Hot lunch for after outdoor activity?

[Anonymous]

I need to prep something in advance for a lunch for 15 (7 kids and 8 adults), with more constraints than usual for me. Requirements:

1. Cook ahead and quick to reheat because people will need to head out for toddler naps relatively quickly (will definitely use the instant pot but that on its own will not fit enough food for 15)

2. Can be eaten in one plate or bowl, some adults will probably eat standing

3. One family doesn't eat pork, allergies include gluten (adult) and sesame (kid)

4. Kids are picky so may need a side of boxed Mac and cheese or pb&j, really doubt we can please everyone

Chili is out because the previous hosts made that. The ideas I've had so far are a mass of spaghetti and meatballs with a box of GF pasta, a couple Indian dishes (maybe a chicken korma and sweet potato vindaloo, or butter chicken and cauliflower coconut curry) with rice and naan, brisket with roast veggies (but will it reheat fast enough?), or breakfast with a veggie frittata for adults, scrambled eggs for kids, muffins, potatoes, and a big fruit salad (again, reheating?). Anything stand out? Any obvious ideas I'm missing?

[Anonymous]

Pasta sauce and meatballs are easily reheated while you cook the pasta. Or have them ready in a slow cooker.

Prep and then reheat taco meat and separately beans. Have all the fixings for tacos which can easily be prepped ahead of time.

[Anonymous]

I would either do a pulled BBQ chicken in a crockpot and then Mac and cheese on the side makes sense or a burrito bowl with crockpot shredded chicken, rice, beans and pico.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't do anything with eggs because some people have egg allergies and some people may be vegan.

If you need something hot, I would suggest catered Panera, Corner Bakery, Potbelly or something similar.
Sandwiches go well with hot soup. You can order a sandwich platter from Costco or Wegmans as long as you do it 24-48 hours ahead of time.
Also bring canned drinks, bottled water, fresh fruit trays and chips.

[Anonymous]

Baked ziti.

[Anonymous]

I’d go with your Indian ideas.

[Anonymous]

Sloppy joes in the crockpot.

[Anonymous]

Anything in the crockpot -- it can be hot the minute you arrive.

Since time is limited, I'd go with pulled chicken or pork. Have buns, coleslaw, chips and drinks ready to go. Make the Mac & cheese in advance and reheat on the stove.

[Anonymous]

Pulled chicken sandwiches, crock pot Mac n cheese, fruit, German coleslaw

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anything in the crockpot -- it can be hot the minute you arrive.

Since time is limited, I'd go with pulled chicken or pork. Have buns, coleslaw, chips and drinks ready to go. Make the Mac & cheese in advance and reheat on the stove.

I considered this (would have to be chicken since one group doesn't eat pork), but 15 people is a lot of people and I am not sure my instant pot is big enough! I'd need multiple sides and a gluten free starch as well.

[Anonymous]

Chicken enchiladas. Pancit. Biryani. Lasagna— if there’s a gluten free recipe that you’re comfortable with.
I think butter chicken would be perfect.

[Anonymous]

No to the Indian and egg.

[Anonymous]

I would do two dishes. In fact, I think that it's easier to cook two than to try to make a massive quantity of one dish. Butter chicken with rice and naan mostly for adults (good for the GF one) and meatballs/pasta or pesto/pasta for kids (most kids like pasta but may not go for Indian).

[Anonymous]

I would do enchilladas and wrap them individually in foil so they can be eaten as a handheld. You can bake a variety in advance + they are efonomical, healthy and tasty.

[Anonymous]

Pizza