Dinner party menu ideas
“What do you cook for a dinner party?”
30 answers from 25 people · Updated Sep 25, 2026
10 recs
Genuinely one of the best tasting, easiest and quickest recipes on Earth. Will impress you every time you make it, and impress guests more.
Marry Me Chicken is simple but really delivers for guests.
It’s straightforward and really delicious. People licked plates last time! Well maybe not but I was asked for the recipe by two of the guests which is either the best compliment or a really kind thing to do for a tired host. Th is recipe is also my favourite one.
5
An easily executable summer dinner party
to drink: vino verde and beer Pre dinner snacks: marinades olives with feta from the bar at the grocery store, salt and vinegar chips, roasted chili pistachios Dinner is greens with Gotham greens green goddess dressing, the pasta recipe linked here, and smitten kitchens grilled chicken recipe with the lemon herb vinaigrette - grill while your guests are hanging and snacking. I did boneless breasts and thighs and it turned out great. For the kids, a box of Annie's Mac and cheese, the grilled chicken, strawberries Dessert is Alison Roman's blueberry cornmeal tart with vanilla ice cream Easy to execute - I made the tart and vinaigrette in the morning. Pasta is truly a 30 min to plate situation, made it right before guests arrived and just left in the pot and warmed for a few min before serving. Had 4 adults and 3 kids with plenty of leftovers.
704
take a page from the french and serve roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and a simple salad with ice cream for dessert! roasting the whole chicken is a nice dinner party move but roasting chicken thighs and legs is even easier and kid-friendly. keep the salad truly simple with just one variety of lettuce dressed in a mustardy red wine vinaigrette. if mashing potatoes feels like too much work, layer thinly sliced potatoes underneath the chicken and cook it at the same time. extra points if you farm out part of the work to a guest, salad and ice cream being the easiest!
21
If you happen to be cooking for 20 people, like me, a pot roast is an easy recipe that you can forget about for four hours while you do other things. Minimal chopping required. I use a Cabernet Sauvignon, Brodo beef bone broth, fresh rosemary and thyme, crushed whole cloves of garlic, cipollini onions and I serve with all-butter mashed potatoes. For the mashed potatoes, I boil russet potatoes until soft then add enough salted butter to make them creamy, sea salt to taste and lots and lots of chives on top.
No-Fail Roast Chicken With Lemon and Garlic by Claire Saffitz
I know a lot of people who are daunted by the idea of preparing a whole roast chicken, but trust, it's one of the easiest meals you can whip up for a party! You just have to prepare the chicken, which you can do in advance, and then everything goes in the oven. Just make sure you have your timer ready! One of the best things about a roast chicken is that you can make it so many different ways. I've linked a simple but delicious lemon and garlic recipe, but you can also go for a classic rosemary and thyme, an autumnal brown butter and sage... you can get really creative! You can also include veggies (baby potatoes, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, etc.!) in the pan so they soak up all the deliciousness from the chicken. If you want proper sides, potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. Mashed. Au gratin. Wedges. Some kind of rice, like pilaf or buttered basmati. You can make a punchy salad. You can really tailor this to what you and your guests would be into!
1
a fresh take on coq au vin that always hits. make it ahead to reduce day-of dinner party duties with the added bonus that flavors will deepen overnight. yum!
Living in LA, you will have a friend(s) who is both gluten free and dairy free, including them in dinner parties will feel daunting. However this recipe is both (if you exclude the finishing cheese on their serving) and it's one of the most delicious things you can make.
31
Slow-Roasted Filet of Beef with Basil Parmesan Mayonnaise (Barefoot Contessa)
Was reminded yesterday how perfect and easy this recipe is for a party or big gathering.
1
This recipe is so easy but looks/sounds/tastes impressive and makes me feel like a little umami chef genius every time I make it for someone. I’m making it tonight for a friend and can’t wait to eat it!
1
as a former vegetarian this meatless recipe impressed my family and friends. I’ve hosted several lasagna + cannoli nights with this one. I think Garfield would approve.
7
Your favorite pasta dish that you can make without a recipe that hits every single time? That’s your House Pasta. Hailee Catalano’s insanely delicious boscaiola has become our house pasta that I can whip up from memory. Impressive enough for company, easy enough for a weeknight, and feels special because we’ve claimed it as ours.
3
but do it deconstructed so everyone can make their own beautiful plate. Get some fancy canned tuna OR grill fresh tuna. Also works with a simple roast salmon served cold. All the best summer vegetables. Perfectly cooked eggs. Dressing is a lot of garlic and basil. You can prep everything in advance and just unveil a feast!
71
The secret ingredients? Lardons aka bacon, but chic. Make this at your next dinner party once the temps cool off, and everyone will be impressed.
1
Southern living Texas toast tomato pie
Slightly sacrilegious maybe but so delicious and sooo easy for a crowd
53 recs
7 recs
Dishes We've Cooked For Our Events
6 recs
Highlighting some of our favorite things to cook for our own parties, cohosted events and ongoing dinner series.
It takes a long time to cook but oh so easy to prepare and damn tasty
A pavlova is my favorite low-lift dinner party dessert. Make a big one orrrrr individuals if ur feelin fancy. A little whipped cream on top and your favorite fruit (i went black cherry + passionfruit here) and you’re set!!!
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