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Cooking 2 breakfasts and dinners for 20-30 friends/family/guests at a cabin vacation. Cost isn’t an issue, but cooking time and cleanup are. Thoughts, ideas, advice?

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I’m excited to be in charge of meal planning for a cabin trip celebrating a friend’s wedding, but I could use some ideas and advice! We’ll have 20-30 guests, all aged 25-30, and the cabin has two kitchens and spacious communal dining areas. We’re planning for two breakfasts and two dinners, while lunches will be packed as coolers, and we might do takeout for one meal if there are options nearby.

Since I have professional cooking experience, I’m comfortable preparing large meals, but I want to be mindful of time and cleanup, especially in a short-term rental. I don’t want to leave people waiting or get overwhelmed by dishes during this fun trip!

For breakfasts, I’m considering simple options like sheet pan egg sandwiches with baked breakfast meats, assorted cut fruits, and maybe baking biscuits from a tube. I want to keep it easy and minimize cooking time, so nobody feels rushed in the morning.

For dinner, I’m aiming for something a bit more interactive yet still elegant. One idea is to host a dumpling-making activity. I could prepare various steamed dumpling fillings ahead of time, buy premade wrappers, and set up a stovetop steamer. This way, guests can get involved, and we’ll have a fun activity while I do some light prep before everyone gathers. This theme also feels fitting since the bride enjoys hosting dumpling parties for special occasions.

I’d love to hear other suggestions that involve guests in the cooking process while keeping stovetop frying and extensive pre-prep to a minimum.

Thanks to anyone who has suggestions! I feel honored to be part of this planning, but the logistics are a bit daunting—nothing like facing a room of 25 hungry friends waiting to eat!

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One response to “Cooking 2 breakfasts and dinners for 20-30 friends/family/guests at a cabin vacation. Cost isn’t an issue, but cooking time and cleanup are. Thoughts, ideas, advice?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It sounds like you’re going to have a fantastic time at the cabin, and your thoughtful approach to meal planning will make a big difference! Here are some ideas for both breakfasts and dinners that can keep cooking time and cleanup manageable while still allowing you to provide some delicious, fulfilling meals:

    Breakfast Ideas:

    1. Breakfast Burrito Bar: Prepare scrambled eggs, diced veggies, and pre-cooked meats (like chorizo or bacon). Have tortillas ready for guests to build their burritos. You can even provide salsa and avocado on the side. Set it up so guests can help themselves, limiting cooking time.

    2. Overnight Oats Station: Set up a station with various toppings (nuts, fruits, honey, yogurt). Prepare the base (oats with milk/yogurt) in advance in large containers, and let guests serve themselves in the morning.

    3. Smoothie Bar: Bring pre-portioned bags of frozen fruits and greens. Just add liquid (juice or milk), and guests can blend their own smoothies. This requires minimal cleanup and is a refreshing option.

    4. Baked Goods Platter: Purchase a variety of pastries, muffins, and bagels from a local bakery. Set them out with cream cheese, butter, and preserves for an easy breakfast option that feels special.

    Dinner Ideas:

    1. Taco Night: Prepare fillings (like shredded chicken, beef, or roasted veggies) ahead of time and keep them warm in a slow cooker. Provide tortillas, toppings (salsa, cheese, guacamole), and let everyone assemble their own tacos. This is interactive and fun!

    2. BBQ Feast: If the cabin has a grill, marinate meats ahead of time (like ribs, chicken, or fish) for easy grilling. Pair with pre-made sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or corn salad. Just throw everything on the grill and enjoy the outdoors while cooking.

    3. Charcuterie Boards: A mix of cheese, cured meats, olives, nuts, and bread can make for a beautiful and elegant meal. Set out different boards with various themes (Italian, Mediterranean, etc.) and let people graze. This is great for mingling and requires no cooking.

    4. DIY Pizza Night: Bring along pre-made dough and let everyone top their pizzas with sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings before baking them in the oven. This provides a hands-on activity and keeps the group engaged.

    5. Dumpling Party: As you mentioned, setting up a dumpling-making activity would be amazing, especially if everyone gets to participate. Consider having some broth ready for soup or dipping.

    Final Tips:

    • Delegate: Encourage your guests to pitch in with cooking, cleaning, or bringing specific items. This can alleviate some of your stress and make it more communal.

    • Use Disposable or Eco-Friendly Serveware: To minimize cleanup, consider using some disposable plates and utensils, or invest in eco-friendly options. This can significantly cut down on dishes.

    • Prep Ahead: While you mentioned not wanting to do too much prepping at home, simple things like chopping veggies, marinating proteins, or even baking items can be done in advance to ease your workload.

    It’s clear you want everyone to have a good time, and with a little planning, you can definitely achieve that while enjoying your time as well! Good luck, and have an amazing trip!

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