Recipes for a crowd

Best crowdpleaser recipes

Buffalo cauli wings with blue cheese dip

A sharing plate of buffalo cauliflower wings with creamy blue cheese dip makes a brilliant veggie snack which meat-eaters and veggies alike can tuck into.

Cheesy garlic dough balls

Give our tear-and-share gooey cheese-filled dough balls a go at home with step-by-step help from the olive test kitchen. They'd make a great starter for the kids or something to kick off a laid back dinner party. See our platter recipe ideas for a dinner party spread.

Mozzarella sticks with spicy dipping sauce

Who can say no to mozzarella sticks? Our gooey mozzarella sticks with a punchy dipping sauce make the perfect nibble to serve when you next have friends or family round.

Party pakoras

Pleasing a crowd is always easy with a plate of party pakoras – tangy jalapeños and a sweet tamarind dipping sauce cut through the mellow paneer.

Baked onion bhajis

Who doesn’t love an onion bhaji when they go out for a curry? Make up to 20 with this recipe from The Curry Guy, Dan Toombs.

Chicken tacos

These easy sharing tacos, made using a whole rotisserie chicken, take just 20 minutes to prepare. Serve with all the fixings in the middle of the table and let your hungry guests dive in.

Baked sweet mustard gammon with deli potato salad

A baked gammon or ham is one of the easiest ways to feed a crowd and this maple-glazed one can be eaten cold for days after.

Beef chilli with jalapeño cheddar scones

This simple beef chilli recipe makes enough to serve 10 people, making it brilliant for easy entertaining. Serve with our fiery jalapeño cheddar scones for an extra kick!

Dessert board

Sharing boards are perfect for easy entertaining. Make the choc pots and white russians ahead of time and buy a few extras to feed a crowd.

Fish pie lasagne

Two family favourites join forces in this impressive hybrid dish, which sees layers of soft flaky salmon, creamy mozzarella and crunchy broccoli between fresh lasagne sheets and a smooth and creamy roux. A knockout family dish special enough to serve to guests too.

Vincisgrassi (pasta baked with parma ham)

Vincisgrassi, a type of baked pasta, comes from the region of Le Marche in Italy. Rich, creamy and full of meaty flavour, plate this up to a party of six and watch them dive in.

Cheese grazing board

Three types of baked cheese, served with plenty of crackers, crudités and chutneys for the ultimate sharing starter.

Beef shin rendang

A great excuse for some Saturday night feasting between friends, this aromatic, slow-cooked beef curry makes enough to serve 12. If you find yourself with some leftovers then waste not want not because it's freezable too.

Mix and match mac 'n' cheese bar

Put the mac ‘n’ cheese out with a serving spoon then put the toppings in little bowls and let everyone add their own. You’ll need to use your biggest baking dish for this or split it between two smaller ones.

Barbacoa lamb carnitas

These gluten free, slow-cooked lamb tortillas are great for a feast between friends. It's easy to make and everyone can get stuck in and make their own.

Melanzane parmigiana

Make a batch of this Italian veggie classic to feed a crowd, or make two smaller dishes and freeze one for later. Plus, it's gluten free

Smoked aubergine and pepper salad with pomegranate molasses

Sabrina Ghayour's recipe for sweet and smokey aubergine salad would make the perfect addition to a generous sharing spread. Infused with the flavours of Persia, it's a little bit of middle-Eastern magic for you and your friends to enjoy.

Fall-apart vindaloo with red onion mint chutney

If you love curry, you'll love this vindaloo. Originating from Goa, our version is easy, made with pork and full of authentic spices. Serve with rice and homemade mint chutney at a dinner party for friends.

Baked crab and pea giant shells

Spoon zesty crab meat into pasta shells and serve in a creamy pea sauce for an impressive pasta main which serves up to six.

Classic cottage pie

This is our take on a classic cottage pie. With rich beef and creamy mash, it's a long-standing family favourite and a good one to have in the freezer for emergencies!

Banoffee fridge cake

This fridge cake looks impressive but is deceptively simple, requiring just a handful of ingredients. Serving up to 12, this is the perfect sweet crowd-pleaser.

Lemon meringue pie

A classic, impressive lemon meringue pie with crisp pastry, tart curd and fluffy meringue that's easy to make. Plate this pie up and watch it disappear in a heartbeat.

Milk chocolate and malt mousse cake

Satisfyingly smooth and indulgent, this chocolatey malt mousse cake topped with crunchy salted pretzels is a perfect pudding to make for the holidays.

Carrot cake cheesecake

Cheesecake is always a crowd-pleaser, and in this recipe we take it up a notch by combining with another classic pud, carrot cake. Packed with plenty of spice, zest of an orange and crunchy pecans, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family at your next dinner party.

Blackberry cake

If cake is what you're after, why not try this pretty sponge cake, with fresh blackberries baked into the sponge and a vibrant coulis drizzled over freshly whipped cream.

Chocolate and hazelnut millefeuille cake

If you really want to push the boat out with dessert, look no further than this chocolate and hazelnut millefeuille cake. Sandwich crisp puff pastry circles together with homemade hazelnut ganache, then top with sweetened Frangelico whipped cream, crushed hazelnuts and a drizzle of warm Nutella.

Brunch sharing board

Be the host with the most with our epic brunch board, featuring overnight oats, sausage sarnies, pancake bites and enough bloody marys for you and five friends.