Skip to Content

20 Recipes For Your First Dinner Party That Everyone Will RAVE About

Be the host with the most.

By
a skillet full of cooked spaghetti in a cream sauce with pieces of green olives, parsley, and parmesan
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

If you’re like me, your social feeds are filled with girlies throwing creative themed dinner parties at a rate that almost seems unbelievable. I love entertaining friends and family, but I’m only human, and the idea of presenting a spread (especially with recipes I’ve never made before) to loved ones fills me with a healthy amount of fear. That’s why, when hosting, I need a foolproof recipe that I know will have my family and friends raving while I stay cool as a cucumber—that’s where these 20 recipes come in. Each of these recipes is not only delicious and exciting enough to stand apart from weeknight rotations, but they are surprisingly easy to master, whether you’re an experienced or novice home cook. From restaurant-level dinners to crowd-pleasing apps to big-batch drinks, there is an idea for you here that will impress your guests and leave your night stress free, so you can get back to what’s important: sharing a meal with those you love.

Need more dinner party inspo? Check out all of our side dishes, cocktails, and potluck desserts to fuel your next party theme.

1

Creamy Cajun Stuffed Shells

creamy cajun stuffed shells in a white baking dish on a blue wooden background
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Cajun chicken Alfredo is one of our top pasta dishes in the Delish Test Kitchen, but we might have to make space on our favorites list for these creamy Cajun stuffed shells. Taking inspiration from our best stuffed shells, this version features a savory Cajun cream sauce and shells filled with andouille sausage and Cajun-seasoned chicken.

Get the Creamy Cajun Stuffed Shells recipe.

2

Whipped Ricotta With Olives & Roasted Red Peppers

whipped ricotta with olives and roasted red peppers
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Whipped ricotta is beyond easy to make, even though it sounds so delicate and fancy. That’s what makes this a perfect appetizer to serve for an intimate dinner party. Just about anything is good dipped into this, but we love warm crusty bread the most.

Get the Whipped Ricotta With Olives & Roasted Red Peppers recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

French Onion Cabbage Gratin

french onion cabbage gratin in a skillet topped with crispy breadcrumbs
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Thought vegetables couldn’t be the star of the show? This French onion cabbage gratin is here to blow your mind. Crisp browned cabbage wedges are smothered in a rich Gruyère sauce packed with jammy caramelized onions and topped with buttery breadcrumbs for a side that’s so indulgent and irresistible, it might just become the main event.

Get the French Onion Cabbage Gratin recipe.

4

Dirty Martini Pasta

a pot of cooked spaghetti in a cream sauce with pieces of green olives, chopped parsley, and parmesan
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

This recipe takes inspiration from a classic pasta al limone by using heavy cream as the base for the luscious and decadent sauce. And, just like a dirty martini, we supplement the dish with olives and brine (and booze, of course). The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes.

Get the Dirty Martini Pasta recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

crispy parmesan potatoes on a sheet tray with a bowl of sour cream and chive dip
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

We love potatoes in any form, but these crispy Parmesan potatoes are extra-special. Crusted with crunchy golden brown cheese and served with a tangy sour cream and chive dip, they’re hard to resist. This recipe may “serve 4 to 6,” but beware—you might just find yourself eating half the pan.

Get the Crispy Parmesan Potatoes recipe.

6

Kalimotxo Cola Punch

cola and red wine punch with orange and lime slices
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: BEN WEINER

The kalimotxo took the interweb by storm earlier this year, giving “sophisticated sangria” vibes as a composed cocktail, and with this recipe, we aim to make this your go-to serve for a big-batch libation with complex yet familiar flavors that are sure to please a crowd.

Get the Kalimotxo Cola Punch recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Sour Cream & Onion Deviled Eggs

deviled eggs with sour cream and onion chips
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

If you love the timeless and irresistible combo of sour cream and onion, welcome to your new favorite deviled egg recipe. Creamy, tangy, and topped with a crunch, these deviled eggs are the perfect way to level up your party snack game.

Get the Sour Cream & Onion Deviled Eggs recipe.

8

Salmon Piccata

salmon piccata in a white wine and butter sauce with capers
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

A knockout of a meal (when done properly, of course), chicken piccata is a couldn’t-be-easier dish—it comes together in one pan, and you don’t need a quintillion ingredients to make it. But we're here to convince you to make salmon piccata. It’s just as easy as its brethren, and we argue that this method for it is even easier.

Get the Salmon Piccata recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Marry Me Chickpeas

marry me chickpeas topped with basil
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING BARRETT WASHBURNE

Our original Marry Me chicken might be an Internet sensation, but these Marry Me chickpeas are coming for the crown. Chickpeas are tossed in creamy garlic and sun-dried tomato sauce for a simple vegetarian spin on Delish’s favorite dinner.

Get the Marry Me Chickpeas recipe.

10

Dirty Martini

perfect dirty martini with chilled gin, dry vermouth, and olive brine
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Everyone should know how to make a perfect dirty martini, and they batch beautifully for a crowd. As every bartender worth their salt will tell you, the ratio for the perfect dirty martini is 5:1:1—chilled gin: dry vermouth: olive brine. That gets poured over a few ice cubes (like 3 to 5) and stirred until a little of the ice dilutes to tame this stiff drink.

Get the Dirty Martini recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

Fried Gnocchi Bites

fried gnocchi bites in a bowl with marinara sauce on the side
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Warning: Once you take a bite of these crispy gnocchi, you may never stop! These crunchy, little pillowy bites are absolute perfection and an excellent bite-sized appetizer to serve at any gathering.

Get the Fried Gnocchi Bites recipe.

12

Miso Mushroom Crispy Rice

red miso sushi rice cooked in butter until a deep golden brown and topped with ginger and garlic studded mushrooms, and drizzled with spicy miso mayo
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Punchy flavor and interesting texture are like the Thelma & Louise of excellent food—you just need both, and this crispy rice and miso mushroom skillet delivers. The crispy rice is topped with ginger and garlic-studded crispy mushrooms, drizzled with spicy miso mayo, then topped with sesame seeds and scallions for a meal that will WOW your guests.

Get the Miso Mushroom Crispy Rice recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Sheet-Pan Roasted Red Onion Chicken

paprika dusted chicken roasted on a bed of herby sliced red onions and whole garlic cloves then topped with an umami rich, spoonable sauce made from chicken fat roasted, charred onions, butter, sweet white vinegar, and crushed red pepper
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

In this winner chicken dinner, paprika-dusted chicken is roasted on a bed of herby, sliced red onions and whole garlic cloves until the onions are jammy sweet with a little char and the chicken is cooked through and juicy. We could have easily stopped there, but the real magic is in the savory-sweet, spoonable sauce that the onions transform into.

Get the Sheet-Pan Roasted Red Onion Chicken recipe.

14

Smash Dumplings

plate of smash dumplings topped with scallions with a bowl of soy sauce in the middle
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: SAM SENEVIRATNE

Pleating dumplings is a full-on art, but if you’re all fingers and thumbs with a wrapper, smash dumplings are the way to go. Layered with an aromatic pork and cabbage filling, this effortless take on gyoza is simple enough to make for any party, big or small.

Get the Smash Dumplings recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

Million-Dollar Mac & Cheese

million dollar mac and cheese topped with panko breadcrumbs and gold leaf in a cast iron pan
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: SAM SENEVIRATNE

What do you get when you take mac & cheese on a shopping spree to the fanciest cheese shop you know and shower it with gold leaf? Million-dollar mac. Showcasing a trifecta of bougie (and delicious) cheeses and a crispy crunchy panko topping, this irresistible comfort food in a casserole will take center stage on any table it hits.

Get the Million-Dollar Mac & Cheese recipe.

16

Classic Paella

paella with sausage, shrimp and lemon
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

This Spanish dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleasing centerpiece for special occasions and parties, but honestly, this dish is enough reason to celebrate all on its own. With its beautiful and impactful presentation, we wouldn’t be surprised if a few tears are shed when you serve it.

Get the Classic Paella recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

Chicken Shawarma Sheet-Pan Dinner

strips of chicken thigh are marinated in greek yogurt, cumin, coriander, and paprika, roasted on a sheet pan with red onion, then topped with a bright cucumber tomato salad and herby tahini yogurt dressing
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: SAM SENEVIRATNE

This sheet-pan dinner checks all of the boxes: It's easy, only requires a few dishes, and most importantly—packs an insane amount of flavor into one sheet pan. This chicken shawarma sheet-pan dinner is the perfect meal when you want to impress your guests with very little work on your end.

Get the Chicken Shawarma Sheet-Pan Dinner recipe.

18

Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts

cacio e pepe brussels sprouts
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Roasted Brussels sprouts are great as is, but we also love playing up a roasted veggie to make them even more lovable. A quick roast on the sprouts gets the bottom crisp, and a healthy dusting of pecorino and Parmesan, as soon as they come out of the oven, will gently melt into them, reminding us of one of our favorite pastas, cacio e pepe.

Get the Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

Creamy Tuscan Vegan Pasta

rigatoni tossed in a creamy vegan tuscan sauce with spinach and sundried tomatoes
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Far too often, we've tried vegan sauces that just don’t quite get the creaminess down right, so we decided to solve this problem outright with this instant classic: creamy Tuscan vegan pasta. This recipe takes a note from our classic creamy Tuscan chicken, but made vegan-friendly while still maintaining the creaminess you know and love.

Get the Creamy Tuscan Vegan Pasta recipe.

20

Parmesan Bread Bites

parmesan bread bites topped with honey drizzle
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

If you're a fan of garlic knots, this recipe is basically the bite-sized app version. Covered in gooey cheese, garlic butter, and fresh herbs, these bites are the best way to serve a crowd. The best part? They only take a little over half an hour to come together!

Get the Parmesan Bread Bites recipe.

Watch Next 
preview for Meals & Cooking
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below