When it comes to hosting a memorable dinner party, the key to success lies not only in the company you keep, but also in the cuisine you serve. To impress your guests and create a truly unforgettable evening, look no further than these 20 elegant dinner party recipes that are sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
From classic dishes like Beef Wellington with Red Wine Reduction to more modern twists like Truffle Mac and Cheese, our collection of recipes offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to impress your friends and family or simply want to treat yourself to a special night in, these elegant dinner party recipes are sure to deliver.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the world of fine dining, highlighting some of the most impressive and mouthwatering dishes you can make for your next dinner party. From savory main courses to decadent desserts, get ready to impress your guests with these 20 elegant dinner party recipes that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Garlic Butter Herb Roasted Chicken
Transform your weeknight dinner into a flavorful feast with this easy and aromatic recipe. This Garlic Butter Herb Roasted Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), rinsed and patted dry
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Stuff the chicken cavity with rosemary and thyme leaves.
4. Rub the garlic butter mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
7. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Beef Wellington with Red Wine Reduction
A classic dish that combines tender beef, mushrooms, and puff pastry with a rich red wine reduction.
Ingredients:
• 1 (1.5-2 pound) beef fillet, tied
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 8 ounces mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package puff pastry, thawed
• Red wine reduction sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season beef with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high; sear beef 2-3 minutes per side. Let cool.
4. In the same skillet, sauté onion, mushrooms, and garlic until softened.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry to fit the beef.
6. Place cooled beef on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Spoon mushroom mixture over beef.
7. Brush edges with water; fold other half of pastry over filling. Press seams together.
8. Place Wellington on a baking sheet and brush top with egg wash.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Red Wine Reduction Sauce:
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
Combine ingredients in a saucepan; simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
This recipe combines the bright citrus flavor of lemon with the richness of garlic butter, all wrapped up in a delicious and easy-to-make shrimp scampi dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
6. Pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine with the melted butter.
7. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss to coat with the lemon-garlic butter sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Baked Brie with Honey and Walnuts
Elevate your cheese board game with this sweet and savory baked brie recipe, featuring a rich honey glaze and crunchy walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Remove the Brie cheese from its packaging and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the honey and butter until smooth.
4. Spread the honey-butter mixture evenly over the surface of the Brie cheese, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of the Brie cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is softened and slightly puffed.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
Elevate your dinner party with this aromatic and tender herb-crusted rack of lamb, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) rack of lamb, frenched
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and mustard.
3. Place the lamb rack on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the herb mixture evenly over the lamb, making sure to coat all surfaces.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes (depending on the weight of the lamb)
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
A classic Italian dish gets a creamy twist with this simple risotto recipe featuring fresh mushrooms and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the chicken broth in a separate pot.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
4. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. If using wine, add it to the pan and stir until absorbed.
6. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
7. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, the rice should be creamy and tender. Stir in parmesan cheese; season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Beurre Blanc
Experience the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this elegant and easy-to-make dish, perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the scallops with salt and pepper.
3. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
4. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium. Whisk together white wine (if using), lemon juice, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
7. Serve the scallops with the Lemon Beurre Blanc sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken game with this creamy, flavorful dish that combines the best of spinach and artichokes.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the spinach-artichoke mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your mashed potato game with the rich flavor of roasted garlic! This recipe combines tender Yukon gold potatoes with the deep, nutty taste of roasted garlic.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large Yukon gold potatoes
– 2 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the garlic cloves on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, and fold the foil to create a little package. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the garlic is tender and caramelized.
3. Boil the potatoes in salted water until they’re tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
4. Add the roasted garlic (squeezing out the soft flesh), butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Grilled Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
Elevate your asparagus game with this indulgent yet easy-to-make side dish, perfect for special occasions or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup Hollandaise sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic.
3. Grill asparagus for 4-6 minutes per side, or until tender but still crisp.
4. Meanwhile, warm Hollandaise sauce according to package instructions (or make your own using butter, eggs, and lemon juice).
5. Serve grilled asparagus hot with a dollop of warmed Hollandaise sauce.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce
This classic dish is a comforting staple of French cuisine, slow-cooked to tender perfection in rich red wine sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 short ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Stir to combine.
6. Return short ribs to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
This classic Italian salad gets a sweet and tangy twist with the addition of homemade balsamic glaze. Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 3 large tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1 tablespoon per serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let glaze cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until thickened and syrupy-like.
4. Arrange tomato slices on a serving plate. Top with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with chopped basil leaves.
5. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad, then drizzle with olive oil.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Lobster Thermidor
A classic French dish that combines succulent lobster with a rich and creamy thermidor sauce, served baked to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lobster meat (claw and body)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add white wine, heavy cream, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Add lobster meat to the saucepan and cook until just heated through.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional butter if desired.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the lobster is cooked through and the thermidor sauce is bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Truffle Mac and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this decadent Truffle Mac and Cheese recipe, featuring the rich flavors of black truffles and creamy cheese.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese (sharp or extra-sharp work best)
– 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh black truffle shavings, for garnish (about 1-2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and truffle-infused cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh black truffle shavings. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad Recipe
This vibrant salad combines the natural sweetness of roasted beets with the tanginess of goat cheese, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Let beets cool, then peel and slice into wedges.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine roasted beets, goat cheese, parsley, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
6. Toss to combine and serve.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Pomegranate Glazed Salmon
Sweet and tangy pomegranate glaze perfectly balances the rich flavor of salmon, making for a delicious and elegant dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate juice, honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place salmon fillets on the sheet.
4. Brush glaze evenly over each salmon fillet, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the glazed salmon.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Wild Mushroom and Thyme Tart
This savory tart combines the earthy flavors of wild mushrooms with the brightness of thyme, perfect for a rustic dinner party or cozy evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup mixed wild mushrooms (such as chanterelle, cremini, and oyster), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Place mushroom mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Brush pastry edges with beaten egg and fold over filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm, garnished with additional thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry Coulis
Experience the perfect balance of rich chocolatey goodness and sweet-tart raspberry flavors in this decadent dessert.
Ingredients:
For the lava cakes:
– 3 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces best-quality dark chocolate, broken into small pieces
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the raspberry coulis:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins or small cups.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Melt chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar. Add melted chocolate and whisk until combined.
5. Fold in flour mixture until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared ramekins.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still slightly jiggly.
Coulis:
1. In a small bowl, combine raspberries and sugar.
2. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow berries to release their juice.
3. Stir in red wine vinegar (if using).
4. Serve coulis over warm lava cakes.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tiramisu with Espresso Soaked Ladyfingers
Elevate your dessert game with this Italian classic, featuring ladyfingers soaked in rich espresso and layered with creamy mascarpone cheese.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup strong brewed espresso
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped
– Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine espresso and sugar; stir until dissolved.
2. Dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture for about 3-5 seconds on each side. They should be soft and pliable but not too wet.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth.
4. To assemble, start with a layer of ladyfingers in a serving dish. Top with half the mascarpone mixture, then repeat the layers.
5. Dust the top with cocoa powder.
6. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (includes refrigeration time)
Crème Brûlée with Vanilla Bean
A classic dessert gets a boost of creamy vanilla flavor from the addition of vanilla bean, perfectly balanced by a caramelized sugar crust.
Ingredients:
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until pale.
3. Add heavy cream, salt, and vanilla bean; whisk until well combined.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes.
5. Strain mixture into 4-6 ramekins or small baking dishes.
6. Place ramekins in a large baking dish; add hot water to come halfway up sides.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are set and centers still slightly jiggly.
8. Remove from oven; let cool to room temperature.
9. Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over each ramekin. Caramelize with a kitchen torch or under broiler.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
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