Here is proof that build your own meal ideas is exactly what you are looking for to simplify your large gathering dinner.
I feel like this idea is going to be an answer to many peoples’ prayers… probably because I know it was something great that I didn’t even know I was looking for! So maybe a miracle before even I knew I needed it.
When I first thought about putting together a list of build your own meal ideas, I was inspired by Jordan Page in her Shelf Cooking 101 book!
She talks about how to solve dinner dilemmas with young children (pg. 25)! This one page made me honestly think that dinners might not be that hard to pull together.
Then I heard about it a second time as I finished the book today called, “Your Hospitality Personality” by Morgan Tyree.
She talked about how great it is to be able to have a theme for a gathering. It is much easier to plan meals once you have a theme. After that, you can ask your friends who are attending to bring something to add to the overall picture of the meal you are creating. Well, these ideas below are PERFECT to be able to send over to your friends as ideas of veggies, proteins, and dressings they can bring. Your meal will be excellent!
So, need to make a meal that everyone likes? The answer is a food bar! Super customizable!
Vegetarian/Plant-Based Choices
1. Salad:
You can add virtually any veggies! You’ll just need the right sauces, oils, or kinds of vinegar to pair with it. Here is a picture by EmilyJGoodman.com for presentation inspiration.
2. Vegan Board:
HERE are some great ideas to throw together for a vegan charcuterie board if you have vegan friends over or just want some vegan options to serve at your gathering!
3. Rice Bowl:
We make as much rice as we can eat for a few days. These would be easy to throw together with extra veggies in the fridge! Super flexible. HERE is the website with more details. HERE are 3 rice bowl sauces you can make with it to make it more tasty.
Noodles
5. Ramen:
If you want to make more vegan options for your guests, have an option for mushrooms as a side or tofu for it to be more filling.
6. Asian Noodles:
These noodles are Udon Noodles which are Japanese noodles that can be found in the international food section of the grocery store or an Asian grocery store. HERE is the website with more details. HERE are a bunch of ideas for Asian Noodles and toppings. HERE is another great one.
7. Soba Noodles:
These noodles are described as having a nutty flavor. HERE is a beautiful setup for these Soba Noodle ideas.
8. Pasta:
Super easy concept! There are so many accessible gluten-free noodle options nowadays for anyone sensitive. I love the look of how each of these people presented their pasta dish meals. Here is a picture for presentation inspiration.
9. Mac-and-Cheese:
HERE is the recipe for Mac-and-Cheese. MyfearlessKitchen.com shows some unique ideas for your macaroni bar. Here is a picture for presentation inspiration.
Tortillas
10. Nacho Bar:
Nachos are something where you can just pile on all of the goodness! Choose your toppings, chopped carne asada, guacamole, and cheese of course! Here’s more information about that from a catering company. Here is a picture for presentation inspiration.
11. Burrito Bowls:
The concept is inspired by the traditional burrito but with the added flexibility of creating a personalized bowl to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences. HERE. HERE. HERE.
Bread/Dough
12. Fry Bread:
Easy dough bread recipe you somewhat deep fry in oil over the stove. Then add chili or whatever toppings you want on top! Easy to do and customize!
13. Pizza:
HERE is a website to refer to as well as THIS website.
14. Grilled Cheese:
15. Sandwich Bar:
Protein
16. Eggs & Omelet Station:
You can add salsa, Pico de Gallo, etc. to go with your eggs or omelet.
17. Fish:
Salmon, Crab, Tuna, etc. can all be made up into a custom sushi roll.
Beef
18. Taco Bar:
19. Walking Tacos:
This epic walking taco recipe on this website has a great example and talks more about walking tacos. It says, ““Walking Taco” or “Taco-in-a-Bag” are not really tacos, but are Midwestern names for the Texas dish called “Frito Pie”. We add chips with all the taco toppings for our walking taco. Then place it on the BIG BOARD, and eveyone makes their own. It’s a crunchy taco salad in a small bag.”
2. Baked Potato Bar W/ Chili:
This reminds me of a great meal to serve when it is colder outside. You can serve it with chili or a variety of toppings as shown. HERE is a link on how you can display it.
20. Fajita Veggies and Chicken:
21. Fajita Bar:
22. Burger Bar:
Chicken
23. Grilled Chicken Tortillas:
24. Kabob Bar:
25. Hawaiian Haystacks:
Hawaiian haystacks are a family tradition for our extended family gatherings. So many memories! It’s super fast to cook the rice. Then heat up or cook some chicken and cream of chicken soup mixture for the top. Then after that, the toppings are almost endless!
Here is a list of ideas to easier refer to:
This post was filled with build your own meal ideas.
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This post was posted on June 24, 2023. Updated Feb 16, 2024.