I stupidly invited two families (4 adults, 6 kids) over for dinner one day, and then another family (2 adults 2 kids) over for dinner the next day, for pre-Christmas dinner parties, and now I don’t know what to serve. Anybody have any suggestions for dinners that seem fancy but don’t involve me spending a lot of time in the kitchen while my company is over? I don’t mind prep-work in advance. I was thinking about maybe lasagna but it seems kind of boring? I’m almost certainly overthinking this.
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Do you eat pork? I love this crock pot recipe. I do this plus store bought mashed potatoes and a roasted vegetable for winter dinner parties a lot (and by a lot I mean two years ago haha). But really the only time spent in the kitchen is making the gravy.
https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/slow-cooker-parmesan-honey-pork-roast/
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It's not necessarily fancy but something I did a lot, pre covid, for parties and dinners with families (adults and kids) is a macaroni and cheese bar. Prep macaroni and cheese before people arrive and toss in the oven. Serve an assortment of toppings - meats, veggies, crackers, etc. Everyone can make their own, kids can have it plain if they like, and almost everything is prepped ahead of time.
I think lasagna or even lasagna roll ups are always a hit though.
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How about beef bourguignon? My DH has made it for dinner parties and add some French breads and it’s always a huge hit. It takes some time but tastes better the day after it’s made so you could make it the day before your one dinner party. It’s warm and rich - I think it’s perfect for Christmas time.
We are having DH’s family here for Christmas and I think we may have it Christmas Eve.
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I think lasagna sounds good with garlic bread and a tossed salad if you want.
Other meals I've done:
French dip sandwiches are an easy make-ahead crockpot meal, served with french bread and instant mashed potatoes and a veggie.A pre-cooked ham with instant potatoes + veggie.
Or a couple kinds of soup - I like to do Chicken & Wild Rice, and Zuppa, and/or Chili, these can all be made ahead of time and in crockpots. Serve with bread/breadsticks and salad. Great for winter get togethers.
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I always think lasagna is good but I also love this recipe. Makes your house smell amazing. All the prep can be done in advance, you can do oven or crock pot. It reheats and freezes really well also. And if any kids are picky just save some noodles out with butter or olive oil. I usually add rolls (love sister Schubert for easy frozen ones) and green beans on the side.
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Lasagna with a salad and garlic bread sounds delicious. Keep it simple for sure!
@catgirl: Stealing your mac and cheese bar idea!
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Have you ever used a sous vide? Love that for groups bc I only need to sear at for like 5 minutes right before dinner. For fancy but easy dinner, I do steak w the sous vide, twice baked potatoes (made the day before, then just throw in the oven to heat up, a simple veggie like asparagus and then purchased loaf of bread
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Second the soups/salad/bread idea.
Spaghetti/meatsauce or meatballs and just noodles need done at last minute.
Brisket is a great makeahead because it's actually better if you let it rest in the fridge for a day before reheating/serving.
Another hit is heavy appetizers if you're going for a mingle rather than formal sit down. Plus easy to have a mix of both kid friendly and adult options. -
What about a charcuterie board? You could use one of the ideas from the blog the other day! I like this meal because it allows everyone to be happy and is very little work on my part. For dessert, you could keep it simple with cookies & a sundae bar.
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These are great ideas, thank you everyone!
@MrsJBeeG: I thought of this last night too - it seems like a good hearty "seems fancy but isn't too bad" meal that can be made and simmering before people show up.
@poppygirl15: I also really love this idea, I just wonder if people would be like "Ok, when does the real food show up?" I guess it it's clearly hearty enough (and also I'm like "Ok, here's dinner, help yourself!") it would be pretty clear.
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@erinbaderin: Hi! I get what you mean but, yes, I'd just say "for dinner we're having a charcuterie board. Help yourself!"
And, like you said, you can make it as hearty as you want. Have fun at your parties!
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I don't do fancy, but the last time I had another family over I made an egg casserole and a big pan of baked oatmeal. It was delicious, filling, healthy and easy to get in the oven before they came. Another option would be egg casserole and waffles. Make waffles a day ahead and reheat in the oven. Serve with chopped fruit and whipped cream.
And, like you said, you can make it as hearty as you want. Have fun at your parties!
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