Dinner Party Recipes

From classy three-ingredient canapés for a cocktail party to lightning-fast dips for game day, we're sharing a selection of super-easy appetizers guaranteed to get any party started.

One pan, pot, skillet, or Instant Pot is all you need to make these no-fuss family dinners, which include recipes for salmon, pasta, pot roast, chili, and so much more.

Whether you're in charge of bringing a small bite, a crowd-pleasing side, a hearty main dish, or a sweet ending, these impressive (and impressively simple) potluck recipes will be the star of the spread. They can all be made ahead and are delicious served at room temperature, so the first guest will be just as happy as the last.

You know what we love about cold appetizers? No last-minute baking, sautéing, simmering, or frying. These recipes can be prepared ahead of time, so you can enjoy your party sans stress. Whether you're a Martha-level host or new to entertaining, you'll want to add some of these cold appetizer recipes to your list of party must-makes. Ultimately, having dishes made before a gathering is like having money in the bank—you'll be comfortable knowing that your menu is handled, no heat necessary. Best of all, these light bites are total crowd-pleasers that just might persuade you to prep all your appetizers ahead, or at least the majority (so you have time to focus on that special last-minute dish). Whatever your approach, you can rely on these trusty cold appetizer recipes to delight your loved ones time and again.

Whether or not there will be vegetarians in the mix at your next gathering, these special-occasion recipes will delight and satisfy everyone at the table.

Prime rib, rib roast, and beef tenderloin are special-occasion cuts that are perfectly suited to the holiday table.

Chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food. It warms and satisfies, which is why you make it when you're feeling under the weather or chilled to the bone in winter. Our simple recipe has classic flavors and a short ingredient list—and it comes together faster than most versions (you'll have your spoon in a piping hot bowl in just over an hour). It's low-effort, too: All you have to do as the flavors meld together on the stovetop is give your soup the occasional stir.

One of the definitive desserts of fall, apple crisp is easy and economical. Under the simple butter-sugar-flour-and-oat topping is the apple filling scented with cinnamon. Our test kitchen says baking apples, like Rome or Cortland, are the best varieties to use for apple crisp, but Empire, Gala, or Braeburn apples are also good in this recipe. Experiment with different types of apples and see which you prefer. Let the crisp cool for a few minutes before serving with a scoop of ice cream on top.

Remember Mom's heavenly angel food cake? Ours has the same ethereal texture (due to egg whites) but with a bright burst of lemon flavor, thanks to fresh juice and zest. Fluffy citrus cream frosting and pretty candied lemon "daffodils" make it an even more memorable dessert.

The almost universal appeal of roasted chicken stems from its power to comfort. The ideal roasted chicken recipe will leave your chicken golden brown and gleaming, tender, and juicy. The crackle of chicken as it roasts and the wondrous aroma that perfumes the kitchen provoke a feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment.

Our take on the classic creamed spinach side dish uses fresh spinach and cream cheese as a thickener. It's a crowd pleasing recipe that's popular with both young and old.

These leafy, mild-flavored veggies get at the heart of spring. Our method for steaming artichokes could not be easier, but the result is an impressive, delicious side dish.