46 Casual Dinner Party Menu Ideas

From the Recipe Creator: We raise wagyu beef on our ranch and love to use it in this quick pasta dish. I think it’s better than many of the drunken noodles you get at many Thai restaurants, but I’ll let you and your guests be the judge of that. —Cassandra Butler, Tempe, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: There's a reason this baked feta pasta recipe went viral on TikTok! It's simple to throw together and incredibly creamy and delicious. —Sarah Tramonte, Culinary Producer

From the Recipe Creator: Baking salmon in foil is an easy technique that can also be used on the grill. This quick recipe uses lemon zest and slices plus garlic for flavor, but you could also try other citrus fruits, herbs and spices. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: Traditionally, Moroccan chicken with apricots includes chili pepper paste, but I use chili sauce in my version. Serve it alone or with couscous for a heartier meal. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: This pasta originally came to be from the miscellaneous ingredients in my fridge, and depending on whom I'm cooking for, it changes a little each time I make it. The recipe makes enough for a party or for leftovers, which is a bonus because it is excellent the next day whether you serve it cold or reheated. —Jackie Hennon, Boise, Idaho

From the Recipe Creator: This tasty pizza is the perfect combo—quick and easy to make, and a winner with even picky eaters. It’s a handy option for a family dinner on a busy night or for a casual dinner party. —Karen Wittmeier, Parkland, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: This stew has tons of flavor thanks to the herbs, red wine and balsamic vinegar. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This sheet-pan chicken is an easy gluten-free, low-carb meal ideal for busy weekdays or low-key gatherings. The chicken is tender, juicy and so delicious! It’s now on the list of our favorite meals. You can substitute any low-carb vegetable for green beans. —Denise Browning, San Antonio, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: This turkey is tender and flavorful, full of smoky ham and melted cheese, but the crispy bacon really sets the dish off. Dinner party guests (and you!) will love it. —Sandy Komisarek, Swanton, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: This creamy pasta dish is so quick and easy. It’s perfect for weeknights, but feels special enough for a dinner party menu. —Robin Haas, West Roxbury, Massachusetts

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

From the Recipe Creator: This is one of my favorite recipes. It’s fast and delicious, and paired with a green salad and toasty bread, you have a meal that’s fancy enough for company. —Brenda Cole, Reisterstown, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: My father and I created this pot roast with a hint of Japanese flair. It will make your taste buds dance! Try this for your next dinner party. —Mary Flurkey, Golden, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: One day I needed to have dinner ready when we walked in the door after work and school. I altered a skillet dish that my family likes, creating this delicious slow-cooker meal. It's perfect for a weeknight but nice enough for company too. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: Easy and economical, this meal is one your whole family will enjoy. To save even more time, add potatoes or other vegetables to the pan to roast along with the chicken. —Michelle Miller, Bend, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: I like to serve this to company. I'm not sure where the recipe originated for this country-style dish, but I have had it for years and rely on it when I'm hosting a meal for a group. —Linda Ronk, Melbourne, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: This tender pork is seasoned with a wonderful herb and lemon rub I created. Even my husband, who is a chef, thinks this dish is dinner party-worthy. —Carol Birkemeier, Nashville, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: Here’s something a little different to shake up taco night. But don’t reserve this zippy dish for a weeknight—it’s perfect for dinner parties and potlucks, too. —Deborah Smith, DeWitt, Nebraska

From the Recipe Creator: When I was working on the local election board in the '50s, one of my co-workers gave me this recipe, and it has been a family favorite ever since. It's quick to make for unexpected company or easily doubled for a potluck.—Mary Hinman, Escondido, California

From the Recipe Creator: My guests like this casserole even if they don’t usually like all the ingredients in it! For instance, people who don’t care for broccoli don’t mind it in this dish. And it’s so easy to make and serve when you’re having friends over for dinner. —Suzann Verdun, Lisle, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: This is a family-friendly recipe that even the kids will like. It's easy to prepare and flavorful enough to share with dinner guests. — Sherry Kozlowski, Morgantown, West Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: This elevated pasta dish will make your guests think you spent all day in the kitchen. It's the perfect holiday dish without a lot of work. —Amy White, Manchester, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: Rich and hearty, this Irish beef stew is my husband's favorite. The beef is incredibly tender. Served with crusty bread, it's an ideal cool-weather meal and perfect for any Irish holiday. —Carrie Karleen, St. Nicolas, Quebec

From the Recipe Creator: Treat holiday guests to elegant comfort food at its best. Our osso buco beef boasts a thick, savory sauce complemented by the addition of gremolata, a chopped herb condiment made with lemon zest, garlic, and parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Dinner guests won’t be too shy to get in line when this yummy chipotle pork moves to the buffet table. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: My savory main-dish quiche tastes just like its burger counterpart. Easy and appealing, this cheeseburger quiche is pretty enough to serve guests. —Barbara J. Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: These herb-packed braised pork chops are perfect for entertaining because they come together quickly and bake for up to 2 hours. While visiting, my guests and I can enjoy the wonderful aroma. —Darci Truax, Billings, Montana

From the Recipe Creator: Shrimp pairs beautifully with the herbs, salsa and three kinds of cheese in this baked angel hair pasta casserole. The shrimp make this dish special enough for a guests, but your family is sure to enjoy it, too. —Susan Davidson, Elm Grove, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Here's one of my favorite slow-cooker recipes. I often prepare these tender chops with pineapple sauce for guests and serve them with brown rice. —Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: I came up with this recipe when unexpected guests stopped by and I didn't have enough chili to go around. This spur-of-the-moment main dish is now a family favorite. —Cindy Cuykendall, Skaneateles, New York

From the Recipe Creator: Canned soup, white wine, Swiss cheese and crushed croutons dress up the chicken breasts in this elegant entree. Ideal for unexpected guests, it requires only a few ingredients. The creamy sauce is excellent with garlic mashed potatoes or rice. —Beverly Roberge, Bristol, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: This fork-tender Swiss steak with rich gravy was an often-requested main dish around our house when I was growing up. Mom took pride in preparing scrumptious, hearty meals like this for our family and guests. —Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: There are no complicated steps to follow when preparing this roasted medley of tender pork and veggies. Just season with herbs, then pop in the oven for less than an hour. —Diane Martin, Brown Deer, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Provel cheese and a cracker-thin crust are the hallmarks of this St. Louis-style pizza recipe. Don't forget to cut your pizza as they would in Missouri—square pieces only! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: I've been relying on this recipe for tender turkey since I first moved out on my own years ago. I serve it whenever I invite new guests to the house, and I'm constantly writing out the recipe. —Kathy-Jo Winterbottom, Pottstown, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: We love seasonal poblano peppers, so this slow-cooker pork loin with many southwestern seasonings is a family favorite. It can be served in a variety of ways too. It’s fantastic with rice and beans, or in a taco with hot sauce. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: Tender chicken is deliciously dressed up in a flavorful cream sauce with fresh mushrooms. This is an excellent entree for your family or guests. —Jane Carlovsky, Sebring, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: I reimagined samosas, the go-to appetizer at any Indian restaurant, as a delicious main-dish potpie. The heavily spiced potato-and-pea filling is surrounded by a flaky homemade crust. Serve with green or tamarind chutney. —Shri Repp, Seattle, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: There's nothing better than coming home and putting dinner on the table in 30 minutes. It's easy to add different kinds of sausage or seasonings to make this sausage and basil pasta your own. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: This is the ultimate meat lovers pasta and is my copycat version of the Olive Garden’s pasta. Rich and hearty with tremendous flavors, this delish dish will disappear quickly. I always make extra sauce, as it freezes very well. —John Pittman, Northampton, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: You could call this a comfort food mashup made in heaven. Jumbo stuffed pasta shells are loaded up with cheeseburger goodness in a dish that will soon become a family favorite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I recently made this recipe of Mom's for my in-laws and they told me it was the "best fried chicken ever." Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, California

From the Recipe Creator: I found this simple skillet recipe many years ago on a can label. I made some tweaks, and my family loved it. Because it's so easy to put together, it's a real timesaver for people with super busy schedules. —Maxine Neuhauser, Arcadia, California

From the Recipe Creator: Rosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give chicken a wonderful savory flavor. I've served this dish for a large group by doubling the recipe. It's always a big hit with everyone—especially my family! —Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, California

From the Recipe Creator: If you're looking for a flavorful cut of meat that's still pretty lean, give this sirloin tip roast a try. I like to cook it slowly over indirect heat, mopping it frequently with red wine sauce. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin