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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 No-Stress Dinner Party Recipes That Come Together Fast

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated January 28, 2026 · Published February 9, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Planning a dinner party but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? Check out these quick and easy recipes you can whip up in 20 minutes or less. From flavorful appetizers to satisfying main dishes, these recipes are perfect for entertaining guests without the hassle. Get ready to impress your friends with these delicious dishes that won't keep you tied to the stove all night.

    Feta Stuffed Dates

    Feta stuffed dates.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These disappear fast, so make sure to make extra!

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    Caprese Chicken

    Caprese chicken.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Cook up a simple Caprese Chicken with just 5 ingredients for a quick and satisfying meal. This dish is hearty, comforting, and perfect for a stress-free dinner party in under 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon Dip

    A smoked salmon dip.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This simple smoked salmon dip is smooth and tangy with a touch of lemon, a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning, loads of flaky smoked salmon, and a bunch of fresh dill. Ready in under 10 minutes, it goes great with crunchy crackers or crispy crostini. Perfect for any gathering, whether it's a picnic, brunch, or party!

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    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    Sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook up a delicious Air Fryer Flank Steak in just 8-10 minutes. The marinade adds tons of flavor and keeps the meat juicy for a quick and easy meal.

    Get the recipe

    Blue Cheese Coleslaw

    Blue cheese coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Whip up a quick and delicious Blue Cheese Coleslaw in just a few minutes. It's packed with tasty blue cheese and perfectly seasoned to complement any meal.

    Get the recipe

    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Savor the delicious taste of a perfectly cooked burger, topped with everyone's favorite fixings. Just grab some ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to whip them up in no time.

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    Cheesy Rotel Dip

    Rotel dip.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This quick and easy Rotel dip is packed with taco-seasoned ground beef, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and creamy Velveeta cheese, all cooked in a single pan for a fuss-free appetizer.

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    Halloumi

    Air fried halloumi on a blue plate with lemon wedges and chili flakes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi cheese cooked to perfection - crispy exterior, tender inside. This recipe yields a tastier result than grilling and is a breeze to whip up. Enjoy with a side salad or your favorite accompaniments!

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    Garlic Dipping Sauce

    Garlic Dipping Sauce with Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Whip up this quick and easy sauce in no time to enjoy with fries, veggies, or bread. Packed with tasty garlic goodness!

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook a quick and delicious Shrimp Scampi dish in just 10 minutes using garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley for a burst of flavor. Your kitchen will be filled with an amazing aroma from these ingredients coming together.

    Get the recipe

    Whipped Feta

    Tyrosalata.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just a few minutes, you can make a tasty whipped feta cheese using Greek yogurt, garlic, and fresh basil. It's perfect for dipping, using as a sauce, or spreading on top of bread.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Making Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp is a breeze and only takes a few minutes to cook. Sprinkled with garlic and paprika for a tasty kick, and garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy them on top of a salad or pair them with your preferred sauces and sides.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Whip up a quick and tasty Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in just 15 minutes. Enjoy a delicious mix of juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce that's sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Tortellini with Asparagus and Peas

    Pesto Tortellini with Asparagus and Peas
    Photo Credit: Mandi of the Mountains.

    This easy pasta is a quick and delicious dinner. It's loaded with vibrant, fresh spring veggies, then tossed in a pesto cream sauce. And it only requires one pot to make!

    Get the recipe

    Easy Pesto Pasta

    Easy Pesto Pasta.
    Photo credit: Joy Food Sunshine.

    This pesto pasta is a tasty and simple meal that you can enjoy hot or cold, perfect for dinner or as a side dish.

    Get the recipe.

    Smoked Salmon Pâté

    Smoked salmon pâté.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make a quick and easy salmon spread using smoked salmon.

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    Vegan Spinach Pasta

    Vegan spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    You can make a tasty pasta dish without using any dairy - this vegan recipe will teach you how!

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    Texas Toast

    Air fryer texas toast.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Whip up some quick and delicious garlicky Texas Toast that's crispy, buttery, and full of garlic taste. This easy appetizer and side dish is made with a simple garlic butter recipe in just a few steps.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Cheesy Tomatoes

    Grilled Tomatoes and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    These grilled tomatoes with cheese are bursting with flavor and make a delicious appetizer or side dish. Simply grill or roast juicy tomatoes with feta cheese for a quick and tasty dish.

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    Fried Feta

    Fried feta cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Discover the simple way to fry feta cheese and you'll want to make it part of your regular weekend menu.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Lemon ricotta pasta.
      12 Simple One-Pot Pasta Dinners for Easy Evenings
    • Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
      23 Dump-and-Bake Dinners for When You Need Easy Meals
    • Instant Pot French Onion Soup.
      26 Sophisticated Recipes to Make Valentine's Night Special
    • Mexican bubble up casserole.
      28 Simple Dinner Casseroles Your Whole Family Will Actually Eat

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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