Cooking for a large group of people can seem daunting, but with the right recipes and a bit of planning, it can be a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Whether you're hosting a potluck, a wedding reception, or just a large family gathering, having a repertoire of dishes that are easy to scale up and are sure to please is essential. This article provides a variety of healthy and delicious meal ideas perfect for feeding a crowd, along with tips for making the process smoother.
Tips for Hosting a Large Group
Before diving into specific recipes, here are some general tips to keep in mind when hosting a large group:
- Create an Inviting Atmosphere: A warm, inviting scent is so important! The smell of a house is something that’s easily overlooked but makes a big difference. Light a candle, spray air freshener, bake cookies, or put some apple cider in a pot on the stove before the company arrives.
- Have Munchies Available: Having some type of easy-to-grab appetizer available gives people something to do and something to gather around. It tells people where to hang out and gives them something in common.
- Play Music: Music eases the atmosphere and makes people feel more comfortable. It provides a topic for conversation as well as fills the silence if needed.
- Do Dishes in Advance: Nothing is worse than wrapping up a meal to find the dishwasher full of dirty dishes.
- Don't Overthink It: True hospitality leaves your guests feeling welcome, loved, and nourished in your home. It’s okay for people to see imperfection in your home, food, or family.
- Pick the Right Recipes: Opt for recipes that require minimal cooking at the time of the guests’ arrival, freeing you up to chat or do last-minute tasks.
Crowd-Pleasing Main Dishes
Casseroles
Casseroles are a Southern standby for potlucks and other large gatherings because they are easy to prepare in large quantities. Some great options include:
- Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole: A classic comfort food dish that's both creamy and flavorful.
- Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole: A hearty and satisfying option that's sure to be a hit.
Mac and Cheese
- Creamy Mac and Cheese: A family-tested recipe that's easy to make for a large crowd. For a DIY wedding reception, this was a perfect choice.
- Mac and Cheese Spaghetti: A fun twist on a classic, perfect for a casual gathering.
Soups
A big pot of soup is an excellent way to serve a crowd, especially during colder months.
Protein Rich Dishes
- Best Chicken Salad: A versatile dish that can be served on sandwiches, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
- Venison or Beef Bourguignon: A rich and flavorful stew that's perfect for a more formal occasion.
Pasta Dishes
- Pasta Bar: Laying out a pasta bar is a great meal for large groups.
- Baked Italian Meatballs: Meatballs are easy to make in large quantities and can be served over spaghetti or in sub sandwiches.
- Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce: A hearty meat sauce that's dairy-free, gluten-free, and freezer-friendly.
- Pesto: Fresh pesto on top of pasta is divine!
- Homemade Cheese Sauce: A simple cheese sauce that can be served over pasta or broccoli.
- Vegetarian Lasagna: A veggie-packed dish that's perfect for vegetarian customers.
Taco/Sandwich Bars
- Shredded Beef Tacos: Mexican shredded beef packs so much flavor and will fall apart after a full day of cooking. Turn the leftovers into Shredded Beef Nachos.
- 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. Double the recipe for groups.
- Slow Cooker Shredded Balsamic Beef: Everyone, from ages 4 to 42, devoured this tender, flavorful meat dish. Serve it with mashed potatoes (and of course veggies and fruit), which is perfect for all that extra sauce in the crock. Then, the next night we had this same Slow Cooker Shredded Balsamic Beef on mini wheat rolls as “french dip” sandwiches.
Other Main Dish Ideas
- Baked Potato Bar: A budget-friendly, tasty dinner that the whole family or any group you’re hosting will love!
- Burgers: You can’t go wrong with serving a group of people burgers!
- Smash Burgers: When grilled correctly, the edges are perfectly crispy and the middle is still juicy and flavorful.
- Lentil Joes: This recipe has no gluten, eggs, dairy or corn, so it's the perfect go-to treat in our house.
Delicious Side Dishes and Appetizers
Salads
- Big Italian Salad: A classic salad with a variety of fresh vegetables and a flavorful dressing.
- Panzanella Salad: A salad with ripe tomatoes and sourdough croutons.
- Thai Salad: A spicy and refreshing salad. 1 cup: 271 calories, 23g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
- Cucumber Salad: For a crisp, refreshing side dish, this tasty salad can't be beat. It's the perfect salad to go with lasagna. 1 cup salad with 1 tablespoon dressing: 136 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
- Black-Eyed Pea Salad: Easy to make and is a nice alternative to pasta or potato salad. Add cooked cubed chicken breast to make it a meal on its own. 3/4 cup: 242 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
- Summer Orzo Salad 3/4 cup: 291 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
Appetizers
- Fried Chicken Wings or Nachos: Always a crowd-pleaser.
- Fresh Fruit Salsa: Everyone wanted the recipe. Now, someone makes this juicy snack for just about every family gathering-and I have to keep reminding everyone who introduced it! 2 tablespoons salsa with 4 chips: 134 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
- Deviled Eggs: Our updated version of a classic appetizer uses only half the egg yolks of traditional deviled eggs and calls for soft bread crumbs to help firm up the filling. Light ingredients lower the fat grams even more. 1 stuffed egg half: 32 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 132mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
- Zesty White Bean Dip: This crowd-pleasing appetizer is healthy to boot! Folks will love to eat their veggies when they can dip them in this zesty, fresh alternative to hummus. 1/4 cup: 86 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
- Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip: Artichokes are at their best when you prepare them simply, without a lot of fuss or seasonings to overdress them. Many people dip the petals in melted butter or mayonnaise, but I think you'll love my tangy lemon-yogurt dip. 1/2 artichoke with 2 tablespoons dip: 81 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
- Pea Pesto Crostini: I made a healthier spin on pea pesto by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. 1 crostini: 77 calories, 2g fat (trace saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
- Guacamole: Because avocados can brown quickly, it’s best to make this guacamole just before serving. If you have to make it a little in advance, place the avocado pits in the guacamole until ready to serve. 2 tablespoons: 53 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
- Beetroot Hummus: This tasty beetroot hummus is the prettiest pink snack I’ve ever seen. The healthy recipe is handy to make in large batches and keep in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week.
Other Side Dish Ideas
- Grilled Rosemary-Rubbed Steaks: Sweet caramelized onions add great flavor to these rosemary-rubbed steaks. Serve them with baked potatoes and a Caesar salad. 1 each: 495 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 50g protein.
- Tex-Mex Chicken in Tortilla Chip Cups: You can make this party dish ahead of time to free yourself for time-sensitive dishes. Serve it in tortilla cups or any other savory, crispy cup you like. Enjoy the leftovers over salad greens or wrapped up in tender tortillas for burritos. 1/4 cup chicken mixture: 97 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
- Pita Sandwiches: Here's a guaranteed table brightener for a shower, luncheon or party. Just stand back and watch these sandwiches vanish. For an eye-catching presentation, I tuck each one into a colorful folded napkin. 1 pita half: 67 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
- Grain-Free Cauliflower Breadsticks: These grain-free, cheesy cauliflower breadsticks are made with vegetables instead of flour. 1 serving: 66 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
- Spiced Acorn Squash: The aroma of the cranberries and squash cooking in the oven is just as heavenly as the flavor itself. 3/4 cup: 161 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 8g fiber), 2g protein.
Refreshing Drinks and Desserts
Drinks
- Mango Slaw: The cooling effect of tropical fruit and Greek yogurt meets jalapeno spice in this snappy mango slaw. To ensure ripeness, you may want to buy your mango a day or two ahead. 3/4 cup: 66 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
Desserts
- Patriotic Ice Pops: My kids love homemade ice pops, and I love knowing that the ones we make are good for them. We whip up a big batch with multiple flavors so they have many choices, but these patriotic red, white and blueberry ones are always a favorite! 1 pop: 55 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
- Fruit Salad with Yogurt and Coconut Milk: Serve this one for breakfast, brunch or dessert. Yogurt and coconut milk make the creamy dressing even more decadent. Wait until just before serving to garnish the salad. Otherwise the toasted coconut will get soggy. 3/4 cup: 105 calories, 3g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
- Strawberry Coconut Milk Freezer Pops: These four-ingredient freezer pops are a delicious way to use up a pint of fresh strawberries. You'll love the hint of tropical flavor, thanks to the coconut milk. 1 pop: 51 calories, 3g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
- Four-Ingredient Pops: 1 pop: 50 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
- Date Truffles: My daughter and I came across a date candy recipe when she was learning about ancient Egypt. We changed some of the spices and nuts to suit our tastes. My dad was a beekeeper and Mom always made a coconut date ball for Christmas. The truffles remind me of past Christmases and are ideal for something quick yet festive on a…
Sample Menu Ideas
To help you get started, here are a few sample menu ideas for different types of gatherings:
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Casual Potluck
- Main Dish: Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole or Shredded Beef Tacos
- Side Dishes: Big Italian Salad, Fresh Fruit Salsa, Zesty White Bean Dip
- Dessert: Patriotic Ice Pops
Wedding Reception
- Main Dish: Creamy Mac and Cheese, North Carolina Double Smoked Pork and Slaw
- Side Dishes: Panzanella Salad, Grilled Rosemary-Rubbed Steaks
- Appetizers: Deviled Eggs, Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip
- Dessert: Fruit Salad with Yogurt and Coconut Milk
Winter Gathering
- Main Dish: Venison or Beef Bourguignon
- Side Dishes: Spiced Acorn Squash, Black-Eyed Pea Salad
- Appetizer: Beetroot Hummus
- Dessert: Date Truffles
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