Make Ahead Dinner Party Meals

Whether you're entertaining family or friends, we've got you covered with delicious, make-ahead, dinner party meals!

While the holidays are such a special time of year, it can feel crazy with a to-do list a mile long. We've rounded up some of our favorite make-ahead, dinner party meals to help simplify entertaining. All these recipes would be hits with your guests.

There are Italian dishes, stews, and even lighter options if you need a break from heavy food. We've also included one of our all-time favorite salads and easy artisan roll recipes. These would go with almost any main dish you plan to serve. Entertaining is so much less stressful when you serve a make-ahead main dish!

This Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo is loaded with succulent shrimp, spicy sausage and lots of fresh veggies!

 

This make-ahead, Homemade Manicotti is beyond delicious with an Italian sausage marinara and tender melt-in-your-mouth pasta.

 

This Make Ahead Beef Bourguignon with melt-in-your-mouth tender beef is crazy delicious, inexpensive and economical!

 

Looking for something different? These crazy-delicious Vietnamese Caramel Pork Lettuce Wraps make a fresh, light weeknight meal and are also perfect for a dinner party.

 

Shrimp and Chicken Pozolé Verde- Light, healthy and crazy delicious, this Mexican-inspired soup/stew is easy enough for everyday dinners, but it's also great for entertaining because it's almost completely make ahead and so pretty!

This Asian Glazed Salmon Salad is both delicious and beautiful! It makes a fabulous dinner party entree! You can prep everything ahead of time, then bake the salmon right before you eat.

Fresh, light and full of fabulous flavor, this Shrimp and Chicken Cashew Curry is perfect for an everyday dinner or a fancy enough for your most special dinner party.

 

Steak and Potato Arugula Salad- A fresh, yet hearty entree with steak, warm potatoes, and a delicious champagne vinaigrette, this healthy salad is a meal in a bowl easy enough for every day, elegant enough for a dinner party! 

This Eggplant and Italian Sausage Gratin is bursting with delicious Italian flavor. It’s a dinner party worthy meal that can be made in advance and just popped in the oven at the last minute! 

Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad with Honey Cider Dressing – an insanely delicious and super healthy salad – perfect for any get together with family and friends!

 

These Easy Artisan Rolls truly are unbelievably easy. Stir up the dough then go to bed. In the morning, shape and bake. Unbelievably delicious too!

Any of these make-ahead dinners would be perfect for entertaining! Pin them now and you'll be so pleased when it's time to plan for company!