My 3 Best Crowd-Pleasing Party Recipes That are Easy
It’s that time of year where holidays run together and there are parties and fun to be had. Today I am sharing my 3 best crowd-pleasing party recipes that are easy to make and yummy to eat!
What is the most popular food at parties?
Whether you are going to a party or hosting one, the most popular foods at parties are things that people can recognize. Most people will graze a buffet table and pick items that, not only look appetizing, but also look familiar.
So when choosing to host a party or bringing something to one, plan to bring an item that has simple ingredients that many would choose to eat and can recognize.
What is a good main dish for a party?
When making a main dish for a party, it is always best to make something that can be easily done in bulk.
Each year, I host an annual cookie exchange at the holidays for my friends. I make lunch and then we all swap cookies. Planning the main dish for the party is always easy, as I don’t stray much from the theme I have set forth.
Whether it be cooking in a slow cooker or dinner party recipes that are served in a casserole dish, choose recipes that speak to your party goers. For my group of friends, we always have a mix of fresh entree salads, soups or chilis, or even pasta.
When planning, think: What ages are your guests (kids or adults)? Is there a theme for the party menu? Will there be bite-sized finger foods and cold items, where having something warm would be welcome?
Whatever you choose for your next party, make sure it is yummy, easy to make, and would appeal to most people.
What is a good meal to make for guests?
Many times when we have parties, I love to make Mexican food. Being from Southern California originally, they are flavors I grew up on and could literally eat everyday. Honestly, most days I do. I also know that most people like it too.
So there is no surprise when I tell you that my favorite recipes lean in that direction. Not to mention, it is really popular party food. I mean, what’s not to love? Cheese, sour cream, cream cheese and fresh vegetables are a staple of many meals. Add tortilla chips, and I call that a win.
What is easy food to bring to a party?
When you think of easy party foods, I think of appetizers. Doesn’t everyone love delicious dips or a fabulous charcuterie? It’s the best party snack.
I know when I give or attend a party, the appetizer recipes are the ones that always get rave reviews because everybody loves a good snack. Over the years, my party guests have grown to love and even request something.
They will say, “You’re making your famous bean dip I hope”! And of course I am always happy to oblige.
My 3 Best Crowd-Pleasing Party Recipes
Okay, here are my 3 favorite party recipes that everyone loves:
My Famous Bean Dip
When you think of perfect easy party food, my mind will always go to a dip. A dip is really the perfect appetizer. And nothing is better than my favorite bean dip.
Made with a base of refried beans, it has cream cheese, green onions, jalapeños, hot sauce, and other yummy ingredients that make this hot dip the best thing to put on tortilla chips.
It is always the first thing the kids dig into, so if I am making it knowing the grandkids will be around, I do tame the spiciness. The best part is this dip is so easy to assemble earlier in the day and refrigerate. Right before the party, when things are getting tossed in the oven, I can pull this out and bake it to be ready for when people start to arrive.
It is served hot and bubbly and is full of cheddar cheese goodness. I know when you make it, everyone will love it. Click the link above for the full recipe.
This appetizer is good party food, and can be made and enjoyed no matter what the theme of the party is. It would go well with anything from chicken wings to tacos, and is a favorite at all of our holiday gatherings.
The kids always request it for New years, Super Bowl, and any large gathering where you want an easy, no-fail recipe.
The Best Pico de Gallo You’ll Ever Have
Next up on the party spread is the best pico you will ever have. If easy appetizers is just about cutting ingredients up, the grouping of these are simple and delicious.
This one is my fave to serve with dishes like tacos and enchiladas, but I have even made it as a side and topping to fresh grilled fish or flank steak. Black beans will make a nice side dish to the protein, with this adding all the flavor.
It has six main ingredients and is a great way to use up all those yummy vine-ripened tomatoes from the garden. It can be made in advance and refrigerated until you are ready to serve it. The avocado is the key ingredient that brings the creaminess and the lime juice in it will keep the avocados from turning too quickly.
Serving it as a dip, I love to fry my own tortilla chips from corn tortillas. I swear, sometimes this could just be a meal itself. But once you try this pico recipe, you will make it time and time again. And I promise, your family and friends will request it just as much!
The Corn Thing
This corn casserole has been at many a memorable party that we have had. And it has graced our dinner table even when it was just us two. The leftovers (if there are any) are the one you want to hide so you don’t have to share it.
Again, this recipe is five easy ingredients and doesn’t require much time to prep. I make it as a side and topping to when I make chili or hearty soups.
With a bit of extra sugar, I love to make it to serve with a variety of Mexican foods. It brings the perfect balance to the main course. I use an ice cream scoop to plop a bit on the side.
It is also a wonderful side dish for Thanksgiving dinner, as there are so many flavors in those dinner recipes that it pairs with, and we have served it over and over, year after year.
Of course, I have to tell you a funny story about how much everyone loves my corn casserole, especially one friend.
For the love of the corn thing
Our friends, Elmer and Amy, spent several years attending all of our holiday celebrations, as they were living in Michigan (away from family) for several years. Elmer especially loved the corn casserole, so any chance I got, I would invite them to dinner and make it. We all share a deep love of tacos, so they are always on my guest list, and the corn thing pairs so well with that.
When they were nearing the time that they would be moving back to California, they attended our annual Christmas Eve party. Knowing it would be their last, Elmer piled his plate with his fave side dish. We were sitting with other friends and talking about them leaving. Elmer got a bit misty in the eyes and said, “I’m really going to miss this corn thing”.
One of our other friends was like, “Are you crying over the corn thing?” and I just had to laugh! I’m sure he was more emotional knowing that he would miss many things about Michigan, but that just cracked me up! First, Elmer is like 6′ 7″ tall. So he’s not one you would want to make fun of, but he didn’t even mind. He does really love the corn thing!
And don’t worry, I did share the recipe with them when they moved and now you can have it too! It might just become a family favorite at your house.
The best easy recipes
I hope you will try one of these easy party food ideas. All three recipes are so versatile, and can go with many types of food. And obviously, you don’t even need a party to enjoy them!
The hardest part about making them is coming up with an excuse to make them again and again. But either of them can be made for dinner with the family too. Or try them for a holiday gathering, or a party of one to enjoy and eat all by yourself! Or you can call me, I’ll bring the chips!
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