Back to School Picnic -- Main Dish for 12

[mcnuss]

Help! It's been ages since I was here (and I barely recognized the boards!) but I know that I'll find the help I need.

My daughter's school does an annual back to school picnic - all families are asked to bring a dish that serves 12 people to share. Last year, all new parents were asked to bring a salad. This year, as a "old" parent, I have to bring a main dish for 12. I don't know why, but I am at a total loss for ideas. I need something relatively healthful...preferably not pasta (there were about 50 pasta dishes last year) and able to be made ahead. It also needs to be served at room temp. Does anyone have any ideas for me?

TIA!

 

[piratesmate]

A main dish at room temp??? That's tough! It's hard to think of things that will be okay not warm.

I know this is a salad, but it's like a casserole since it has the meat & veggies together. This will serve 6 people as a meal. I'd probably double it for the picnic.
Taco Salad

1 lb ground meat
¾ c water
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 head lettuce
2 c kidney beans
1 - 2 c Cheddar, grated
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 - 2 c carrots, grated (opt)
½ bottle French dressing
taco chips, crushed
Prepare meat as for tacos with water & seasoning; chill. Toss with lettuce, beans, cheese, tomatoes, carrots & half the chips. Pour dressing over all & mix. Top with remaining chips. (Use plain chips or Doritos.)

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We sometimes have cheese, crackers & ring bologna for a meal. It's a lot like a snack though. I don't know if you can get ring bologna where you are. I'd also think this could get expensive with a variety of cheeses & serving 12.

Or what about making a ham? I just did a sprial sliced one the other day when it got cold here. We ate it warm the first night & then have been using the left-overs cold in sandwiches for lunches this week. The pre-sliced ones are really nice for this because the slices are uniform in size/shape. You could just load it on a platter, put out a basket of small rolls or that little rye bread & a bottle of mustard.