Food has a remarkable way of bringing people together, especially in youth group meetings. While it’s true that junior and senior high students have a special affinity for eating, the real magic lies in the connections it fosters among them.

Our youth group’s mealtimes are perfect for new and old friends to come together. Around the table, they share stories of their day, discuss their week, proudly display photos from their cell phones, exchange thoughts on upcoming class projects, and, most importantly, build genuine relationships. Laughter, jokes, plans, and shared life experiences are all part of the package.

Back when our group was small, providing meals was a straightforward task. I could pick something up, or a generous parent could bring a meal for the evening. However, as our group expanded, we embraced a more organized approach. Cooking teams of 2-3 individuals now prepare and serve meals. One common question during meal planning is, “What do the youth like to eat?”

So here are 10 suggestions for youth group meals that are easy to fix and aren’t pizza.

Pancake mix (you can prepare a variety, including regular, chocolate chip, and blueberry)

Maple syrup, butter, and whipped cream

Assorted toppings: Sliced bananas, strawberries, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts

Crispy bacon or vegetarian sausage patties

Scrambled eggs

Fresh fruit salad

Dessert options: Mini cinnamon rolls or fruit-filled crepes

Penne pasta

Jar of Alfredo sauce

Fresh green salad with assorted vegetables

Fresh fruit salad

Dessert options: Brownies, ice cream, or fruit tarts

Russet or sweet potatoes

Toppings: Butter, sour cream, chives, bacon bits, shredded cheese

Dessert options: Warm apple crisp or chocolate lava cake

Assorted bread (white, wheat, and rolls)

Deli meats (turkey, ham, roast beef)

Cheese slices

Condiments (mayonnaise, mustard)

Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions

Chips and a variety of dips (salsa, guacamole)

Fresh fruit skewers

Dessert options: Cookie assortment or mini cheesecakes

 

Chicken breasts or tenderloins

Spaghetti pasta

Tomato-based pasta sauce

Parmesan cheese for garnish

Fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing

Fresh fruit medley

Dessert options: Tiramisu or chocolate mousse

 

Ground beef or meatless substitute

Canned chili or homemade chili

Fritos or tortilla chips

Shredded cheese

Fresh green salad with ranch dressing

Fresh fruit platter

Dessert options: Warm cinnamon rolls or apple turnovers

 

Sloppy Joes: Ground beef, buns, and Sloppy Joe sauce OR BBQ: Pulled pork or chicken, buns, BBQ sauce

Coleslaw

Sliced pickles

Fresh fruit salad

Dessert options: Banana pudding or peach cobbler

 

Taco shells or tortillas

Ground beef or turkey

Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole

Tortilla chips

Fresh fruit salsa with cinnamon sugar chips

Dessert options: Churros or tres leches cake

 

Frozen lasagna from Sam’s Club

Garlic bread or rolls

Fresh Caesar salad

Fresh fruit platter

Dessert options: Italian gelato or tiramisu

 

Rice and black beans

Grilled chicken or tofu

Toppings: Shredded cheese, diced onions, cilantro, salsa, guacamole

Tortilla chips

Fresh fruit platter

Dessert options: Churros or cinnamon sugar nachos

 

Those are some of our options for easy youth group meals, but I know you could add so many more. Share your easy youth group meals in the comments below, and maybe we’ll add them to a future post for everyone to enjoy!