Make your dinner party extra memorable with these recipes that most people don't like to make for themselves.
28 Recipes Your Dinner Guests Are Secretly Hoping You’ll Make
Updated on Sep. 13, 2024
1/28
Red Pepper Cornmeal Souffle
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I use the vegetables from our garden in all my cooking. Dotted with parsley and red pepper, this souffle is a favorite. —Janet Eckhoff, Woodland, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 193 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
2/28
Slow Cooker Cassoulet with Crumb Topping
Total Time
7 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Classically inspired, this dish is loaded with chicken thighs, pork and smoked sausage. Tomatoes, beans and wine round out the hearty French stew, and bread crumbs thicken it slightly. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 482 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 40g protein.
3/28
Chicken Tamales
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
20 tamales
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making these homemade tamales. They take a little time to make but are so worth the effort. I usually make them for Christmas, but my family wants them more often, so I freeze a big batch. —Cindy Pruitt, Grove, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
2 tamales: 564 calories, 35g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 835mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein.
4/28
Double Nut Baklava
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It may take some time to make this rich, buttery treat, but it's well worth the effort! The blend of coconut, pecans and macadamia nuts is irresistible. —Kari Kelley, Plains, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 174 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
5/28
Ricotta Gnocchi with Spinach & Gorgonzola
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my family comes for a visit, they always ask me to make this unique dish for dinner. Homemade cheesy gnocchi is topped with a rich sauce made with butternut squash, spinach and Gorgonzola.— Brud Holland, Watkins Glen, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups gnocchi with 3/4 cup spinach mixture: 833 calories, 35g fat (17g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1420mg sodium, 101g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein.
6/28
French Onion Soup
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup soup with 2 pieces bread and 1 tablespoon cheese: 195 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
7/28
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
25 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Treat your sweet-salty tooth! Sweet potatoes dressed with buttery, herby, garlicky goodness make for a stunning, delicious side dish. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 hasselback sweet potato: 333 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.
8/28
Flaky Chicken Wellington
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 pastries (3 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This cozy, flavorful entree takes a classic recipe and makes it super easy! I like to cook the chicken a day or so ahead of time to make it even simpler to throw together on busy nights. —Kerry Dingwall, Wilmington, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 pastry with about 3 tablespoons sauce: 495 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
9/28
Sesame-Beef Pot Stickers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy having these potstickers as a late-night snack. They also work well as a quick appetizer for family parties. —Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 pot sticker: 50 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
10/28
Turkey Shrimp Gumbo
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This slimmed-down version of gumbo tastes just as hearty as the classic version. —Michael Williams, Westfield, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with 1/2 cup rice: 381 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
11/28
Crown Roast of Pork
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It looks so elegant that everyone thinks I spent a lot of time on this roast. But it's actually so easy! The biggest challenge is to remember to order the crown roast from the meat department ahead of time. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork rib plus stuffing: 404 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 45g protein.
12/28
Homemade Pierogi
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Pierogi, dumplings stuffed with a filling, make for a wonderful change-of-pace side dish. —Diane Gawrys, Manchester, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
4 pierogi: 373 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
13/28
Mocha Baked Alaskas
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make these baked Alaskas ahead of time—you can torch the completed desserts and freeze them up to 24 hours before serving. —Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida
14/28
Chicken and Dumplings
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch hearken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It's one of those types of soup you'll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 470 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
15/28
Slow-Simmered Burgundy Beef Stew
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me about 25 years ago. Ever since then, it's been a go-to whenever I need good food without a lot of fussing. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 419 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 37g protein.
16/28
Beefy Eggplant Parmigiana
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this recipe one summer when my husband grew eggplant in the garden. I was thrilled when the parmigiana won high honors at a national beef contest. —Celeste Copper, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 498 calories, 33g fat (8g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
17/28
Parmesan Risotto
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Risotto is a creamy Italian rice dish. In this version, the rice is briefly sauteed, then slowly cooked in wine and seasonings. Watch for that magic moment when the risotto transforms from just rice in liquid to creamy, tender deliciousness. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 260 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 728mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
18/28
New World Stuffed Cabbage
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
European immigrants brought their favorite stuffed cabbage recipes to the New World in the late 19th century. Here's my take on tradition. —Katherine Stefanovich, Desert Hot Springs, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 cabbage rolls: 352 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 1508mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 24g protein.
19/28
Braised Short Ribs
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe can be finished in a slow cooker which makes it very helpful during those very busy days.—Susan Kinsella, East Falmouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving.: 310 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
20/28
Fried Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
21/28
Homemade Ravioli
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to bake and cook—especially Italian dishes like this homemade ravioli recipe. In fact, my idea of a perfect day consists of cooking my family's favorite foods then watching them dig in!—Lori Daniels, Hartland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
10 ravioli: 856 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 279mg cholesterol, 1139mg sodium, 110g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 42g protein.
22/28
Nana's Italian Roulade
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My great-aunt from Sicily taught my mother how to stuff and bake a steak in a jelly-roll style. It’s unique and really special in our family. —Roseanne McDonald, Days Creek, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without spaghetti): 331 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
23/28
Ginger-Pork Wontons
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A flavorful, juicy pork filling is jazzed up with a delicious touch of ginger and enveloped in crispy wrappers. These surprisingly simple appetizers are the ultimate finger food and are perfect for parties. —Sandra Parton, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1 wonton: 70 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
24/28
Roasted Chicken with Rosemary
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs, garlic and butter give this hearty meal in one a classic flavor. It's a lot like pot roast, except it uses chicken instead of beef. —Isabel Zienkosky, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 449 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 479mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
25/28
Butter Steak
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick-and-easy skillet entree is definitely restaurant-quality and sure to become a staple at your house, too! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with 2 teaspoons garlic butter: 316 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein.
26/28
Pretty Duchess Potatoes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Comfort-food flavor comes in attractive packages that are just the right size! This recipe is a favorite Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving menu idea. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 158 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 437mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
27/28
Pot Roast
Total Time
2 hours 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dutch oven pot roast recipes are the ultimate comfort food. When juicy pot roast simmers in garlic, onions and veggies, everyone comes running to ask "When can we eat?" The answer? Just wait—it will be worth it. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1 cup vegetables and 3 tablespoons sauce: 459 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 824mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 37g protein.
28/28
Grilled Chorizo and Shrimp Paella
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This shrimp paella recipe is not only healthy but satisfying, too! It has vitamin C from the sweet red pepper, fiber from the rice, and lean protein from the chicken sausage. — Daniel Bartholomay, Fargo, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 388 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 787mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
custom-tracking
