As the joke goes, January is the longest month of the year. With that, we’ll say that May is the shortest! Graduations, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day…so many celebrations jam packed into one month. If you’re planning to celebrate a graduate, check off this menu on your to-do list. We’ve got you covered. From feed a crowd sandwiches to big make-ahead salads, these menu options will have you celebrating with ease.
Feed a Crowd, Make Ahead Salads
A big salad is always a crowd pleaser, but making salad for a large gathering shouldn’t be daunting or a day-of chore. We love a big, hearty salad that is filling and can be made ahead. Check out our favorite, full-flavored make-ahead salads:
Farro Salad with Herbes de Provence
Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Italian Chopped Salad
Feed a Crowd, Make Ahead Pulled Meat Sandwiches & Tacos
Slow simmered chicken and pork are great choices for setting up a big make-your-own sandwich or taco station. Cook the meat the day (or days) ahead and reheat to platter up and offer on a buffet for sandos, street tacos or loading up on salads. Be sure you’re leaning in, way in, to all the accoutrement. Creamy Cilantro Sauce for tacos. Alabama Sauce for sandwiches. Quick Pickled Onions for both! PS – those accoutrement are make-aheads, too! As a matter of fact, they’re even better when they’re tucked in the fridge in advance! Here are three of our favorite pulled meat, feed-a-crowd, go-to options:
Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Alabama Sauce
Savory Instat Pot Pulled Pork
Orange Guajillo Pulled Chicken Tacos
Feed a Crowd, Make Ahead Sides
Big pans of baked pasta and platters of corn on the cob are the perfect sides for a big gathering. We love these ideas for corn on the cob and this make-ahead pasta – chef’s kiss! Here are three of our favorite big-batch, big flavor sides:
Elote
Ina’s Overnight Mac & Cheese
Crispy Cheese Loaded Potatoes
Feed a Crowd, Make Ahead Desserts
Your party is ready and waiting for a sweet treat. Big sheet cakes, pans of cookies and even Strawberry Shortcake have make-ahead potential. Speaking of strawberries, May is ripe with berry delicious possibilities. One of our favorites is this simple, sublime Strawberry Fool which can easily be subbed out with blueberries or any berry that’s at the market. Here are three of our go-to, feed-a-crowd desserts:
Ina’s Perfect Chocolate Cake
Strawberry Shortcake with Rooibos Infused Berries
Three Ingredient Palmiers
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