"Nothing puts a smile on my face quite like planning a get-together with a group of friends, loved ones, or coworkers. When you’re the one hosting, though, that smile may be accompanied by a few pangs of stress. As rewarding as throwing a dinner party is, it also comes with quite a bit of work like cleaning, decorating, and, of course, preparing the meal. And it’s no secret that hunting down the perfect dinner party recipes is no simple task either.
Dinner parties can sometimes come with an extra-long to-do list. The cleaning, grocery shopping, and overall prepping that needs to be done can quickly cut into our cooking time—which is, arguably, the most important part of hosting this type of event! That’s why it doesn’t hurt to have some recipes on hand that are worthy of an elegant dinner party, but easy enough to make that we won’t be spending all day in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a girls’ night, a meal for a work party, a five-course holiday meal, or the like, the 25 recipes we’re sharing below are sure to delight and awe any guests on your list.
25 Simple Yet Elevated Dinner Party Recipes
Appetizers & Sides
1. Easy Balsamic Bruschetta
Bruschetta is always a crowd favorite. And with how easy it is to prepare, it’s a host’s favorite as well. Made with fresh ingredients, these will be gone before you know it.
2. Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables
These vegetables turn out so tasty and appear so elegant that your guests will never know they were made in the air fryer in under 15 minutes!
3. Butter Lettuce Salad
The perfect fresh salad is a great starter for any meal. This French butter salad is as simple to make as it is a refreshing addition to any dinner party.
4. Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip
The best part about a slow cooker recipe is that you can make it early in the day and have it waiting for you when you’re ready for it. Guests will be ready to gobble up this spinach and artichoke dip up the second they smell it when they walk in the door.
5. Cranberry Brown Sugar Brie Bites
While cranberries are a staple of the winter season, these brie bites are a welcomed starter to a dinner party any time of year. We promise, they won’t last long!
6. Honey Mustard Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
You can’t go wrong serving classic green beans as a side. But, you can go very right by elevating the dish with this tasty recipe that incorporates honey mustard and yummy bacon.
7. Spicy Maple Roasted Carrots
Add a little bit of spice to the party with this tasty recipe. There’s nothing quite like a spicy and sweet combination, which is exactly what we get with this dish. Trust us, these will be flying off the table!
8. Crispy Smashed Potatoes
You could opt for classic mashed potatoes that everyone enjoys—or, you could really ‘wow!’ your guests with these crispy smashed potatoes that bring unmatched flavor to any meal.
9. Fresh Spring Rolls
Delight your guests with this tasty appetizer that is both fun to make and serve. The best part? These spring rolls are accompanied by the most delicious peanut sauce for dipping!
Main Dishes
10. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Dinner party recipes don’t have to take hours to prepare. In 30 minutes, you can have this creamy chicken flavored with fresh parsley, garlic, and more ready to be enjoyed.
11. Pasta Puttanesca
Pasta is always a good go-to for dinner parties—and this is one of our favorite options. Puttanesca incorporates all of the best flavors of Italy and beyond.
12. Creamy French Onion Tortellini
A dinner party with delicious comfort food is sure to be a success. Take the beloved flavors of French onion soup and transform it into a one-of-a-kind dish with this recipe.
13. Easy Salmon Coconut Curry
Extra-special dinner party dishes don’t have to be complicated. This salmon recipe that pairs perfectly with a creamy coconut curry sauce can be crafted in just 30 minutes.
14. Coq au Vin
For a recipe with never-ending flavor that doesn’t take all day to make, impress guests with this classic French stew. With ingredients like chicken, red wine, and bacon, it’s sure to leave everyone satisfied.
15. Spicy Peach Pork Chops
Want a dish that’s sweet, spicy, and savory? We’ve got you covered. Not only do you get all three in these pork chops that incorporate both peach and red chili, but it all comes together in just about 20 minutes.
16. Homemade Salisbury Steak
A successful dinner party usually concludes with guests feeling full and satisfied. Take care of the fullness aspect with this easy-yet-hearty recipe everyone will enjoy. The best part? It can be prepared in under an hour.
17. Chicken Milanese
For something on the lighter side (so guests can save room for dessert!), consider this light and crunchy chicken recipe. Salty prosciutto, juicy chicken, and creamy cheese all wrapped into one appetizing package—yum!
18. Fish and Chips
Take your guests on a trip across the pond with this classic British meal. The crunchy coating and tender interior is a match made in dinner party heaven.
Desserts
19. Lemon Pistachio Cake
For a dessert with a presentation nearly as good as its flavor, look no further. Guest will be in awe simply at the sight of this cake—and mind-blown by the taste.
20. No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Pudding Pie
A chocolate espresso cake sounds pretty amazing as it is. Add in the fact that this is a no-bake recipe, and we’ve got ourselves a real winner in the dinner party dessert department.
21. Pots de Crème
Any dinner party worth its salt should have an indulgent element to it, no? That’s why this decadent, classic French recipe is perfect for elevating any after dinner discussion.
22. Ginger Brown Butter Blondies
The perfect dinner party dessert is something you don’t have everyday, so don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Use this recipe to take classic blondies and elevate them to new levels that guests will talk about long after the night ends.
23. Banana Coffee Cake
Nothing adds to a dinner party like an after meal cappuccino, especially when it’s accompanied by this unique coffee cake.
24. Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Store-bought strawberry shortcake is pretty great, but we can do better. This made-from-scratch recipe will have everyone ending the night full and happy. Plus, it looks as good as it tastes!
25. Easy Key Lime Pie Bars
It’s hard to say no to key lime pie, and even harder to turn down these simple but delicious bars. After a hearty meal, these are the perfect refreshing dessert option.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Editorial Assistant
As the Editorial Assistant, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!