The key to effortless entertaining is getting ahead. Keep things simple by investing a bit of time and love into your dishes the day before, so when the time comes you can focus on catching up with friends and family over delicious food.
From street party recipes and picnic ideas, to dinner party winners and beyond, we’ve got something for every kind of get-together. So if you’re after recipes to feed a crowd, look no further.
MEGA MAINS
Slow-cooked pork belly
The key to this pork is cooking it the day before – you’ll end up with the most beautiful slices and outrageous flavour. If you’re serving vegetarians, the spice mix works just as well with butternut squash – check out the Tips section to find out more. Serve with homemade tortillas, black beans, hot sauce, pickled red cabbage and green salsa for the tastiest taco night – what a treat!
Easiest broccoli quiche
Versatile, easy to make and utterly delicious, this quiche is a great addition to any spring/summer gathering. The filo makes for a much lighter and crunchier base than a traditional shortcrust quiche. Plus, it transports well fresh out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, so it’s perfect for street parties, picnics or potluck dinner parties.
Stuffed salmon
Spiked with chilli, anchovies and rosemary, this baked salmon recipe looks really impressive, yet is surprisingly simple to make. If you want to get ahead, make your life easier by prepping the marinade the day before. Serve with roasted tomatoes, mixed seasonal greens and your favourite potato salad. Dinner, done!
Tasty vegan lasagne
This vegan lasagne is absolutely packed with flavour, making every mouthful magnificent! With layers of silky pasta, rich tomato ragu and creamy mushroom sauce, even meat carnivores will be coming back for seconds! Yes, it’s a labour of love bringing it together, but it’s so worth it – ideal for a slow Sunday afternoon.
Tear ‘n’ share garlic bread
No matter the get-together, garlic bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And this recipe takes it to the next level. Soft, spongy crispy-bottomed buns brushed with garlic butter – what’s not to love? Serve in the middle of the table with a big seasonal salad.
Outrageous pulled pork
If you’re entertaining a bunch of meat-lovers, this is sure to go down a storm. Plus, you’ll only need one tray, meaning less washing up and more time to enjoy yourself! Check out the Tips section for Jamie’s favourite ways to serve it – think piled into handheld buns with pickles and rocket, or scattered over a shop-bought pizza.
Cheesy pasta bake
Packed with lots of lovely veg and tonnes of flavour, this cheesy traybake is perfect for buffets, party spreads or big gatherings. The recipe serves 12, but you can easily scale it up or down depending on how many people you’re feeding. Feel free to switch up the veg, too – try butternut squash or ditch the cauliflower and ramp up the broccoli.
MORE: Perfect pasta recipes
LOVELY PUDS
Chocolate party cake
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, street party or ‘just because’, this celebration cake ticks so many boxes. Heroing retro tinned mandarins, and two types of buttercream sandwiching a beautifully light sponge, it’s a thing of total joy. What’s more, you’ll only need one tray to make this, so there’s minimal washing up – ideal!
No-churn ice cream
Who doesn’t love ice cream? You won’t have anyone refusing this treat of a three-ingredient ice cream at your get-together. If you’re feeding a huge crowd, you can easily double or triple this recipe – just make sure you have enough freezer space! Feel free to make this your own by swapping in your favourite chocolate bar, too.
Eton mess
If you’re entertaining this summer, this quintessential British pud will see you right. Making your own meringue is easier than you might think, just trust the process and give it a go – it really does make all the difference. Pile high with seasonal berries, smash up, and dig in!
If you’re after more inspiration, check out our best sides for feeding a crowd