Hello, friends! I'm so excited to share this collection of recipes with you. What is winter entertaining if not a chance to get cozy, cook something delicious, and serve it in style? Here are 10 recipes that will do just that!
Simple Make-Ahead Party Dishes
Make-ahead dishes are a great way to entertain. You can make them ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator or freezer, and serve them at room temperature. Make-ahead recipes are usually simple in flavor and don't require any last-minute finishing touches or garnishing; think: roasted vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, warm salads tossed with dressing, or pasta tossed with pesto or marinara sauce.
This makes preparing make-ahead dishes even easier because they're less labor-intensive than other recipes that require last-minute cooking or finishing touches before serving. They're also easier to transport since they can be served directly from the refrigerator or freezer without warming up first!
1. Apple Pear Cranberry Tartlets
This dessert is easy to make, looks festive, and tastes great. Plus, it's perfect for entertaining because you can serve it in disposable plastic serving ware. For a healthier option, use fruit as a filling instead of ice cream or whipped cream. The tartlets are baked in a Bundt pan; tart pans and muffin tins work well too! If you'd like even more variety, try using individual springform pans filled with batter and then placed on a baking sheet before being brought to the oven.
2. Fruit-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is an excellent alternative to traditional sweet potatoes during the colder months. This recipe combines acorn squash, apple, pear, cranberry, and walnuts in a sweet sauce perfect for fall gatherings. You can even prepare it ahead of time and reheat it just before serving!
3. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
This recipe is hearty, creamy, and totally satisfying. This a great recipe to make ahead for the week or freeze for later.
I love butternut squash soup! It's such a great fall comfort food. This recipe takes roasted butternut squash and blends it into a creamy soup with lots of fresh sage and thyme.
Roasting the squash before blending it makes this soup much more flavorful than just steaming or boiling. In addition, the roasting brings out the squash's natural sweetness, making it even more delicious.
The sage and thyme add a warm flavor that pairs beautifully with the roasted butternut squash. And for added richness, I use half-and-half instead of milk in this recipe (it's what I had on hand).
This soup makes for a great starter course or main dish served with salad or breadsticks on the side. It also freezes, so you can make a big batch and have some ready to go if you need something quick after work!
4. Pumpkin Pie
There's something about pumpkin pie that makes it perfect for the holidays. Maybe it's because it looks so festive with its bright orange color, or perhaps it's because there are so many variations that you can always find one that fits your mood. So, whether you're looking for something quick and easy (this recipe will take less than an hour) or more substantial (the filling can be made ahead of time), there is a pumpkin pie option for everyone this season!
Pumpkin pies are also great dishes to make with kids. After all, who doesn't like pumpkins? They can help with measuring ingredients while learning math skills simultaneously (you know those cups have different sizes). They'll feel like they've accomplished something when they see their handiwork come out of the oven later. Plus, there aren't any sharp knives involved here, so no worries about them hurting themselves—just make sure they don't leave fingerprints on your crust while they roll out their dough!
5. Blueberry-Coconut Bundt Cake
This blueberry-coconut bundt cake is a delicious, fuss-free dessert that will satisfy sweet tooth cravings. It's made with coconut oil and coconut cream to give it a tropical twist.
The fresh blueberries add a burst of color and flavor to this cake, while the coconut cream cheese frosting adds a creamy texture.
This cake is really easy to prepare. You don't even need a mixer because it's just one bowl and a whisk. The batter is thick, so it bakes up nice and dense without collapsing into itself like some cakes do when you overmix them. It's also an incredibly moist cake, which makes it perfect for serving with ice cream or whipped cream for dessert. You could also serve slices of warm cake with coffee or tea during brunch on the weekends or have some slices leftover from dinner on Sunday night as an after-dinner treat before bedtime!
6. Baked Spinach and Gruyere Souffle
The souffle is a simple and elegant one-dish meal that adds great to your weeknight dinner rotation. Souffles are relatively easy to prepare, but they do require some planning ahead. For example, the egg whites should be beaten until stiff, which means beating them for at least 10 minutes. Therefore, make this recipe on a weekend or day when you have some extra time.
Souffles are typically made with heavy cream and cheese for a rich and decadent flavor. This baked spinach and gruyere souffle is no exception! In addition, the cheese adds flavor and color—making it even more delicious! You can also use another type of cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar. It's sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
7. Taco Stuffed Peppers
Taco stuffed peppers are a fun way to change up taco night, and these tasty stuffed peppers are easy to make. All you need is ground beef, taco seasoning, black beans, and corn.
They're also so versatile! They're great as an appetizer or a meal, making leftovers that are just as tasty as the original recipe. Plus, they're perfect for busy weeknights when you only have a little time to cook dinner.
8. Roasted Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Roasted salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce is an easy and delicious weeknight dinner. It's made with a garlic lemon butter sauce, served over roasted salmon, and topped with capers and chopped parsley.
You'll love having this meal as dinner because it's quick and easy to make but also awe-inspiring to serve with disposable plastic bowls. You can serve this recipe with some rice or pasta, but if you want more of a low-carb option, try serving it with roasted veggies.
9. Baked Mac & Cheese with Ham and Spinach
Macaroni and cheese are a favorite in most houses. Not only is it delicious, but it's kid-friendly, easy to make, and pretty healthy too! This baked mac & cheese is loaded with ham and spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
This baked mac & cheese recipe is really easy to make. The hardest part is boiling the water for the pasta noodles! Once everything else is ready, just layer everything into a casserole dish, top it with breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown on top!
10. Roast Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce
Roast beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce is a great holiday meal for any occasion. There's a reason that tenderloin is so popular — it's one of the most tender cuts of meat around. It's also very lean, which makes it a good choice for health-conscious cooks. The tender beef paired with a creamy mushroom sauce complements the meat perfectly.
Roast beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce also makes a great party dish everyone will love! It's easy enough to make on a weeknight and impressive enough to serve at any gathering.
Elegant Party Table Setting
While you may be tempted to go all out when setting up your table, the truth is that a simple and elegant setup is often the best way to achieve a balance between form and function. The key is not to overdo it; stay true to your personal style while taking into account any dietary restrictions or preferences of those in attendance.
Disposable plastic serving ware is a great way to serve food in style. It's easy to transport and clean up, so you can focus on the fun part: enjoying your party!
The best thing about these recipes is that they are all so easy. You don't have to be a professional chef to be able to make them, and even if you're not looking for something fancy, they will help you make an impression on your guests. We hope this list helps inspire your next dinner party!