Hosting a gathering or feeding a large group of people can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right recipes, you can create a memorable meal without breaking a sweat. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a party with friends, or a casual holiday dinner, these 10 delicious and easy recipes for a crowd will save you time, stress, and the endless back-and-forth of what to serve. From hearty mains to crowd-pleasing sides, these dishes are simple to make, affordable, and sure to satisfy a hungry crowd.

1. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork is a crowd favorite, and for good reason. It’s tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare in a slow cooker or oven. You can make a large batch, and it’ll go a long way.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Slider buns or regular buns

Instructions:

1. Rub the pork shoulder with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the pork in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours (or roast at 300°F for 4-5 hours).
3. Shred the pork with two forks once it's tender.
4. Stir in BBQ sauce and serve on buns with coleslaw on the side or on top.

2. One-Pan Baked Ziti

A classic pasta dish that’s easy to make and feeds a crowd without a lot of work. Plus, it’s perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 lb ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup fresh basil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

3. Taco Bar

A taco bar is a fun, customizable option that lets guests assemble their own tacos. It’s versatile and works for different dietary preferences, too.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs ground beef, chicken, or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can refried beans
• Soft and hard taco shells
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped onions, jalapeños

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground meat in a skillet, and season with taco seasoning as per the packet instructions.
2. Warm the taco shells and refried beans.
3. Set up a taco bar with all the toppings, allowing guests to build their own tacos.

4. Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are inexpensive, easy to season, and can be baked in large batches. Perfect for a family gathering or a party.

Ingredients:

• 24 chicken drumsticks
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the drumsticks with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange the drumsticks on a baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

5. Vegetarian Chili

This hearty vegetarian chili is easy to make in a big pot and is perfect for colder months. It’s filling, flavorful, and sure to satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onions, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
2. Add the beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions.

6. Sheet Pan Fajitas

Fajitas are a crowd-pleaser and can be cooked all at once on a sheet pan for easy cleanup. This recipe works for chicken or beef, or a mix of both.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breast or flank steak, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas and toppings (sour cream, salsa, guacamole)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken or beef with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the meat and vegetables in a single layer on a sheet pan.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through.
5. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

7. Caprese Salad Platter

For something light and refreshing, a Caprese salad is an easy and elegant dish that feeds a crowd. It’s simply fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1 lb fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on a large platter, alternating.
2. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then season with salt and pepper.

8. Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin

This creamy, cheesy potato dish is always a hit at gatherings. It's rich, indulgent, and perfect for feeding a large crowd.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Layer the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish.
3. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat and stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes, then top with cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

9. Macaroni and Cheese

This classic comfort food is always a crowd favorite. You can make it ahead of time, and it's so creamy and cheesy that no one can resist!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux.
3. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
4. Stir in the cheese until melted and smooth, then mix with the cooked macaroni.
5. Season with mustard powder, salt, and pepper, and serve!

10. Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

For a light and refreshing side dish, a fruit salad is a perfect addition to any meal. It’s simple to make and can be customized based on seasonal fruit.

Ingredients:

• 1 pineapple, diced
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 2 cups grapes, halved
• 2 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Combine all the fruit in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh mint before serving.

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These 10 easy and delicious recipes are perfect for feeding a crowd, whether you're hosting a casual get-together or a special celebration. They’re all simple to make, packed with flavor, and sure to leave your guests satisfied. Enjoy!