I love hosting friends and family for dinner parties, but balancing family and work obligations can make it challenging to pull off an elaborate formal gathering. With young kids at home, we often lean toward more casual affairs. While I enjoy the chance to dress up for special occasions, there’s something truly intimate about a relaxed dinner party atmosphere. Here are eight of my favorite deliciously simple and casual dinner party menu ideas. Are you ready to explore these tasty options? Let’s dive in!
DELICIOUS APPETIZERS
Ingredients
- 1 tube Crescent Rolls, Big & Buttery
- ½ lb fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
- 3 slices prosciutto, torn into smaller pieces
- 6 ounces shredded cheese (your choice, such as mozzarella or Gruyère)
- Olive oil cooking spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray.
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Open the tube of crescent rolls and unroll the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Pinch the seams together to create one continuous sheet of dough. Using a sharp knife, cut slices about 1 inch into the center around the edges of the dough. Pierce the center with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much while baking.
- Initial Bake: Bake the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it is slightly baked but not fully cooked.
- Prepare the Asparagus: While the crust is baking, trim the ends of the washed asparagus. If desired, you can blanch the asparagus briefly in boiling water to ensure tenderness.
- Assemble the Tart: Remove the crescent base from the oven and top it with the shredded cheese, arranging the asparagus spears (alternating direction for a nice look). Scatter the torn prosciutto pieces on top. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Final Bake: Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the edges of the crescent roll dough are golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this tart warm as a delicious appetizer or light meal. It pairs well with a crisp salad or a glass of white wine.
MEXICAN SHRIMP CEVICHE
That sounds like a fantastic way to kick off your fiesta dinner party! It is light, refreshing, and perfect for mingling. Here’s a classic approach to making it in mini margarita cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound pre-cooked shrimp, thawed and tails removed
- 1 can RO*TEL (drained)
- 1 avocado, diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons diced purple onion
- 1 tablespoon diced jalapeño
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Chop the thawed pre-cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
- Marinate: Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the shrimp and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: Chop the purple onion, jalapeño, and cilantro, then add them to the shrimp.
- Add RO*TEL: Open the can of RO*TEL, drain the liquid, and mix half the can into the shrimp mixture. Stir well.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the ceviche into mini appetizer glasses and chill until ready to serve.
Tips for Serving
- Garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve with tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy contrast.
BRISKET TACOS
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef brisket
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings: diced onions, chopped cilantro, avocado, lime wedges
Instructions
- Sear the Brisket: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the brisket with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Spices and Liquid: Stir in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Then, return the brisket to the pot and add beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Brisket: Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the brisket is tender. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker.
- Shred the Brisket: Once cooked, remove the brisket and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot to soak up the juices.
- Assemble Tacos: Warm the tortillas and fill them with the shredded brisket. Top with diced onions, cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of Mexican rice or black beans.
- Consider adding salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor.
FIREMAN CHICKEN
Ingredients
- Chicken (thighs or breasts)
- Olive oil
- Spices (like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper)
- Honey or brown sugar (for sweetness)
- Hot sauce (for a kick)
- Lime juice or vinegar
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine olive oil, spices, honey, hot sauce, and lime juice in a bowl. Add the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or bake the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the cooking method and chicken size.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve. It pairs well with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
ITALIAN COZY DINNER PARTY
Menu Ideas
- Appetizers:
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with a mix of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables for guests to nibble on.
- Main Course:
- Pasta: Choose a classic like Spaghetti Carbonara or a rich Lasagna. These dishes are hearty and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the party.
- Chicken Piccata: Tender chicken breasts cooked in a lemony caper sauce. It’s quick to prepare and pairs beautifully with pasta.
- Sides:
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and shaved parmesan.
- Garlic Bread: Slices of baguette brushed with garlic butter and toasted until golden.
- Dessert:
- Tiramisu: A classic Italian dessert made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a rich mascarpone filling.
- Panna Cotta: A creamy dessert that can be infused with vanilla or citrus flavors and topped with fresh berries.
Beverages
- Wine: Serve a nice Chianti or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the meal.
- Sparkling Water: Offer sparkling water with lemon or lime wedges for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
BRAISED SHORT RIBS
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 3-4 lbs boneless short ribs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 carrots, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups Holland House Red Cooking Wine
- 2 cups water
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Sear the Short Ribs: In a large Dutch oven, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the hot oil until browned on all sides. Once done, transfer the ribs to a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add Liquid and Herbs: Pour in the cooking wine and water, then add the rosemary, thyme, and tomato paste. Mix well.
- Braise the Ribs: Return the seared short ribs to the Dutch oven. Cover tightly and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- Shred the Meat: Once cooked, remove the Dutch oven from the oven and shred the meat using two forks.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pot, whisk together the butter and flour into the cooking liquid to create a rich sauce. Serve this over the shredded meat.
GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP PASTA
Ingredients (Snippet)
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp
- Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine
- Butter: For the sauce
- Garlic: Minced for flavor
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped for garnish
- Lemon Juice: For a bright finish
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Instructions (Snippet)
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water.
- Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with a splash of reserved pasta water and lemon juice. Toss everything together and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
MINI CHARCUTERIE BOARDS
Creating mini charcuterie boards is a fun and creative way to serve appetizers at your gatherings. They’re perfect for intimate settings and can be customized to suit different tastes. Here’s how to assemble delightful mini charcuterie boards that will impress your guests:
Components of a Mini Charcuterie Board
- Meats:
- Include a variety of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo. Aim for different textures and flavors.
- Cheeses:
- Select a mix of cheeses, such as a creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and tangy blue cheese. A combination of hard and soft cheeses adds interest.
- Fruits:
- Fresh fruits like grapes, berries, or sliced apples provide sweetness. Dried fruits such as apricots or figs can add texture.
- Nuts:
- Add a handful of nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for crunch and flavor.
- Condiments:
- Include small bowls of mustard, honey, or fig jam for dipping.
- Crackers and Bread:
- Offer a selection of crackers, breadsticks, or slices of baguette to complement the meats and cheeses.
- Vegetables:
- Add some sliced veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for a fresh crunch.
Assembly Tips
- Use small wooden boards, slate, or even individual plates to create each mini board.
- Arrange the items aesthetically, balancing colors and shapes for a visually appealing presentation.
- Personalize each board with a different theme, such as Italian, Spanish, or even a breakfast-themed board with cheeses, fruits, and pastries.
Serving
- Mini charcuterie boards are best served at room temperature, so prepare them shortly before serving.
- They pair wonderfully with wine or craft cocktails, making them an excellent choice for a casual dinner party or gathering.
