Key to a successful lunch for a crowd is simplicity with variety.
Feeding lunch to a crowd can definitely be a challenge. However, with a little bit of creativity and planning, you can create a meal that satisfies and impresses the masses. Access to a wholesale food distributor is a plus as you plan and purchase your food, but isn't necessary. No matter which menu option you choose, vary the color, temperature and texture of the items you serve. Prepare as much as you can ahead of time, so on the day of the lunch, you can take the unexpected in stride and enjoy the time with your friends.
Super Subs
Submarine sandwiches are a quick and easy option for serving lunch to a crowd.
Submarine sandwiches are always a hit with a crowd, and are very easy to prepare and serve. Purchase the ingredients for the subs and serve them on platters so each person can create his own sub sandwich. Choose several types of deli meat, sliced cheeses, bread and condiments. Make a fresh vegetable tray with dip and buy different types of chips to serve along with the subs. An easy dessert to go along with this is fresh-baked cookies. Make the cookies either the day before or the morning of your lunch, so they are soft and fresh. Lemonade is a great beverage option for this menu and is easy to prepare in large quantities.
Grillin' and Chillin'
A cookout gives you several menu options for serving lunch to a crowd.
If you are planning a casual lunch, have a cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs. Serve them with chips, baked beans, condiments and soft drinks. Or, if you'd like a healthier meal, marinate and grill chicken. Serve the chicken on skewers and grill some fresh vegetables in a packet of foil as a side item. Serve a bowl of seasonal fresh fruit. Cupcakes are a fun, easy dessert to serve and eat at a cookout.
Fiesta
Taco salad or nachos provide a nice variety of color and texture and make for an easy, pleasing presentation.
Another easy option for feeding a crowd is a Mexican theme. Allow everyone to make her own plate of nachos or taco salad. All you need to do is brown and season ground beef, chicken or turkey. Set up a buffet and serve tortilla chips first, followed by the meat, then the toppings for the nachos or taco salad. Have plenty of topping options, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream and salsa, but don't go overboard. An easy dessert to go along with your fiesta is Sopapilla Cheesecake. It's a pretty rich dessert, so one pan feeds a good number of people. You can find several versions of this recipe by doing a simple online search.
Baked Potato Bar
A baked potato bar is a great option for serving lunch to a crowd during the fall or winter months.
A baked potato bar is a simple and inexpensive option for serving lunch to a crowd. Wrap the potatoes in foil and bake them for a couple of hours. The foil keeps the potatoes warm after you remove them from the oven. Options for toppings are butter, sour cream and cheese. You may also serve a pot of chili. Another option is fresh steamed broccoli. Serve a fresh garden salad along with your baked potatoes. A quick, easy dessert to finish up your lunch is brownies and ice cream.
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