The highlight of a gathering can be choosing the perfect main course. The perfect dish is one that’s easy to prepare, tasty, and appealing to many guests. Here are some main dish ideas for an elegant dinner, or a casual gathering. The dishes are designed to be easy to prepare and tasty, making them perfect for any event.
1. Baked ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella
It’s easy to make large quantities of baked ziti. It’s made with a delicious tomato sauce, mozzarella and ricotta, as well as tender pasta. In a baking dish layer the pasta, sauce, and cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden.
Why it’s Great for Party: You can make baked ziti in advance and bake just before your guests arrive. This dish is also a favorite among vegetarians, and can be easily adapted to gluten-free pasta.
Tips:
- Sauteed vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms will add extra flavor.
- Serve with a side of salad and garlic bread for a complete dinner.
2. Pulled pork sliders
The versatility of pulled pork makes it a great dish for sandwiches and sliders. Slow-cook pork shoulder, onions and spices with barbecue sauce until the pork is tender enough to be pulled apart by a fork. Serve the shredded meat on mini buns and top with coleslaw to create a savory, slightly tangy treat.
Why it’s Great for Party: The sliders can be eaten with just one hand and the pulled pork is tasty enough to serve on its own, or with any number of sides.
Tips:
- Set up a “slider bar” with different toppings and sauces to allow guests to customize their sliders.
- Slow cookers are perfect for cooking pulled pork. You can set it up, and then let it cook while you prepare other dishes.
3. Chicken Parmesan
The combination of breaded cutlets, marinara sauce, and melted cheese creates a delicious Italian main dish. It can be made as a casserole by layering the chicken, sauce, and cheese and baking until the cheese turns golden.
Why it’s Great for Party: This dish is flavorful and filling. It pairs well with pasta, or a salad. It’s also a little fancy, so it works well in a more formal setting.
Tips:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve with a side dish of pasta marinara, or roasted vegetables.
4. Beef Tacos or Chicken Tacos
Tacos can be customized to suit your tastes. Set up a bar of tacos with all the fixings: seasoned chicken or beef, tortillas and shredded cheese. It can be made as simple or elaborate as you wish, but it is always a big hit.
Why it’s Great for Party: Tacos can be fun, interactive and easily customized to suit different dietary needs.
Tips:
- To give your guests a choice, offer both hard and softer taco shells.
- Include black beans, grilled vegetables, and rice in your meal to make it well-rounded.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed peppers are colorful and nutritious. They can be used in many different ways. You can fill them with ground beef, turkey, tomatoes and spices. Then, top it with cheese, and bake. Vegetarian versions can be equally tasty, with ingredients such as black beans, chickpeas, or quinoa.
Why it’s Great for Party: Stuffed peppers look great and are easy to serve in individual portions. Also, they can be tailored to meet a variety of dietary requirements.
Tips:
- Preparing the filling ahead of time will save you time the day of your party.
- For extra flavor, add a variety toppings such as sour cream, salsa or chopped herbs.
6. Salmon with Herb Butter
Baked salmon is the perfect option if you want something sophisticated and light. Salmon is a tasty fish that goes well with simple sauces like lemon-dill or herb butter. You can bake a whole fillet of salmon to make it easier to slice and serve, or you can cut the fish into smaller portions.
Why it’s Great for Party: Salmon is upscale, and makes an excellent centerpiece for your table. Salmon is a great option for people who want something lighter.
Tips:
- Add roasted vegetables to the pan, such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus, to create a complete meal.
- Serve with a simple salad and lemon wedges.
7. Vegetable Lasagna
Vegetable lasagna is a hearty vegetarian main dish. A rich, satisfying dish is created by layers of pasta, marinara, ricotta and sauteed vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, spinach and other greens.
Why it’s Great for Party: Lasagna is easy to make ahead, freeze, and bake the day of your event. It is filling and easily adaptable to dietary restrictions.
Tips:
- No-boil noodles are a quick way to prepare lasagna.
- Add layers of spinach, or any other greens to the dish for color and nutrition.
8. Roast Beef and Gravy
Roast beef is a comforting and classic dish. Roast the beef in the oven with salt, garlic, rosemary and seasonings. Serve with a gravy, mashed potato and vegetable side.
Why it’s Great for Party: Roasted beef is simple to make and looks impressive. This is a great choice for a buffet setting. It’s always a crowd pleaser.
Tips:
- Allow the roast to rest for a few minutes before cutting it into slices. This will keep the meat juicy and tender.
- Serve with warm dinner rolls and horseradish sauce.
9. Paella
Paella is an incredibly colorful rice dish from Spain that’s usually made with a mixture of chicken, seafood, and sausage. Paella is a rice dish that’s cooked in a large pan. It’s full of flavor thanks to saffron and paprika.
Why Paella Is Perfect for Parties: Paella is visually stunning, and it serves as a complete meal. It is interactive and allows guests to gather for a special experience.
Tips:
- Preparing the ingredients ahead of time will make cooking paella quick and easy.
- Serve with a side of simple crusty bread.
10. Chicken Marsala
The elegant and simple preparation of Chicken Marsala is made by combining pan-fried breasts with a Marsala wine, mushroom, and cream sauce. This dish is delicious with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Why it’s great for parties: This dish is easy to make and has a rich flavor.
Tips:
- The sauce can be prepared in advance and warmed up just before serving.
- Serve with a green salad, a basket full of bread and a glass of wine for a complete dinner.
A good main dish for a party should be easy to serve, satisfying, and ideally prepared in large quantities. These dishes are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a casual get-together or a more formal affair. Enjoy trying these delicious options, and watch your guests’ faces light up as they dig in!
