21 Easy Dishes Perfect For Entertaining

Photo of author

| Published:

21 Easy Dishes Perfect For Entertaining

Got friends coming over? Whip up some fantastic dishes that won’t stress you out. Pick from our selection of easy recipes that take the fuss out of cooking. You bring the ingredients, we’ll provide the guidance. Enjoy your friends’ company, have fun, and leave your guests impressed with your cooking skills.

A group of pizza raclette.
Pizza Raclette. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Guacamole Snack Board

A top-down shot of a guacamole snack board.
Guacamole Snack Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Think of an informal get-together where everyone’s chilling and chatting. Now, imagine a Guacamole Snack Board right in the middle. It’s got avocados that are perfectly ripe, mashed, and seasoned to taste, served with a variety of your favorite toppings. Easy to prepare, easy to serve, and even easier to enjoy. Plus, it’s totally customizable. That’s what makes it an amazing option for gatherings – no pressure, all fun.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board

Baked Scotch Eggs

Scotch Eggs on a black plate.
Baked Scotch Eggs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

One dish that never fails to impress guests is Baked Scotch Eggs. A perfectly cooked egg, wrapped in ideally spiced sausage meat, then baked to golden-brown perfection. You won’t believe how simple they are to prepare, especially if you do the prep the night before. They’re also super versatile, meaning you can adapt them to your guests’ tastes. Fantastic taste, minimum effort – what more could you ask for?
Get the Recipe: Baked Scotch Eggs

Cold Corn Dip

A bowl of Chilled Corn Dip with chips on a black plate.
Cold Corn Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let’s talk about a game-changer for any party – Cold Corn Dip. It’s this refreshing dip loaded up with fresh, sweet corn, delicately seasoned, and served chilled. It’s like summer in a bowl. The best part? You can whip it up ahead of time, leaving you more time for enjoying the party. I promise you, your host game is about to level up with this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cold Corn Dip

Beef Wellington Bites

Beef Wellington Bites on a white plate with sauce in the middle.
Beef Wellington Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You won’t believe the flavors packed in Beef Wellington Bites. They are essentially big flavors presented in fun-sized portions. So you get all the pleasure of a fancy dish but without all the fuss or mess. Win-win, right? Whip these up before your guests arrive, pop them in the oven a few minutes before serving, and watch the amazement on their faces.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites

Sausage Rolls

Sausage Rolls on a white plate.
Sausage Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Oh, Sausage Rolls – the perfect party food! Believe me, they are a piece of cake to make and an even bigger joy to eat. The scent of the sausage cooking wafts through the house and creates an inviting aroma. Let them cool a bit before the party starts, and warm them back up just in time – they are simply irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls

Tomato Bruschetta Board

Tomato bruschetta board on a table.
Tomato Bruschetta Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A Tomato Bruschetta Board is like an all-you-can-eat Italian feast. Imagine – fresh, juicy tomatoes, crunchy bread, and a drizzle of quality olive oil. It’s like an instant vacation in Italy. Moreover, it’s so simple to prepare that you’ll barely break a sweat doing it. Plus, it looks pretty high-class on a board, even though it’s straightforward to make.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board

Spinach & Brie Dip

Spinach & Brie Dip in a casserole dish surrounded by pita wedges.
Spinach & Brie Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’ve got a group of people coming over and you want to please the crowd, try this – Spinach & Brie Dip. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with delightful flavors. Here’s the cool part – this dip can cut down your kitchen time drastically. All you need is to heat things up, serve hot, and wait for the compliments to roll in.
Get the Recipe: Spinach & Brie Dip

Pizza Raclette

A group of pizza raclette.
Pizza Raclette. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Have you ever thrown a party within a party? That’s what a Pizza Raclette is. It’s essentially a fun, interactive, mini pizza party at your gathering. Everyone gets to choose their own toppings, combine their own flavors, and create a pizza that’s truly their own. It’s way less work for you, and way more fun for everyone else.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Raclette

Smoked Blackberry Margarita

Smoked Blackberry Margarita with smoke coming out the top of the glass.
Smoked Blackberry Margarita. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Parties are incomplete without a signature drink, right? Enter the Smoked Blackberry Margarita. This cocktail is ridiculously easy to mix, the ingredients are simple to find, and it tastes like a dream. Let your guests enjoy this delightful drink and watch as they rave about your sublime cocktail-making skills.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Blackberry Margarita

Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney

A chunk of oozing brie with apple chutney on a board.
Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something about the sweet and savory notes of Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney that simply screams ‘party time’. Picture this: the creaminess of savoury brie, paired with tangy apples and a slight hint of ginger in the chutney – it’s a blend made in food heaven. Cook up the chutney ahead of time, bake the brie just before the gathering, and see the magic unfold.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney

Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail

Two glasses of strawberry lillet crush with mint leaves.
Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Everyone loves an easy-going, relaxed host. Being one is a walk in the park with a Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail. You only need a few ingredients, a bit of ice, and you’re all set. Your guests can pour themselves a drink or two without you having to play bartender all night. Not to mention, it is refreshingly good.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Creamy Jalapeno Dip in a bowl with chip nearby.
Creamy Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Just think about this: a dip that’s smooth, tangy, and has just the right amount of kick – that’s what Creamy Jalapeno Dip brings to your table. What’s more, it’s a dip that allows you to control the heat. Make it ahead of time, serve it up with a pile of chips or veggies, and watch as the bowl empties out real quick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Smoked Gimlet Cocktail

Two lime gimelts with smoke on top.
Smoked Gimlet Cocktail. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Now let me introduce you to a cocktail that is as sophisticated as it is easy – Smoked Gimlet. You get this unique mix of gin, lime juice, and a hint of smoke that adds an alluring depth to the drink while requiring minimal mixology skills. It’s so well-curated it makes your guests feel like they are at a swanky cocktail bar, not your living room.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gimlet Cocktail

Corn Fritters

Corn fritters in a black cast iron pan.
Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever tried Corn Fritters? They’re as fun to make as they are delicious. And the taste – it’s like a little piece of summer in each fritter. Prep them in the morning and fry them off before the guests start trickling in. They pair well with dips too. You’re going to love how stress-free and crowd-pleasing they are.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

A plate of Prosciutto & Parmesan Puff Pastry pinwheels.
Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s a secret to make your party a hit, Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. These little delights are easy, quick and a visual treat. With their golden puff pastry crust and melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto filling, these bite-sized wonders will leave your guests asking for more. Just assemble them in advance and come bake time, your kitchen is going to smell divine.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Cold Crab Dip

A bowl of cold crab dip with crackers and chives.
Cold Crab Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Need a quick and delicious appetizer with minimum kitchen time? Let me recommend Cold Crab Dip. It’s sweet, tangy and loaded with delicious crab meat. The best part is, it’s the ideal make-ahead dish that gets better with time. Just mix, chill and serve when you’re ready. Your guests are bound to be impressed!
Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip

Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Artichoke Jalapeno Dip in a black bowl with crackers nearby.
Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Say hello to Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip, your next go-to party appetizer. Artichokes and jalapenos work together perfectly here creating a fantastic balance of savory and spicy that is sure to be a hit. This dip takes the fuss out of party planning with its simplicity and can be made in advance, freeing up your time for other things. Guests are going to rave about it, and it won’t put a dent in your prep time.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Pico de Gallo

A shot of Pico de Gallo on a board with chips nearby.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you need a fresh, zesty appetizer, reach for Pico de Gallo. This punchy salsa, packed full of ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a hint of spice, really delivers in flavor and simplicity. It’s quick to make, requires no cooking, and it’s versatile. Trust me, it’ll fit right in with any party spread and your guests are going to love it.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

A plate of smoked pork belly burnt ends with tomatoes and pickles.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let’s talk about a real crowd-pleaser — Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Meltingly tender, smoky, and slightly sweet, these little morsels are going to disappear fast. It’s a simple-to-make dish that lets your oven do most of the work, meaning you get to enjoy your party while they cook. Guests won’t stop talking about how good these are.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

A wooden cutting board with sliced meat and sauce on it.
Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want to up your appetizer game? Give Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema a try. Thin slices of juicy pork tenderloin atop a crisp piece of bread, all brought together by a zingy lime crema – this dish screams flavor. It’s uncomplicated, yet it has that wow-factor guests love. You won’t believe how quickly these get snapped up.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites

A platter of Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If versatility were a dish, it’d be Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites. Bite-sized pieces of perfectly smoked chicken nestled on a mini tortilla – a delight in every bite. They are so simple to assemble, which is a real win when you’re planning a party. They are bound to be a hit and will let you join in on the fun instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.