I prefer simple lunches for large groups because they’re easier during a busy day. But simple doesn’t have to mean Hoagie sandwiches and an apple. Instead, how about Make Your Own Burrito Bowls or Cheesy Bubble Up Bread? Those are just two of a terrific line-up in my best-of-the-best lunch recipes for a large group. You’ll be getting requests for the recipes. I know. I’ve served them all. And now you can too.
These large group lunch recipes are designed to be very easy meals to prepare and serve. They are are all kid and teen tested with two enthusiastic thumbs-up. Most of the recipes can assigned to volunteers to be made several days in advance and served at room temp or simply re-heated. The rest only require a brief prep. You’ll love ’em.
Most recipes can be assigned out to volunteers to make in advance. These are marked with a * below. The rest can be brought together with a minimal amount of effort. Just click on the name of a recipe below to link to a page with your game plan, recipe details and everything you need to WOW ’em with a delicious lunch that will leave you smiling too!
This is fantastic Chicken Salad, if I do say so myself. You can serve it straight up, on a croissant, or in tortilla wraps. I created this Chunky Chicken Salad recipe for a fabulous Princess theme Girls Camp. We had 17 young women attending, ages 12 – 17 and 3 – 5 leaders. It was amazing. Our cooking facilities consisted of 2 large grills, 5 fire pits, 1 refrigerator (you can use coolers instead) and about 5 feet of counter space. (That’s about as primitive as I’m willing to get.) Fortunately, the chicken salad can be made up to 2 days in advance. The cold sweet red grapes and the chunks of chicken contrast wonderfully with just the hint of garlic. They’ll love it!
Looking for a fantastic make-ahead sandwich choice that will win rave reviews? Here you go. I created this Meatball Sub Sandwich for our upcoming Young Men and Young Women Camp. It’s a great change from Wal-Mart Sub Sandwiches!
Who doesn’t love these! ? A fun lunch choice for adults and kids alike.
A fantastic option for lunch! Everyone loves this. Romaine lettuce, black beans, corn niblets, and diced tomatoes team up with roasted chicken chunks (you can use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time), tossed with a creamy ranch dressing and barbecue sauce topped with crunchy, salty corn chips. It’s just a matter of a bit of chopping and you’re good to go. What’s not to love? They’ll be asking for seconds. Trust me.
Crunchy. Chewy. Cheesy. Combined with a fresh green salad. A fantastic lunch for young women or women. This one’s a proven winner!
Ok, so I know you know how to make salad. But I’ll help you determine the amount of lettuce, add-ins and dressing to buy. Salad is always a great inexpensive option. You’ll be surprised how many people will enjoy it. By the way, did you know a trick to speeding along a large group serving line is to slightly thin the dressing with some milk? This makes it easier to serve. Have fun with these.
The original recipe for this is from King’s Hawaiian Rolls. I’ve made a few slight modifications. These are fantastic. They can be served warm out of the oven or at room temp. They can be made in advance and held in the refrigerator or frozen for future use. Endlessly customizable, these are a great choice for either lunch or dinner. Make them yourself or assign them out. You’ll have the food on the table with minimal fuss and everyone will be thrilled!
We’re talking a very fast prep. Completely customizable. Your guests can pick and choose! Everything can be prepped in advance. Just re-heat the rice and beans and serve. A well-liked quick and easy lunch whether you’re serving youth or adults. They’ll love the sauce!
If you have limited cooking, prep, or re-heating facilities, or limited cooks or time then deli sandwiches are not a bad option. Served with a bag of chips, cookie, some veggies or fruit and you’re done.
Everyone of these sides and desserts is a make ahead dream. The most you’ll have to do at crunch time is drizzle on something delightful and you’re good to go.
This very fun option is a great choice for a light lunch on the go. I’ll show you everything you need for a light, quick, make in advance, easy to prepare lunch.
The most requested recipe at the last 170 person Luau. Even more than the Huli Huli chicken (although that was right up there). This is a classic Hawaiian recipe. In fact, that’s where this came from. This one is well-loved.
This is wonderful. Serve it as a side dish for your next lunch and be prepared to hear, “Delicious!” Everything but the kiwi can be prepped the day before.
This is my classic go-to potato salad. You can’t beat it. Truly, it’s wonderful. Enjoy.
Ree Drummond has the best, and I mean the very best, Vanilla-Orange dressing for a fruit salad. I. Wished. You. Could. Smell. THIS. Wow. Just, Wow. It smells like you have been plopped down in the middle of an orange grove with a basket of vanilla pods. Wow. You have to try this. It’s so simple and so easy. I’ve switched out the sugar for powdered sugar, but WOW!
Alright, I admit these are not a recipe. But a day without chips is like a day without a good book. It just ain’t happenin’. I mean, who can resist a lot of few chips! Not me. I’d pick these any day over chocolate.
Doesn’t this look fabulous? It’s easy.
If you love sweet and salty and crunchy, these are for you! Teens and kids love them. Adults too. They couldn’t be simpler to assemble. You can store up to three days at room temperature in airtight container. They also freeze well.
These are SO good, and SO easy. And did I mention these are SO able to be made in advance. Just pick up a pound cake, strawberries, kabob sticks, and white chocolate chips and you’re SO there. These can be assembled in the morning and refrigerated until ready to serve. So what are you waiting for? It really couldn’t be easier – or more delicious!
Drop in often. I’ll be adding more!