So my son made the freshman high school basketball team. We are so excited for him! We went to the parent meeting and we were told that each parent brings a meal for the team after a game. We have to feed all 15 players and three coaches.
Does anybody have any idea on what meal I could make that is easy to take to the school and set up before the game? They do not have a refrigerator for us to use so anything cold we will have to put in an ice chest to keep it cold until after the game. I asked my son what he would like me to make and since he is such a picky eater he was no help at all. Everything he mentioned (which was not a lot) I couldn't bring. They mentioned some parents just order six large pizzas but I was hoping to save a little bit of money since it is costing us a lot for him to be on the team.
So if anybody out there has tried to feed 15 hungry 14 year olds let me know what you served. I am thinking maybe a crockpot meal since all I would have to do is bring the crockpot and plug it in.
Thank you for your suggestions.
Just a note, I do have two crock pots and can borrow two more if needed from my neighbor. Love the ideas so far please keep them coming! Has anybody ever done hamburger or hot dogs in the crock pot before?
Thank you everybody! Now I have some wonderful ideas to work with.
Yes - I was thinking sloppy joes or pulled BBQ sandwiches in the crockpot. Maybe just chips and pickles on the side or you could serve a cold salad like coleslaw or potato salad.
I think a crockpot meal would be the best. You would just have to have a large crockpot or two to feed that many boys LOL. But if you wanted to do something else you could do a spaghetti bake or some kind of casserole and bring it.
Can you get your hands on a couple crock pots? Here's what I've done - gotten big bags of frozen ravioli - put in some sauce to make sure the bottom is covered, throw in the ravioli and the rest of the sauce making sure the ravioli is all covered - then slow cook it for a couple hours. To make it even faster, you could thaw the ravioli in your fridge, then the cooking time would be much shorter.
Then instead of messing with garlic toast if you have no access to an oven, just do some buttered bread - kids seem to love the triangles. You can make these ahead of time and be ready to go.
Good luck!!
Just saw your SWH - yes, I've also done hot dogs - basically a crock pot full of hot water (set on high) and keep throwing in hot dogs. If they're not frozen they heat up pretty fast. And seriously, if they're not hot all the way thru, are teenage boys really going to notice!! lol!!! They're already fully cooked so you won't have to worry about anyone getting sick!!
Stuffed shells are cheap, easy and you can make them ahead of time and just reheat them on your way out the door. Add a couple of loaves of Italian bread and butter and you're all set. This was always my mom's go-to "large crowd of kids" meal. Have them "hot" when you leave the house and then wrap the trays in old towels to keep them warm.
If you are going to use a crock pot... you better borrow a couple of extra crock pots. You are talking about feeding 20 men. Things you could do in the crock pot that are generally well-liked:
- pulled pork sandwiches (serve with soft buns, coleslaw and maybe another cold side)
- pasta and meatballs (one crock with meatballs, one with sauce and a huge thing of precooked pasta, add bread and maybe a salad)
Another super easy and cheap option is to buy a ton of deli meat and cheese, roll it up and put it on a platter. Add rolls, bread, bags of chips, and deli-style salad. This could easily "keep" in a cooler during a game, just make sure that the trays are well-wrapped so they don't get soggy.
Yes, crockpot meals are the way to go
All crock meals:
Spaghetti and meatballs
Beef Stew
Beef and Noodles
Pulled Pork (just bring buns and chips)
Crock Pot Lasagna (I just made this and it is so much better than in the oven)
Enchiladas
Might not be cheaper than some options but super easy... Chick Fil A has party trays.
Lasagna w/garlic bread & salad
or
Beef stew in a crockpot as another suggested. Serve w/biscuits.
Meatballs in sauce in crockpots, Parmesan shaker cheese, rolls and a green salad.
Trays of baked ziti & bread, salad.
O. of those BIG sandwich rings--or two. Normally they come with a pasta or potato or macaroni salad side.
