When you’re tasked with feeding a large group, whether for a family gathering, a party, or a community event, the pressure to come up with something everyone will enjoy can be daunting. However, the key is finding simple, crowd-pleasing dishes that can be scaled up easily and serve multiple people without compromising on taste. Here are some tried-and-true recipes perfect for feeding a group of hungry guests, with something for every taste and dietary preference.
1. Baked Ziti
A classic Italian-American dish, baked ziti is a great option for feeding a large crowd. It’s filling, flavorful, and can be easily made in advance. With its combination of pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a comfort food favorite that satisfies just about everyone. Plus, you can customize it by adding ground beef, sausage, or even vegetables for a twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage (optional)
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions, then drain.
- If using meat, brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet, then drain any excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and meat (if using). Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
2. Taco Bar
If you’re looking to feed a crowd with something interactive and fun, a taco bar is the way to go. It’s easy to set up, and everyone can build their tacos just the way they like them. You can prepare all the components ahead of time and let guests assemble their tacos. This works particularly well for large parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients (for 12 people):
- 3 pounds ground beef or chicken
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 soft tortillas and 12 crunchy taco shells
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped onions
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Jalapeño slices
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Cook the ground beef or chicken in a large skillet, following the instructions on the taco seasoning packet.
- Set up a taco bar with bowls of each ingredient: tortillas, meat, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and any other toppings you’d like.
- Allow guests to build their tacos and enjoy the variety of flavors!
3. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
A great option for feeding a large crowd is pulled pork. It’s easy to make in a slow cooker and can be served on soft buns with coleslaw and pickles for a simple but tasty meal. This dish works particularly well for casual outdoor gatherings, picnics, or family reunions.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 12 sandwich buns
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
- Place the pork shoulder and sliced onion in a slow cooker.
- In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pour over the pork.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker, shred with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker to mix with the sauce.
- Serve the pulled pork on sandwich buns with a generous scoop of coleslaw.
4. Vegetarian Chili
For a vegetarian option that can easily feed a crowd, vegetarian chili is a hearty and flavorful dish. Packed with beans, vegetables, and spices, this chili is perfect for anyone avoiding meat or just looking for a lighter option. You can serve it with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Ingredients (serves 12):
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 cups vegetable broth (depending on desired consistency)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Shredded cheese (optional)
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the garlic, chili powder, and cumin, and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beans, corn, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Let the chili cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Serve with toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro.
5. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet pan meals are perfect for feeding a crowd because they’re easy to make, require minimal cleanup, and are super flavorful. Chicken fajitas cooked on a sheet pan are quick, delicious, and can be served with tortillas, guacamole, and salsa for a complete meal.
Ingredients (serves 12):
- 4 pounds chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 3 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 small flour tortillas
- Lime wedges
- Salsa and guacamole (for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken, bell peppers, and onions with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread everything evenly on a sheet pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve the fajitas with warm tortillas, lime wedges, salsa, and guacamole.
6. Pasta Salad
A perfect side dish to complement a variety of main courses, pasta salad is easy to prepare in advance and serves a large number of people. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix and match ingredients depending on your crowd’s preferences.
Ingredients (serves 12):
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Feeding a Crowd Made Easy
Feeding a large group doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. With these simple yet satisfying recipes, you can serve up a variety of dishes that will keep your guests happy and full. From comforting casseroles to interactive taco bars and flavorful vegetarian options, these recipes can be customized to suit any occasion, dietary preference, or level of culinary expertise. With a little planning and preparation, you’ll be able to feed a crowd and leave them asking for seconds!