How to Feed a Crowd: 25 Recipes
Cooking for a crowd can be stressful. What kinds of dishes size up easily for 50 or more servings? Casseroles like my Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole or Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe are a Southern standby for potlucks and other large gatherings. But there are many other options to feed a crowd!
For special occasions that involve a lot of prep, you want good and easy recipes that will please your guests without adding a lot of fuss and stress. A few weeks ago, our DIY reception for my daughter’s wedding was just such an occasion. One of my contributions was to make Creamy Mac and Cheese for about 120 people. That’s a large quantity to cook for, but my family-tested recipe made it easy. Luckily, the groom is a great cook who contributed North Carolina double smoked pork and slaw. The main and side dishes were a match made in heaven.
There may be special occasions where you want to go all out and devote a day or two to cooking, but a crowd pleasing meal can be quick and simple, too.
Soup, Salad, & Appetizers
A big pot of soup is an excellent way to serve a crowd. For hearty soups, try my Chicken and Dumplings and Corn Chowder.
For a salad course try a Big Italian Salad or a Panzanella Salad with ripe tomatoes and sourdough croutons. Either of those would make a healthy side for a summer cookout, especially with tomatoes from your garden.
Appetizer wise, who doesn’t love fried chicken wings or a big platter of nachos? My Pulled Pork Sliders are a favorite game day food at our house.
Cooking for a Crowd: Main Dishes
Of course, you’ll need a main dish like a great big pan of Mac and Cheese Spaghetti. Protein rich choices include Best Chicken Salad and Venison or Beef Bourguignon. For seafood options, try a Clam Bake or my Best Crawfish Boil recipe.
Whichever recipe you choose, keep in mind that you can double or triple it by clicking the option right above the ingredients.
