We are social creatures and we can hardly be blamed. The thought of a few long weekends means plans to set up the barbecue and invite the family over for a meal.
Birthdays, anniversaries to celebrate, dinners to enjoy, and family gatherings to attend are some of our most loved social events. But the rising cost of groceries might thwart our plans. With inflation and supply chain problems, many of us will need to use a little creativity to make something out of nothing.
But the rising cost of groceries might thwart our social plans. With inflation and supply chain problems, many of us will need to use a little creativity to make something out of nothing.
Fortunately, the dishes on Australia’s Best Recipes do just that. They turn humble, salt-of-the-earth ingredients into something delicious that can feed plenty of people.
What can I cook for a big family gathering?
If you’re planning an 80th for granddad or a 44th birthday party for Mum, chances are you’ll be feeding a crowd. One of the best ways to do this is to share the load with your loved ones and go potluck. Ask each family to bring a plate that makes enough for 6-8 people, and you’ll soon have a buffet table of meals that will rival cruise ship dining halls.
This fusilli pasta bake with Italian sausage and broccoli feeds 6. It also takes only 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.
Chicken legs are some of the cheapest cuts you can buy, so this baked honey mustard chicken dish is perfect for family gatherings and potluck parties. This recipe feeds four, but with chicken legs being some of the most affordable cuts, it will be easy to double this recipe, and you’ll have enough for 8.
This flavoursome French onion scalloped potato dish is the perfect accompaniment dish to any main. This recipe feeds 6 and is a variation on the regular potato bake but will soon become your new family favourite.
Stroganoff-lovers will enjoy this cheesy mushroom stroganoff pasta bake. It has all of the heartiness of a stroganoff, minus the beef, with the added bonus of melty cheese. It also feeds 6 and is rich and creamy.
Mum’s curried chicken bake will go down a treat and won’t hurt your wallet. It is made using a combination of pantry staples and leftovers to create a hearty, budget-friendly family meal that everyone will enjoy.
Mince-lovers will enjoy this American chop suey from New England, US. This influence has an Italian spin, and the kids will love it.
These moist chicken fillets with zucchini are a delicious creamy idea that uses cream of chicken soup mix to enhance the flavour. It can be bulked up even further by serving it over rice, so everyone gets a bit!
This recipe for passionfruit and coconut sponge cupcakes will bring the sweet taste of the tropics to your celebration. It makes 20, so there will certainly be enough for everyone.
This chocolate slab cake with coffee icing will go down a treat come tea-time. It makes enough to feed 8, but maybe bake two cakes incase Aunty Barb steals two slices.
We all know Nan is going to love this simple coconut slice. There are 10 serves which means there some lucky people can sneak seconds!
More big-batch recipes
67 cupcakes for the next family bake-off
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