Planning a perfect dinner party for your family and friends can be daunting, particularly if you have a sizable group of people to feed.
But don’t worry, with a few ideas and a bit of planning, you can prepare a memorable and delicious dinner that will impress your guests.
Here are 37 easy large-group dinner ideas that are simple, yet impressive, and will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
37 Large Group Dinner Ideas
1. Pasta Bar
Set up a pasta bar with different toppings, sauces, and vegetables. You can also include a salad and garlic bread.
2. Grilled Chicken Skewers
Marinate boneless chicken breasts with your favorite spices and herbs, and grill them on skewers. Serve them with a side of rice and roasted vegetables.
3. Tacos Bar
Set up a taco bar with different fillings such as grilled chicken, beef, veggies, and different sauces.
4. Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is delicious and a classic family favorite. You can even make it ahead and heat it up before the dinner party.
5. Steak Fajitas
Grill some steak and serve it with sliced peppers, onions, and tortillas. Let your guests create their own fajitas.
6. Chicken Alfredo
Prepare creamy chicken Alfredo and serve it with garlic bread and salad.
7. Biryani
This traditional Indian dish is perfect for large groups. It’s a one-pot dish made with rice and meat (chicken, beef, lamb, or goat) and lots of spices.
8. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow-cook pork shoulder and serve it as sandwiches with coleslaw and potato chips.
9. Shepherd’s Pie
This hearty and comforting dish made with ground beef (or lamb) and veggies topped with mashed potatoes is sure to please your guests.
10. Stuffed Peppers
Fill bell peppers with rice, ground beef, and vegetables, and bake them in the oven.
11. Vegetable Lasagna
Another classic Italian dish, lasagna, can be prepared ahead and popped in the oven before the guests arrive.
12. Chicken Parmesan
Bread chicken breasts and top them with marinara sauce and cheese. Bake until golden, and serve it with spaghetti.
13. Shrimp Scampi
Prepare shrimp scampi with spaghetti and steamed vegetables.
14. Beef Chili
This spicy dish made with ground beef, beans, and veggies is perfect for chilly nights.
15. Korean BBQ
Grill some Korean BBQ beef ribs and serve them with rice and Kimchi.
16. Chicken Curry
A dish with roots in India that has captured hearts (and stomachs) around the world. It’s a versatile and flavorful creation, with countless variations based on region, family recipe, and personal preference.
17. Pork Tenderloin
Grill or bake pork tenderloins and serve them with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.
18. Chicken Satay
Marinate chicken skewers with peanut sauce and grill them. Serve them with cucumber salad and rice.
19. Meatball Subs
Make meatballs ahead of time and serve them with fresh sub rolls and tomato sauce.
20. Stuffed Shells
Cook jumbo shells and stuff them with cheese, meat, or veggies, and bake them in the oven.
21. Sushi Party
Set up a sushi bar with different types of sushi rolls, edamame, and seaweed salad.
22. Burgers and Fries
Set up a burger bar with different types of burgers, cheeses, toppings, and fries.
23. Mongolian Beef
Sauté thin strips of beef with a savory, sweet sauce, and serve it with steamed rice and green onions.
24. Vegetable Stir-Fry
Create a colorful and healthy stir-fry with a variety of fresh vegetables and your choice of protein (tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef). Serve with a delicious stir-fry sauce.
25. Chicken Enchiladas
Roll up shredded chicken, cheese, and other fillings in corn tortillas, smother them with enchilada sauce, and bake until bubbly.
26. Cajun Jambalaya
Prepare a spicy and flavorful jambalaya with a mix of andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, and rice. Don’t forget the Cajun spices!
27. Veggie Curry
Make a vegetarian curry using an assortment of colorful vegetables, chickpeas, and a rich coconut milk-based curry sauce. Serve with rice or naan bread.
28. Hawaiian Luau
Host a tropical-themed dinner with dishes like Hawaiian BBQ chicken, pineapple fried rice, and tropical fruit salad.
29. Mediterranean Feast
Create a Mediterranean spread with dishes like falafel, hummus, tzatziki, tabbouleh, and pita bread. You can also include shawarma or kebabs.
30. Spaghetti Carbonara
Prepare a creamy pasta dish with pancetta or bacon, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
31. Baked Salmon
Season salmon fillets with herbs and lemon, then bake them in the oven. Serve with a side of roasted asparagus and quinoa.
32. Chicken and Waffles
A unique and delightful dish that combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles, served with maple syrup.
33. Mexican Street Tacos
Set up a taco stand with a variety of street-style tacos, including al pastor, carnitas, and barbacoa.
34. Lobster Boil
Host a seafood boil with lobster, shrimp, corn on the cob, and potatoes, all seasoned with Old Bay seasoning and served on newspaper-covered tables.
35. Vegetable Lasagna
Make a delicious vegetarian lasagna with layers of roasted vegetables, ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce.
36. Savory Crepes
Prepare a savory crepe bar with fillings like ham and cheese, spinach and feta, and mushrooms with garlic cream sauce.
37. Vegetable Curry
Offer a vegetarian-friendly curry with a mix of colorful veggies, chickpeas, and a flavorful curry sauce. Serve with rice or naan.
Final thoughts,
Hosting a large group dinner party can be daunting, but with these easy, yet impressive, dinner ideas, you can create a memorable and delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Mexican, Indian, or American, these dishes are easy to prepare and will keep your guests satisfied.
So, pick one or more of these dinner ideas, and create a night to remember for your family and friends. Bon appetit!
