Cooking for a crowd may feel overwhelming, but the trick is to pick a recipe that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours on end. One-pot dishes are always a great option because you can make something warm and comforting without using every pot and pan you own. Casseroles, quiches, and bakes are also no-brainers because they’re easy to throw together and will impress your guests, no matter the occasion. And if you’re cooking something for an elegant dinner party or celebrating something special, you can’t go wrong with a succulent and juicy hanger steak, or a beautiful piece of salmon dusted in a garlic and parsley sauce.
Here are our best easy meals for a crowd that are bound to satisfy every guest.
Roasted Leek and Goat Cheese Tart
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Everyone should have a few easy, go-to recipes in their back pocket, and this savory leek and goat cheese tart should certainly be one of them. It’s the perfect thing to serve at your next brunch or dinner party, as it feeds 12 and calls for less than an hour of prep work.
Shortcut Soufflé With Pesto and Ricotta
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Soufflé may seem too overwhelming to make at home, but this rich and cheesy take only requires 20 minutes of prep time and has very straight-forward instructions. Be sure to buy refrigerated basil pesto (or make your own) for the best results.
Black Bean Chili
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Serving chili at a party is genius. Not only is it easy to prep and low in cost, but you can set up a fun little make your own chili bar with all of the fixings for your guests to enjoy.
French Onion Casserole
Antonis Achilleos
French onion is having a moment right now—and it’s going way beyond just soup. This French onion casserole is basically adult mac and cheese that’s rich, indulgent, and filled with jammy caramelized onions. Serve it with a leafy green salad or some roasted vegetables for the perfect meal.
Hot Honey Lamb Meatballs
If you’re hosting a gathering, meatballs might be expected, but hot honey lamb meatballs? Now, that’s something that’s sure to wow your guests. Sriracha, honey, and coriander are the key to the most mouthwatering sauce that gets slathered all over the bite-sized meatballs. To make these meatballs into a meal, serve ‘em with warm pita or couscous, hummus, and some crudités.
Crunchy Nacho Bake
Greg DuPree
The best part about this nacho bake is that you can customize it however you’d like. Swap the ground beef for more beans to make it vegetarian, or use the cheeses of your choice. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this one, and there’s plenty of food to go around.
Ham and Leek Quiche
This salty and savory quiche is elevated and elegant, but your guests will never know it was made with store-bought pie crust and leftover deli ham. It also has leeks and Swiss chard for added flavor and just the right amount of vegetables.
Slow-Cooker Classic Beef Stew
Classics are adored for a reason, and this hearty, comforting beef stew will always be a fan favorite. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, and because it’s made in the slow cooker you can just set it and forget it for 8 hours.
Ginger Meatball Ramen With Greens and Scallions
Homemade ramen with ginger and pork meatballs that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Say no more. The final product tastes like its restaurant quality, but it won’t cost you $20.
Game-Changing Parsley-Garlic Salmon
Victor Protasio
This is hands down the easiest way to cook salmon, especially a larger piece big enough to feed a crowd. The delicate yet tangy and garlicky sauce comes together in minutes, and is made to be smothered all over a beautiful piece of salmon (ideally from your local fishmonger).
Hanger Steak With Worcestershire Butter
Skip the expensive steakhouse and make mouthwatering steak frites with Worcestershire butter right at home. This will be one of the most memorable meals you make all year, and we have a feeling your friends will think so, too.
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