Are you looking for delicious and crowd-pleasing recipes to cater your next event? Whether it’s a wedding, corporate party, or family gathering, impressing your guests with mouth-watering dishes is key. In this article, we’ll share 20 delectable catering recipes that are sure to delight even the pickiest of eaters. From classic comfort foods to international flavors and sweet treats, our list has something for everyone.
From savory main courses like Herb-Roasted Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Beef Bourguignon with Buttered Noodles, to flavorful appetizers such as Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms and Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers, we’ve got you covered. And don’t forget the sweet treats – our recipes for Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin, Mini Quiches with Gruyère and Caramelized Onions, and Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Tartlets are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Herb-Roasted Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Savor the flavors of a classic roasted chicken dish paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
– 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the potatoes:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with butter, garlic, cream, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve the roasted chicken with garlic mashed potatoes.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Beef Bourguignon with Buttered Noodles
This rich and flavorful French dish is a hearty celebration of beef, mushrooms, and red wine. With tender chunks of beef simmering in a rich broth, served over buttery noodles, this classic recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 1 cup red wine (Burgundy or similar)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon tomato paste
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 12 oz egg noodles
– 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, then remove from pot.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened. Add mushrooms; cook until tender.
3. Add wine, broth, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 1 hour.
4. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Melt butter in a separate pan; toss with cooked noodles.
5. Serve beef mixture over noodles.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with these creamy, savory, and indulgent Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms. A perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (button or cremini work well)
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine spinach, artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Mix well.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the spinach-artichoke mixture, dividing it evenly among the caps.
4. Sprinkle garlic on top of each stuffed mushroom.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Elevate your gatherings with these flavorful and easy-to-make shrimp skewers, bursting with the zesty combination of lemon and garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and oregano. Add the shrimp and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Thread 4-5 shrimp per skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and tangy Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin recipe, perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-1.5 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze, olive oil, garlic, and honey.
3. Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
4. Place the pork on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the balsamic glaze mixture evenly over both sides of the tenderloin.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil
A classic Italian salad that’s simple yet elegant, this Caprese salad is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. With the sweetness of tomatoes, creaminess of mozzarella, and brightness of fresh basil, you’ll be enjoying a taste of Italy in every bite.
Ingredients:
– 3 large, ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into thin rounds
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Arrange the tomato slices on a large plate or platter.
2. Top each tomato slice with a round of mozzarella cheese.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad in a zigzag pattern.
4. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the salad, creating a small pool around each stack.
5. Sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the salad.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This is a no-cook recipe, as we want to preserve the freshness of the ingredients.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Get ready to sink your teeth into these irresistible sliders packed with tender pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and crunchy toppings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Pickle slices
– Cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a slow cooker, combine pork shoulder and BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 8 hours.
3. Shred the cooked pork with two forks.
4. Split hamburger buns in half and toast.
5. Assemble sliders by placing shredded pork onto each bun, topping with coleslaw, pickle slices, and cheddar cheese (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8 hours
Vegetable Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce
A classic Italian dish, this vegetable lasagna is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Layers of tender vegetables, rich béchamel sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese come together to create a satisfying and comforting casserole.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups béchamel sauce (see below for recipe)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, sauté vegetables and onion until tender. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Assemble lasagna by spreading béchamel sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, followed by layers of cooked noodles, vegetable mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Top with Parmesan cheese and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Thai Peanut Chicken Satay
Discover the authentic flavors of Thailand with this mouthwatering peanut chicken satay recipe, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into skewer-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 8 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Fresh cilantro leaves and peanuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend until smooth.
3. Thread chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the peanut sauce evenly onto the chicken, making sure to coat all surfaces.
5. Grill the satays for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro leaves and peanuts.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Mini Quiches with Gruyère and Caramelized Onions
Mini Quiches with Gruyère and Caramelized Onions: A Delicious Appetizer or Snack
These bite-sized quiches are perfect for a party, potluck, or just a quick snack. The combination of flaky crust, gooey Gruyère cheese, and sweet caramelized onions is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 12 equal squares.
4. Spoon a small amount of caramelized onion onto each square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges. Top with grated Gruyère cheese.
5. Fold squares in half diagonally and press edges together to seal.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Place quiches on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Pita Chips
Elevate your snack game with this flavorful and healthy dip, perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Roasting the red peppers brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with creamy hummus.
Ingredients:
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– Pita chips or crudités for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast the red peppers by placing them on a baking sheet and drizzling with olive oil. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and blistered.
3. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool. Peel off the skin, discarding it, and place the roasted peppers in a blender or food processor.
4. Add the chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, and salt to the blender. Blend until smooth.
5. Serve the hummus with pita chips or crudités.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Grilled Salmon with Dill Cream Sauce
Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful and refreshing salmon recipe, topped with a tangy dill cream sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. While salmon is cooking, mix yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
5. Brush grill with olive oil to prevent sticking.
6. Serve grilled salmon with dollops of dill cream sauce spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Wild Rice and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of acorn squash with the savory flavors of wild rice, cranberries, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy fall dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 small to medium-sized acorn squash (about 2 lbs)
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and pulp.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked wild rice with cranberries, butter, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each squash half with the rice mixture, mounding it slightly.
5. Place stuffed squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cut side up.
6. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until squash is tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
These tender and flavorful dinner rolls are infused with the richness of garlic butter, perfect for accompanying your favorite meals or as a snack on their own. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying these delicious rolls in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup garlic butter (see below)
Garlic Butter:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add melted butter, sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Spread garlic butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
6. Roll up tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.
7. Place rolls on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Tartlets
Elevate your dessert game with these bite-sized treats that combine the sweetness of strawberries and chocolate. Perfect for a romantic evening or a special occasion, these tartlets are easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry and cut into small squares, about 3 inches per side.
3. In a bowl, mix together sliced strawberries and granulated sugar.
4. Place a spoonful of the strawberry mixture onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or shape as desired.
6. Brush tops with melted butter and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Dip cooled tartlets into the chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
8. Place dipped tartlets on a wire rack set over parchment paper. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Feta
A refreshing summer salad that combines the creamy tang of feta cheese with the nutty flavor of orzo, all tied together with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked orzo
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, mint, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (includes cooking time for orzo)
Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Polenta
Rich and tender short ribs slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce, served with a comforting side of creamy polenta – the perfect comfort food dish for a cozy evening.
Ingredients:
– 4 beef short ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups polenta
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat; brown short ribs, then remove from pot.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add wine, broth, tomato paste, and thyme; stir to combine.
6. Return short ribs to pot; cover and transfer to preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until tender.
8. Meanwhile, bring polenta and water to a boil; cook, stirring frequently, until creamy.
9. Stir in butter and heavy cream; season with salt and pepper.
10. Serve short ribs with creamy polenta.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Avocado and Mango Salsa with Tortilla Chips
This vibrant salsa combines the creamy richness of avocado with the sweet, tropical flavor of mango, perfectly balanced for a delicious snack or appetizer. Serve it with crunchy tortilla chips for a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
• 2 ripe mangos, diced
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• Salt, to taste
• 1 bag tortilla chips
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine mango, avocado, red onion, and jalapeño.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve the salsa chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (prep time only)
Enjoy your delicious Avocado and Mango Salsa with Tortilla Chips!
Tiramisu Trifle in Individual Cups
Tiramisu Trifle in Individual Cups
Elevate your dessert game with this creative take on the classic Italian treat. Layers of ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and espresso-soaked goodness come together in a miniature masterpiece.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
– 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee or espresso for about 3-5 seconds on each side. They should be soft and pliable.
2. In a separate bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. To assemble the trifles, start with a ladyfinger in the bottom of an individual cup. Top with a dollop of mascarpone mixture, followed by another ladyfinger.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mascarpone on top.
5. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including assembly time)
Pesto Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A vibrant and flavorful salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner, featuring the classic combination of pasta, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as bow tie or penne)
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto sauce
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Looking for delicious catering recipes that will please a crowd? Look no further! This article features 20 mouth-watering recipes perfect for your next event. From classic comfort food to international flavors, these dishes are sure to impress. Recipes include Herb-Roasted Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Beef Bourguignon with Buttered Noodles, and many more. Whether you’re hosting a party or planning a corporate event, these recipes will help make it a memorable occasion.
