a build-your-own taco night—cooked in a slow cooker, no less! For a truly festive affair, make sure you have a pitcher of margaritas, a vase of fresh flowers, and colorful linens ready to go.

Crab-and-Bacon Linguine

Buttery jumbo lump crab and savory thick-cut bacon already make a powerhouse duo, but paired with an delicious pan sauce of white wine, heavy cream, garlic, and red Fresno chile? Game-changer. Serve up this fresh summer pasta dinner for a crowd—because it's as pretty as a picture.

Zucchini Lasagna

This summer take on a classic lasagna uses thin, woven strips of zucchini to make it deliciously fresh—and pretty to boot! This one-pan crowd-pleaser uses three cheeses for a perfectly creamy finish.

Fish Tacos and Topping Bar

You'll be able to whip up this bright and zingy fish taco bar in no time, using pre-shredded cabbage for the Asian slaw. Any firm white fish such as cod, founder, or grouper will work great for this recipe.

Spicy Pineapple Slaw

This sweet and spicy slaw pairs amazingly with a slew of summertime mains, like barbecue chicken or pulled pork. It makes a fresh, flavorful option for any picnic or potluck.

Grilled Jalapeño-Lime Corn on the Cob

Lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeño peppers infuse savory charred corn with south-of-the-border flavor. If you're in the market for a bold barbecue side dish, these are the way to go.

Hamburgers

A grilled, juicy hamburger (meat or plant based) served with or without cheese is a summer party classic. People will expect it. Don’t let them down.

Hot Dogs

The other summer party food classic for those who don’t like hamburgers.

Fruit Skewers

You must have fruit at a summer party, it’s like an unwritten law. Put some berries, watermelon or the fruit of your choice on a wooden skewer, along with a bit of cheese.

Crackers and Cheese

Don’t buy the ready-made plate, but instead get good crackers (with some whole wheat options) and a variety of cheeses, cut into small slices.

Arugula Salad

You want vegetable options, and an arugula salad is a great summertime choice that’s easy to make and serve. It typically comes with other foods such as tomatoes, couscous, corn and avocado, but you can add whatever meets your personal taste.

Taco Bar

A tad messy, maybe, but it’s tacos and tacos are never a bad idea. You can make everything beforehand, then let people stuff their own taco shell with ground beef (or chicken, fajita beef or fish), cheese, lettuce, tomato, jalapeno slices, sour cream and whatever else you like on your tacos.

Concession Machines

You can rent machines that make popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy and even frosted cookies!

Grab a plate and get ready to dig into these tasty potluck favorites. Our recipes for big-batch pasta salads, crowd-pleasing brats and shareable desserts are sure to be a hit at your next summer shindig

Grab a plate and get ready to dig into these tasty potluck favorites. Our recipes for big-batch pasta salads, crowd-pleasing brats and shareable desserts are sure to be a hit at your next summer shindig.

Summer Dessert Pizza

My family enjoys this dessert pizza recipe anytime of the year, but it’s especially refreshing during the hot months. You can use whatever fruits are in season. —Ida Ruth Wenger, Harrisonburg, Virginia

Pina Colada Icebox Cake

This icebox cake has all of the flavors of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

Cran-Orange Couscous Salad

I often create salads for summer using a variety of healthy, filling grains. This version with tender couscous is amped up by the bright flavors of oranges, cranberries, basil and a touch of fennel. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

Honey Mustard Red Potato Salad

This summer cookout star is crunchy-delicious with a brilliant zesty dressing. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona

Frozen Peanut Butter and Chocolate Terrine

This terrine can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. When served, it cuts easily, revealing the lovely layers of banana, peanut butter and chocolate. —Jennifer Jackson, Keller, Texas

Spiced Pulled Pork Sandwiches

This pulled pork is tender and has a fabulous spice rub on it. It is my sweetie's favorite meal, and I love that it is so easy. What a fantastic way to warm up a chilly afternoon. Add more or less salt to taste if you'd like. —Katie Citrowske, Bozeman, Montana

Appetizers

This 15-minute recipe couldn't be easier, and is a great way to show off those juicy ripe tomatoes and fresh basil.

Sides

Zucchini is at it's peak, and tastes sweet and succulent cooked on the grill with some balsamic and fresh herbs. It doesn't get any simpler than this.

Dessert

While the grill is still hot, put on some fresh peaches for the ultimate quick dessert. Serve with whipped cream or ice-cream.

How to save time on the day of a gathering?

Save time on the day of your gathering by making dressings and sauces a few days ahead of time. Make a double or triple batch so you have extras on hand for a few weeks.

Can you leave greens out for a while?

Tip: Fresh tender greens are a great summer treat but they can wilt if left for a while with dressing on them. If your salad needs to hold up for a while choose sturdier greens like fresh baby spinach.

Is potato salad a summer salad?

Potato salad is a summer classic but mayonnaise and heat is a worrisome combination. Make this French-style Potato Salad (no mayo) to avoid mayonnaise. Looking for more salads and sides? Here are 10 recipes for summer side dishes.

How many bacon slices are there in summer camp?

Summer can offer a brief break — let the kids’ camp manage 400 slices of bacon each morning — or it can add to the chaos, as friends visit with their families and children come home from college and turn your kitchen into a 24-hour diner, including the part where someone else does the dishes.

Is it easier to make a three item dinner plate?

Many Americans are rethinking the traditional three-item dinner plate. For large tables, it’s simply easier to make lots more of two items than smaller amounts of three. Erin Axson, who lives with her husband, three children, mother-in-law and brother-in-law in Salt Lake City, said she often jettisons grains.

Homemade vs. Storebought

Just a quick note about this itty bitty issue. All of us have different guidelines and comfort levels when it comes to making every last thing from scratch vs buying every bit, even the prepared stuff, at the store.

Three Most Popular Meals

Without further ado, here are the three most popular meals my compatriots and I served for lunch the last three years:

Keep it Simple

What’s obvious from the above list is that none of those meal plans are fancy.

Freeze Everything

Ok, maybe not everything, but it’s rare that I’ve found a recipe or food that doesn’t freeze well, which means you can make a lot ahead of time. Some notable exceptions that you should NOT freeze are: potato salad, fruit salad, macaroni or pasta salad, dairy-based recipes, etc.

The Right Tools Will Save You

If you aren’t cooking for a crowd on the regular, you probably don’t need to invest in specific tools and supplies. You can easily borrow most of these things, but I thought I’d share a list of the tools that saved me when I served construction lunches…AND, I still use all of these things even though I’m not cooking for a crowd quite as often.