Chicken, beef, fish, or pork 4 pounds Potato or pasta salads 3 pounds of potatoes 1 pound of dry pasta Hot dogs or sausage (main dish)
Full Answer
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.
Are there any meals and snacks that will satisfy every crowd?
Given various diets, preferences, and tastes, it can be difficult to find meals and snacks that satisfy every crowd; however, there are some tried and true staples out there that are healthy, delicious, and will appease even the pickiest eaters.
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 do you feed big crowds?
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 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 is the cheapest meal to feed a crowd?
44 Recipes That Will Feed A Crowd on A BudgetTater Tot Nachos.Potluck Tabbouleh with Feta.Slow Cooker Curried Lentils with Pistachios.Gray Poupon Ham & Cheese Rollups.Slow Cooker Apple Chai for a Crowd.Ultimate Party Meatballs.Sweet & Spicy Chicken.Chicken Over Rice.More items...•
How can I feed a large crowd for cheap?
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 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...•
How do you feed a party on a budget?
Here are some simple party food ideas on a budget:Soup.Loose meat sandwiches.Baked potatoes.Pasta.Tacos.Make-your-own-pizzas.Cheese and crackers.Vegetables and dip.More items...•
What's the cheapest meal 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...•
What is the cheapest food to cater?
The cheapest food to cater is any rice or noodle-based cultural cuisine. Mexican, Indian, and Thai dishes are delicious and affordable. Or, if you're hosting an event during the day, serve brunch and breakfast items.
How do you cater for a large crowd?
5 Tips on How to Cater for a Large GroupPreparation is the key to success. The more information you can give to the caterer, the better. ... Consider the event style. Once you have your guest list confirmed, it's time to consider the style of the event. ... Work out quantities. ... Less is sometimes more. ... More is...not that hard!
What can you serve instead of pizza?
Here are 12 ideas for party fare that will help you out of the takeout pizza rut:Grilled Cheese for a Crowd. Grilled cheese doesn't sound like a smart idea for a party—until you make it this way. ... Fondue. ... Chili. ... Pulled pork sandwiches. ... Taco bar. ... Burgers. ... Potato Bar. ... Kebabs.More items...•
How do you plan 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.
How do you feed a party of 15?
For a crowd of 15 to 20 people, two cakes or three pies is sufficient. If you're serving individual cookies or pastries, plan on each guest eating two or three and order around 40 to 50.
What should I feed my teenage crowd?
The Best Recipes for Feeding A Crowd (Girls Camp, Family Reunions, Youth Groups, etc)Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Crock Pot)BBQ Chicken Sandwiches (Crock Pot)Tasty Teriyaki Chicken (Crock Pot)Taco Salad (build your own)Cilantro Lime Chicken (Crock Pot)Spaghetti Sauce for a Crowd (Freezer super well)More items...•
How do you feed a party on a budget?
Here are some simple party food ideas on a budget:Soup.Loose meat sandwiches.Baked potatoes.Pasta.Tacos.Make-your-own-pizzas.Cheese and crackers.Vegetables and dip.More items...•
What can you serve instead of pizza?
Here are 12 ideas for party fare that will help you out of the takeout pizza rut:Grilled Cheese for a Crowd. Grilled cheese doesn't sound like a smart idea for a party—until you make it this way. ... Fondue. ... Chili. ... Pulled pork sandwiches. ... Taco bar. ... Burgers. ... Potato Bar. ... Kebabs.More items...•
Tips for Feeding a Large Crowd
Do as much food prep ahead of time as possible. Here are my best tips about working ahead before company arrives.
Meals to Feed to a Large Crowd
Setting up a buffet in which people line up and fix their plate according to their preference is the easiest all the way around. This also ensures that people with food allergies or those who are picky can fill their plate the way they need and like.
How about casseroles that are easy to make in bulk to feed to a large crowd?
After all, if you’re going to make one, you might as well make…more than one. Each of these feeds 8-12, so double or quadruple accordingly!
Easy Meat Dishes that are Great to Feed to a Crowd
You’ve got to love how the word “Simple” is in each of these. These recipes each take just a few minutes of prep!
Soups and Stews That Are Great to Feed a Large Crowd
Make a big pot or two of these. Serve with fresh fruits and veggies, maybe bread, muffins, or corn chips. So easy and good!
Desserts that are Great to Feed to a Large Crowd
I typically choose to make cookies into bars when I am feeding a crowd. This cuts down on my time investment!
What vegetables are used in pizza?
Fresh spinach gives this recipe a tasty twist. That leafy green plus yellow peppers, snow-white mushrooms and tomato sauce make this a colorful addition to your pizza buffet table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Who said "Roasted drumsticks keep everyone happy"?
Roasted drumsticks keep everyone happy. —Erica Allen, Tuckerton, New Jersey
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.
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.
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.
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.
Baked Chicken Fingers
No matter how old you are, there are few things more satisfying than chicken fingers. This baked version from Lil' Luna is tasty, healthy, and quick and easy to make. This recipe uses two kinds of breadcrumbs and calls for baking the chicken instead of frying it, meaning you're saving hundreds of calories and plenty of fat.
Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
Making a traditional pizza can be tricky if you don't have a pizza stone and other accouterments. Luckily, these pepperoni pizza bombs from Flour on My Face taste just like the real thing and can be made with a baking pan in the oven.
Spicy Honey Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a game day favorite, and these spicy honey crispy baked chicken wings courtesy of Ambitious Kitchen are simply delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Ready in about an hour, these wings are bound to please everyone thanks to a great balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Roasted Chicken with Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts
Roast chicken is one of those dishes that can please even the pickiest of eaters, and this recipe from Eating Bird Food is guaranteed to be enjoyed by all. The whole meal is roasted on one baking sheet, meaning the dish is extra flavorful and tasty, while also being very easy to prep and clean up.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Pinch of Yum 's version of spaghetti and meatballs is technically "skinny" but that's only because the meatball mixture is half chopped veggies and half lean ground turkey—a great combo for parents trying to get their little ones to eat healthier.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is one of those basic, comforting dishes that everyone should know how to make, especially as the weather gets colder and cold and flu season goes into full swing. Though this tasty classic is great for those who are under the weather, it's also a hit for those just looking for something cozy and delicious.
Fried Rice
Though fried rice may look hard to make, the Chinese food classic is actually pretty simple to whip up and guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. This vegetarian recipe from Gimmie Some Oven takes just 15 minutes to make and is customizable with any of your favorite mix-ins.
The Only Dessert For A Crowd You Need: Slutty Brownies Recipe
These are one of our popular posts and desserts to bring to a potluck. Cut into small squares to feed a crowd. Plus they are easy making multiple batches.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars For a Crowd
Cookies in a pan, need I say more about a dessert for a crowd that is easy and feeds a lot.
Easiest Texas Sheet Cake Recipe- Desserts for a Crowd
Cake dessert for the masses. For larger pieces this cake feeds a crowd for of 20.
Triple Chocolate Oreo Brownie Recipe
Triple Chocolate Oreo Brownies are the perfect dessert to feed a crowd, especially if they are chocolate lovers.
Dessert Recipes: 5 Ingredient Raspberry Tart Recipe
Make one batch or 10 these raspberry tarts come together easily thanks to the premade tart shells.
Easy No Bake Desserts: Chocolate Berry Bites
The easy no bake desserts are the perfect last minute desserts. With only a few ingredients the kids can even make them.
Last Minute Desserts: Dulce De Leche Caramel Chocolate Cups
Once again thanks to premade ingredients like the phyllo tarts and canned dulce de leche you can make multiple batches of this easy dessert for a crowd.