Favorite Party Side Dishes

kross605

I need ideas. We're having a casual housewarming type party at our new house this weekend and Im struggling with picking out side items (pasta salad, mac n cheese etc). I dont really have the time for elaborate recipes, Im just looking for standard crowd pleasers. Any favorites you can pass on or menu advice? There will be about 25 adults and 8 kids (aged 6m-6yr). fwiw. Thanks!

ering1115

this one is a standard buffet item at our family parties.  it is really good and you can make it the day before since it is served cold. 
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Red-Potato-and-Green-Bean-Salad-with-Dijon-Vinaigrette-106929

i have been making a pastina with arugula, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and jarred pesto a bunch this summer too.  it is pretty easy as long as you can find everything in the grocery store. 

eSynergy

My easy favs for parties....crockpot pierogies, pulled pork in a crockpot with rolls, cheese/cracker tray, veggie tray, fruit salad, another green salad, trader joe's cookies/desserts. 

jessica0602

This may sound stupid but a large caesar or spring mix salad is usually a hit.

kross605

eSynergy:

My easy favs for parties....crockpot pierogies, pulled pork in a crockpot with rolls, cheese/cracker tray, veggie tray, fruit salad, another green salad, trader joe's cookies/desserts. 

you must elaborate on the crockpot pierogies and pulled pork--sounds delish. Man, Im gonna need more crock pots! 

kross605

ering1115:

this one is a standard buffet item at our family parties.  it is really good and you can make it the day before since it is served cold. 
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Red-Potato-and-Green-Bean-Salad-with-Dijon-Vinaigrette-106929

How important is the vermouth? I dont have this and dont really want to buy a whole bottle of it for just this recipe. Substitutes or leave out? 

eSynergy

pierogies: dump large bag of Mrs. T's frozen pierogies into crockpot, add 1 chopped onion, 1 stick of butter (cut up into pieces) --- mix around and cook for 3-4 hours. You can add more butter if needed, and stir around every 1/2 hour or so so they don't burn/stick to the sides.

pulled pork: my friend always brings this to parties. She buys the pre-made pulled pork at the store and then empties it into a crockpot to heat it. It's always a big hit! 

I'm usually really good about making stuff from scratch but parties really stress me out. This is probably what we'll be doing if we have a housewarming this fall! I have zero time to cook...just cleaning the house and getting simple dishes ready, will probably stress me out.

kross605

eSynergy:

I'm usually really good about making stuff from scratch but parties really stress me out. This is probably what we'll be doing if we have a housewarming this fall! I have zero time to cook...just cleaning the house and getting simple dishes ready, will probably stress me out.

Exactly, I cant afford to cater it all so Im trying to prioritize what to buy and what to make-- but the making stuff has to be easy! Im loving make ahead dishes and crock pot items! 

ering1115

kross605:

ering1115:

this one is a standard buffet item at our family parties.  it is really good and you can make it the day before since it is served cold. 
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Red-Potato-and-Green-Bean-Salad-with-Dijon-Vinaigrette-106929

How important is the vermouth? I dont have this and dont really want to buy a whole bottle of it for just this recipe. Substitutes or leave out? 

you can totally skip it. i don't think i have ever added it.  if you can find a store bought dijon salad dressing you like you can just use that too.  since i had little man i have been skipping some ingredients and making things as simple as possible by using pre-made dressings and marinades. 

MsKellDel

Jess's crockpot mac n cheese is delicious, maybe she can post the recipe, i dont have it handy. but easy and a crowd pleaser

i always do a big salad, whatever you usually make and keep dressing on the side to prevent sogginess.

pasta salad: tri pasta, zesty italian dressing, carrots, peppers, olives, cheese

simple dip: mix a block of cream cheese with a packet of dry italian dressing and serve with bistro crackers 

JenD1018

It's more and app then a side, but I just made this easy dip for a party and people gobbled it up and asked if it was laced with crack.  I subbed fat-free greek yogurt for the mayo and next time, I'll just put it in an 8x8 dish instead of baking it in a bread bowl.

 Hot Bacon Cheese Spread
1 16 ounce loaf round bread
12 slices bacon, crisp and crumbled
1 8 ounce package Shredded Colby/Monterrey Jack cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced

Cut the top of the bread off, removing center leaving the shell 1 inch thick. Cut removed bread into bite size pieces and set aside.

Mix remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Spoon into hollowed out bread shell. Cover shell with the top piece of the bread, and place on a cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serve with the bread pieces or crackers

babe2331

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

• 1lb box Rotini pasta
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups montery jack cheese, shredded
• Half of a large block of Velveeta cheese
• 3 cups milk
• Garlic salt
• 1/2 stick of butter
• breadcrumbs (any flavor) - optional but recommended

1. Cook pasta in boiling water for 1/2 the time on the box, usually about 7 minutes. Strain.
2. Place pasta and all other ingredients except breadcrumbs in the crockpot and mix well.
3. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
4. If cooking on low, check periodically as it is sometimes done sooner.
5. Approximately 30-45 minutes before end time, sprinkle top with breadcrumbs.
6. When the breadcrumbs become crispy, it is ready.

I will also be using Kel's Hoagie Dip recipe for my work party on Saturday.

jessica0602

Ah yes, the crockpot mac and cheese.  How could I forget my favorite side?

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

• 1lb box Rotini pasta
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups montery jack cheese, shredded
• Half of a large block of Velveeta cheese
• 3 cups milk
• Garlic salt
• 1/2 stick of butter
• breadcrumbs (any flavor) - optional but recommended

1. Cook pasta in boiling water for 1/2 the time on the box, usually about 7 minutes. Strain.
2. Place pasta and all other ingredients except breadcrumbs in the crockpot and mix well.
3. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
4. If cooking on low, check periodically as it is sometimes done sooner.
5. Approximately 30-45 minutes before end time, sprinkle top with breadcrumbs.
6. When the breadcrumbs become crispy, it is ready.

ladybug1211

Could I have the hoagie dip recipe?  I'm having a 1st birthday party for my daughter next weekend and this sounds like it could be an appetizer contender.

 Thanks!

kross605

ladybug1211:

Could I have the hoagie dip recipe?  I'm having a 1st birthday party for my daughter next weekend and this sounds like it could be an appetizer contender.

 Thanks!

Yes, recipe for me too! DH and I had a neighborhood deli in our old 'hood that made great hoagie dip and we both totally forgot about it since moving. He will be ECSTATIC to have this guilty pleasure back in his life.

tracyd21

I am a big fan of roasted or grilled veggies.  They don't need to be served piping hot either - so you can cook them earlier and let them sit covered until you are ready to serve.  I usually do chopped zucchini, squash, eggplant, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms - I let them marinate for about 30 minutes in a little bit of evoo and mccormick grillmates onion and garlic blend (my go-to seasoning for pretty much everything).  Then pop them in an aluminum plan and throw on the grill and undercook just a little - then take the pan off the heat and cover with foil until you're ready to eat.  They steam from being covered will cook them the rest of the way.

Also roasted potatoes are an easy one - I buy the mini potatoes to save the step of chopping.

I also make a cold shrimp, orzo and feta salad with cucumbers, grape tomatoes, evoo, s/p, and parsley.

ooooh - a huge hit was "swedish meatballs" - literally the easiest thing i ever made.  toss frozen mini meatballs in the crockpot with a 1-2 jars of chili sauce and a 1-2 jars of grape jelly (depending on how many meatballs).  cook on low for 5+ hours or high for 2-4ish hours (just check them). 

Something that has saved me with parties are chafing dishes and sternos - you can get them very very cheap at a party city or xmas tree shop and they work great to keep hot stuff hot.

 

babe2331

Kel gets all the credit for this one. It will be my first time making it on Saturday, but it sounds delish.

Hoagie Dip

1/4 lb. Provolone
1/4 lb. Imported Ham
1/4 lb. Genoa Salami

1 small red onion
1/2 head of lettuce
Oregano (lots) add to taste
1/2 cup of mayo (you can add more if you think it needs it)

Mix the meats and cheese in a food processor, Magic Bullet, or Ninja. In a food processor do the onion and drain the excess water then the lettuce and drain the excess water. Mix everything together in a bowl and then add the mayo and oregano. Serve with a hoagie roll- preferably Sarcone's since it is crispy and perfect