Crowd-Pleaser Recipes

Safe bets for feeding a group: recipes with broad appeal that scale up without much drama. They suit family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where you want people to go back for seconds.

When cooking for a crowd, prep what you can early and keep lemon wedges on the table so people can add more brightness.

Overhead shot of chewy lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar, stacked on parchment paper next to fresh lemon slices

45 min

Sweet & Bakeddessert

Chewy Lemon Bars That'll Make Your Aunt Jealous

Plate of crispy battered chicken pieces glazed in glossy lemon sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions

35 min

Maindinner

Chinese-Style Lemon Chicken

A skillet of crispy orange chicken pieces glazed in a glossy orange sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced scallions

35 min

Savory Mainsdinner

Orange Chicken (Better Than Takeout)

Guides to go with these recipes

A backyard picnic table spread with grilled lemon pepper shrimp skewers, roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, and a bowl of lemon aioli

Lemon Recipes for Your Backyard BBQ

An overhead spread of assorted lemon desserts, including bars, a slice of pound cake, and a tart, on a bright table

20+ Lemon Dessert Recipes to Bake This Summer

Questions about crowd-pleaser recipes

How do I scale recipes for a large group?

Multiply the ingredients, use larger pans so food does not steam, and be careful with salt and spice, which do not always scale in a straight line.

How do I keep food warm for guests?

A low oven, covered dishes, or a warming tray work. Finish with fresh lemon juice at the last minute.

What should I make in advance?

Desserts, dressings, marinades, and sauces. The make-ahead collection lists good candidates.