Dependable Dinner Party Dishes: 10 Simple Entree Ideas To Wow Your Guests With

Hosting the perfect dinner party is an art, and the secret to a successful soirée often lies in the delectable dishes you serve. Crafting entrees that are not only delicious but also straightforward to prepare is a key component to perfecting your hosting game. If that idea stresses you out then fear not, we've put together a neat little list of our top ten entree ideas to help you out at your next dinner party. They're a perfect mix of easy-to-prepare dishes with both simplicity and flair to make your next dinner party a night to remember.

Quick Links

• Dish 1: Caprese Skewers
• Dish 2: Garlic Prawn Skewers
• Dish 3: Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
• Dish 4: Smoked Salmon and Avocado Crostini
• Dish 5: Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
• Dish 6: Teriyaki Chicken Yakitori
• Dish 7: Pesto Chicken Flatbreads
• Dish 8: Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta
• Dish 9: Lamb and Halloumi Skewers
• Dish 10: Prawn and Mango Salsa Lettuce Wraps

10 Easy & Delicious Entree Ideas For Your Next Dinner Party

Without further ado, here’s the list! We’ve designed these dishes to be flexible, with ingredients that are easy to substitute, omit or customised to your taste.  Feel free to adjust the recipes to cater for any dietary requirements of your guests.

Dish 1: Caprese Skewers

A classic with a twist, these caprese skewers are bite-sized bursts of freshness. Perfect for a light and refreshing start to your dinner party, they marry the iconic flavours of tomato, mozzarella, and basil.

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Thread a tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto each toothpick.
2. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
3. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the skewers.
4. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Serve chilled and watch them disappear.

Dish 2: Garlic Prawn Skewers

These succulent garlic prawn skewers are an easy crowd-pleaser for your next dinner party. The combination of garlic, lemon, and herbs creates a flavour explosion that will leave your guests craving more.

Ingredients:

• Prawns, peeled and deveined
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix prawns with minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Thread prawns on skewers.
4. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until cooked.
5. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Dish 3: Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms

These spinach and feta stuffed mushrooms are a vegetarian delight. The earthy mushrooms paired with the creamy spinach and tangy feta make for a sophisticated yet straightforward entree. Easily turn this into a vegan entree by swapping out the feta for a non-dairy cheese substitute!

Ingredients:

• Large mushrooms, stems removed
• Spinach, chopped
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Olive oil
• Breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Mix chopped spinach, feta, and a drizzle of olive oil in a bowl.
3. Stuffed mushroom caps with the mixture.
4. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until mushrooms are tender. Serve warm.

Dish 4: Smoked Salmon and Avocado Crostini

For an elegant touch, try these Smoked Salmon and Avocado Crostini. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the rich smoked salmon, creating a bite-sized delight that oozes sophistication.

Ingredients:

• Baguette slices
• Smoked salmon
• Ripe avocados
• Lemon juice
• Dill, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toast baguette slices until golden brown.
2. Mash ripe avocados and mix with lemon juice.
3. Spread the avocado mixture on each baguette slice.
4. Top with smoked salmon.
5. Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately.

Dish 5: Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil

Transport your guests to Italy with this timeless Bruschetta. Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of garlic on crispy bread – it's simplicity at its finest.

Ingredients:

• Roma tomatoes, diced
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Baguette slices

Instructions:

1. Mix diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, and olive oil in a bowl.
2. Toast baguette slices until golden.
3. Spoon the tomato mixture onto each slice.
4. Drizzle with additional olive oil.
5. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Dish 6: Teriyaki Chicken Yakitori

Add a Japanese-inspired flair to your dinner party with these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. The sweet and savoury glaze takes these skewers from simple to sensational.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast, cut into cubes
• Teriyaki sauce
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Spring onions, chopped
• Bamboo skewers

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken cubes in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes.
2. Thread onto skewers.
3. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes on each side.
4. Sprinkle it with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.
5. Serve hot with extra teriyaki sauce on the side.

Dish 7: Pesto Chicken Flatbreads

These pesto chicken flatbreads are a delightful blend of fresh summer flavours. With succulent chicken, vibrant pesto, and creamy mozzarella, they're a crowd-pleaser that satisfies every palate.

Ingredients:

• Flatbread or naan
• Cooked chicken breast, shredded
• Pesto sauce
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Cherry tomatoes, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Spread a layer of pesto on each flatbread.
3. Distribute the shredded chicken evenly.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella on top and scatter sliced cherry tomatoes.
5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.

Dish 8: Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta

Another take on the classic Bruschetta, this version features the creamy goodness of ricotta. The combination of juicy tomatoes, ricotta, and a balsamic glaze creates a taste sensation.

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Ricotta cheese
• Balsamic glaze
• Fresh basil, for garnish
• Baguette slices

Instructions:

1. Mix halved cherry tomatoes with a dollop of ricotta.
2. Toast baguette slices until golden.
3. Spoon the tomato and ricotta mixture onto each slice.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Dish 9: Lamb and Halloumi Skewers

Bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your table with these lamb and halloumi skewers. The tender lamb paired with the grilled halloumi creates a flavorful combination that's sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• Chorizo sausage, sliced
• Halloumi cheese, cubed
• Olive oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. Thread lamb slices and halloumi cubes onto skewers.
2. Brush with olive oil.
3. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
4. Squeeze lemon juice over the skewers before serving.
5. Enjoy the smoky goodness!

Dish 10: Prawn and Mango Salsa Lettuce Wraps

Embrace a burst of tropical freshness with these prawn and mango salsa lettuce wraps. The succulent prawns and vibrant mango salsa create a light and flavorful dish that's perfect for a refreshing start to your dinner party.

Ingredients:

• Prawns, cooked and peeled
• Ripe mango, diced
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Fresh coriander, chopped
• Iceberg lettuce leaves

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix diced mango, finely chopped red onion, and fresh coriander to create the salsa.
2. Place a spoonful of the mango salsa onto each iceberg lettuce leaf.
3. Top with a cooked and peeled prawn.
4. Gently fold the lettuce leaf, creating a wrap.
5. Secure with a toothpick and serve these delightful bites for a burst of tropical flavours.

There you have it— 10 dependable dinner party dishes that are both simple to make and bound to impress. We’ve ensured to include recipes that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. Hosting a memorable dinner party doesn't have to be complicated or stressful - it's about creating a warm atmosphere and serving no-fuss dishes that delight the masses. Don’t forget to shop for all the cookware and kitchen appliances you need to create amazing food at home right here at Harris Scarfe. Entertain in style with chic servingware, drinkware and cutlery that will be sure to impress. 

Hosting a dinner party? You may also like:

• Your Guide To Hosting The Ultimate Dinner Party
• 7 Table Setting Ideas For Basic, Casual And Formal Occasions
• How To Cook & Host The Perfect Italian Dinner Party
• Table Setting Ideas & Tablescaping Tips To Try