Top 20 dinner party recipes
One-pan duck and savoy cabbage and cherry swirl cheesecake are just some of the dinner party menu ideas you could make to entertain guests.
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Flambéed chicken with asparagus
- Ready in 50 mins
An elegant spring dinner party dish that looks and tastes very special. Perfect with new potatoes
23
ratings
For The Keen Cook
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Moroccan meatballs with herb couscous
- Ready in 1 hr
If you usually serve meatballs with spaghetti, try this summery Moroccan version with couscous for a casual dinner party
26
ratings
Easy
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Braised lamb shanks
By Good Food
- Ready in 2 hrs 40 mins
Lamb shanks are good value, and as each one is a portion, serving is a cinch. You can braise the shanks up to two days ahead
16
ratings
Moderately Easy
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Smoked salmon with beetroot & vodka crème fraîche
- Ready in 15 mins
A hit of vodka gives a this classic a new edge, serve with a shot of vodka for full effect
15
ratings
Easy
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Simple fish cakes
- Ready in 30 mins
Once the preserve of dodgy chippies, fish cakes are now smart dinner party fodder
13
ratings
Easy
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Parmesan-roasted potatoes
- Ready in 1 hr
If you can resist easting them all these are a great addition to the Christmas dinner, and perfect for a Boxing day bubble and squeak
14
ratings
Easy
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Cherry swirl cheesecake
- Ready in 1 hr 25 mins
Swirls of cherries ensure this sublime cheesecake has a summer flavour, perfect for a sunset dinner party outside
12
ratings
For The Keen Cook
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Smoked salmon with prawns, horseradish cream & lime vinaigrette
- Ready in 20 mins
This stunning starter can be assembled ahead, then topped with dressed leaves just before serving
13
ratings
Easy
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Chicken, goat's cheese & cherry tomato bake
By Good Food
- Ready in 30 mins
This is a really easy meal to cook for friends - you can make ahead and keep in the fridge for 24 hours
12
ratings
Easy
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One-pan duck with Savoy cabbage
- Ready in 40 mins
Duck breast is perfect for entertaining - it's easy to cook, readily available, yet not something you eat every day
12
ratings
Easy
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Creamy chicken & pumpkin
By Good Food
- Ready in 2 hrs
Prepare this delicious chicken and pumpkin dish the day before and just pop in the oven as your guests arrive.
10
ratings
Easy
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Roast duck breasts with maple syrup vinaigrette
- Ready in 45 mins
The sweet syrup brings out the intense flavour of the duck beautifully in this dinner party winner
6
ratings
Moderately Easy
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Chicken liver & pineau pâté
- Ready in 20 mins
A rich, sweet pâté recipe using pineau - a sherry-like aperitif - great as a dinner party starter.
6
ratings
Easy
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One-pan Spanish fish stew
- Ready in 50 mins
Use any sustainable white fish or salmon in this easy, flavour-packed stew - perfect with crusty bread
31
ratings
Easy
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Fish pie with saffron mash
- Ready in 1 hr 45 mins
A great dinner party dish. This can be made ahead and frozen so there's always something ready to entertain guests
17
ratings
Moderately Easy
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Squash, ricotta & sage pasta bake
- Ready in 1 hr 20 mins
An impressive but simple veggie main course - perfect with a green salad on the side
16
ratings
Easy
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Meatballs with spiced tomato sauce
- Ready in 1 hr 45 mins
Everybody loves meatballs and spaghetti - this version has a nice spicy kick
13
ratings
Easy
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Pepper-crusted salmon with garlic chickpeas
- Ready in 25 mins
Add a crunchy twist to a classic salmon recipe to create a simple yet special supper
11
ratings
Easy
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Chicken with wine, tarragon & green beans
- Ready in 30 mins
Tarragon and chicken are a classic combination, as this dinner-partyish dish proves
9
ratings
Easy
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Seared scallops with leeks & lemon chilli butter
- Ready in 20 mins
Scallops love a bit of lemon and chilli plus, they are ready in a flash. The perfect way to impress last-minute guests
9
ratings
Easy
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