Our Team’s Go-To Dinner Party Recipes

We asked the Spruce team to share their tried-and-tested favourites — the dishes they turn to when friends are coming over and they want to impress (without spending 5 hours in the kitchen). Here’s what made the cut:

🥦 Emma’s Pick: Broccoli Pesto & Pancetta Pasta

Bright, herby, and loaded with flavour, this one-pan pasta is a crowd-pleaser that looks (and tastes) way fancier than it is.

🥔 James’ Pick: Baked Potato Gnocchi

Soft, golden pillows of crispy-edged gnocchi tossed in brown butter and sage. A guaranteed “how did you make this?” dish.

🥐 Amy’s Pick: Creamed Spinach Salmon Puff

Flaky pastry, rich spinach filling, buttery salmon — all baked to golden perfection. A perfect centrepiece that feels elevated but still comforting.

🍗 Meghan’s Pick: Three Cup Chicken

Sticky, glossy, savoury and fragrant. This Taiwanese classic brings soy, sesame and spice together for something deeply satisfying.