How to Order Food for Large Groups

Nothing improves an office event like food. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just bringing everyone in for an all-hands, the right grub does a lot of heavy lifting. It lets colleagues know they’re valued, and it gives them time and space to nosh, chat, and just bond. Besides, food is awesome! Everyone loves a good meal.

(Especially clients. Clients are very impressed with food.)

The only real problem is putting together a meal for a large group of people who may have varying tastes and dietary requirements.

At Waiter, we’re all about food — and we love feeding large groups of people. That’s why we’ve put together this list of food for large groups. All of the options listed can be scaled up to feed whatever size group you end up hosting.

Speaking of hosting…you aren’t planning on doing any of the below alone, right? The planning and cooking hours behind the choices below are…intense. You can go right ahead, if that’s your jam, or arrange for an office potluck…or…you could let someone else do the catering work while you just kick back and eat.

Really, it’s up to you; the food will be delicious either way. But if the idea of purchasing 200 tortillas and the ingredients to fill them makes you a little nervous, think about letting us help.

Now, on with the meal!

1. Taco Bar

Taco bars are pretty much universally popular, so they deserve the #1 spot. Bring in the tortillas, the protein (chicken, beef, carne asada, and more), the veggies, the salsa…and of course the cheese.

Alternates: Got some dietary restrictions to work with? Cue up some vegan meat and cheese options!

2. Pastapalooza

Take the beloved concept behind the taco bar and swap in pasta. You can go with tried-and-true familiars like spaghetti, macaroni, and fettuccine, or branch out with gnocchi, tortellini, and orzo. You’ll also want plenty of sauces (marinara and Alfredo are only the beginning; have you thought about pesto?). And let’s not forget the add-ons like various meats and cheeses, or herbs like rosemary and basil.

Alternates: Most, if not all, of the food described has gluten-free and vegan versions available.

3. Baked Potato Extravaganza

This is still technically a bar, but we’re aiming for festiveness. Set out large potatoes with all the fixings: cheese, bacon, broccoli, chili, salsa, and any herbs and spices. Oh, let’s not forget butter.

Alternates: Vegan-friendly and dairy-free varieties of cheeses (and yes, even vegan bacon) are available.

4. Breakfast-for-Lunch (or Dinner) Buffet

While breakfast food is usually consumed in the earlier hours of the day, there’s no law stating you can’t have it for lunch or dinner or any other time of day. So go big! Bring in scrambled eggs and sourdough to make toast. Set up a pastry plate loaded with croissants and bear claws. Yogurt parfaits and fruit are always winners, as are pancake- and waffle-making stations.

Alternates: If you’ve got vegans, gluten-free folks, or other dietary needs, you can find all sorts of breakfast alternatives available.

5. Pizza Party

Pizzas are pretty much the go-to meal for big groups. Some pies have 12 or more slices to go around, and there are so many varieties to choose from! There’s vegan pizza, vegetarian pizza, meat-lover’s pizza…and that’s just scratching the surface. Bring in Chicago and New York-style pizzas and judge the crusts. Throw in Greek-style pizza, too. And don’t get us started on the toppings, which are endless.

Alternates: None needed. There’s a type of pizza for everyone.

6. Salad Station

Salads are sometimes viewed as side dishes, but a good salad can be a fine meal on its own. Bring in an assortment of greens to serve as the base (spinach, lettuce, kale, arugula, and more) and then go nuts with the toppings or proteins like chicken, shrimp, nuts, and vegetables. Don’t forget about dressing, which is, for some, the most important part; ranch, Italian, and more are out there.

Alternates: Set up a fruit station so folks can have a sweet alternative!

7. Sushi Soiree

Nigiri and sashimi and maki, oh my! There’s a sushi roll that fits pretty much every set of taste buds. Most sushi contains a base of rice and seaweed, accompanied by other fillings (or toppings, depending on the roll). Salmon and tuna are popular, as are the beloved California rolls, but that’s just scratching the sushi surface. Crab and tofu, along with other types of seafood and vegetables, may also make appearances.

But…sushi can be hard to serve buffet-style, and you may have to accommodate colleagues who are just not into seafood. This might be a good time to turn to Waiter’s Meals on Demand, which lets you choose a restaurant (like a Japanese place that has sushi and non-seafood options) and place a customized order. The folks who want sushi can get it; those who don’t can choose something else. Everyone eats!

8. Dessert Decadence

Sometimes you just want something sweet. Dessert-for-Lunch (or Dinner) can cover a lot of bases. Ice cream sundae bars are often a hit; just bring in several flavors of ice cream and enough toppings to give people a sugar buzz that will last into the next century. But you can also look into cupcakes, brownies, cookies, or cakes and pies.

Alternate: Once again, the fruit platter can save the day. There are also dairy-free, vegan ice creams out there, as well as sugar-free sweets!

How to Serve Big Meals for Groups Without Losing Your Mind

Getting the whole office together for a meal can be stressful. But look, you don’t have to do all of the above on your own. Waiter.com’s Catering Delivery gives you a direct line to restaurants that make exactly the kind of meals you’re looking for, and in the quantities you need when you’re ordering office food for many people. All you really need to do is tell us where to put the food and herd everyone over when it arrives (although to be fair, most people follow their noses and don’t need the help).

So go ahead: dream big. Let us bring you the perfect pies from a local pizza parlor, or the region’s best baked potato. Japanese, Mediterranean, Thai, Indian, Mexican, and other cuisines are all on offer, and we even deliver the food in recyclable containers. Who isn’t doing dishes after the party? You!

Seriously, though, check out our group food ordering. We’d love to keep your entire team fed.