15 Easy Summer Meals for a Crowd That Everyone Will Love
If you’re searching for summer meals for a crowd that are easy to make, affordable, and kid-approved, this list has you covered.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a family reunion, or just feeding your crew on a hot day, these recipes are made for feeding groups—without breaking a sweat or the budget.
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s answer a few questions people often ask when planning meals for a crowd:
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are best for feeding large groups in the summer?
Grilled dishes, pasta salads, sliders, slow cooker meals, and make-ahead casseroles are ideal. They stretch easily and keep prep and cleanup light.
How much food should I make for a group of 10 or more?
Plan for 1 main dish, 2 sides, and a dessert. For proteins like chicken or pulled pork, aim for ½ to ¾ pound per person.
What’s the easiest way to serve food to a large group?
Buffet-style setups, build-your-own bars, and crockpot stations work great. They’re casual, let guests serve themselves, and reduce your workload.
Why These Recipes Work
These 15 summer meals for a crowd are:
- Budget-friendly and easy to double
- Great for picky eaters and mixed-age groups
- Easy to make ahead or cook in batches
- Full of fresh summer flavor, without being heavy
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15 Summer Meals for a Crowd
1. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Roasted peppers, onions, and chicken on a large sheet pan. Serve with tortillas, salsa, and sour cream so guests can build their own.
Find the full recipe here.
2. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow-cooked pork shoulder in BBQ sauce served on buns. Add a side of coleslaw and chips to make it a full meal.
Find the full recipe here.
3. Baked Ziti Casserole
Layer pasta, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella in a foil pan. Bake ahead and reheat before serving. It feeds a crowd and holds up well.
Find the full recipe here.
4. Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Marinate in lemon herb or BBQ sauce, then grill in batches. Affordable, delicious, and a hit with both kids and adults.
Find the full recipe here.
5. Taco Bar
Make a big batch of seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, then lay out tortillas, lettuce, cheese, and toppings. Everyone builds their own.
Learn how to create a Taco Station here.
6. Baked Potato
Bake or crockpot a bunch of russet potatoes, then offer toppings like sour cream, bacon, cheese, chives, and broccoli. Easy, hearty, and fun.
Find the full recipe here.
7. Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Toss cooked pasta with Italian dressing, pepperoni, olives, cheese cubes, and veggies. Make it ahead and chill for hours.
Find the full recipe here.
8. BBQ Chicken Sliders
Use shredded chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, served on slider buns. Great for little hands and easy to prep in bulk.
Find the full recipe here.
9. Summer Veggie Skewers
Thread zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes on sticks, brush with olive oil, and grill. Colorful and healthy!
Find the full recipe here.
10. Cheeseburger Casserole
Think mac and cheese meets sloppy joes. Ground beef, cheese, ketchup, and noodles baked into one dish. This one’s always scraped clean.
Find the full recipe here.
11. Grilled Sausage and Peppers
Slice sausages and grill them with bell peppers and onions. Serve with rice, rolls, or even over pasta for a full meal.
Find the full recipe here.
12. Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Frozen meatballs plus BBQ sauce in the slow cooker equals easy and satisfying. Serve with rolls, rice, or as a party appetizer.
Find the full recipe here.
13. Cold Sub Sandwich Tray
Grab large hoagie rolls or a pack of mini sub buns and lay out meats, cheeses, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and mustard. Let guests make their own.
Get the full tutorial here.
14. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Rotisserie chicken, cooked pasta, Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan—toss and chill. It’s a one-bowl meal that feeds many.
Find the full recipe here.
15. Watermelon and Feta Salad
Add this refreshing side to balance out heavier dishes. It’s made with cubed watermelon, feta, mint, and a splash of lime juice.
Find the full recipe here.
Hosting Tips for Feeding a Crowd
- Use foil pans or slow cookers to keep food warm and cleanup easy
- Prep ahead – many of these dishes can be made the day before
- Label dishes if you have guests with allergies or preferences
- Offer kid-friendly sides like fruit salad, corn on the cob, or rolls
Make Summer Meals Simple and Crowd-Ready
Feeding a big group doesn’t have to mean a long day in the kitchen.
These 15 summer meals for a crowd help you serve delicious food, keep things casual, and actually enjoy your time with family and friends.
More Summer Recipes
Click these posts for more Summer Meals.
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