Avoid These Common Mistakes When Cooking for a Crowd

Camping Out in The Kitchen

Creating a menu that requires a lot of fussing, stirring, and time bent over the stove isn’t ideal when hosting a large group, especially if not everyone knows each other.

"Cooking a roast is a great tip for entertaining because it’s impressive, feeds a crowd, and allows you to spend more time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen," suggests professional chef Sheldon Simeon. "Once it’s in the oven, it mostly takes care of itself, and the aroma creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Plus, it’s easy to pair with simple sides to create a complete, satisfying meal."

Remember—being present is part of the host's duty!

Having Guests Cut Into Dishes Themselves

“When hosting, have things pre-sliced or partially sliced to start,” says pastry chef Abigail Dahan. “Often, no one ever feels comfortable being the first to cut into the piece of cheese. Cut some pieces to start so it doesn't feel so precious to dig into.”

Make it easy for guests to help themselves, especially when it comes to foods and experiences not everyone may be familiar with, like shucking oysters.

Not Considering Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Even when hosting close family and friends, don’t assume you know everyone’s dietary requirements. Restrictions and allergies change, and some people aren’t comfortable voicing theirs unless asked. "It's crucial, in my opinion, to make sure there are a few items or dishes that all the guests can enjoy so that no one feels left out," Dahan says.

Make sure to specify whether cross-contamination is an issue or not, and if there are any special items your guests prefer.

Serving Difficult-to-Eat Foods

Not everyone is comfortable digging into peel-and-eat shrimp in front of a crowd. And not to mention, spills are bound to happen when it's a numbers game. "Avoid serving things that are difficult to eat, like a soup if it's a buffet," says Dahan.

This can also apply to flavor: A large crowd may not be the opportunity to test your scorpion pepper chicken recipe, or serve anything super spicy, super sour, or polarizing to taste buds that are not as adventurous as yours.

Forgetting to Taste the Meal

It’s tempting to get food into serving dishes as soon as it's ready, but giving everything a taste is best practice to ensure all is cooked and seasoned correctly. Keep some extra utensils by your prep area to make it easy to taste and not double-dip. “Always taste your food,” urges executive chef Steven Aleckna. “And don't forget your salt. Keep finishing salt nearby.”

Not Allotting Enough Prep Time

The most important part of hosting is planning and preparation: Shop for everything the day before, plan the seating chart if necessary, clean your utensils and glassware, batch a cocktail, and fill ice trays.

Anything that can be done ahead of time—like cleaning and chopping ingredients, setting the table, and washing the serving pieces—should be accomplished hours before guests are slated to arrive. This will leave you plenty of time to cook, plate, and maybe even rest for a few minutes before the first guest rings the bell.