Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics

Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics

Ina Garten’s Best Dinner Party Recipes to Impress Guests

Posted by Melissa Girimonte. Last Updated on January 23, 2020

Hosting a dinner party? Look no further than these exquisite recipes from The Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten, for menu inspiration ... and prepare to wow your guests!

  • Lamb Sausage in Puff Pastry
     
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    Lamb Sausage in Puff Pastry

    <p>These party favourites are easier than they look, and are sure to be gobbled up by dinner party guests. Making use of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/photos/ina-garten-recipes-using-store-bought-ingredients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">store-bought puff pastry</a>, and lamb sausage is the key to these tasty appetizers.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lamb-sausage-in-puff-pastry/22298/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Lamb Sausage in Puff Pastry</strong></a></p>
  • Parmesan Chive Smashed Potatoes
     
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    Parmesan Chive Smashed Potatoes

    <p>If you're serving a rich meat dish, skip the delicate, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/mouth-watering-mashed-potato-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fluffy mashed potatoes</a> and smash your spuds instead. First, boil your potatoes – skin and all – and then press them with a large masher or metal measuring cup before roasting them. This recipe allows you to use smaller potatoes, and the texture pairs beautifully with steaks or roasts.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/parmesan-chive-smashed-potatoes/21879/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Parmesan Chive Smashed Potatoes</strong></a></p>
  • Smoked Salmon Spread
     
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    Smoked Salmon Spread

    <p>Skip the store-bought dips and opt for this flavour-packed spread instead. Get all the flavours of lox in one bite with this cream cheese, dill and smoked salmon starter.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-smoked-salmon-spread/17349/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Smoked Salmon Spread</strong></a></p>
  • Limoncello Vodka Collins
     
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    Limoncello Vodka Collins

    <p>Welcome your guests with a fresh citrusy cocktail to get the party going. Make a batch of the vodka cocktails ahead of guests arriving so you can have time to mix and mingle without running to the kitchen to prepare a fresh drink at every arrival.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/limoncello-vodka-collins/23169/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Limoncello Vodka Collins</strong></a></p>
  • Fruit and Cheese Platter
     
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    Fruit and Cheese Platter

    <p>Whether you serve fruit and cheese as guests arrive for dinner or as a post-meal alternative to dessert, this platter will be a hit. Ina pairs grapes, fig preserves, creamy goat cheese and homemade oat crackers for the ideal combination of sweet and savoury.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/fruit-and-cheese-platter/19907/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Fruit and Cheese Platter</strong></a></p>
  • Greek Mezze Platter
     
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    Greek Mezze Platter

    <p>This easy appetizer platter has a little of everything — toasted pita chips, salty marinated feta cheese, roasted red peppers, stuffed grape leaves and smooth, garlicky hummus.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/greek-mezze-platter/20015/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Greek Mezze Platter</strong></a></p>
  • French Charcuterie Platter
     
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    French Charcuterie Platter

    <p>A classic charcutire board is a great way to prepare for a superb meal. Assemble an assortment of French <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/dining-out/photos/popular-kosher-delis-across-canada/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">deli favourites</a> – think hams and sausages – along with pates, pickles, mustard, and sourdough bread.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/french-charcuterie-platter/21661/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's French Charcuterie Platter</strong></a></p>
  • Herb Coeur A La Creme
     
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    Herb Coeur A La Creme

    <p>Coeur a la creme is a versatile molded <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/best-cheese-ball-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cheese dish</a> that can be given a sweet or savoury flourish. This recipe calls for a vibrant blend of herbs – including scallions, dill and chives – making it the perfect pre-dinner snack.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/herb-coeur-a-la-creme/20665/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Herb Coeur A La Creme</strong></a></p>
  • Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Louis
     
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    Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Louis

    <p>Impress your guests with a homemade roasted shrimp ring and tangy cocktail sauce. It will be gone in a flash, so feel free to steal a few before serving to your party.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-shrimp-cocktail-louis/22295/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Louis</strong></a></p>
  • Easy Coquilles Saint Jacques
     
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    Easy Coquilles Saint Jacques

    <p>Ina simplifies a French bistro favourite in this creamy, cheesy seafood appetizer. Prepare the bay scallops, sauce, breadcrumbs and cheese in gratin dishes, and bake them until golden and bubbly.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/easy-coquilles-saint-jacques/21663/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Easy Coquilles Saint Jacques</strong></a></p>
  • Make-Ahead Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes
     
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    Make-Ahead Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

    <p>Give your mashed potatoes a creamy, decadent twist by adding garlic, herb goat cheese and sour cream. Cook and mash your potatoes the day before or morning of your soiree, incorporating all of your ingredients, and then pop the dish in the fridge. Simply bake them before serving until the top is an enticing golden brown.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/make-ahead-goat-cheese-mashed-potatoes/22304/" target="_blank"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Make-Ahead Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes</strong></a></p>
  • Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mustard Sauce
     
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    Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mustard Sauce

    <p>This effortless dish is made in <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-one-skillet-dinner-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">one skillet</a> on the stovetop, and is ready in under an hour. Ina cooks chicken thighs to a golden, juicy finish and then creates the velvety sauce with creme fraiche, white wine and two types of high-quality mustard.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/chicken-thighs-with-creamy-mustard-sauce/22321/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mustard Sauce</strong></a></p>
  • Cider-Roasted Pork Tenderloins
     
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    Cider-Roasted Pork Tenderloins

    <p>Choosing <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/perfect-pork-tenderloin-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pork tenderloins</a> for a dinner party main allows you to get a head start on your meal prep. Create the perfect marinade with hard cider, maple syrup and a mix of spices, and allow the meat to sit overnight to ensure that all of the flavours are absorbed. Pop them in the oven when your guests arrive, and you'll have perfectly roasted pork in under 30 minutes.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/cider-roasted-pork-tenderloins/20410/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Cider-Roasted Pork Tenderloins</strong></a></p>
  • Grilled New York Strip Steaks
     
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    Grilled New York Strip Steaks

    <p>Grilled New York strip steaks are an uncomplicated, yet mouthwatering, main dish for your next dinner party. Ina creates her own fragrant spice rub that features ground coffee and chipotle chile powder to give it a unique flavour profile.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/grilled-new-york-strip-steaks/21884/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Grilled New York Strip Steaks</strong></a></p>
  • English Rib Roast
     
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    English Rib Roast

    <p>Standing <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-roast-beef-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">rib roasts</a> are easy to prepare and make an impressive centrepiece for a dinner party. Ina uses a simple combination of Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to season the beef before cooking.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/english-rib-roast/22301/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's English Rib Roast</strong></a></p>
  • Rigatoni with Sausage & Fennel
     
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    Rigatoni with Sausage & Fennel

    <p>While <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/comfort-food-classic-top-25-lasagna-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lasagna</a> might come to mind when thinking of a dinner party pasta dish, rigatoni is a delightful alternative. This one-pot meal tosses large pasta tubes with sweet Italian sausage, chopped fennel, and a creamy tomato-white wine sauce.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/rigatoni-with-sausage-and-fennel/20409/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Rigatoni with Sausage & Fennel</strong></a></p>
  • Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
     
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    Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta

    <p>Although <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/best-brussels-sprouts-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Brussels sprouts</a> are absolutely scrumptious when roasted, shaving and then sauteeing the mini cabbages really changes up the flavour experience. Ina starts her recipe with pancetta and olive oil and finishes it with syrupy balsamic vinegar, giving it a Mediterranean profile.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/shaved-brussels-sprouts-with-pancetta/22300/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta</strong></a></p>
  • Tricolore Salad with Oranges
     
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    Tricolore Salad with Oranges

    <p>This colourful salad ticks all the boxes, with its blend of arugula, radicchio and endive, briny olives, tangy pickled onion, and sweet orange. It's all brought together with a simple vinaigrette made with lemon juice, olive oil and Dijon.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/tricolore-salad-with-oranges/22370/" target="_blank"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Tricolore Salad with Oranges</strong></a></p>
  • Green Salad with the Ultimate French Vinaigrette
     
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    Green Salad with the Ultimate French Vinaigrette

    <p>Take your favourite salad greens and toss them in a simply scrumptious, very French Champagne-Dijon <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/40-homemade-salad-dressings-and-vinaigrettes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vinaigrette</a>. Serve it as an appetizer for pasta, or as a side with fish or chicken.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/green-salad-with-the-ultimate-french-vinaigrette/21660/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Green Salad with the Ultimate French Vinaigrette</strong></a></p>
  • Parmesan-Roasted Cauliflower
     
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    Parmesan-Roasted Cauliflower

    <p>Roasting cauliflower brings out the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/photos/ina-garten-vegetable-side-dishes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vegetable dish</a>'s nutty sweetness, and is complemented by grated Parmesan and Gruyere. Whether served as a side or an appetizer, you'll barely get it on the table before it disappears.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/parmesan-roasted-cauliflower/20580/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Parmesan-Roasted Cauliflower</strong></a></p>
  • French Apple Tart
     
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    French Apple Tart

    <p>The perfect way to end a meal with friends and family is with this elegant <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/irresistible-apple-dessert-recipes-for-fall/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">apple dessert</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-french-apple-tart/15374/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>French Apple Tart</strong></a></p>
  • Limoncello Ricotta Cheesecake
     
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    Limoncello Ricotta Cheesecake

    <p>End your feast on a bright note with this simple <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/35-most-decadent-cheesecake-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cheesecake</a> recipe from Ina Garten. A mix of cream cheese and ricotta infused with southern Italian lemon liqueur is nestled on a classic graham cracker crust for a sweet burst of sunshine any time of the year.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/limoncello-ricotta-cheesecake/19971/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Limoncello Ricotta Cheesecake</strong></a></p>
  • Chocolate Ganache Cake
     
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    Chocolate Ganache Cake

    <p>No dinner party is complete without one of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/photos/ina-garten-most-showstopping-desserts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina's showstopping desserts</a>, and this rich, chocolatey treat is ready in less than two hours. The cake is made with luscious chocolate syrup, and topped with a creamy dark chocolate ganache.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/chocolate-ganache-cake/20579/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Chocolate Ganache Cake</strong></a></p>
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