Easy Side Dishes For A Large Crowd (20 Amazing Dishes)
Cooking for a large crowd has always been a struggle for me, especially when I was younger.
My family would always have BIG gatherings, and I was ALWAYS the one in charge of the side dishes. It was a lot of pressure for me, but I loved it.
One of the most important things to remember when cooking for a large crowd is to keep it simple.
Another important thing is that not everyone likes the same things. You’ll want to try and please as many people as possible, so a variety of dishes is always a good idea.
There are so many different things that you could make, but it’s hard to know which ones will be the most popular and easy to prepare.
I think I’ve finally mastered the art of cooking for a large crowd. I’ve learned a few tricks along the way, and I’m excited to share them with you.
Easy Side Dishes For A Large Crowd
- Baked Beans
- Corn Pudding
- Mixed Roasted Veggie Salad
- Pasta Salad
- Sautéed Asparagus
- Lettuce with Mixed Seed Sprinkle
- Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese
- Green Bean Casserole
- Ramen Noodle Salad
- Broiled Broccolini and Capers
- Corn on the Cob
- Creamy Coleslaw
- Creamed Spinach
- Bourbon Yams
- 30-Minute Dinner Rolls
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Macaroni Salad
Baked Beans
This super easy side dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time. I like to make a big batch and then freeze it in individual servings, so I always have some on hand.
It may not be the prettiest dish, but it’s delicious and hearty. Baked beans are a great source of protein and fiber and they’re also vegan and gluten-free.
Corn Pudding
This is a must-have side dish at all of our family gatherings. It’s easy to make and can be served either hot or cold
This super delicious and easy side dish that can be made ahead of time. I like to make a BIG BATCH and then freeze it in individual servings, so I always have some on hand.
It’s the perfect dish for a summer BBQ or potluck.
Mixed Roasted Veggie Salad
This easy side dish is perfect for a summer potluck or BBQ. I like to roast a mix of veggies ahead of time and then toss them with some olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
You can use any mix of veggies you like, but my favorites are zucchini, yellow squash, peppers, and onions.
Pasta Salad
The probability that pasta salad will be the first to go at a potluck is very high. It is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
My go-to pasta salad recipe is this one from Ina Garten. It’s simple and delicious and can be easily customized to your liking.
Sautéed Asparagus
Asparagus is a great side dish because it’s healthy and easy to make. I like to sauté mine with a little bit of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
You won’t believe how delicious this easy side dish is.
Lettuce with Mixed Seed Sprinkle
This easy and healthy side dish is a great way to get kids to eat their veggies. Trust me, the parents will thank you.
I like to mix together a variety of seeds (I usually use sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame) and then sprinkle them over a bed of lettuce.
Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese
This is a great alternative to traditional mac and cheese. Over time, I’ve realized that what makes it so appealing to the crowd is that it’s vegan and gluten-free, while still delicious.
This means that EVERYONE, including vegans, can enjoy it.
I like to use a mix of vegan cheese and nutritional yeast to give it that cheesy flavor. Trust me, even the non-vegans will love it.
Green Bean Casserole
This easy side dish is a Thanksgiving staple in our family. I like to make it ahead of time and then just reheat it when we’re ready to eat.
It’s the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy and can be easily made vegan by substituting dairy products for vegan alternatives.
Ramen Noodle Salad
I like to make Ramen noodles because they’re easy to find and cheap, but you can really use any type of noodle you like.
Something that I’ve found to be a real crowd-pleaser is when I mix the ramen noodle salad with a variety of veggies, including carrots, cucumbers, and red peppers.
Broiled Broccolini and Capers
I love how easy this side dish is to make and how healthy it is. Broccolini is a wonderful cruciferous vegetable that has calcium, fiber, and magnesium, among others.
It’s also easy to find, especially if you buy it pre-washed and cut. All you have to do is toss it with some olive oil and then broil it for about five minutes.
I like to top it with a sprinkle of capers for some salty flavor.
Corn on the Cob
My two favorite recipes for a delicious corn-on-the-cob side dish are the boiled corn-on-the-cob recipe from Alton Brown or just a simple, easy-grilled version.
Both recipes are easy to follow and produce great results. I like to make a big batch and then freeze it in individual servings, so I always have some on hand.
Sometimes, I like to go with the oven-roasted version. It’s easy to make and can be served either hot or cold.
Creamy Coleslaw
This is one way to ensure that your side dish is easy to make and delicious. I like to use a pre-made coleslaw mix and then add in some Greek yogurt, mayo, and vinegar.
Easy peasy!
You can also add in some diced apples or cranberries for a little sweetness.
Creamed Spinach
Like most people, I grew up eating creamed spinach from a can. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized how easy it is to make from scratch.
And it only takes a few minutes. Plus, you can control the amount of cream and cheese that you use.
Bourbon Yams
Everybody loves a good sweet potato dish and this easy recipe is no exception. I like to add a little bit of bourbon to mine for a little extra flavor.
You can also top it with some chopped pecans or marshmallows if you’re feeling festive.
30-Minute Dinner Rolls
These easy dinner rolls only take 30 minutes to make and they’re so soft and fluffy.
They’re the perfect side for any meal, but I especially love them with soup or stew.
I prefer to use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment to make the process even easier.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
I don’t know about you, but I love Brussels sprouts.
They’re easy to find, easy to cook, and they’re so good for you.
I like to roast mine in the oven with a little bit of olive oil and sea salt.
You can also add in some garlic or Parmesan cheese if you want.
Air Fryer Asparagus
Everyone loves asparagus, but it can be a little tricky to cook.
That’s why I love this easy air fryer recipe.
It only takes a few minutes and the asparagus comes out perfectly crispy.
I like to serve it with a lemon wedge and some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Scalloped Potatoes
If you’re looking for an easy, yet elegant side dish, look no further than scalloped potatoes.
They can be made ahead of time and then reheated when you’re ready to eat.
I like to use a mandoline to slice the potatoes thinly so they cook evenly.
You can also substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes if you’re feeling adventurous.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
There is no easier side dish than a cucumber salad.
It’s light, refreshing, and takes less than five minutes to make.
I like to use English cucumbers because they’re seedless and have a thin skin. But you can use any type of cucumber that you like.
You can also add some vegetables or herbs to the salad, like diced tomatoes or chopped parsley.
What are your favorite easy side dishes for a large crowd? Let me know in the comments below!
Macaroni Salad
This one is always a hit at potlucks and picnics. It’s easy to make and can be made ahead of time.
To make it more interesting, I like to add diced celery, onions, and pickles. You may also add shredded cheese or hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor.
A List of Other Options
Vegetable Side Dishes
Nutty Green Beans
Grape Salad
Air Fryer Broccoli
Broccoli Salad
Ambrosia Salad
Butternut Squash Pasta Salad
Pan-Roasted Mushrooms
Carbs and Starchy Side Dishes
Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes
Potato Salad
Pumpkin-Potato Mash
Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
Yukon Gold and Sweet Potato Gratin
Hasselback Potatoes
Miscellaneous combinations
Roasted Mushrooms and Radicchio
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Brussels Sprouts Garnished with Bacon and Almonds
Cinnamon-Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Wild Rice
Lima Bean and Corn Succotash
Spinach Salad Topped with Goat Cheese, Apple, and a Warm Bacon Dressing
Classic Butternut Squash Soup
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you serve at a big crowd?
When it comes to easy side dishes for a large crowd, you can’t go wrong with classics like macaroni salad, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for something a little bit different, try Hasselback potatoes or a sweet potato gratin. For something truly unique, try making a grape salad or an Ambrosia salad.
What are some easy side dishes for a summer party?
Some easy side dishes for a summer party include salads, fruit salads, and vegetable platters. You can also make cold soup or gazpacho. And don’t forget the classics like macaroni salad and potato salad. Serve them with some grilled chicken.
What can I cook to feed 10 people?
Some easy side dishes that will feed ten people include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, macaroni salad, and cucumber salad. You could also make a big batch of soup or chili. And don’t forget the bread! Make sure to have plenty of rolls and butter on hand.
What is the most ordered side dish?
Someof the most popular side dishes include sauteed asparagus with pancetta, classic green bean casserole, cheesy potato casserole and garlic mashed cauliflower. Other favorites include crockpot mac and cheese and lemon parmesan roasted broccoli.
Wrapping Up
To wrap this up, I want you to know that easy side dishes for a large crowd do exist and they are delicious.
So the next time you’re planning a big party or potluck, don’t stress about what to make. Just choose one of these easy recipes and you’ll be sure to please everyone.