One of my favorite holiday traditions is the annual dinner party that Adam and I host for a few of our closest friends in the lead up to Christmas. Why not dress up and enjoy a leisurely adult-only evening in the midst of the seasonal whirlwind? In recent years we decided to mix things up by inviting everyone to bring their children. result? Endless fun, a little extra mess, and way more mouths to feed.
When thinking about menus, I revisit tried-and-true holiday party recipes that make feeding a crowd feel fun, not stressful. Simple yet festive dishes are a non-negotiable for any holiday dinner party, especially if you don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen (or pass out in the middle). Thanks to years spent in catering, I’ve amassed a solid lineup of main dish recipes that check all the boxes. A popular crowd-pleasing recipe that most people will love, it’s built around bulk cooking on a sheet pan or on the grill so you don’t have to sauté each of 16 fish fillets or stir-fry an egg, and it’s designed to be as easy to make as possible so you can pour it into glasses, take a breather, and join in the fun by the time your guests arrive.
14 Festive and Easy Holiday Party Recipes to Feed a Crowd
We’ve hand-picked this guide to make your holiday hosting really easy. Rather than organizing recipes by number of guests, you’ll find that recipes are grouped by effort level, from make-ahead dishes that you actually prepare yourself to upscale yet practical options and, of course, elaborate showstoppers that deliver true wow moments.
So the next time you’re hosting a holiday party and wondering what to cook, bookmark this guide. These recipes are designed to keep things simple, festive, and stress-free, leaving your guests happy, satisfied, and looking forward to your next invite.
Easy & proactive
Here are some recipes to keep you sane when your calendar is full but you still want to host. Think hassle-free, bulk meals that can be prepared hours in advance. light a candlepour yourself a glass and really enjoy your own party.
zuppa tuscan soup
Things kick off with this sure-fire crowd-pleaser, much better than the Olive Garden version. This Zuppa Tuscan Soup is creamy and hearty, a bowl that will have everyone coming back for “just a ladle more.” This is the definition of cold-weather comfort and perfect to serve to a hungry vacationing crew.
sheet pan gnocchi
Proving that even the simplest recipes can earn you Host of the Year status. These sheet pan gnocchi come out beautifully crispy and the vegetables caramelize in pure magic. This is a family-friendly main dish that allows you to enjoy the party freely without using your hands.
vegetarian white chickpea chili
Light, bright, and secretly packed with protein, this white chili is a fresh alternative to the red-meat-heavy classic chili. Build a big pot, prepare your toppings, and watch everyone customize their perfect bowl.
winter vegetable lasagna
There’s a good reason why lasagna is a popular dish for large groups. This vegetable lasagna is a light twist on a classic dish, and making pasta from scratch is worth the effort and time. The filling can be prepared the day before, giving you more time to spend with your dinner party staff.
A little fancy (but doable)
Perfect for gatherings where you want a little sparkle without spending the whole night in the kitchen. These crowd-pleasers look lofty but rely on simple techniques and pair beautifully with the items below. simple serverware A highlight with a casually elegant finish.
pesto pasta alla vodka
Creamy, velvety and indulgent, Pasta Alla Vodka always brings a festive feeling. It’s a dish that brings a special presentation without taking too much time into the host’s itinerary. This is a big advantage if you’re inviting a large number of guests.
Pork tenderloin with orange chili sauce, carrot pesto and grilled carrots
Pork tenderloin is always a popular holiday recipe, and this flavorful recipe is the only recipe you need. It’s a great time to heat up the grill during the winter, and a great excuse to reserve the oven to add other flavorful dishes to your holiday table.
Sheet pan halibut with Italian salsa verde and asparagus
Elegant enough for a dinner party, yet easy to stir-fry and roast, this halibut delivers bright, herb-filled flavor without the fuss. Although it’s a light main, it has a holiday feel to it, perfect for balancing out a rich, festive feel.
Slow-roasted salmon with fennel and herbs
The benefit of lighter holiday party recipes is that you can leave room for delicious side dishes (and you won’t feel completely bloated at the end of the night). This roasted salmon recipe is cooked to perfection and comes together all in one baking dish.
roast chicken
If you’ve ever wanted to try a whole roasted chicken, this recipe is a great place to start. With mouth-watering roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh garlic, this might be the most flavorful holiday recipe everyone will love.
When you want to make a good impression
These are dishes that are guaranteed to take some breath away when they appear on the table. Bold flavors, gorgeous presentation, and just the right amount of “wow” feeling, especially when styled. decorative stoneware or sustainable glasswareinstantly transform your dinner spread.
rosemary bourbon glazed ham
Perfect for the holiday season, this bourbon glazed ham is caramelized and glossy (no dried ham here!). Best of all, it feeds a large group without asking for much in return.
carne asada tacos
Festive, fun, and basically impossible to mess up, these tacos are my go-to when feeding people with a variety of tastes. Set up your own spread and watch your guests meander around your taco bar all night long.
Sweet and spicy stew of short ribs
You’ll never get tired of sweet and spicy short ribs. No one will be sad if you feed your family and friends every year. The meat falls off the bone, so it’s easy to share with a group. And the best part? These go in the oven well before your guests arrive and are (basically) hands-off until mealtime.
Lamb meatballs with tomato sauce and fresh ricotta cheese
Tender and aromatic, swimming in a rich tomato sauce, these lamb meatballs bring Mediterranean comfort to your table. Serve with crunchy bread, over pasta, or as a hearty small dish.
short libra goo
Slow-cooked until tender, this short rib ragu is the epitome of holiday decadence. It’s a dish that tastes like it’s been cooking all day (but no one needs to know otherwise!).
This post was last updated on December 8, 2025 with new insights.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
