10+ Dinner Party Recipes to Impress Your Guests

Dinner parties are a wonderful way to gather friends and family for a fun and enjoyable evening. You can impress your guests with delicious meals that are easy to prepare and delightful to eat.

Whether you are hosting a casual get-together or a more formal affair, the right recipes can set the perfect mood for the night.

Choosing the right dishes can make all the difference in creating a memorable dining experience. From appetizers to main courses, there are countless options that cater to all tastes and dietary needs.

By exploring various recipes, you can find inspiration to elevate your next dinner party and make it truly special.

1) Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil

This pasta dish is simple yet full of flavor. Fresh tomatoes and basil create a light and delicious meal perfect for any dinner party. You can prepare it quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings.

You’ll need just a few ingredients to make this tasty dish. Use ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a splash of olive oil to bring it all together.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 6 leaves fresh basil, torn
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pasta of your choice (spaghetti or penne works well)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Stir in fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss cooked pasta with the tomato mixture and serve warm.

2) Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

Roasted shrimp cocktail is a simple yet elegant dish for your dinner party. You can impress your guests with juicy, flavorful shrimp paired with a tasty dipping sauce.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for an appealing look. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Roast the shrimp for about 8 to 10 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. While they roast, mix your cocktail sauce. Combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce for a zesty dip.

Serve the shrimp warm with the sauce on the side. It’s a classic appetizer that’s sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp horseradish
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast for 8 to 10 minutes.
5. Mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire for the sauce.
6. Serve shrimp with sauce on the side.

3) Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delicious and easy dish to serve at your dinner party. They are tasty and sure to impress your guests. These meatballs are packed with flavor and can be served with marinara sauce and spaghetti.

To make them, you will need ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices. Mixing these ingredients together creates a great texture and taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground chicken
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, egg, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
4. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.

4) Herb Roasted Turkey

Herb roasted turkey is a fantastic option for a dinner party. This dish features a turkey covered in a mix of herb and garlic butter for a flavorful twist. You’ll want to prep the turkey ahead of time for the best results.

Start by making a paste with garlic, herbs, and butter. Rub this mixture all over the turkey. You can also stuff the turkey with aromatics like lemon and onions to boost the flavor.

Roast the turkey in an oven preheated to 325°F (163°C). This method helps the meat stay juicy and tender while creating a crispy skin. Cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 lemon, quartered
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a bowl, mix butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Rub the herb butter mixture all over the turkey.
4. Stuff the turkey with lemon and onions.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Roast for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).

5) Vintage Coq au Vin

Vintage Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner party. You’ll love the tender chicken slowly cooked in rich red wine, mingling with savory vegetables and herbs.

To make it, start by browning the chicken in a pot. Then, remove the chicken and sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Return the chicken to the pot and add red wine, broth, and seasonings.

Let it simmer at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together.

Serve this dish with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Your guests will appreciate this timeless recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides, then remove them.
3. Sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
4. Return the chicken to the pot.
5. Add red wine, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cover.
7. Simmer for 60 minutes.
8. Serve warm.

6) Make-Ahead Brisket

Make-ahead brisket is perfect for dinner parties. You can cook it beforehand and simply heat it up when your guests arrive. This saves you stress and allows you to enjoy the event.

The brisket turns out tender and flavorful. A savory, tomato-based sauce keeps it moist. You can slice the brisket and return it to the sauce for even better taste.

Here’s what you need:

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds beef brisket
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional herbs (thyme or bay leaves)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions until soft.
3. Season brisket with salt and pepper; brown it in the pan.
4. Add tomato sauce and herbs, cover, and bake for 3-4 hours.
5. Slice brisket and return to the sauce before serving.

7) Cheater’s Paella

Cheater’s Paella is a quick and tasty dish that captures the essence of traditional paella without the long cooking time. You can enjoy delicious flavors and a colorful presentation with less effort.

To make this meal, gather some shrimp, rice, and a few spices. You can also add your favorite veggies for extra flavor and nutrition.

This dish is perfect for a dinner party because it looks great on the table. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, leaving you more time to spend with your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Lemon wedges for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in rice, smoked paprika, and salt.
4. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add shrimp, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked.
6. Serve with lemon wedges.

8) Porchetta with Lemony Herb Sauce

Porchetta is a deliciously seasoned pork dish that’s perfect for a dinner party. With its crispy skin and juicy meat, it’s sure to impress your guests. The addition of a zesty lemony herb sauce elevates the flavors even more.

To prepare, start with an 8- to 10-pound pork belly. You will need fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon for the sauce. The mix of flavors truly brings out the taste of the pork.

Serve this dish with sides like roasted vegetables or fresh salad. Your friends will love how flavorful and satisfying this dish is.

Ingredients

• 1 (8- to 10-lb.) pork belly with skin
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 8 cups chopped fresh herbs (like parsley)
• 12 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 lemons, zested and juiced

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Score the pork belly skin and rub with olive oil.
3. Mix herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and juice.
4. Spread the mixture over the pork.
5. Roast for 30 minutes, then reduce to 325°F (160°C) and cook for 2-3 hours.

9) Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Creamy butternut squash pasta is a delicious option for your dinner party. It’s rich and flavorful, and a great way to impress your guests. The sauce, made from roasted butternut squash and garlic, is smooth and comforting.

You will need ingredients like garlic, shallots, and herbs to enhance the flavor. This pasta pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, cubed
• 1 large shallot, halved
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Fresh herbs for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the squash, shallot, and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
4. In a pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
5. Blend the roasted mixture with the broth and cream until smooth.
6. Then, combine the pasta with the sauce and heat through.
7. Serve topped with fresh herbs and Parmesan.

10) Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili

This Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili is perfect for a dinner party. It’s hearty, healthy, and full of flavor. You can easily make it ahead of time and reheat it for your guests.

Start with black beans, sweet potatoes, and a mix of spices such as chili powder and cumin. The combination brings warmth and richness to the dish. You can even add chipotle peppers for a smoky kick.

Serve it with bread or over rice for a complete meal. Your friends will love how satisfying and tasty this dish is!

Ingredients

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1-2 chipotle peppers (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onions until they are soft.
2. Then, add sweet potatoes and spices. Stir for a few minutes.
3. After that, mix in tomatoes and black beans.
4. Next, pour in vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Finally, season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!