34 Simple & Delicious Recipes for Large Gatherings

Cooking for a crowd doesn’t have to be stressful. With these 34 simple and delicious recipes for large gatherings, you can feed everyone without spending hours in the kitchen. These dishes bring bold flavors, easy prep, and plenty of servings. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a holiday feast, everyone leaves satisfied.

34 Top Recipes if You’re Cooking for a Crowd

You just should not spend the whole day in the kitchen while guests wait. Complicated dishes leave you exhausted before the party even starts. A good recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. With the right meals, you get more time to enjoy the gathering and less time stressing over food.

1. Baked Italian Meatballs

Baked Italian meatballs are a perfect dish for large gatherings. They offer a flavorful experience with ingredients like garlic, herbs, and onion. Start by combining ground beef and pork with spices, bread crumbs, and an egg. Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in size. For best results, bake them on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

2. Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce

When cooking for large gatherings, a hearty spaghetti sauce can be a crowd-pleaser. Preparing it in a crockpot saves time and allows flavors to meld together well. Use ground beef or sausage as a base. You might even experiment by adding seasonal vegetables for additional texture and nutrition.

3. Air Fryer Meatballs

Air fryer meatballs can be a convenient choice for gatherings. They offer a quick cooking method that keeps the meatballs tender and juicy inside while creating a satisfying crisp outside. Cook them at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, and they are ready to enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce. The straightforward process allows you to focus on other meal prep.

4. Pomegranate-Sumac Chicken

Pomegranate-sumac chicken is a flavorful dish perfect for feeding a crowd. The bright, tangy notes of sumac combined with the sweetness of pomegranate create a unique taste profile. Marinating the chicken for at least three hours allows the flavors to permeate and enhance the overall essence of the dish.

5. Roasted Carrots

Roasted carrots are a crowd-pleaser, making them a perfect addition to any large gathering. The process of roasting enhances their natural sweetness. You can serve them as a side dish with a variety of main courses. A simple combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper is often all you need to accentuate their flavors.

6. Mini Skillet Pizzas

Mini skillet pizzas are a fantastic choice for guests. It brings a touch of personalization to your table. Begin by preheating your oven and assembling ingredients such as fresh dough, mozzarella, and toppings like mushrooms and roasted tomatoes. Skillet pizzas offer a crispy edge while keeping the center soft—perfect for quick meal prep.

7. Quiche with Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Crust

When cooking for a large gathering, you can make a quiche with a gluten-free sweet potato crust. This dish offers a nutritious and tasty option for those avoiding gluten. Sweet potatoes serve as the crust, replacing traditional pastry with a veggie-focused base.

8. Savory Leek and Goat Cheese Tart

When hosting a large gathering, consider treating your guests to a savory leek and goat cheese tart. This dish combines the sweetness of leeks with the creamy tanginess of goat cheese. This offers a delightful flavor profile that’s sure to impress.

9. BBQ Pork Skillet

Creating a mouthwatering BBQ pork skillet is an excellent way to serve a crowd. Begin by sautéing red peppers and onions in a large skillet with butter and oil until they’re tender. Add minced garlic for a flavor boost. Incorporating ingredients such as tomatoes, broth, and pulled pork will provide a rich base.

10. Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers make a colorful and satisfying dish for your next large gathering. These versatile delights offer a variety of filling options, like hearty quinoa combined with vegetables for a vegetarian twist. Add spices to suit your taste, such as using cumin and paprika for a southwestern flair or oregano and basil for an Italian twist.

11. Air-Fryer Baked Potato Skins

Air-fryer baked potato skins are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings. They combine crispy shells with delicious fillings to create a satisfying appetizer. To prepare, cut baked potatoes in half lengthwise, scoop out most of the flesh, and leave a sturdy shell. This method allows for a delightful texture contrast between the crispy skin and the tender interior.

12. Crispy Garlicky Chicken

Crispy garlicky chicken is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can create a flavorful dish that satisfies and impresses your guests with its golden crust and tender interior. Crushing garlic and mixing it with breadcrumbs enhances the dish and makes every bite aromatic.

13. Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies

When preparing a pasta salad with fresh veggies, balance is key. Use a mix of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, to add both flavor and texture to the dish. The veggies bring a vibrant look and also offer freshness.

14. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is perfect for guests. You can prepare this dish with minimal effort while ensuring guests have a hearty, flavorful meal. Use a blend of spices, such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, to season your pork.

15. Homemade Pizza Dough

Creating your own pizza dough is a satisfying way to cater to large gatherings. Begin with simple ingredients like warm water, yeast, flour, olive oil, and salt. Stirring these components forms the base for an exquisite pizza crust.

16. Taco Bar Spread

Creating a taco bar for your gathering is a fun and interactive way to feed a crowd. You can start with a variety of proteins like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or even pork carnitas. Guests can enjoy customizing their tacos to suit their tastes.

17. Grilled Vegetable Platter

Grilled vegetable platters are a tasty and colorful addition to any large gathering. You can use a variety of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. After marinating them in olive oil and herbs like basil and rosemary, drizzle with a tangy balsamic vinegar mixture for flavor.

18. Caprese Salad Skewers

Caprese salad skewers make an excellent choice for large gatherings. They’re simple to assemble and offer a fresh burst of flavor with each bite. Start by threading cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves onto small skewers. This combination of ingredients brings a great mix of textures and colors to your table.

19. Baked Ziti

When preparing a baked ziti for a large gathering, you’re crafting a comforting dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Start by boiling ziti pasta until it’s al dente. Then mix with your favorite meat sauce for a robust taste. Incorporate creamy elements like ricotta cheese and mozzarella to achieve a rich, cheesy texture.

20. Chicken Alfredo Bake

Chicken alfredo bake is a comfort food favorite that’s great for large gatherings. This dish combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy alfredo sauce. Start by cooking the pasta as directed, but leave it slightly firm so it doesn’t overcook in the oven. For extra flavor, use a mix of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, or try adding sharp cheddar or gruyère for a cheesy twist.

21. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

The lemon herb roasted chicken is an outstanding choice that combines simplicity and flavor. It promises to please with its juicy meat and crispy skin. This dish utilizes a few ingredients like fresh herbs and lemon juice to create a memorable flavor profile.

22. Greek Style Lamb Chops

Greek style lamb chops provide a flavorful option when hosting a large gathering. These chops are typically marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, which infuses the meat with a rich aroma. You can start by placing the lamb chops in a large baking dish or on a plate and pouring the marinade over them.

23. Classic Cheeseburger Sliders

Creating classic cheeseburger sliders for large gatherings offers a simple and tasty option that guests will love. You’ll want to start with good-quality ground beef to make sure your sliders are juicy and flavorful. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for a nice kick. Then, cook the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat.

24. Vegetarian Chili

When hosting a large gathering, serving a hearty and flavorful dish like vegetarian chili can be a great option. To enhance the flavor, you can start with a sofrito base, which involves sautéing onions, garlic, and peppers. Adding carrots to this mix brings an extra layer of sweetness and depth.

25. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken

Spinach and feta stuffed chicken offers a flavorful twist to your gathering menu. These tasty chicken breasts are filled with a delightful mix of spinach, tangy feta, and spices. The combination provides a satisfying dish that your guests will enjoy. If you need inspiration.

26. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

If you’re hosting a large gathering, garlic parmesan roasted potatoes can be a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. The key to these savory potatoes is in the combination of simple ingredients like garlic, parmesan cheese, thyme, and oregano. These elements bring a rich and herb-infused flavor to each bite.

27. Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots are a fantastic side dish option. They’re simple to prepare and full of flavor. To make them, you can roast the carrots in the oven, drizzling them with a honey glaze that adds a sweet and savory touch. Season with kosher salt and black pepper for depth.

28. Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti carbonara is a timeless dish that fits perfectly into gatherings. This Italian classic blends pasta, eggs, cheese, and pancetta, turning simple items into a crowd-pleaser. Start by cooking spaghetti until al dente in a large pot. Reserve some pasta water before draining; it’s handy for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.

29. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup is a warm and comforting dish perfect for gatherings. It’s a creamy mix of cheddar cheese, broccoli, and spices, creating a hearty meal option. Your guests will enjoy the rich flavors and inviting aroma.

30. Fajita Chicken Bake

Fajita chicken bake is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving at large gatherings. This dish combines marinated chicken with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all baked on a single tray. The result is juicy chicken with a smoky flavor that pairs well with fresh toppings like jalapenos and cilantro.

31. Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a comforting and versatile dish perfect for gatherings. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a crowd-pleaser. Using culinary techniques like sautéing onions and garlic before adding mushrooms can elevate the dish. Their aroma will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere.

32. Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Cajun shrimp pasta is a popular choice for gatherings as it represents a flavorful blend of spices and textures that’s quick to prepare. This dish features shrimp tossed in Cajun seasoning and cooked to a tender finish. As the shrimp cooks, its flavors meld with garlic, onions, and bell peppers to create a rich, aromatic base.

33. Teriyaki Chicken Wings

When preparing for a large gathering, teriyaki chicken wings are an excellent choice. They bring a flavorful twist to traditional wings and are easy to make in large batches. You can choose to bake or grill these wings, depending on your preference and the available equipment.

34. Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a flavorful dish perfect for feeding a crowd. With its rich mix of fresh vegetables, this dish provides a wholesome option for large gatherings. The ingredients typically include zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, all sautéed to create a deliciously balanced taste.

Conclusion

You’re now equipped with a variety of tasty and simple recipes perfect for large gatherings. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or a celebratory feast, these dishes are sure to please. Enjoy experimenting with the flavors and customizing them to fit your guests’ tastes.