What to Serve at a Dinner Party: 25 Menu Ideas You Need

When it comes to what to serve at a dinner party, I always find myself stumped. I want to make sure that I am serving something that everyone will enjoy, but I also need it to be something that I can prepare easily. After all, who wants to spend their time in the kitchen when they could be socializing with their guests?

So I took the time to research further about what dishes should be served at a dinner party. I also experimented with different recipes to find what works best. And now, I am sharing with you my findings. They are all simple, yet delicious. And, most importantly, they will please a variety of different palates.

So whether you are hosting a themed party or just looking for some inspiration, these recipes are sure to help!

What To Serve At A Dinner Party

Potato Gnocchi
Cedar-Plank Salmon
French Onion Chicken
Pesto Bolognese Lasagna
Cochinita Pibil
Habanero BBQ Shrimp
Eggplant Cannelloni
Grilled Pizza
Slow-Cooker Shrimp Boil
Bouillabaisse

Potato Gnocchi

Potato Gnocchi is a type of Italian dumpling made from potatoes and flour. The dough is boiled and then formed into small balls. Potato Gnocchi can be served with a variety of sauces, such as tomato sauce, pesto, or cream sauce.

Potato Gnocchi is best served as a main course because it is filling and satisfying. However, it can also be served as a side dish or appetizer and can feed 4-6 people at a dinner party.

When serving Potato Gnocchi, it is important to consider the other dishes that will be served. For example, if the main course is chicken, you may want to serve Potato Gnocchi with a light sauce such as tomato sauce or pesto. If the main course is beef, you may want to serve Potato Gnocchi with a cream sauce.

When choosing a sauce for Potato Gnocchi, it is also important to consider the flavors that will be complementary to the dish. For example, if the Potato Gnocchi will be served with chicken, you may want to choose a sauce with strong flavors such as garlic or onion. However, if the Potato Gnocchi will be served with beef, you may want to choose a milder sauce such as cream sauce or tomato sauce.

The best way to achieve the perfect flavor balance when serving Potato Gnocchi is to experiment with different sauces and flavors until you find the perfect combination for your taste buds.

Cedar-Plank Salmon

Cedar-Plank Salmon is quickly becoming a popular dish to serve at dinner parties. This delicious and easy-to-prepare salmon dish is perfect for any party size or theme. Here’s everything you need to know about Cedar-Plank Salmon, from its unique taste and texture to the best ways to prepare and serve it.

Cedar-plank salmon gets its name from the cedar wood plank that it is traditionally cooked on. This cooking method gives the salmon a unique smoky flavor that is unlike any other type of salmon dish.

The cedar also helps to infuse the salmon with moisture, giving it a succulent and juicy texture. This dish is best served with a simple salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be served as an appetizer or main course, depending on the size of your party.

Cedar-Plank Salmon is a great dish to serve at any dinner party because it is so versatile. It can be easily adapted to fit any party size or theme. It is also a healthy and nutritious option that is sure to please your guests.

French Onion Chicken

French Onion Chicken is a great choice for your next dinner party. This dish is hearty and filling, yet still light enough to leave room for dessert. The chicken is cooked in rich, onions They are then topped with a creamy cheese sauce and baked until golden brown. The result is a dish that is full of flavor and sure to please your guests.

French Onion Chicken can be served as an entree or main course, depending on the size of your party. It can be easily multiplied to feed a larger group, and leftovers reheat well.

When planning your menu, keep in mind that French Onion Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would be a perfect complement to this dish.

Pesto Bolognese Lasagna

Pesto Bolognese Lasagna is a great dish to serve at a dinner party. It is easy to make and can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy your party without having to worry about the food.

The lasagna is layered with a rich pesto sauce, ground beef, and cheese, and then baked to perfection. The result is a hearty, tasty dish that will please even the pickiest of eaters. And because it serves 12-14 people, it is perfect for larger parties.

Pesto Bolognese Lasagna is best served as part of an Italian-themed dinner party. Along with the lasagna, you can serve a simple green salad and garlic bread. For dessert, how about a tiramisu or cannoli? Your guests will love the variety and flavors of this classic Italian meal.

There are a few things to keep in mind when making Pesto Bolognese Lasagna:

Be sure to use good-quality ground beef.
Be generous with the cheese – it makes the dish even more delicious.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of pesto sauce. There are many delicious varieties available at your local grocery store.

Cochinita Pibil

Cochinita Pibil is a traditional Mexican dish made with pork that has been marinated in achiote paste and slow-cooked until it is fall-off-the-bone tender.

This creates a flavorful, juicy piece of meat that is perfect for any dinner party. Best of all, Cochinita Pibil is relatively easy to make, so you can focus on spending time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

To feed a large group, Cochinita Pibil is the perfect dish. It can easily be doubled or tripled to accommodate a larger crowd. And because it is best served at room temperature, you can make it ahead of time and simply reheat it before your guests arrive.

Cochinita Pibil pairs well with a variety of sides, making it versatile enough to serve at any type of dinner party. Serve it with rice and beans for a casual gathering, or pair it with roasted potatoes and a salad for a more formal affair.

Habanero BBQ Shrimp

Habanero BBQ shrimp is best served as an appetizer at a dinner party. The dish is made of shrimp that is wrapped in bacon and then grilled. The bacon provides a smoky flavor to the dish, while the habanero pepper gives it a spicy kick. The dish is served with a dipping sauce made of mayonnaise, ketchup, and horseradish. This dipping sauce helps to balance out the spice of the dish.

Habanero BBQ shrimp can be served as an appetizer for up to six people. The dish can be served on a platter or in individual bowls. When serving this dish, it is important to keep the shrimp warm so that the bacon does not become hard. The best way to do this is to grill the shrimp right before serving.

If you are looking for a more exotic flair, you can also serve Habanero BBQ shrimp with mango salsa. This combination of sweet and spicy flavors will tantalize your guests’ taste buds.

Eggplant Cannelloni

Eggplant Cannelloni is a dish made with roasted eggplant that is stuffed with a ricotta cheese mixture and then baked. The eggplant provides a hearty and filling base for the dish, while the ricotta filling adds a light and fluffy texture.

Eggplant Cannelloni is best served as a main course at a dinner party. It can be served with a green salad and crusty bread on the side and is best suited for dinner parties that have an Italian theme. Plus, it can feed 6 to 8 people.

When making Eggplant Cannelloni, be sure to roast the eggplant long enough so that it is soft enough to roll. Additionally, use a piping bag to fill the eggplant so that the filling is evenly distributed. Also, bake the Eggplant Cannelloni until it is golden brown and bubbling.

Grilled Pizza

Now, let’s talk about one of my favorite party dishes – Grilled Pizza! This dish is so versatile and can be customized to fit any party theme. Plus, it’s always a hit with guests! The best thing about Grilled Pizza is that it can be made ahead of time and reheated, so you can enjoy your party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

The key to great Grilled Pizza is all in the dough. I like to use a thin, store-bought crust that will get nice and crispy when grilled. You can also use pre-made frozen dough, but make sure to thaw it completely before grilling.

Grilled Pizza is a great dish for any dinner party because it’s easy to make ahead of time and feeds a crowd. It’s also relatively inexpensive, so you can feed a lot of people without breaking the bank.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making Grilled Pizza:

Don’t overload the pizza with toppings or it will be difficult to grill.
Watch the pizza carefully while it’s grilling so it doesn’t burn.
Don’t forget to preheat the grill before cooking!

Slow-Cooker Shrimp Boil

Slow-Cooker Shrimp Boil is the perfect dish for a dinner party. The shrimp are cooked in a flavorful broth with potatoes, corn, and sausage. The result is a delicious, healthy meal that is sure to please your guests.

Slow-Cooker Shrimp Boil is best served at a casual dinner party. It can easily be made ahead of time and reheated, so you can spend more time with your guests. It also makes a great buffet dish, as it can be easily served family-style. It can feed up to 8 people, so it is perfect for larger gatherings.

When serving Slow-Cooker Shrimp Boil, be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand. The shrimp can be messy to eat, but that’s all part of the fun!

Bouillabaisse

A dinner party is not complete without an impressive main course, and Bouillabaisse is the perfect dish to wow your guests. This classic French soup is traditionally made with a variety of seafood, including lobster, crab, and shrimp. The seafood is cooked in a flavorful broth made with tomatoes, garlic, and saffron. The soup is then served with crusty bread for dipping.

Bouillabaisse is the perfect dish for a dinner party because it is elegant and easy to prepare. It can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Additionally, it can easily be doubled or tripled to accommodate a large number of guests.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making Bouillabaisse:

Be sure to use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
Do not overcook the seafood or it will become tough.
Be sure to season the soup generously with salt and pepper.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for delicious and easy-to-prepare dinner party menu ideas, you’ve come to the right place. This selection of recipes includes something for everyone, from seafood lovers to vegetarians. Whether you’re looking for a main course or an appetizer, I have you covered.

And best of all, these recipes can be made ahead of time so you can relax and enjoy your guests. So what are you waiting for? Try out one of these mouth-watering recipes today!

What to Serve at a Dinner Party: 25 Menu Ideas You Need