17 Family Gathering Recipes That Make Crowds Happy

Family gatherings are built around recipes that bring everyone to the table, and these dishes do just that. From savory mains to comforting sides and sweet finishes, each one is made to share. They’re easy enough for busy cooks yet flavorful enough to impress a crowd. With 17 recipes, you’ll always have something that makes guests happy.

20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Plate of basil pesto chicken with grilled tomatoes and avocado slices. — 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled basil pesto chicken takes about 20 minutes with chicken breasts, pesto, tomatoes, and avocado. The flavor is smoky, herby, and creamy. Tomatoes add brightness while avocado keeps it rich. This dish tastes fresh and filling.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes take about 35 minutes with potatoes, butter, cream, and garlic. The flavor is rich, nutty, and savory. Brown butter deepens the classic mashed taste. This side tastes hearty and smooth.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs

A white bowl filled with glazed meatballs, garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a wooden table with a soft drink can and a glass in the background. — Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Slow cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ meatballs take about 3 hours with meatballs, Dr. Pepper, and barbecue sauce. The flavor is sweet, smoky, and tangy. The sauce keeps the meatballs juicy while adding depth. This dish tastes bold and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs

Grandma’s Cornbread

Overhead shot of cornbread in a cast iron skillet with a single slice cut out. — Grandma’s Cornbread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grandma’s cornbread bakes in about 30 minutes with cornmeal, flour, butter, and eggs. The flavor is slightly sweet, buttery, and savory. The crumb stays tender with a golden crust. This bread tastes classic and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cornbread

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots roast in about 30 minutes with carrots, honey, and garlic. The flavor is sweet, savory, and caramelized. Garlic balances the natural sweetness. This side tastes warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Overnight Maple Clementine French Toast Casserole

Overnight maple clementine French toast casserole bakes in about 45 minutes after overnight prep with bread, eggs, maple syrup, and clementines. The flavor is sweet, citrusy, and rich. Maple adds depth while citrus keeps it bright. This casserole tastes festive and filling.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Maple Clementine French Toast Casserole

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini noodle salad takes about 15 minutes with zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette. The flavor is light, tangy, and crisp. Zucchini keeps it fresh while dressing adds brightness. This salad tastes simple and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

A bowl of roasted brussels sprouts. — Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with almonds and feta take about 30 minutes with sprouts, feta, and almonds. The flavor is nutty, tangy, and savory. Almonds add crunch while feta brings richness. This dish tastes bold and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts roast in about 25 minutes with sprouts, balsamic vinegar, and oil. The flavor is tangy, caramelized, and savory. Roasting enhances the sweetness under the glaze. This side tastes balanced and bold.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Small baking dish with scalloped potatoes. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy scalloped potatoes bake in about 45 minutes with potatoes, cream, and cheese. The flavor is creamy, cheesy, and savory. Potatoes layer into tender stacks under the sauce. This side tastes hearty and classic.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip

Easy onion dip is ready in 5 minutes with sour cream, onion soup mix, and mayonnaise. The flavor is tangy, savory, and creamy. It pairs well with chips or veggies for dipping. This appetizer tastes simple and nostalgic.
Get the Recipe: Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip

Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

Strawberry shortcake with brown sugar biscuits takes about 35 minutes with strawberries, cream, and biscuits. The flavor is sweet, fruity, and buttery. Biscuits add depth while strawberries keep it fresh. This dessert tastes light yet indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky green beans with fried onions take about 20 minutes with green beans, garlic, and onions. The flavor is savory, crisp, and slightly sweet. Beans keep a tender crunch under the topping. This dish tastes hearty and bold.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Red, yellow, and orange honey glazed carrots on a slate board. — Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted honey glazed carrots bake in about 30 minutes with carrots, honey, and butter. The flavor is sweet, earthy, and caramelized. Roasting intensifies the natural sweetness. This side tastes warm and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

25-Minute Clementine Drop Biscuits

Golden clementine drop biscuits on a cooling rack. — 25-Minute Clementine Drop Biscuits. Photo credit: Ruthybelle Recipes.

Clementine drop biscuits bake in about 25 minutes with flour, butter, and clementine zest. The flavor is buttery, citrusy, and slightly sweet. The biscuits stay tender with bright notes of citrus. This bread tastes simple and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Clementine Drop Biscuits

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans cook in about 15 minutes with beans, garlic, and chili flakes. The flavor is bold, garlicky, and slightly spicy. Beans keep their crisp texture under seasoning. This side tastes lively and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Greek lemon chicken kabobs take about 30 minutes with chicken, lemon, herbs, and olive oil. The flavor is zesty, smoky, and savory. Lemon adds brightness while grilling keeps it bold. This dish tastes fresh and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs