what to feed a crowd of 30

30-Minute Recipes That Feed a Crowd

• Veggie Fajitas. For a scrumptious and super healthy party dish, these colorful, hearty veggie fajitas packed with...
• Smoked Gouda Spinach Pizza.
• Buffalo Sloppy Joes. Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty...
• Chicken Nuggets. I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because...

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.

What are some easy meals for large groups of people?

20 Easy Meals for Large Groups of People Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Beef Sandwiches. The key to this recipe for large groups is in the homemade BBQ sauce. Once... Hearty Baked Penne Pasta. This recipe feeds an army. Almost everybody loves the hearty, beefy, cheesy pasta. Serve it... Crockpot Breakfast ...

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 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 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 do you serve a large crowd?

Go for a buffet setup instead of individual plates. ... Use slow cookers, chafing dishes, or warming trays to keep food at the right temperature. ... Make space at your table by using multi-height serving platters. ... Use your crock-pot for desserts. ... Make large dishes that can easily be doubled.More items...•

How do you prepare food for a large group?

Tips for Cooking in Bulk for Large Dinner PartiesStick with Recipes That You Know Will Double or Triple Well.Consider Make-Ahead Dishes.Determine How Much Food You Need.Make a Game Plan.Don't Overstuff Your Oven.Spices and Herbs Shouldn't Always Be Doubled or Tripled.Don't Use Too Much Fat.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...•

How do you serve 40 people?

A standard portion of meat generally tops out at four ounces, or a quarter-pound. You can go higher if you like, but this is usually plenty. Using that number, you can serve four people with one pound of meat. Taking that further, you would need 10 pounds to serve 40 people.

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 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 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.

What food can be made in advance for a party?

7 Party Foods to Make the Day Before So You're Chill When Guests...Prosciutto Wrapped Cantaloupe. Share on Pinterest. ... Greek Yogurt Spicy Corn Dip. Share on Pinterest. ... Healthier Double Fudge Brownies. Share on Pinterest. ... Plantain Chips and Guacamole. ... No-Bake Samoa Cookies. ... Spinach Goat Cheese Pinwheels. ... Greek Pasta Salad.

How do you cater for a large party?

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 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 can I feed a large family cheap?

How I Feed My Large Family on a Budget1.) Plan ahead. This week, I made 20 meals for the freezer for under $165 in just under 3 hours. And it felt SO good! ... 2.) Set a food budget. My food budget includes what I spend at the grocery store. ... 3.) Use Cash. I use my cash envelopes. ... 4.) Make at home. Make your coffee at home.

What is poor food?

A famine food or poverty food is any inexpensive or readily available food used to nourish people in times of hunger and starvation, whether caused by extreme poverty, such as during economic depression or war, or by natural disasters such as drought.

How do you set up a pasta bar?

How to Make DIY Pasta BarCook your pastas. Toss each variety in oil and place in their own bowls.Place varieties of sauces, cheeses, meats, and veggies in their own bowls.Place all the bowls on a table or bar. Let each person serve themselves.

Unexpected company? Your daughter brought her soccer team home? No problem! These 30-minute recipes are easy and filling... and feed eight or more in a snap

Unexpected company? Your daughter brought her soccer team home? No problem! These 30-minute recipes are easy and filling... and feed eight or more in a snap.

Veggie Fajitas

My husband prefers these to chicken or beef fajitas and I serve them for dinner often. —Sarah Mercer, Wichita, Kansas

Smoked Gouda Spinach Pizza

"My daughter actually created this savory gouda and spinach pizza recipe as an appetizer. There's never a crumb left!"—Marie Hattrup, Sparks, Nevada

Buffalo Sloppy Joes

Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty splash of hot sauce and optional blue cheese provide an authentic Buffalo-style flavor. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts

Chicken Nuggets

I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. You can also use the seasoning to cook chicken breast halves. Stack them on rustic bread with mayo, lettuce and tomato for delicious sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia

Sloppy Joe Pizza

If your kids like sloppy joes, they'll love this pizza. I came up with the six-ingredient recipe that's easy to assemble. —Brenda Rohlman, Kingman, Kansas

Broccoli Beef Braids

Each slice of this fast-to-fix, golden bread is like a hot sandwich packed with beef, broccoli and mozzarella. —Penny Lapp, North Royalton, Ohio

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.

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.

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

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.

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.