What's your go-to dinner for new people?

[jlt19]

DD has a new friend at school and went to her house for a party while I was out of town for work last weekend. DH said the parents were very nice and from out of town so we should invite them over. I did, they accepted, and now I don't know what to cook! She said they have no restrictions/preferences, so I'm at a loss. Most of our friends have been friends with us for years, so while we sometimes still cook for them, usually it's a pot luck style thing or we order pizza.

I was thinking make your own tacos?  I could have beef and chicken as options, then all the toppings. Chips, queso, salsa and quac for apps?

[jlt19]

Or maybe make our own pizzas? There will be 4 kids there 2-6, so I want it somewhat kid friendly too.

Any good pre-made personal sized crusts?

[clseale]

Our quick and easy go to is usually for DH to grill something, and then I usually do a roasted vegetable, nice salad, and a crusty bread.

With that said, I think your option sounds fun. Especially with kids involved!

[winnied]

Tacos are always delicious. I usually do spaghetti with meat sauce or meatballs because while it can be messy (depending on the age of the kids) it's tasty, popular, and easy for me.

[Aquatica]

Make your own tacos sounds good, but then again I love tacos!

My go-to dishes are homemade pizza, meatballs and cabbage, lazy lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, barbacoa tacos, or chicken enchiladas.

Usually I'll throw together a salad for a quick side.

[Captain Catnip]

We've grilled kebabs usually and then make grilled "roasted" style potatoes in a foil packet to go along.

[happyholiday]

A couple of roasted chickens, root veggies, and salad? Maybe crusty bread, too.

[googled]

I make crab cakes and buy all kinds of toppings so that people can make their own crab cake sandwiches.

[lilybug]

I like to make enchiladas because the recipe is SO good and impresses people. lol. But make your own tacos is probably a safer option if you're not sure whether the kids are picky. If I came over and you had guacamole and queso, I'd be your new bff.

[zoomzoom]

Oct 26, 2016 15:57:26 GMT -5 googled said:

I make crab cakes and buy all kinds of toppings so that people can make their own crab cake sandwiches.

If you did this OP, I would have a non seafood option for the kids.  I wouldn't eat this at a young age (hell, I won't even eat it now, lol).

Lasagna, salad, bread

Tacos or fajitas (or beef tacos, chicken fajitas)

Make your own pizza

Taco casserole - add your own toppings

Burgers and hot dogs 

Grilled chicken with a side of mac n cheese

Also, I like the suggestion of kebabs.  I loved kebabs as a kid.

Chicken parmesan, salad, bread - maybe with a side of pasta for kids who just want noodles & sauce

[zaneyzoo]

We almost always do taco bar. I make chipotle knock off rice, do beef and chicken and have all the toppings. Easy, laid back, cheap and did I say easy?

[memenee]

We usually do something Italian.

Homemade meatballs, sauce, spaghetti, salad, bread. (I make the sauce and the meatballs the day before so it's really easy day of)

Then have the kids help me make some pizzas that I will put out on the table as well.

Brownies and ice cream for dessert.

Enjoy!

[liverandonions]

Oct 26, 2016 15:57:26 GMT -5 googled said:

I make crab cakes and buy all kinds of toppings so that people can make their own crab cake sandwiches.

Please don't invite me over

[eb777888]

I love my lasagna! I'd do that with a salad, bread and wine.

[bma]

I usually do lasagna but now I'm thinking of making that taco bar standard. Puffy shells included!

[Deleted]

Usually something on the grill-

Pulled pork.
Pizza.
Burgers.



Oh! Or kebabs.

[lilybug]

Oct 26, 2016 16:49:51 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Oct 26, 2016 16:02:53 GMT -5 lilybug said:

I like to make enchiladas because the recipe is SO good and impresses people. lol. But make your own tacos is probably a safer option if you're not sure whether the kids are picky. If I came over and you had guacamole and queso, I'd be your new bff.

What's the recipe?

www.marthastewart.com/351778/vegetable-enchiladas

Ok don't laugh, because she's the ultimate white girl, but it's Martha Stewart's veggie enchilada recipe. I usually mess with it adding shredded chicken or different cheeses. I just love the sauce.

[juliachild]

Oct 26, 2016 15:03:51 GMT -5 happyholiday said:

A couple of roasted chickens, root veggies, and salad? Maybe crusty bread, too.

This is what I do. I also like making kind of a potato salad with roasted potatoes, green beans, walnuts, and a mustard vinaigrette. 

[googled]

Oct 26, 2016 16:43:56 GMT -5 liverandonions said:

Oct 26, 2016 15:57:26 GMT -5 googled said:

I make crab cakes and buy all kinds of toppings so that people can make their own crab cake sandwiches.

Please don't invite me over

lol I LOVE crab cakes. I know they're not everyone's cup of tea though so I always ask if my guests like them beforehand

[laurack]

Grilled meat if it's summer, roasted meat if it's cold. So a roasted chicken or a sirloin spoon roast is probably what I'd do this time of year. Pan gravy. Roasted carrots and parsnips, crispy potatoes and a green salad (mixed baby greens, sliced pear, shaved Parmesan and candied pecans maybe)

Fruit crisp for dessert

[cville]

Reservations.

[eb777888]

Oct 26, 2016 20:38:24 GMT -5 googled said:

Oct 26, 2016 16:43:56 GMT -5 liverandonions said:

Please don't invite me over

lol I LOVE crab cakes. I know they're not everyone's cup of tea though so I always ask if my guests like them beforehand

I think it sounds delicious!!!!!