Easy summer meals for large groups?
August 10, 2016 10:58 AM Subscribe
I've invited 14 people to crash with us for a long weekend this summer. Hooray!! I'm super excited, but also terrified at the prospect of feeding all of these people...
Clearly it will be a communal (grill heavy) effort, with lots of help and people willing to run to the store and farmer's market/ordering out, etc.
I'm looking for meal ideas! Things that could be made ahead are aces as well!
It's hot here, so my preference would be to avoid using the oven if at all possible.
Thanks!!
Clearly it will be a communal (grill heavy) effort, with lots of help and people willing to run to the store and farmer's market/ordering out, etc.
I'm looking for meal ideas! Things that could be made ahead are aces as well!
It's hot here, so my preference would be to avoid using the oven if at all possible.
Thanks!!
Deli meats and cheeses + lettuces and veggies + sandwich buns/hoagies and tortillas/wraps. Lay out a spread, and let them make their own.
Some of the same ingredients can be used, on a grill with a pizza stone, to do make-your-own pizzas.
posted by yesster at 11:01 AM on August 10, 2016
Some of the same ingredients can be used, on a grill with a pizza stone, to do make-your-own pizzas.
posted by yesster at 11:01 AM on August 10, 2016
Glory bowl. Everyone can customize to their own liking.
posted by OrangeDisk at 11:01 AM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by OrangeDisk at 11:01 AM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
Keep breakfast super simple and cold: just pick up an assortment of croissants, muffins and fruit at your local supermarket or Costco. Maybe a container or two of yogurt + granola to round things out. Make a list of all breakfast items (mark with sticker) and tell whomever is the early-bird who gets up first to put all breakfast items with a sticker on them on the kitchen table when they get up and everyone self serves.
Also make it easy to bulk produce coffee and tea.
Have paper plates and cutlery available at all times in one location, with trashcan nearby. Saves people grabbing pates/running the dishwasher.
posted by larthegreat at 11:03 AM on August 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
Also make it easy to bulk produce coffee and tea.
Have paper plates and cutlery available at all times in one location, with trashcan nearby. Saves people grabbing pates/running the dishwasher.
posted by larthegreat at 11:03 AM on August 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
Hearty salads - bean salad, caprese salad, potato or pasta salad, can be great for lunches/snacks/sides and are often best made up a day or two beforehand.
posted by ldthomps at 11:05 AM on August 10, 2016
posted by ldthomps at 11:05 AM on August 10, 2016
fritatas are easy to do ahead of time and reheat.
posted by supermedusa at 11:08 AM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by supermedusa at 11:08 AM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
We just made a slow cooker pork shoulder that lasted us (two people) an entire week of eating it every night for dinner. We also made a pickled cabbage/carrot/cucumber slaw. Reheats well, you can make tacos or nachos or pita sandwiches out of it. Does, unfortunately, require cooking.
posted by stoneandstar at 11:09 AM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by stoneandstar at 11:09 AM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
I'm a big fan of bagels, cream cheese, and lox for big family breakfasts. You can also do crockpot breakfasts - casseroles, french toast, or potatoes.
My family loves an antipasto plate. You can usually order them ahead at an Italian deli, but they're easy to put together.
For dinner, a nacho bar is always fun. Just cook some meat on the stove or crockpot and have plenty of veggies. Also good if you have vegetarians in your mix.
posted by galvanized unicorn at 11:10 AM on August 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
My family loves an antipasto plate. You can usually order them ahead at an Italian deli, but they're easy to put together.
For dinner, a nacho bar is always fun. Just cook some meat on the stove or crockpot and have plenty of veggies. Also good if you have vegetarians in your mix.
posted by galvanized unicorn at 11:10 AM on August 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
I also fondly remember a music festival weekend where we brought a giant cooler full of pre-cooked chicken breasts, applesauce cups, yogurt, granola bars, bananas, and vegetables, and everybody just dug out and ate what they were in the mood for.
posted by stoneandstar at 11:10 AM on August 10, 2016
posted by stoneandstar at 11:10 AM on August 10, 2016
I trust "order a bunch of pizzas, mostly plain" is on the table.
posted by kapers at 11:12 AM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by kapers at 11:12 AM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
When numbers get that large, your odds of finding one thing that everyone can or will eat get very very low, so your best bet is to do something buffet style where people can adjust it themselves for allergies, sensititivities, vegetarian and veganism, and personal preferences.
When I have a bunch of diverse people to feed, I either make a big batch of rice, beans, marinated chicken and/or tofu, plus add ons like lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos, cheese, sour cream, salsa, basically like the stuff they'd have at Chipotle, and let people build their own bowls or burritos.
Other times, I make a salad bar. Mixed greens, tomatoes, other assorted vegetables, plus maybe some cheese, hard boiled eggs, and stuff like hummus, potato salad, chop salads if you or someone else feels like making some. Plus bread.
posted by ernielundquist at 11:12 AM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
When I have a bunch of diverse people to feed, I either make a big batch of rice, beans, marinated chicken and/or tofu, plus add ons like lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos, cheese, sour cream, salsa, basically like the stuff they'd have at Chipotle, and let people build their own bowls or burritos.
Other times, I make a salad bar. Mixed greens, tomatoes, other assorted vegetables, plus maybe some cheese, hard boiled eggs, and stuff like hummus, potato salad, chop salads if you or someone else feels like making some. Plus bread.
posted by ernielundquist at 11:12 AM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
This recipe is easily multiplied and easily made ahead, and I like making it for groups because it hits the common allergy/diet issues (it's gluten free and vegan, but easily customized by adding cheese/sour cream/cooked sausage/cornbread etc.).
posted by rainbowbrite at 11:19 AM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by rainbowbrite at 11:19 AM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
For breakfast, if you've previously made fritatas, you can also serve those room temp. A lot of people can't eat a whole bunch of carbs at breakfast and really need some protein options for health reasons, so it's nice to give them an option.
posted by Countess Sandwich at 11:20 AM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Countess Sandwich at 11:20 AM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
Buy a few boxes of eggs and hard boil to round out a cold breakfast with protein options. These keep in the fridge for a few days so can be mad the day before everybody arrives.
posted by koahiatamadl at 11:31 AM on August 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by koahiatamadl at 11:31 AM on August 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
A bunch of rotisserie chickens, some bread and a couple of interesting salads would make a good communal summer meal.
posted by emilyw at 11:36 AM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by emilyw at 11:36 AM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
When I am in similar situations, I head to the nearest fancy grocery store and splurge on good cheese, meats, olives and pickled veggies, and fruit. Requires almost no prep - just put everything out, and you have an easy, delicious assortment of food that's impressive and has something for everyone. Can also be rounded out with veggies and hummus and other similar items.
posted by daikaisho at 11:36 AM on August 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by daikaisho at 11:36 AM on August 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
Overnight french toast was a huge hit at my last gathering, and insanely easy.
posted by mskyle at 12:20 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by mskyle at 12:20 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
Oh, yes-- rotisserie chicken, salads (made by you or from the deli), and pies.
posted by stoneandstar at 12:36 PM on August 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by stoneandstar at 12:36 PM on August 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
A meal of falafel with all the trimmings and toppings... can't go wrong with that one.
posted by Too-Ticky at 12:40 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Too-Ticky at 12:40 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
Back when I lived where seafood was cheap, my go to was a seafood boil, or 2-3 poached or planked salmon (lived on both coasts).
Now I'm in the intermountain west, and it's cost prohibitive. I often do green Chile stew, or a big batch of carne adovada for tacos or enchiladas. Both those are easy to do ahead and reheat.
Most recently I think I did knackwurt and hot potato salad for 13. That was an impromptu dinner at my house; it's not really any harder to do for 13 than for 2 if you've got a large pot and a big grill.
Definitely use paper plates.
posted by switchbladenaif at 12:47 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
Now I'm in the intermountain west, and it's cost prohibitive. I often do green Chile stew, or a big batch of carne adovada for tacos or enchiladas. Both those are easy to do ahead and reheat.
Most recently I think I did knackwurt and hot potato salad for 13. That was an impromptu dinner at my house; it's not really any harder to do for 13 than for 2 if you've got a large pot and a big grill.
Definitely use paper plates.
posted by switchbladenaif at 12:47 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
Ina Garten has some lovely recipes that are good for this. You can absolutely double the quantities very easy and these are all make ahead and great as a side dish if you're grilling some meat for example.
(I've used all of these recipes on multiple occasions and ALWAYS get asked for the recipe)
Tomato Feta Pasta Salad
Sweet Corn Salad
Orzo Salad
posted by JenThePro at 12:58 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
(I've used all of these recipes on multiple occasions and ALWAYS get asked for the recipe)
Tomato Feta Pasta Salad
Sweet Corn Salad
Orzo Salad
posted by JenThePro at 12:58 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
A fantastic cold summer dip here-- it's great for crackers, corn chips, tortilla chips, bagel crisps, pita chips, pretzel thins, whatever! Super easy to throw together and lasts for days and days (make at least a double batch for 14 people)! The oil & vinegar + sugar for a bit of sweetness makes it just divine.
Texas Caviar
+2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
+1 can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
+2 small cans shoe peg corn, drained
+1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
+2 jalapeno peppers, finely diced
+2 stalks celery, finely chopped
+1/2 vidalia onion (or any sweet onion), minced
+1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
+1/2 cup vinegar
+1/4 cup sugar
1. Combine beans, peas, corn, bell pepper, jalapeno, celery and onion in a large bowl.
2. Heat oil, vinegar and sugar in small pot over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently.
3. Pour mixture over beans and veggies and stir well. Marinate/cool in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
posted by bologna on wry at 1:47 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
Texas Caviar
+2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
+1 can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
+2 small cans shoe peg corn, drained
+1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
+2 jalapeno peppers, finely diced
+2 stalks celery, finely chopped
+1/2 vidalia onion (or any sweet onion), minced
+1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
+1/2 cup vinegar
+1/4 cup sugar
1. Combine beans, peas, corn, bell pepper, jalapeno, celery and onion in a large bowl.
2. Heat oil, vinegar and sugar in small pot over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently.
3. Pour mixture over beans and veggies and stir well. Marinate/cool in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
posted by bologna on wry at 1:47 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
If there's a Costco nearby and you're a member, they are great for having large deli plates that are ready to go. Buy some bread, buns, and condiments, and people can make sandwiches.
You can also do a soup bar. Buy pre-made broth, heat it on the stove, and have a bunch of small bowls of vegetables, meats, tofu, etc. People fill up their bowls and pour broth over the top. Serve with bread.
posted by FencingGal at 1:48 PM on August 10, 2016
You can also do a soup bar. Buy pre-made broth, heat it on the stove, and have a bunch of small bowls of vegetables, meats, tofu, etc. People fill up their bowls and pour broth over the top. Serve with bread.
posted by FencingGal at 1:48 PM on August 10, 2016
Gazpacho is fantastic for summer food! Chilled, fresh-tasting, salty, filling. Serve with a salad that includes last night's leftover grilled chicken or steak.
posted by aimedwander at 2:43 PM on August 10, 2016
posted by aimedwander at 2:43 PM on August 10, 2016
Grill a few flank steaks. You automatically get a range of doneness within the same same steak, which is great for feeding crowds. [The steaks are thicker at one end so when cooked until the thickest part is rare or medium rare, the thinner side will be more well done.]
The night before (or the morning of) serving: Season generously with kosher salt and pepper and put back in the fridge. When ready, grill until the temp of the thickest part is 120F. Let rest for 10 minutes on the cutting board. Slice thinly against the grain. Serve as is, put into tacos, on top of salads, etc.
posted by jenquat at 3:06 PM on August 10, 2016
The night before (or the morning of) serving: Season generously with kosher salt and pepper and put back in the fridge. When ready, grill until the temp of the thickest part is 120F. Let rest for 10 minutes on the cutting board. Slice thinly against the grain. Serve as is, put into tacos, on top of salads, etc.
posted by jenquat at 3:06 PM on August 10, 2016
Best answer: My friends just hosted a huge group of us for a long weekend. Here's what worked for us:
Guests offered to stop at the store prior to arriving and bring the following in exchange for hosting us:
All alcohol and our favorite drinks
Snacky foods like our favorite chips, chocolates, hummus, fancy cheeses, crackers
Variety of fresh fruit that we cut up and served constantly with meals
Gifts for our hosts including fresh flowers!
Hosts provided the following:
Breakfasts:
A keurig machine that cranked out coffees and teas on demand
Assortment of bagels and fancy breads with cream cheese, butter, lox
Scrambled eggs with bacon
Pre-made quiches that was ready to pop into oven and served hot
Lunches:
Grilled hot dogs with sides / snacks we brought (see above) and simple pasta salad
Different breads served with choice of different deli breads and cheeses for sandwiches
We ate out for lunch another day
Dinners:
Steaks and potatoes
Taco night - your choice of fillings
Pasta with choice of toppings with fantastic breads
We all took turns helping to cook, set up meals and clean up so that no one was overburdened.
Lots of disposable tableware whenever possible.
The kitchen counter always had a variety of dishes where people helped themselves to M&Ms, brownies, pretzels, potato chips, fruits, etc.
This worked out perfectly - we as guests felt like we were contributing and not imposing on our hosts, and our hosts felt relieved that they didn't have to spend too much money and time guessing what we liked and didn't like.
posted by HeyAllie at 3:23 PM on August 10, 2016 [6 favorites]
Guests offered to stop at the store prior to arriving and bring the following in exchange for hosting us:
All alcohol and our favorite drinks
Snacky foods like our favorite chips, chocolates, hummus, fancy cheeses, crackers
Variety of fresh fruit that we cut up and served constantly with meals
Gifts for our hosts including fresh flowers!
Hosts provided the following:
Breakfasts:
A keurig machine that cranked out coffees and teas on demand
Assortment of bagels and fancy breads with cream cheese, butter, lox
Scrambled eggs with bacon
Pre-made quiches that was ready to pop into oven and served hot
Lunches:
Grilled hot dogs with sides / snacks we brought (see above) and simple pasta salad
Different breads served with choice of different deli breads and cheeses for sandwiches
We ate out for lunch another day
Dinners:
Steaks and potatoes
Taco night - your choice of fillings
Pasta with choice of toppings with fantastic breads
We all took turns helping to cook, set up meals and clean up so that no one was overburdened.
Lots of disposable tableware whenever possible.
The kitchen counter always had a variety of dishes where people helped themselves to M&Ms, brownies, pretzels, potato chips, fruits, etc.
This worked out perfectly - we as guests felt like we were contributing and not imposing on our hosts, and our hosts felt relieved that they didn't have to spend too much money and time guessing what we liked and didn't like.
posted by HeyAllie at 3:23 PM on August 10, 2016 [6 favorites]
Something you might also consider with that many people around is changing location or having the kitchen "closed" during some period of time. It can be really difficult to cook if everything is dirty, or clean up if people are just popping in to grab a soda. Buys cooler and set drinks outside/in another area, leave a banquet or space where leftovers or snacks can be placed for hungry people but the close off the main kitchen so things can be put semi-back-to-normal for at least half minute.
posted by raccoon409 at 7:45 PM on August 10, 2016
posted by raccoon409 at 7:45 PM on August 10, 2016
Aw, if you happen to be anywhere you can get fresh corn: it's like 20 cents an ear here. Throw it on the grill, corn on the cob, with Parmesan and lime if you want to be fancy.
Slow cook a big cheap pork shoulder or butt for pulled pork tacos. Super inexpensive and delicious.
Giant scramble of eggs for breakfast with toast.
Or big pot of oatmeal with trail mix type toppings. Trail mix type toppings can also be snacked on later.
Potato chips. Everyone loves potato chips. Keep four or five family sized bags on hand.
Ditto throwing tater tots in tinfoil on the grill.
Kielbasa on the grill.
Keep in mind that on people's "vacation" weekends they never want to eat as healthy as they would at home. Basic human nature. If you put out green salad on a weekend like this (unless your friends are vastly more health conscious than mine) it will go last.
Baked potato bar.
Smores.
posted by slateyness at 8:10 PM on August 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Slow cook a big cheap pork shoulder or butt for pulled pork tacos. Super inexpensive and delicious.
Giant scramble of eggs for breakfast with toast.
Or big pot of oatmeal with trail mix type toppings. Trail mix type toppings can also be snacked on later.
Potato chips. Everyone loves potato chips. Keep four or five family sized bags on hand.
Ditto throwing tater tots in tinfoil on the grill.
Kielbasa on the grill.
Keep in mind that on people's "vacation" weekends they never want to eat as healthy as they would at home. Basic human nature. If you put out green salad on a weekend like this (unless your friends are vastly more health conscious than mine) it will go last.
Baked potato bar.
Smores.
posted by slateyness at 8:10 PM on August 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
I just hosted twelve people recently. Our big meals included:
Grilled strip steaks and salmon with a huge Caesar salad
Taco night featuring slow cooker salsa chicken and (I did homemade, you needn't) refried beans and all the taco fixings
Burgers (and veggie burgers) with assorted chips and salads
Bratwurst and hot dogs and random sides
Thai curry and rice with tofu for veg friends and chicken for meat eaters
I took advantage of: access to a slow cooker, a pressure cooker, a rice cooker, a grill, the ability to cook corn in a stockpot outside on a grill burner, and cooking some stuff early in the morning when it was cooler. You could cook ahead as needed depending on what tools you have at your disposal.
posted by padraigin at 9:29 PM on August 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Grilled strip steaks and salmon with a huge Caesar salad
Taco night featuring slow cooker salsa chicken and (I did homemade, you needn't) refried beans and all the taco fixings
Burgers (and veggie burgers) with assorted chips and salads
Bratwurst and hot dogs and random sides
Thai curry and rice with tofu for veg friends and chicken for meat eaters
I took advantage of: access to a slow cooker, a pressure cooker, a rice cooker, a grill, the ability to cook corn in a stockpot outside on a grill burner, and cooking some stuff early in the morning when it was cooler. You could cook ahead as needed depending on what tools you have at your disposal.
posted by padraigin at 9:29 PM on August 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Keep in mind that you can use regular kitchen pots on top of the grill. If it's a gas grill this will be considerably easier.
If you don't have them, see if you can borrow things like large pots that hold several gallons, skillets that cover multiple burners, etc. Sometimes people who do large group camping events will have these things. Also, crock pots can be run outside or in the garage if your reason for not wanting to cook indoors is heating up the house.
First off, for doing meal planning you will need to see if anyone has any special dietary requirements such a vegetarian, doesn't eat pork, allergic to nuts, etc. It will probably be easiest to set out things and let people assemble them themselves. Be mindful of not mixing any meats or nuts in with other items in advance.
You can cook eggs in a large skillet or even on a baking sheet on the grill.
So much depends on your budget here, it's hard to suggest anything. You can BBQ a selection of exotic meats, you can make big pots of bean soup, there's a whole range.
posted by yohko at 11:29 PM on August 10, 2016
If you don't have them, see if you can borrow things like large pots that hold several gallons, skillets that cover multiple burners, etc. Sometimes people who do large group camping events will have these things. Also, crock pots can be run outside or in the garage if your reason for not wanting to cook indoors is heating up the house.
First off, for doing meal planning you will need to see if anyone has any special dietary requirements such a vegetarian, doesn't eat pork, allergic to nuts, etc. It will probably be easiest to set out things and let people assemble them themselves. Be mindful of not mixing any meats or nuts in with other items in advance.
You can cook eggs in a large skillet or even on a baking sheet on the grill.
So much depends on your budget here, it's hard to suggest anything. You can BBQ a selection of exotic meats, you can make big pots of bean soup, there's a whole range.
posted by yohko at 11:29 PM on August 10, 2016
Excellent suggestions upthread, a few more:
European/Mediterranean breakfast- yogurt, sliced meats, cheeses, tomatoes, olives, breads
Breakfast casserole (strata) is a great make-ahead, though you will need to bake it
Make or buy waffles to be reheated in the toaster with a syrup assortment and fresh berries, can of whipped cream for extra fanciness
Mixed sausage grill: variety of sausages (Italian, bratwurst, kielbasa, meatless, etc), served with grilled peppers and onions, sweet corn, various mustards, crusty rolls
BYO Steak bar: everyone brings their own steak to grill, set out all kinds of toppings: blue cheese, garlic butter, bacon crumbkes, caramelized onion, pesto, tapenade, etc. serve with baked potatoes and green salad
Grilled pizza is fun for a group: organize a topping bar and give everyone their own ball of dough, (you may want to google more precise pizza grilling instructions)
posted by sarajane at 6:13 AM on August 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
European/Mediterranean breakfast- yogurt, sliced meats, cheeses, tomatoes, olives, breads
Breakfast casserole (strata) is a great make-ahead, though you will need to bake it
Make or buy waffles to be reheated in the toaster with a syrup assortment and fresh berries, can of whipped cream for extra fanciness
Mixed sausage grill: variety of sausages (Italian, bratwurst, kielbasa, meatless, etc), served with grilled peppers and onions, sweet corn, various mustards, crusty rolls
BYO Steak bar: everyone brings their own steak to grill, set out all kinds of toppings: blue cheese, garlic butter, bacon crumbkes, caramelized onion, pesto, tapenade, etc. serve with baked potatoes and green salad
Grilled pizza is fun for a group: organize a topping bar and give everyone their own ball of dough, (you may want to google more precise pizza grilling instructions)
posted by sarajane at 6:13 AM on August 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks everyone!!!
Your ideas are super helpful and I now feel like this is totally doable!
posted by avocado_of_merriment at 7:50 AM on August 11, 2016
Your ideas are super helpful and I now feel like this is totally doable!
posted by avocado_of_merriment at 7:50 AM on August 11, 2016
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by katrielalex at 11:00 AM on August 10, 2016 [16 favorites]