Help! Feeding a large group of college students!

[QueenIsabella]

Sadly, our new Publix doesn't open until October (right around the corner! I'm so excited!). I don't have a great place to shop yet, but typically use Food Lion, Sam's Club, and Super Walmart. I will have to keep an eye on the Food Lion circulars--their prices are sometimes better than bulk-buying at Sam's. I do have a few weeks to stock up on pasta, sauce, etc. That's part of why I'm planning now, so I can take advantage of sales. We have a big freezer and extra fridge in the garage, so I figured I'd start making cookies, etc. now, and freeze them. And I can store plenty of boxes of brownie mix, pasta, etc. for Round 2.

I still don't know if I'll have 26 or 39 guests, so I don't want to buy too much, too soon. Luckily, I have 3 kids living with me (not counting College Girl, who got me into this!). I'm trying to plan for stuff that they'll eat, as well.

 

[ldo]

we have fed a lot of people with great tasting food: same thought as you--Italian pasta (I do costco meatballs in a crockpot), if you need more than 1, borrow or transfer to corningware which can be heated in microwave, day 2-chicken fajitas. Buy boneless chicken breasts on sale, grill the day of or the day prior, cut into strips, add the fixins, esp. a big bowl of beans and a big bowl of refried beans, and a big bowl of rice. Works for everyone, including vegans who can eat beans/rice.
For breakfast, I would do breakfast egg casserole that I make the night prior and just pop in the oven and add bananas and bagels/donuts, juice, coffee, done.
What a great thing to do--I would love to do that for one of my kids someday! And what an excellent example for all those young people to see. You go girl!

 

[mjkacmom]

I would probably do baked ziti and meatballs (separate, not mixed), and fruit salad one night and baked ziti, chicken fingers and fruit salad the other night. Sometimes I just slice up an entire watermelon into thin slices and skip the fruit salad.

What I have learned from feeding large groups of young people is that they can be very picky, but those things are universally appealing. I would skip the salad and/or vegetable because they probably won't eat them. Also, if there are vegetarians in the group, the ziti and fruit is ok.

For dessert, cookies and rice krispie treats are always popular.

Don't go crazy with breakfast, either. Bagels and cream cheese, fruit, maybe a casserole with protein (eggs and bacon or sausage). Coffee and OJ.

I wouldn't skip the salad. My kids and their friends eat salad, it's pretty inexpensive, and it is my dd13's go-to at things like this, because of celiac. Lucky for her, most group meals like this always include a tossed salad.

 

[eliza61]

Actually I would do breakfast. breakfast is supremely easy to do. think Hampton inn, they serve free breakfast to thousands.

So you have two waffle irons?? Borrow one extra if you only have one. Aunt Jemima has easy instructions on its box for making up 70-100 waffles. I do this when my sons football team is at the house.
Mix it up the night before and Viola you have a hot waffle station.

Also enlist help. you've got 36 college students crashing at the house. put some on food and clean up detail.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I like the ideas so far. It's nice of you to do, and you'll enjoy it, too. I think home cooking adds a special touch that they will love, all being away from home as they are.

I would do the baked ziti and meatballs but I would make my own sauce (I'm Italian, too it's cheaper - big cans of tomato sauce often available 10 for $10 - and tastes better, super easy) and probably my own meatballs, and I would plan to cook just once and freeze for the second meal or both, that way I'm not stressing about cooking and cleaning around the time they actually arrive. (We did this exact thing for the holidays; three separate meals in one shot.) A salad is quick to throw together the day of. And cookies and brownies are easy and you could also do those ahead of time if you wanted to. Or get or make a big chocolate cake. I also wouldn't get into a bunch of different types of meals unless I knew for sure that someone in the party had an allergy or intolerance, and in that case, I'd have something for that person. I agree with the pp who said that Mexican could be hard on tummies for travelers.

For breakfast I like the idea of a breakfast bar with fresh fruit and yogurt, and bagels, but I'd probably add a big tray of hot cinnamon buns as they smell great cooking and everyone always loves them. (Have done this myself for big sleepovers.) I would buy the large yogurts, some granola and berries to put in. I would also have bananas and a bowl of apples, oranges, pears that they were welcome to grab if they were hungry while there and/or take on the road. I, personally, would not get into cooking pancakes, but that would be something that some people might like to do. (My DH likes to.) A bowl of hard boiled eggs is do-able, as well. All relatively simple but good. I'm not sure I'd use paper plates - if you cook ahead, it shouldn't be too hard to throw dishes in the dishwasher, but it's up to you. Paper goods can really add to the cost, and using your own dishes again, gives it more of a homey feel. Finally, I would definitely not do a Go Fund Me for this. I'd consider it my contribution to the volunteer effort. Just my $.02.

 

[QueenIsabella]

I was thinking maybe cinnamon rolls--the "whack-'em" kind, I'm not doing scratch! the one reason I was considering pancakes is that DD12 is a serious pancake maker--I really think she'd enjoy making blueberry pancakes for everyone. But, it really depends on what time the kids will be hitting the road in the morning. I'm not inclined to get my 12yo out of bed at 4am to be a short-order cook.

When we make waffles, it's usually a production--I whip the egg whites separately, then add to the batter to make a super fluffy waffle. I'm not doing that to feed 40 people. That's why I was thinking the pancake route.

Salad mixes are really cheap at Sam's club, so that's easy enough to do. I would probably put our the bowl of greens and have toppings on the side--some people don't care for tomatoes or olives or whatever.

Oh, and the GoFundMe thing was a joke--I meant that for my time in the insane asylum for agreeing to let 40 college kids descend on my house for a couple nights. I honestly don't mind--we have a good location, plenty of room, a pool, a nearby playground, and I consider them friends of my DD, even if they don't actually know her. I will treat them like my own for that window of time (Pick up your socks! Shoes off the furniture!). I'm still scratching my head at DD thinking, "Need a place for 40 kids? My mom will do it!"

I'm still waiting back to hear from the kids on estimated arrival/departure times, and exactly how many kids. It may "only" be 26. I'll take some time today to plan exactly what I need.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I cook pretty often for big groups and understand the pain that it can be. I utilize crock pots and disposable serving pans in addition to disposable cups, plates and silverware.

Keep it simple but abundant. If it's homemade and really good these kids can really eat! The kids I feed live in the barracks but it's the same ages and styles and the college kids have been living off dorm/cafeteria food and homemade things are a treat.

1. Pasta--all the ways you have mentioned above
2. Mexican food bar--I do two meats, some warmed up corn/flour tortillas, tortilla chips and all the taco salad things and I make a big pot queso
3. Soups and homemade sandwiches--I usually make a big pot of something simple like vegetable noodle and then have two different sandwich meats and the sides with some chips
4. BBQ--I make up bbq pork and bbq beef served with macaroni or potato salad and baked beans with some veggies
5. Chicken pot pies--I have mastered the art of making this in a 9inch cake pan or casserole dish and freezing for reheating.
6. Breakfast--I've done pancakes/waffles or eggbakes and potato casserole with breakfast meat and diced fruit.

Most of these things can be made ahead of time and frozen then thawed and warmed in a crockpot or on the stovetop. It's really difficult to keep a variety of foods warm or cook while having that big of crowd milling around (for me it's like thanksgiving 8x + a year) and I've learned to early prep all I can.

Regarding breakfast..If you really want to serve pancakes or waffles or egg bakes..prepare and freeze. You can cook pancakes/waffles and freeze on layers on wax paper. Either warm up in toaster oven, microwave (I don't recommend) or on a cookie sheet on low in the oven(best method for big groups) for pancakes/waffles.

There are several crockpot recipes for overnight egg bakes but I think most of the kids would be easier for grab and go breakfast. I recommend making breakfast burritos/tacos or egg bake muffin cups. You can make any of those and freeze ahead of time and most importantly they can be individually wrapped and eaten on the bus or van. I throw in some granola/nutrigrain bars and some bananas. Make couple pots of coffee and have some creamers and disposable cups with lids for travel if you want to be extra nice.

I buy my disposable pans at Sam's. I bought the sterno pans but not the sterno flames themselves because I have thing about open flames and kids horsing around. I boil a big big pot of super hot water and ladle three/four cups in a long 12in disposable pan and then I put 2 6in disposable pans with the foods inside the waterbath pan to keep the foods warm. It works really well without the flames and peoples fingers messing with them.

Good luck sounds like you have everything under control.

 

[Eastern]

I wouldn't skip the salad. My kids and their friends eat salad, it's pretty inexpensive, and it is my dd13's go-to at things like this, because of celiac. Lucky for her, most group meals like this always include a tossed salad.

Probably depends on the group mix, too. I usually have a bunch of young men here and they do not seem to care for salad.

 

[Distinkt]

This might sound like an "old person's" idea, but both my daughter and daughter-in-law have had brunches recently associated with birthday parties, and have included crockpot oatmeal with a variety of toppings, raisins, brown sugar, blueberries, etc. They had a recipe for overnight oatmeal and although I am not an oatmeal fan they seemed to be a hit with everyone. It might be a good and economical addition for breakfast.

 

[arminnie]

Don't ignore the rice and beans options. It can be Mexican oriented, Cajun influenced or maybe even a Cuban black beans version.

You can also do a breakfast with tortillas, scrambled eggs, salsa, sausage or bacon, etc.

I recently was having some landscaping work done where I fed my workers (a lagniappe for them). One day I did a Mexican dish, another day I did an Italian pasta dish, another day a Cajun rice and beans dish.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

This might sound like an "old person's" idea, but both my daughter and daughter-in-law have had brunches recently associated with birthday parties, and have included crockpot oatmeal with a variety of toppings, raisins, brown sugar, blueberries, etc. They had a recipe for overnight oatmeal and although I am not an oatmeal fan they seemed to be a hit with everyone. It might be a good and economical addition for breakfast.

This sounds heavenly to me!

Tina, do you mind sharing how you make your chicken pot pies?

 

[teller80]

I have nothing to add except that I'm so jealous! A houseful of young college kids going on a mission trip? This will be a memory you'll treasure forever. I hope you'll post a trip report afterwards lol.

 

[LovesTimone]

I was team mom for 4 years there were 15 to 20 girls on the squad, here some of the things that they enjoyed, and kept me in budget.

Baked Ziti or Spaghetti or whatever pasta you want to use, and you can make up the day before and then just bake when needed, a couple/few of loaves of garlic bread. I would use the throw away pans, its just so much easier. If you go with a salad, I would do a make you own station, everyone likes different things, and keep it basic, chopped tomatoes, green onions, maybe some shredded cheese, with salad dressing 1 creamy like Ranch, 1 low cal, and 1 vinegar based.

My DH loves to grill, so we did BBQ chicken with coleslaw / potato salad and corn on the cob, dinner rolls ( lots) - You can if time is a issue, roast in the oven and then finish on the grill. I would pick up a case of corn soak pull the silk, soak over night in a water, salt and sugar and then grill it, use a mason jar for melted butter, I went to Sam's for the chicken.

Drinks - Tea, lemonade, make some fancy water, slice oranges, lemons, limes or go the berry route strawberries, blueberries, raspberries - in a big container fill with water and ice, I invested a few years ago in one of those glass container with a spout. I would not buy anything not unless you can get it at a deal, You could borrow from family or friends.

Dessert -Ice cream bar - dessert vanilla ice cream with chocolate, strawberries ( buy a bag of frozen and puree, makes a great topping) and caramel sauce, and some whipped cream. Sam's for those huge ice cream buckets.

Breakfast - banana's, apples - home made muffins, this can be done the day before arrival again keep it simple, banana nut, blueberry, and apple. On Taste of home there is a simple base muffin recipe and you can divide up and make whatever flavor you want. Maybe some pastries or donuts, Coffee lots of Coffee, flavored creamer and some type of juice. You can pick up some of those to go coffee cups they make life easy, and don't forget the permanent marker so everyone can put there name on theirs.

If you want you could make a "brown bags to go" with cookies, brownies, bottles of water, some granola( pioneer women has a simple recipe), cereal bars, chips, Sam's would be the best place to go for some cost effective things.

 

[sunshine1178]

I was thinking maybe cinnamon rolls--the "whack-'em" kind, I'm not doing scratch! the one reason I was considering pancakes is that DD12 is a serious pancake maker--I really think she'd enjoy making blueberry pancakes for everyone. But, it really depends on what time the kids will be hitting the road in the morning. I'm not inclined to get my 12yo out of bed at 4am to be a short-order cook.

When we make waffles, it's usually a production--I whip the egg whites separately, then add to the batter to make a super fluffy waffle. I'm not doing that to feed 40 people. That's why I was thinking the pancake route.

Salad mixes are really cheap at Sam's club, so that's easy enough to do. I would probably put our the bowl of greens and have toppings on the side--some people don't care for tomatoes or olives or whatever.

Oh, and the GoFundMe thing was a joke--I meant that for my time in the insane asylum for agreeing to let 40 college kids descend on my house for a couple nights. I honestly don't mind--we have a good location, plenty of room, a pool, a nearby playground, and I consider them friends of my DD, even if they don't actually know her. I will treat them like my own for that window of time (Pick up your socks! Shoes off the furniture!). I'm still scratching my head at DD thinking, "Need a place for 40 kids? My mom will do it!"

I'm still waiting back to hear from the kids on estimated arrival/departure times, and exactly how many kids. It may "only" be 26. I'll take some time today to plan exactly what I need.

If you really want to do the pancakes, how about breakfast for dinner? Do the pancakes and ziplock omelets with fruit, and then a quick cold pastry/yogurt/cereal meal the next morning.

 

[QueenIsabella]

I've been holding off on replying, just because I haven't heard back from the students. I still don't know how many kids (26 or 39), and their anticipated arrival and departure times. That makes it tough for me to really plan. But, I did go to Sam's club to see what they have--I liked the suggestion of using the sterno things as steam trays.

I was thinking if they're showing up later (after dinner), I might make a huge pot of minestrone soup, and have sandwich fixings, along with other snack-type foods (brownies, chips).

I also liked the oatmeal suggestion--I love homemade oatmeal! I don't know if my kids would eat any leftovers, but I sure would. The idea of breakfast for dinner is a good suggestion, too.

I did go shopping this morning, and picked up pasta and sauce on sale. If I end up not using it on the college kids for whatever reason, my family will eat it, no problem. I don't want to get too much stuff until I have firmer information from the students.

I have a 6 qt crockpot, as well as a couple smaller ones, and one of those triple crockpots. I could probably hit up my neighbors if need be. Also, we have a grill, but it's small--Dh is shopping for a new one, and he's an engineer, so that could take a while. Also, my oven is really small--I think it was supposed to be double wall ovens, but I only have one. Seriously, some of my baking pans don't even fit in it. What a pain!

 

[Katy Belle]

You have lots of great advice. I would just say....mass quantities. I feed the HS Drumline and the Tuba Section, a few times a year. Mass quantities.

 

[QueenIsabella]

Okay, I heard back from one group. They'll be arriving at 7-8pm, and leaving the next day at 5-6am (both weekends). Based on this, I won't have a full meal for them either day. I'll probably have a big pot of minestrone on Sat. evening, along with cookies, chips, etc. Then for Sunday morning, I'll plan grab and go food, like hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, bagels, fruit, individual orange juice bottles, etc. so they can take it with them and eat on the way. Depending on how things go, I might have a stash of burgers/hot dogs available, so we could grill for them as needed.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Olive Garden pasta fagiole is an easy one too

 

[NewRVLady]

I would do one hot pasta and a cold Pasta salad

my fave big meal for hungry boys/men is my Pasta salad
my 30 year old son takes it to his guys beach trip since he was a teen

3 boxes twist pasta
I jar Italian Olive salad
I jar sliced black olives
I container of pepperoni cut in small squares
1# ham cubed
1# turkey cubed
Italian dressing

 

[powellrj]

For your grab and go, I would have baggies and brown paper bags for the kids that can't eat that early to take breakfast with them.