Planning a menu for a large group of children can be intimidating. However, with some careful preparation and planning you can prepare a variety of kid-friendly meals that are delicious and do not take a lot of time out of your busy schedule. Getting the kids involved in the meal preparation will ensure that even the pickiest eater will be satisfied with the food choices.
Baked Potato Bar
A baked potato bar is an easy and satisfying way to feed a large group of people without spending a lot of money. Kids love this meal as it allows them to engage in creating their own meal. Have a variety of baked potato toppings available such as crock pots filled with nacho cheese sauce and chili. Additional toppings include salsa, mushrooms, sour cream, grilled peppers and onions, steamed spinach and broccoli, bacon, chopped ham, assorted flavored butters, Alfredo sauce and shredded cheese. Add a tasty side of baked beans and you have a complete meal.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a popular food choice with kids as well as adults. Sandwiches are easy to prepare and eat, and the cleanup process is quick and easy. Allow the children to assemble their own sandwiches by offering the breads and fillings separately. Put out a variety of bread choices like whole-wheat buns and bread slices, sub rolls and loaves of French bread. For most sandwich lovers, meat is the main ingredient of choice. Some of the most popular sandwich meats are sliced ham, turkey, salami and roast beef. To satisfy the vegetarians in the group include plenty of cheese and vegetable choices such as American and Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato slices, red onions, green peppers, pickles and olives. Round out the meal with a variety of kid-friendly side dishes like soup, corn chips or mayonnaise-free potato salad.
Taco Bar
A self-serve taco bar is a tasty option for a large group, while giving the kids the opportunity to create their own taco masterpiece. Depending on the age of the children, allow two to four flour tortillas or crispy corn shells per person. Taco bar ingredients include seasoned chicken or ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and onions, shredded cheese and black olives. Round out the meal with refried beans and guacamole and chips.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Everyone loves ice cream, making it a perfect dessert choice for large groups. Serve a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. Provide chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice cream and low-fat frozen yogurt. Put out sundae holders that make it easy for the kids to walk around while eating. Waffle, cake and sugar cones or large foam coffee cups are all excellent choices. Brownies, fruit cobblers and chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies are excellent choices for building the base of the sundae. Include plenty of inventive toppings such as hot fudge and caramel sauce, pureed fruit, marshmallow fluff, shredded coconut, cookie and candy bar crumbles, whipped cream and maraschino cherries.
Fruit Trays
Most kids love fruit and fresh fruit trays are delicious, colorful and easy to prepare. Include a large variety of fruit choices such as apple and orange wedges, raspberries, blueberries, sliced kiwi, strawberries, pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe and mango. Serve poppy seed or yogurt sauce for dipping.
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