We don’t have to lose sleep over what to serve for the dinner party the following day. Hosting can be difficult, yes, but here’s a list of scrumptious, simple, and affordable meals for big groups that I’ve put together. Based on experience, guests always compliment us on the food before going home.
Do as much preparation as you can in advance so you can also enjoy the evening. Making soups, sauces, and salad dressings ahead of time allows you to be in the thick of happy hour. Chop the ingredients and store them in the fridge. This way, the most laborious parts are done when it’s time to cook.
I learned what to prepare by going through the catering menu of a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. It’s a goldmine for food ideas. Remember that outstanding doesn’t always have to be costly. Speaking of what to serve, continue reading for my six economical dishes for large groups.
1. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Soup is one of the best items to serve to a large crowd. It’s low-cost, requires minimal preparation, and can be left alone until it’s done. If you double what you’re cooking, everybody can have seconds, and they usually will. As with the rest of the items that follow, you’ll have to look up the recipe. I’ll just share my priceless list, okay?
2. Italian Stuffed Shells
This dish of stuffed shells is delectable and simple. It can feed a big gathering. The entire process can be prepared in advance and baked when the time is appropriate. The great thing about this is that stuffed shells are always in season.
3. Sunday Meatballs
One of the excellent inexpensive dishes for dinner parties is baked meatballs. Make them during your free time in the week leading up to the get-together and store them in the freezer until the big day. You can pile them on top of the spaghetti or just cover them with marinara.
4. Chicken Tikka Masala
Minimal work and great flavor are combined in Chicken Tikka Masala. While you’re out running errands, all the magic happens in a slow cooker, giving it all the flavor of this delightful party food. It’s also good to know that catering in Fort Lauderdale is available.
5. Rigatoni with Brussel Sprouts & Kale Pesto
Everyone enjoys a nice pasta dish on the table spread. This vegetarian item can be easily doubled, and it can be altered to include whatever complementary ingredients we want to add to the recipe. It’s surely a top choice when serving a big group for dinner. Again, like all the others, it’s easy to prepare with absolutely no fuss.
6.Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili
A large group can be fed with this dish without costing much. Like the Rigatoni, its added value is that it can be served to our vegetarian friends, whom we invited. This dish contains an abundance of black beans, tasty veggies, and hot spices. It can be prepared in less than an hour, from the pot to the generous serving bowl.
Serve Enough of the Right Dishes
It’s always great to host a party with just enough recipes to satisfy the guests. Six would be right. Be aware of the dietary requirements of your friends. With that in mind, we included two vegetarian dishes at the end of the list that would still be tasty to meat eaters. This is just in case you have people in your circle with such restrictions. I’ve mentioned the names of the dishes. All you have to do now is search for the recipes.
Now, if you don’t have the time or the energy to whip up dinner for a big gathering, no worries. You’ll need a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Look for Tower Deli. We cater, we deliver, and we’ve been in the business for nearly three decades now. For deliveries, call 954-452-8282. You can find our menu on our website.
