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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Set It and Forget It: 22 Best Dinner Party Dishes for Busy Hosts

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 9, 2025, updated October 8, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    If you're a busy host looking to impress your guests with minimal effort, these dump-and-cook dinner party recipes are perfect for you. They are all simple to prepare and require minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your guests. From comforting casseroles to flavorful salmon, these recipes will make hosting a breeze.

    Sheet Pan Salmon Oreganata

    Baked salmon with crispy topping.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    Hosting a dinner party but short on time? Enjoy this delicious salmon meal made with minimal effort - your guests will be impressed by both the flavors and the convenience!

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    Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Chicken And Rice Casserole.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This chicken and rice casserole is a tasty and simple dish to serve to your guests.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Hosting a dinner party? This mac and cheese recipe is a breeze - simply mix everything in one dish, pop it in the oven, and savor the ultimate cheesy goodness with mozzarella and gorgonzola. It's a no-fuss, ultra-cheesy delight that's perfect for busy hosts.

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    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Make this Air Fryer Roast Beef in under an hour for a stress-free meal that everyone will enjoy. The flavorful herb coating adds a delicious touch to the moist and tender meat, using only a handful of basic ingredients.

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    Firecracker Salmon

    Firecracker salmon on a teal plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make this speedy Firecracker Salmon in just 15 minutes for a tasty dinner featuring a zesty sauce and perfectly cooked fish. This flavorful spicy salmon dish is a simple and fast meal that will impress your guests.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Steak Chili

    Slow Cooker Steak Chili
    Photo Credit: Neighbor Food Blog.

    Hosting a dinner party but short on time? This easy recipe for a delicious chili is a crowd-pleaser. Packed with beans, flavorful seasonings, and tender steak, it's a hearty dish that will impress your guests.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

    The Best Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Hosting a dinner party? Try this quick and easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip that's ready in under 40 minutes, with just 10 minutes of hands-on cooking time. Packed with hot sauce, sour cream, chicken, and blue cheese, it's a spicy delight for buffalo fans.

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    Crockpot Steak Bites with Mushrooms

    Crockpot Steak Bites with Mushrooms
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Make these tasty Crockpot Steak Bites with mushrooms using simple ingredients like beef broth, butter, onion, garlic, beef, and mushrooms. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker for a flavorful meal!

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    Pesto Salmon

    Pesto salmon on a serving platter.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Effortlessly whip up this tasty Pesto Salmon in no time. Baked with a creamy Greek yogurt and pesto mix, it's a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Wonton Soup

    Wonton soup.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Hosting a dinner party can be stressful, but this Wonton Soup recipe makes it a breeze with frozen wontons and pre-chopped veggies for a quick and delicious meal.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Simplify your dinner party prep with this Instant Pot bolognese! Enjoy a delicious pasta sauce packed with flavors, made effortlessly using common pantry staples.

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    Sheet Pan Drumsticks & Potatoes

    Baked drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Go Healthy Ever After.

    Effortlessly whip up a tasty dinner party dish with these simple sheet pan chicken drumsticks and potatoes. The lemon garlic seasoning adds a burst of flavor to the juicy chicken and crispy potatoes, making it a perfect meal for any busy night.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This recipe is packed with chicken and broccoli, making it a satisfying meal that's perfect for leftovers.

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    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Hosting a dinner party doesn't have to be stressful. This simple salmon dish can be made using store-bought teriyaki sauce or homemade, and it's sure to be a hit with your guests.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Fettucine Alfredo

    A bowl of fettuccini alfredo.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This pasta dish practically makes itself in just one pot, with a creamy and rich flavor that's simply delicious.

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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 without any extra effort.

    Get the recipe

    Old Fashioned Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Chicken baked on top of rice.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    This classic Chicken and Rice Casserole is a go-to favorite for a simple and tasty meal. The seasoned chicken and rice cook together effortlessly for a stress-free dinner option.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Jerk Chicken with Pineapple

    Sheet Pan Jerk Chicken with Pineapple.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Hosting a dinner party? Try this simple Sheet Pan Jerk Chicken with Pineapple recipe. Packed with a mix of spicy and sweet flavors, it's a crowd-pleaser that's easy to make in one pan.

    Get the recipe

    No Boil Baked Ziti

    No Boil Baked Ziti
    Photo Credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    Enjoy all of the goodness of baked ziti with a fraction of the prep work! You don't have to boil the noodles or brown the meat, just layer it up and bake it to perfection.

    Get the recipe

    Leftover Boiled Potato Casserole

    Leftover boiled potato casserole.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Make a delicious casserole using leftover boiled potatoes. It's creamy, cheesy, and tastes just like baked potatoes.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Steak Bites

    Mexican Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Hosting a dinner party can be stressful, but these taco-seasoned steak bites with cheesy queso sauce are a simple and tasty solution for busy hosts.

    Get the recipe

    Mediterranean Veggie Casserole

    Veggie casserole.
    Photo credit: The Fiery Vegetarian.

    Hosting a dinner party but short on time? This casserole is a breeze to assemble and delivers flavorful veggies in a delicious garlic-infused sauce after a quick oven bake.

    Get the recipe

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      Score Big with These 22 Easy Football Sunday Appetizers

    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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