Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics

Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics

Ina Garten’s 20 Best Dinner Party Recipes to Impress Guests

Posted by Melissa Girimonte on February 22, 2019

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!

  • Cider-Roasted Pork Tenderloins
     
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    Cider-Roasted Pork Tenderloins

    <p>Choosing pork tenderloins 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>
  • Parmesan Chive Smashed Potatoes
     
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    Parmesan Chive Smashed Potatoes

    <p>If you're serving a rich meat dish, skip the delicate, fluffy mashed potatoes 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"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Parmesan Chive Smashed Potatoes</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>
  • Roasted Salmon with Green Herbs
     
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    Roasted Salmon with Green Herbs

    <p>Impromptu dinner parties are a great way to break up the cold, grey months, especially if you serve a bright dish like salmon. Ina takes a delicate, skinless salmon fillet and tops it with a scallion, dill and parsley mixture. While it's roasting, whip up a green salad and open a bottle of wine for a complete meal in under an hour.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/roasted-salmon-with-green-herbs/18111/" target="_blank"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Roasted Salmon with Green Herbs</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 vinaigrette. 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"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Green Salad with the Ultimate French Vinaigrette</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>
  • English Rib Roast
     
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    English Rib Roast

    <p>Standing rib roasts 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"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's English Rib Roast</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>
  • Herb Coeur A La Creme
     
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    Herb Coeur A La Creme

    <p>Coeur a la creme is a versatile molded cheese dish 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"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Herb Coeur A La Creme</strong></a></p>
  • Chocolate Ganache Cake
     
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    Chocolate Ganache Cake

    <p>No dinner party is complete without dessert, 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"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Chocolate Ganache Cake</strong></a></p>
  • Rigatoni with Sausage & Fennel
     
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    Rigatoni with Sausage & Fennel

    <p>While lasagna 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"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Rigatoni with Sausage & Fennel</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>
  • 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 deli favourites – 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"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's French Charcuterie Platter</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 skillet 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"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mustard Sauce</strong></a></p>
  • Parmesan-Roasted Cauliflower
     
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    Parmesan-Roasted Cauliflower

    <p>Roasting cauliflower brings out the vegetable'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"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Parmesan-Roasted Cauliflower</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"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Grilled New York Strip Steaks</strong></a></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"><strong>Grilled New York Strip Steaks</strong></a></p>
  • Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
     
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    Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta

    <p>Although Brussels sprouts 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"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta</strong></a></p>
  • Garlic Roast Chicken
     
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    Garlic Roast Chicken

    <p>Roasted chicken is a dinner party staple, and Ina incorporates it into a garlicky, one-pan delight alongside potatoes and carrots. To get that bird absolutely perfect before roasting, stuff it with garlic and lemon, and brush the outside with melted butter.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/the-barefoot-contessas-garlic-roast-chicken/21137/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Garlic Roast Chicken</strong></a></p>
  • Truffled Chicken Liver Mousse
     
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    Truffled Chicken Liver Mousse

    <p>Chicken liver mousse is an elegant way to start your dinner party, but this recipe will elevate it to a decadent level with white truffle butter and melted duck fat. Serve it with warm toast points for maximum slathering.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/truffled-chicken-liver-mousse/20403/" target="_blank"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Truffled Chicken Liver Mousse</strong></a></p>
  • Limoncello Ricotta Cheesecake
     
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    Limoncello Ricotta Cheesecake

    <p>End your feast on a bright note with this simple cheesecake 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"><strong>The Barefoot Contessa's Limoncello Ricotta Cheesecake</strong></a></p>
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