15+ Dinner Party Recipes for a Memorable Gathering

Dinner parties are a wonderful way to gather friends and family around the table, sharing good food and laughter. You want recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and impressive enough to wow your guests. With the right dishes, you can create an unforgettable evening without the stress of complicated cooking techniques.

Whether you are hosting a casual gathering or a more formal affair, having a variety of dinner party recipes at your fingertips can make planning a breeze. From satisfying mains to delightful desserts, these recipes cater to all tastes and preferences, ensuring everyone has something to enjoy. Get ready to impress with meals that are both flavorful and visually appealing!

1) Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil

This pasta dish is a wonderful choice for your dinner party. You will enjoy the freshness of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. It’s simple to make and has a delightful taste.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce with fresh chopped tomatoes and basil. You can add garlic and a splash of olive oil for extra flavor.

Once the pasta is ready, toss it with the sauce. Serve it warm with grated Parmesan cheese for a nice touch. Your guests will love this delicious dish!

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 leaves fresh basil, torn
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 8 ounces pasta (like spaghetti or penne)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
4. Stir in the tomatoes and basil, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and serve warm.

2) Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

Roasted shrimp cocktail is a delightful dish for your dinner party. It’s simple to make and offers a fresh taste that everyone will enjoy. Start with jumbo shrimp for the best flavor and presentation.

To prepare, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for easy handling. Toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.

Roast the shrimp in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. While they are roasting, prepare a homemade cocktail sauce. Mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce for a zesty dip.

Serve the shrimp warm with the cocktail sauce on the side for a perfect appetizer.

Ingredients

• Jumbo shrimp
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Ketchup
• Horseradish
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails on.
3. Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place shrimp on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 8-10 minutes until pink.
6. Mix cocktail sauce ingredients in a bowl.
7. Serve shrimp with sauce on the side.

3) Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Chicken Parmesan meatballs are a tasty and easy dish to impress your guests. They are cheesy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.

To make these meatballs, you will need ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and some spices. These simple ingredients come together for a delicious and satisfying meal.

You can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) until they are golden brown and cooked through. Serve them with pasta or as a snack with dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Marinara sauce for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
5. Serve with marinara sauce.

4) Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili

This Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili is a delicious choice for your dinner party. It’s warm, hearty, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s a great vegetarian option that everyone will love.

You’ll need black beans, sweet potatoes, and plenty of spices. Ingredients like chili powder, cumin, and chipotle peppers really boost the taste. Serve it up with some fresh bread or cornbread for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle peppers
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the sweet potatoes and cook for a few minutes.
3. Stir in the spices and cook for another minute.
4. Add the black beans and diced tomatoes.
5. Let it simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

5) Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Creamy butternut squash pasta is a delicious choice for your dinner party. This dish combines the rich flavor of butternut squash with a creamy sauce for a cozy meal. It’s simple to make and looks great on the table.

You’ll need butternut squash, garlic, olive oil, and heavy cream. Adding some herbs like sage and thyme boosts the flavor. Pecorino cheese offers a nice finish to the dish.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt to taste
• ½ cup pecorino cheese
• Spaghetti or your pasta of choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and cube the butternut squash.
3. Toss the squash with olive oil and garlic. Roast for 25 minutes.
4. Blend the roasted squash with heavy cream and herbs.
5. Cook the pasta, drain, and mix with the sauce.
6. Serve topped with pecorino cheese.

6) Herb Roasted Turkey

Herb roasted turkey is a perfect dish for any dinner party. It’s flavorful, juicy, and looks great on the table. The combination of herbs and garlic makes it truly special.

To prepare, you will need to make a butter mixture with herbs, garlic, and some lemon juice. You’ll rub this mixture all over the turkey for maximum flavor.

Roasting the turkey at 350°F (175°C) ensures a crispy skin and moist meat. The key is to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Ingredients:

• Whole turkey (about 12 lbs or 5.4 kg)
• 1 cup (226 g) butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried sage
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice from 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix butter, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
3. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin.
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for about 3 hours.
5. Check that the internal temperature is at least 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the turkey rest before carving and serving.

7) Vintage Coq Au Vin

Coq Au Vin is a classic French dish that makes your dinner party feel special. This recipe involves slow-cooking chicken in red wine, which creates a rich and flavorful meal.

You start by browning the chicken pieces in a pot. Then, add red wine, mushrooms, onions, and herbs to simmer. The combination creates a warm and inviting aroma.

Serve your Coq Au Vin with crusty bread or over noodles for a complete meal. It’s sure to impress your guests with its delicious taste.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 4 chicken legs
• 2 cups red wine
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy.
2. Add chicken and brown on all sides.
3. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Sauté onions and garlic in the pot.
5. Sprinkle flour and stir for 1 minute.
6. Pour in red wine and add thyme.
7. Return chicken to the pot and add mushrooms.
8. Simmer for 1.5 hours at 350°F (175°C) until chicken is tender.

8) Classic French Bourguignon

Classic French Bourguignon is a delicious beef stew known for its rich flavors. It combines tender beef with carrots, mushrooms, and herbs, all slow-cooked in red wine and beef broth. This dish is perfect for a dinner party, impressing your guests with its depth of taste.

To make this dish, start by browning the beef in a pot. Then, add the vegetables and let them cook with the wine for a while. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly.

Serve this dish with crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. Your dinner guests will surely enjoy this comforting, elegant meal.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds chuck stew meat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 ounces bacon, cut into pieces
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 1 cup pearl onions
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil and cook the bacon until crispy.
3. Add the beef and brown on all sides.
4. Stir in the carrots, onions, and mushrooms.
5. Pour in the red wine and beef broth, and add thyme.
6. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the oven.
7. Cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender.
8. Serve hot.

9) Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska is a classic dessert that impresses at any dinner party. It combines cake, ice cream, and toasted meringue for a delicious treat.

To make it, start with a sponge cake base. Top it with your favorite ice cream flavor, and then cover it with meringue.

When baking, set your oven to 500°F (260°C) to brown the meringue quickly. This dessert looks stunning when served and is easier to make than it seems!

Ingredients

• 1 sponge cake (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 quart ice cream (any flavor)
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
2. Place the sponge cake on a baking sheet.
3. Spread ice cream over the cake.
4. Whip egg whites until soft peaks form.
5. Gradually add sugar and vanilla, beating until stiff peaks form.
6. Spread meringue over the ice cream and cake.
7. Bake for 3-5 minutes until golden.

10) Porchetta with Lemony Herb Sauce

Porchetta is a delicious Italian roast that can impress your dinner guests. The crispy skin and flavorful meat will make this dish a highlight of your meal. Pair it with a zesty lemony herb sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

To make this dish, you will need a pork belly with skin and a mix of fresh herbs. Rosemary, sage, and parsley work well to enhance the savory taste. The lemon sauce adds brightness and freshness, making each bite delightful.

Ingredients

• 1 (8- to 10-lb.) pork belly with skin
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 8 cups chopped fresh collard greens
• 1 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 12 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice and zest of 2 lemons

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Score the pork belly skin in a crosshatch pattern.
3. Rub the meat with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix the chopped herbs and garlic, then spread on the pork.
5. Roast in the oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through, about 2-3 hours.
6. Let it rest before slicing.
7. Serve with lemon juice and zest on top.

11) Make-Ahead Brisket

Make-ahead brisket is perfect for dinner parties. You can prepare it in advance and just reheat it before serving. This saves you time and helps you enjoy the event with your guests.

The process starts by seasoning your brisket well. You can then cook it in the oven or a slow cooker for tender results. Slicing it and returning it to the cooking juices creates a flavorful dish.

You can also use a savory sauce to enhance its taste. Serve it with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 pounds beef brisket
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow or red onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup tomato-based sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the brisket on both sides.
3. Remove the brisket and sauté the onions in the same pan.
4. Place the brisket back in the pan and season.
5. Pour sauce over the brisket if using.
6. Cover and cook for 3-4 hours until tender.

12) Cheater’s Paella

Cheater’s Paella is a quick and fun dish that brings a taste of Spain to your dinner table. This version skips some lengthy steps, making it perfect for a casual dinner party.

You can start with a cast iron skillet, which gives the paella a wonderful flavor. The main ingredients typically include shrimp, rice, and a mix of spices.

The bright lemon flavor and smoked paprika really make the dish pop. It’s simple enough for any cook, yet impressive for your guests.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of rice
• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add the rice and paprika, stirring for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
6. Add the shrimp and lemon juice; cook until shrimp turn pink.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

13) Staff-Favorite Salmon

This staff-favorite salmon recipe is flavorful and easy to make. You can impress your guests with a delicious dinner while keeping it simple.

For this dish, you’ll need fresh salmon fillets, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the taste.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Fresh herbs (like dill or parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and herbs.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet.
4. Brush the mixture over the salmon.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Enjoy your tasty salmon dish at your dinner party!

14) Tapenade

Tapenade is a flavorful spread made from olives, capers, and olive oil. It’s perfect for your dinner party as an appetizer. You can serve it with crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

You can use different types of olives, like Kalamata or green olives, to create unique flavors. The key is to blend them well with garlic and herbs. This gives a zesty twist to the dish.

Tapenade is not just tasty but also easy to make. In just a few minutes, you can whip up this delicious addition to your menu.

Ingredients

• 1 cup olives (Kalamata or green)
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Begin by pitting the olives and adding them to a food processor.
2. Add the capers and garlic.
3. Drizzle in olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Blend until smooth, adding herbs as desired.
5. Serve with your favorite dippers.

15) One-Bite Appetizers

One-bite appetizers are perfect for dinner parties. They are easy to make and even easier to eat. Your guests will love having bite-sized treats to enjoy while mingling.

You can try classic options like Caprese skewers, which combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil. They are refreshing and light.

Mini quiches are another great choice. These can be filled with cheese, vegetables, or meats, making them versatile for any palate.

For something different, consider serving sushi cups. These are made with rice and your favorite sushi fillings in mini cups.

Don’t forget about spreads! Serve a cheese board with various cheeses, meats, and crackers for guests to pick from.

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes
• Mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Vegetables or meats (for quiche)
• Sushi rice
• Nori sheets

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Caprese skewers by threading ingredients onto toothpicks.

2. Whisk eggs and mix with fillings for quiches. Pour into mini muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) until set.

3. Cook sushi rice, then layer rice and fillings in cups.

4. Arrange the cheese board with selections on a platter.