what to feed a crowd of 20

What is the best dinner to feed a large crowd?

50 Dinner Recipes That Will Feed a Crowd. 1 Slow-Cooked Chunky Chili. Pork sausage, ground beef and plenty of beans make this chili a marvelous meal. I keep serving-size containers of it in my ... 2 Double-Duty Layered Enchilada Casserole. 3 Meaty Arugula Pizzas. 4 Mini Barbecue Meat Loaves. 5 Green Chile Beef Burritos. More items

How do you feed a crowd of 20 or more?

I frequently feed crowds of 20 or more. I’ve truly gotten to a place where I can say, “Oh, it’s easy.” How? I keep these meals very simple! And my best tip of all: The side dishes I serve are made up of fresh fruits and vegetables. Nothing fancy or difficult! I simply wash strawberries and put them in a big bowl.

What to cook for a large group of 20+?

20+ Inexpensive, Easy Meals for Large Groups Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches. The key to this recipe for large groups is in the homemade BBQ sauce. Once it’s... Hearty Baked Penne Pasta. This recipe feeds an army. Almost everybody loves the hearty, beefy, cheesy pasta. Serve it... Tasty Taco ...

What are the best 3737 big batch meals to feed a crowd?

37 Big-Batch Dishes to Feed a Crowd 1. White Pesto Spinach Lasagna (10 Servings). Loaded with gorgeous good-for-you veggies like spinach and wild mushrooms? 2. Slow-Cooker Crispy Carnitas (10 Servings). In this big-batch gem, pork shoulder is simmered in the slow cooker for... 3. Baked Sausage and ...

What is good to feed a crowd?

13 Easy To Make Recipes To Feed A CrowdAmbrosia Salad.Cranberry Pecan Slaw.Out Of This World Baked Spaghetti.Grilled Pork Tenderloin.Creamy Chicken Casserole.Crock Pot Creamed Corn.Southern Style Green Beans.Banana Pudding Trifle.More items...

How much food do you need for 20 guests?

Some people will eat more or less than expected, a few guests might not show up, or someone might even bring an extra person or two. It's best to overestimate the amount of food by just a bit than to run out....Appetizer Amounts for a 3-Hour Party.FoodFruitUp to 10 guests5 cups10-2010 cups20-3015 cups30-4020 cups7 more columns

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.

How do you feed a large group cheaply?

Feed a Large Group for CheapGo vegetarian. Not only is it usually cheaper to skip the meat, but you also can make just one meal that will include vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, which makes your life easier.Grains are your friend. ... Legumes for the win. ... Don't make meat the main event. ... Use cheaper cuts.

How many appetizers do I need for 20 guests?

What is this? So for a party of 10, you'd serve 40-50 appetizers and for a party of 20, you'd serve a total of 80-100 appetizers.

How do you calculate food for a party?

Rules to Plan By Each adult will consume 1 pound of food total; children, about 1/2 pound. The more options you have, the less you need of each; decrease the main course portion sizes by 1 to 2 ounces if served on a buffet. Guests will always eat — and drink — more at night than during the day.

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...•

How do you feed 60 people?

Most experts agree that for a party of 60 guests you should provide each guest with at least 1 lb. of food. This is a good rule of thumb as some guests will only nibble as others will take much more than 1 lb. You should also take beverages into account--approximately two beverages per person, or 120 beverages.

How much food do I need for a party of 30?

The easiest rule is the “One Pound Rule.” Provide one pound of food for each adult guest (not including drinks or dessert).

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...•

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

This recipe was inspired by my daughter’s favorite food—Buffalo wings! It tastes as if it came from a restaurant. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

Slow-Cooked Chunky Chili

Pork sausage, ground beef and plenty of beans make this chili a marvelous meal. I keep serving-size containers of it in my freezer at all times so I can quickly warm up bowls on busy days. —Margie Shaw, Greenbrier, Arkansas

Double-Duty Layered Enchilada Casserole

Here's a heap of cozy comfort. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen took my recipe for chili without beans and turned it into a scrumptious enchilada casserole. —Molly Butt, Granville, Ohio

Meaty Arugula Pizzas

When I was growing up, my mom always made homemade pizza every Friday night. We'd watch a movie as a family or have friends over, too. Now that I'm married, I carry on the pizza tradition. —Morgan Harvey, Longview, Washington

Mini Barbecue Meat Loaves

I gave classic meat loaf a tasty twist by adding barbecue sauce. My kids usually get bored with beef entrees, but they keep asking for this dish. It's become a dinner staple at my house. —Vicki Smith, Okeechobee, Florida

Green Chile Beef Burritos

Recipes that are leaner in fat and calories—like this one for beef burritos—helped me lose 30 pounds! The meat is so tender and delicious. —Shirley Davidson, Thornton, Colorado

Slow-Cooked Pizza Casserole

A friend from church gave me the recipe for this satisfying slow-cooked casserole. It's always one of the first dishes emptied at potlucks, and it can easily be adapted to personal tastes. —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky

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.

1. White Pesto Spinach Lasagna (10 servings)

Cheesy? Check. Bubbly? Check. Loaded with gorgeous good-for-you veggies like spinach and wild mushrooms? Triple check.

2. Slow Cooker Crispy Carnitas (10 servings)

In this big-batch gem, pork shoulder is simmered in the slow cooker for eight hours, yielding tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that’s fabulous in tacos, sandwiches and even with fried eggs.

3. Baked Sausage and Cheese Rigatoni (8 servings)

This family favorite packs in a pound of ground sweet Italian sausage, plus lots of ricotta, Parm and provolone. (Thanks, Coterie member, Heidi Larsen .)

4. Caramelized Shiitake Mushroom Risotto (8 servings)

A ten-ingredient, 30-minute recipe that stores for up to a month in the freezer. (So basically, it’s fabulous in every way.)

5. Korean Beef Tacos (12 servings)

These mind-blowing tacos come together in 35 minutes and are piled high with sriracha mayo and caramelized kimchi to boot.

6. Healthy Instant Pot Turkey Chili (8 servings)

The easiest way to cook for a crowd: Dump all the ingredients into your pressure cooker, then go live your life. In six hours, you’ve got a soul-warming dinner that's ready to serve.

7. Chicken and Dumplings (6 servings)

This classic takes a little bit of patience to make (hey, homemade biscuits take time), but Coterie member Maria Lichty promises it’s worth it.

How to take a classic crowd pleaser from good to great?

How do you take a classic crowd-pleaser from good to great? Simple: Add bacon and a sprinkle of fresh dill. Double this recipe and serve on small plates for a smoky starter that will disappear fast!

How many pinwheels are enough for dinner?

Guests will be app-happy with these crunchy and fragrant hors d'oeuvres that look elegant but are surprisingly simple to roll out. Larger than they look, one to two pinwheels should be enough to stave off hunger until dinnertime.

How many drinks are there in a Kentucky Derby cocktail?

Whether you're throwing a Kentucky Derby party or are simply a fan of the tasty cocktail, this recipe makes 16 drinks to ensure everyone has a glass in their hand.

What is Kelly's favorite food?

Kelly said: “Chili is always a favorite this time of year. Beef stew, chicken and dumplings (I use Bisquick), baked spaghetti, baked mac ‘n cheese, and meatloaf. Salad and bread always help people to fill up so they don’t eat too much of the main course. Also a big pot of homemade soup or shepherds pie.”.

How many eggs are in a cheap breakfast?

Sheri said: “This is my favorite cheap breakfast for a crowd – Egg Casserole: 1/2 large loaf of white bread. 9 eggs. 3 cups of milk (you can use canned milk in this) 1/2 lb. of sharp grated cheese. 1 stick butter or margarine. salt and pepper to taste.

How to make your own pizza crust?

It’s super cheap and easy to make your own pizza crust; just flour, yeast, water, and a little oil and salt. Add in some sauce and toppings, and you have a great meal. Plus let the kids help by topping the pizzas. They’ll love being part of the action.

Is oatmeal good for breakfast?

Lynn said: “ Oatmeal is cheap for breakfasts, and some recipes can be quite special. Try making it in the crock pot to have ready when you get up. Also check out the clearance sections of the grocery for bakery items; make overnight French toast or breakfast bread pudding from a loaf of French bread, bought for under $1. This will also make great stuffing. Go vegetarian… with beans and rice, a pasta bake with no meat, etc.”

Family Sicilian Sauce and Meatballs

My mother's family originally came from Sicily and every family member makes his or her own version - this version came most recently via Brooklyn. If there are any leftovers, they freeze very well. MANGIA! Serve with red wine and a good loaf of crusty Italian bread.

Firehouse Clam Bake New England Style

Growing up along the Eastern seaboard in Rhode Island, seafood is a staple of the state! This is a wonderful recipe that is prepared right on the beach!! A lot of work, but well worth it! You'll have to collect a lot of stones and seaweed for this dish.

Sausage, Pepper, and Onion Sandwiches

One of my favorite fair foods that I always looked forward to, until I learned how to make them myself. Serve on Italian hoagie rolls.

Anna's Amazing Easy Pleasy Meatballs over Buttered Noodles

My friend Anna makes the most amazing and easy meatballs with gravy! Prepared in a slow cooker, this recipe couldn't be any easier! Serve over buttery hot cooked noodles and you'll have a happy crowd! Mangia!

Kofta Kebabs

These kebabs have 6 different kinds of spices; the first time I smelled them I knew immediately that I had to find the recipe. The most affordable way to purchase the spices is in bulk at either a health food store or an Asian or Middle-Eastern market. They are very good! Serve with yogurt, flat bread, lettuce, tomato and cucumber.

Beef Tamales

These are just like the tamales my Abuelita used to make for special occasions. This recipe makes a lot, but if you're going to go to all the trouble of making tamales from scratch, you might as well have a party! You will need butchers' twine and a large pot with a steamer basket to make these.

Bone-In Ham Cooked in Beer

This is a recipe we have used for the past 5 years. The beer really tenderizes the ham. Using beer is probably a Wisconsin thing. We seem to find many uses for it. But don't worry, the ham will not taste like beer when it is done other than maybe a small hint on the bottom portions.

Taco Dip I

This is a scrumptious taco dip. When I use all low-fat ingredients, such as low-fat sour cream and low-fat Cheddar, it still comes out so delicious! Serve with baked tortilla chips for dipping.

Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Blue Cheese

Dates are stuffed with blue cheese, wrapped in bacon and baked until crisp. These are delicious and very easy to make for a party. You can serve them at room temperature, so it is okay to make a few hours in advance!

Elaine's Sweet and Tangy Loose Beef BBQ

This recipe is a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants creation. I researched several BBQ recipes online and in my cookbooks and combined bits and pieces of different things I liked about them. The result was a wonderful and tangy loose BBQ for sandwiches that is very easy to make and takes little hands-on time.

Baked Potato Casserole

This baked potato casserole makes a perfect side dish to bring to large family potlucks, picnics, and celebrations.

The Best Fresh Tomato Salsa

Keep it fresh by mixing fresh chopped tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and cilantro with lime juice for a quick and simple salsa.

Beef Tamales

These are just like the tamales my Abuelita used to make for special occasions. This recipe makes a lot, but if you're going to go to all the trouble of making tamales from scratch, you might as well have a party! You will need butchers' twine and a large pot with a steamer basket to make these.

Henry and Maudie's Oatmeal Cookies

This makes a nice snack cookie, not necessarily a sweet treat kind of cookie. Good and healthful. For variety add chopped raisins or currants or nuts.

What to do with a group of people?

Here is another SUPER easy meal idea for groups of people: Chicken Parmesan Sliders. Just put a few ingredients into the crockpot and you’ll have one of your favorite meals for a busy night. Making them into sandwiches is a great way to stretch the chicken mix and feed more people.

Can you make meat ahead of time?

While you can make the meat ahead of time, the sandwiches will need to be eaten soon after they are assembled. Keep that in mind as you plan! If you want to use it as a lunch for groups, just make the meat the day before and rewarm it before assembling the sandwiches the next day.

Is the One Pot Wonder vegetarian?

This one-pot wonder is packed with flavor, but is also vegetarian! This winning combination of ingredients and flavors is sure to impress your family and friends. Just might win the award for the easiest (yet still super tasty) recipe on our blog.