Entertaining doesn't have to break the bank. From easy roasts to pastas and more, these guest-worthy appetizers and entrees will impress everyone at your table.
34 Impressive (and Affordable!) Dinner Party Recipes
Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie
When my wife is craving comfort food, I whip up this chicken pot pie with puff pastry. It’s easy to make, sticks to your ribs and delivers soul-satisfying flavor. It’s a favorite dinner party recipe. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
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Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I see Meyer lemons in the store, I know it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 182 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
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Flavorful Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks can find me grilling, no matter the weather. This moist pork tenderloin has loads of flavor thanks to its special spice blend, and this dinner party recipe doesn’t get much easier to make. —Steve Ehrhart, Villa Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 135 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
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Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 110 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Grilled Steaks with Cilantro Sauce
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings (3 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh herbs made into a sauce help make these steaks the main star of our favorite summer grilling menu. —Lynne Keast, Monte Sereno, California
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked beef with 1/3 cup sauce: 901 calories, 78 g fat (17 g saturated fat), 146 mg cholesterol, 567 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2 g fiber), 45 g protein.
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Green Onion Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Better double the batch! One of the easiest dinner party recipes, these savory, elegant rolls will disappear fast. —Jane Kroeger, Key Largo, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 142 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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Olives and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without baguette): 168 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Best Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 519 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
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Slow-Cooker Beef Burgundy
Total Time
7 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender cubes of beef are braised in a wine sauce with savory vegetables. I made this slow-cooker beef burgundy often when I worked full time. It’s good over noodles or mashed potatoes. —Sherri Mott, New Carlisle, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 460 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
10/34
Buttery Grilled Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This grilled shrimp recipe is an easy and delicious dinner party recipe! These shrimp are great with steak, but for a special occasion, brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 201 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
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Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Such a cool idea for a light lunch or even an appetizer simply served in small lettuce leaves. When I want to make it easier for my kids to eat, I mix it all up with shredded lettuce and serve in a bowl. —Diana Rios, Lytle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled lettuce cups: 353 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Baker’s Dozen Yeast Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
13 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
A yummy honey-garlic topping turns these easy dinner rolls into something extra special. Try ’em with soups and chili. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 131 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
13/34
Garlic-Apple Pork Roast
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of the best dinner party recipes to have in your back pocket, I have become famous for, and it is so simple. The garlic and apple flavors really complement the pork. It’s especially good with steamed fresh asparagus and roasted red potatoes. —Jennifer Loos, Washington Boro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork: 237 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
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Cowboy Pasta
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Cowboy Pasta recipe combines ground beef, bacon, corn, tangy buttermilk and Monterey Jack cheese for an easy but hearty weeknight dinner or dinner party recipe. Add more chili powder or a chopped jalapeno to give this delicious pasta dish more of a kick. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 333 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
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Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon
Total Time
6 hours 45 min
Servings
14 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The golden color, smooth and creamy texture, and wonderful taste of this soup make it welcome on a chilly fall day. It has a slightly tangy flavor from the cream cheese, and the cinnamon really comes through. —Jackie Campbell, Stanhope, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 135 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
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Baked Parmesan Broccoli
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I began making this creamy side dish years ago as a way to get my kids to eat broccoli. They have since grown up but still request this satisfying casserole. It's truly a family favorite. —Barbara Uhl, Wesley Chapel, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 191 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
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Sunday Pot Roast
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With the help of a slow cooker, you can prepare a down-home dinner any day of the week, not just on Sundays. The roast turns out tender and savory every time. —Brandy Schaefer, Glen Carbon, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 217 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
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Mediterranean Kofta Meatballs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a new dinner party recipe, try these quick kofta meatballs that are flavorful and full of Mediterranean spices and herbs. Shape meat mixture around soaked wooden skewers and grill them for a more authentic twist. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
4 meatballs with 1/4 cup yogurt and 1/2 tomato: 339 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
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Greek Chicken and Potatoes
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll find this meal is a nice one to prepare for company or to serve your family for Sunday dinner. All you need with it is tossed salad and some crusty French bread. —Pella Visnick, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked chicken with 2 pieces potato: 530 calories, 30g fat (10g saturated fat), 150mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 45g protein.
20/34
Spaghetti Sauce
Total Time
8 hours 30 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 335 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
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Parmesan Pork Roast
Total Time
5 hours 45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Great sweet, savory flavor comes from just a few pantry staples in this easy roast. It’s a surprising elegant dinner party recipe that impresses everyone. —Karen Warner, Louisville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked pork: 330 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 38g protein.
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White Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe has evolved over the past eight years. After I added the thyme, ham and sour cream, my husband declared, “This is it!” I like to serve this rich, saucy entree with a salad and homemade French bread. —Hope Toole, Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 417 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1267mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
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Mixed Olive Crostini
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 102 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Once you’ve tried this tangy, yet delicate lemon chicken piccata, you won’t hesitate to make it for company. Seasoned with parmesan and parsley, the chicken cooks up golden brown, then is drizzled with a light lemon sauce. It looks fancy, but it’s really one of the easiest dinner party recipes. —Susan Pursell, Fountain Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 232 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Rosemary Roasted Baby Carrots
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Baby carrots go over big when seasoned with the subtle taste of rosemary. I like to sprinkle raisins on top for a combination of sweet and savory. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 82 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Honey Balsamic Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Look no further—you’ve just found the first, last and only way you’ll ever want to fix salmon again. The sweet and tangy flavors blend beautifully in this easy-to-remember honey balsamic salmon recipe. —Mary Lou Timpson, Centennial Park, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 319 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Pressure-Cooker Tex-Mex Risotto
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love food with lots of flavor and a Mexican twist, but am too lazy to stand over a pot of risotto. This recipe gave me the opportunity to marry my love of Mexican and creamy risotto—no muss, no fuss. —Sharon Marx, Grand Blanc, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 446 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 742mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
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Kale Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making meals that wow everyone. The flavor and nutrition in this kale salad set it apart from other 30-minute creations. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 113 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Shrimp Asparagus Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’ve all heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It is easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 488 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
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Shrimp Enchiladas with Green Sauce
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I started making these enchiladas last year during the Lenten season. When I brought it to school, my co-workers couldn’t get enough of it. And it’s a great dinner party recipe for a casual get together. —Mari Acedo, Chandler, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas (calculated without salsa): 479 calories, 24g fat (5g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 27g protein.
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Grilled Pork with Pear Salsa
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Dave, and I have been in a dinner group with three other couples for a few years. We often share our recipes. This grilled pork was served by one of the couples, and I decided to "pear" it with this fabulous salsa. —Suzan Ward, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with 1/2 cup salsa: 214 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1/2 fat.
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Apple Pork Loin
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making this slow cooker pork roast with apples for chilly fall dinners with my family. The apple pork loin tastes even better served with homemade mashed potatoes. —Rachel Schultz, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 290 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
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Stuffed Bell Peppers
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Steve, loves this stuffed pepper recipe. They're so filling and easy to prepare. I serve them with mashed potatoes and coleslaw for a no-fuss supper. —Karen Gentry, Somerset, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 430 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1182mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
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Country Chuck Roast with Mushroom Gravy
Total Time
2 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender, savory roast practically melts in your mouth. It looks a bit complex, but the hands-free oven time makes it my go-to company recipe on a cold day. —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with 1/3 cup gravy: 326 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 750mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
