summer

11 Easy Vacation Meals to Feed a Crowd

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterCulinary Producer at The Kitchn
I'm a recipe developer, food writer, stylist, and video producer (and The Kitchn's Dinner Therapist), with more than 10 years professional experience. Since graduating from The French Culinary Institute, I've authored 3 cookbooks: Buddha Bowls, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, and The Probiotic Kitchen.
updated Nov 30, 2023
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Roasted chicken with dill and pickles in a baking dish

On my recent summer vacation, I did what felt natural when our group of seven arrived at the house: I made a meal plan and took charge of cooking. My goal for the week was easy, low-effort, family-friendly meals that left us with ample leftovers to nibble in the backyard and cart to the beach for lunch.

Here are 11 of my favorite recipes for easy vacation cooking when it’s time to feed a crowd.

Vacation Meals for Crowd

1 / 11
Dill Pickle Chicken
Spicy and tangy pickle juice is the one-ingredient brine that makes the most tender and delicious chicken you will eat all summer.
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2 / 11
Blueberry Pancake Casserole
This casserole for a crowd is everything you love about fluffy buttermilk pancakes loaded with blueberries the added bonus of a streusel topping.
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3 / 11
Sandwich for a Crowd
This make-ahead sandwich serves up to 10 people, which means it's perfect for summer picnics, hikes, and beach trips.
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4 / 11
Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Sour cream makes this hashbrown breakfast casserole better than the rest, adding a richness that prevents the eggs from becoming too dry during baking.
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5 / 11
Easiest Pasta Salad
This goes-anywhere, has-everything pasta salad is one we think you should know by heart.
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6 / 11
Slow Cooker BBQ Shredded Chicken
Slow cooker BBQ shredded chicken is an easy weeknight dinner that can be made with chicken breasts, thighs, or a combo of the two.
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7 / 11
One-Pot Pasta Primavera
This light and butter pasta primavera is the best way to bring the fresh flavors of spring produce to your table.
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8 / 11
Tortellini with Butter-Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce
Roast halved cherry tomatoes with garlic-infused butter and they're transformed into a light and juicy sauce for cheese tortellini.
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9 / 11
Sausage, Potato & Green Bean Packets
Combine cooked sausage, chopped potatoes, and green beans; add some butter and a dash of Cajun seasoning; and wrap in foil for a no-mess dinner in minutes.
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10 / 11
Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad
Mixed with quinoa, beans, and vibrant fresh veggies, and topped with a zippy chili-lime vinaigrette, this is a potluck salad that everyone can eat.
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11 / 11
Tomato-Basil Chicken and Rice
A recipe for a chicken thigh and tomato basil rice casserole that can feed a crowd this summer.
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