When it comes to hosting a party or gathering, one of the biggest challenges can be figuring out what to serve. You want something delicious and satisfying that will please your guests, but you also don’t want to break the bank or spend hours in the kitchen. The solution lies in crowd-pleasing recipes that are easy to make and feed a big group. In this article, we’ll share 18 mouthwatering recipes perfect for parties that will impress your friends and family.
From classic comfort food dishes like lasagna and mac and cheese, to flavorful international-inspired options like jambalaya and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, there’s something on this list for everyone. And the best part? Each recipe is designed to serve a crowd, so you can focus on enjoying the party with your guests rather than slaving away in the kitchen.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of these recipes, including slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches, sheet pan nachos with all the toppings, and many more. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, game day gathering, or just want to have some friends over for dinner, these delicious recipes are sure to please.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Get ready to sink your teeth into tender, juicy pulled pork sandwiches with minimal effort! This slow cooker recipe is perfect for a busy day when you want a flavorful meal without much fuss.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together sliced onion, minced garlic, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the pork shoulder.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and serve on hamburger buns.
6. Top with coleslaw, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Sheet Pan Nachos with All the Toppings
Elevate your nacho game with this easy and impressive recipe that combines all the fixins’ on one sheet pan. Perfect for game day, movie night, or any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Spread tortilla chips on a large sheet pan in an even layer.
4. Top with cooked ground beef, black beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and top with cilantro, jalapeño, and lime wedges.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Classic Lasagna with Homemade Marinara
Classic Lasagna with Homemade Marinara: A Timeless Italian Favorite
This beloved dish is a staple of Italian cuisine, featuring layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese. Our recipe combines the best of both worlds by making our own marinara from scratch.
Ingredients:
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 16 ounces ricotta cheese
– 12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
4. Add olive oil, garlic, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and parsley to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Assemble lasagna by spreading marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange noodles on top, followed by ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers two more times.
7. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes.
BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw
Get ready for a flavorful twist on the classic slider! This recipe combines juicy chicken, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and crunchy coleslaw for a delightful combination that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and 1 tablespoon water.
4. Assemble sliders by placing grilled chicken on buns, topping with coleslaw (see below).
5. Grill or cook slaw in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
Coleslaw:
– Mix shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
– Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pot Jambalaya with Shrimp and Sausage
This classic Louisiana dish combines the flavors of spicy sausage, succulent shrimp, and savory rice in one convenient pot. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken, sausage, onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until the chicken is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the rice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Build-Your-Own Taco Bar with Fixings
Build-Your-Own Taco Bar with Fixings: A Fiesta in a Bowl!
Create your own delicious taco masterpiece with this easy-to-assemble build-your-own bar featuring a variety of fixings and toppings. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for alternative options)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– Shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– Diced tomatoes
– Shredded lettuce
– Diced bell peppers
– Sour cream
– Salsa
– Cilantro
– Optional toppings: diced avocado, sliced black olives, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook ground beef according to package instructions or homemade seasoning.
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Set up fixings bar with all ingredients, including optional toppings.
5. Assemble tacos to taste!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Vegetarian Chili with Cornbread
A warm, comforting bowl of chili and a slice of crispy cornbread is the perfect combination for a cozy evening. This vegetarian chili recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients and bold flavors.
Ingredients:
For the chili:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini)
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the cornbread:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Honey or sugar to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the chili ingredients in a large pot over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Prepare the cornbread by mixing dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then combining and stirring just until combined.
5. Pour batter into a greased skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time:
– Chili: 30 minutes
– Cornbread: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
A classic combination of succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and al dente pasta makes for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. If using white wine and heavy cream, add to the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine cooked pasta, shrimp, and garlic butter sauce in a serving dish. Toss to combine, adding some reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mac and Cheese with a Crispy Topping
Elevate your comfort food game with this classic macaroni and cheese recipe, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb mixture that adds texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, whisk together milk, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Gradually add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
5. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish.
6. Top with panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
Elevate your salad game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe. Crunchy chicken, tangy Caesar dressing, and fresh greens all come together in a delicious wrap.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1/2 cup croutons
– 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
– 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush chicken with olive oil and season with garlic. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, toast tortillas by wrapping them in foil and heating on the grill for 30 seconds.
4. Assemble wraps by spreading Caesar dressing on each tortilla, then topping with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Homemade Pizza with Custom Toppings
Create your own perfect pizza with this simple recipe! With a variety of toppings to choose from, you can tailor your pizza to suit any taste or dietary need.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Your choice of toppings (e.g. mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, etc.)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until yeast is activated.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle shape.
5. Top with your chosen toppings and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Rice
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that’s ready in no time! This recipe combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and flavorful rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. In same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 2 minutes.
4. Add broccoli to skillet; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Return beef to skillet; stir in soy sauce. Cook for an additional minute.
6. Serve beef and broccoli mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Buffalo Chicken Dip with Tortilla Chips
This creamy and spicy dip is a perfect combination of flavors, featuring the bold taste of buffalo chicken and crispy tortilla chips. It’s an ideal snack or appetizer for game day gatherings, parties, or movie nights.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12 oz) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cooked chicken breast
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot)
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chicken breast, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or a 9×13-inch pan.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is warm and slightly golden brown.
5. Serve with tortilla chips.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Herb-Roasted Potatoes with Garlic Aioli
Elevate your side dish game with these flavorful herb-roasted potatoes and a rich garlic aioli for dipping. Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
For the Herb-Roasted Potatoes:
– 2-3 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Aioli:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender and golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, mix mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
5. Serve roasted potatoes with garlic aioli for dipping.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Soy-Ginger Glaze
A flavorful and healthy stir-fry recipe that combines a variety of colorful vegetables with a sweet and savory soy-ginger glaze. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for your next meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup snow peas, sliced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until tender, about 3 minutes.
3. Add bell peppers and broccoli; cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and ginger.
5. Pour glaze over vegetables and stir-fry for an additional minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
Elevate your sandwich game with this vegan-friendly twist on traditional pulled pork sandwiches! Tender jackfruit is slow-cooked in a tangy BBQ sauce and piled high onto soft buns.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup jackfruit (canned or fresh, drained and chopped)
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw or pickles, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
2. Add chopped jackfruit and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove jackfruit from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill jackfruit for about 5 minutes per side, until tender and slightly charred.
5. Split hamburger buns in half and pile high with grilled jackfruit. Serve with coleslaw or pickles, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (including marinating time)
Classic Beef Sliders with Caramelized Onions
A flavorful twist on traditional sliders, these juicy beef burgers are topped with sweet and savory caramelized onions for a perfect combination of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Caramelized onions (recipe below)
– Lettuce, cheese, and tomato (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 8 equal-sized patties.
4. Grill burgers for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Assemble sliders by topping each patty with a spoonful of caramelized onions, lettuce, cheese, and tomato (if using).
6. Serve immediately.
Caramelized Onions:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over low heat.
2. Add 1 large onion, thinly sliced, and cook for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
A refreshing and flavorful fruit salad that combines sweet and tangy notes. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick snack or as a light dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed fruits (strawberries, blueberries, grapes, pineapple)
– 1/4 cup honey
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the mixed fruits into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, and orange juice until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Summary
Looking for delicious recipes that are perfect for parties? Look no further! This collection of 18 mouth-watering dishes is sure to impress your guests. From classic lasagna and BBQ chicken sliders, to build-your-own taco bars and veggie-packed stir-fries, there’s something for everyone. Plus, we’ve got international flavors like jambalaya and pulled jackfruit sandwiches. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a big bash, these recipes are easy to scale up or down and are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
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