Comfort Food for a Crowd

Whether you roast the pork in the oven or slow cook it, you'll score a platter full of fall-apart tender barbecue. Invite the neighbors or the entire family to enjoy a build-your-own-sandwich buffet.

Serves: 20

Mashed potatoes are a surefire pleaser, but we’re partial to this creamy root vegetable blend that’s as easy to make for a party as it is for a family of four. Because they cook in a saucepan with butter rather than boil in a pot of water, you concentrate the earthy qualities and don’t dump any flavor down the drain.

Serves: 16

The recipe for these fluffy dinner rolls says it serves 24, but let's be honest: Each diner will probably want at least two once they take one bite of the butter-brushed carb clouds. For an even lighter texture, let the dough rise twice before shaping into the cloverleaf form.

Serves: 24

Why should turkey and ham get all the love at the holiday table? This bacon-wrapped chicken breast will steal the show with its sausage-spinach stuffing and a cherry-infused port sauce. As soon as you clear your plate at the big gathering, you’ll probably want to start planning your next excuse to roast this moist meat entree.

Serves: 10

This rich and creamy pudding is like panna cotta with far less fuss. The icing on the cake (or in this case, the fruit on the custard) is a refreshing pomegranate-orange compote simmered in a bit of wine. Make the pudding a few hours before guests arrive, chill in separate serving cups or ramekins, and top with fruit just before dessert.

Serves: 8

No need to make like a short order cook and create a different egg and pancake plate for each guest. Bake up a low-fuss family-style casserole so brunch bakes while you enjoy your company. Build this sweet casserole the night before you plan to serve, refrigerate overnight, then cook for 45 minutes after you wake up.

Serves: 12

Please meat and potatoes fans with this rustic beef stew. With butternut squash instead of russets, plus bacon and a healthy glug of red wine (or, you know, half a bottle), this stew goes well beyond standard steak and baked potato territory. The best part: You mingle with guests while it cooks. 

Serves: 8

With sun-dried tomatoes, chorizo, beans, and plenty of cheese, this savory casserole is appropriate at all large-group occasions—from brunch (as the entree) to dinner (as a side). This might be one of the easiest ways to get the vegetable-averse to enjoy kale!

Serves: 12

Melting butter + flaky biscuit = a recipe for comfort food success. These traditional baking powder biscuits will be winners whether you serve them topped with eggs and bacon at breakfast or spoon on strawberries and cream for dessert.

Serves: 12-16

Whether for Passover or a crew of barbecue-lovers, this roasted brisket satisfies with its layers of flavor by way of garlic, onion, tomatoes, and more. Serve with Ginger Pickled Onions and mashed potatoes—or Carrot and Parsnip Swirl!

Serves: 10

Part corn bread and part custard, this showy souffle is so delicious that it will likely be the first side to disappear during your comfort food dinner. Don't worry: The ingredients are all pantry and refrigerator staples, so it's a breeze to make a double batch.

Serves: 8

This hearty pot roast takes a couple days (the meat tenderizes while coated in a dry rub overnight), but the fall-apart results are worth it. Toss in a few more potatoes, carrots, and turnips to stretch the roast and feed an even larger crowd.

Serves: 8

Croque-Monsieur meets breakfast casserole in this make-ahead dish that will satisfy eaters who prefer ham-and-cheese sandwiches or fans of French bistro fare. Pair with a big bowl of fruit salad, and your big-batch brunch is done!

Serves: 12