21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (2024)

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There’s nothing we love more than entertaining, and when we’re in need of a mouthwatering and showstopping dinner menu, we almost always find ourselves turning to chef and cookbook author Ina Garten for main course recipes. Why? They’re not only delicious and impressive to guests, but they also don’t require the culinary chops of a James Beard Award-winning chef to make.

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“What I’m always looking for is a remembered flavor,” Garten told The Kitchn in 2015 when asked for her best dinner party advice. And as it turns out, many if not all of Garten’s recipes have just that: familiar yet phenomenal flavor. For instance, Garten’s English rib roast may look complicated, but it’s actually an incredibly simple two-step process that leaves you with a juicy, perfectly seasoned piece of meat you can pair with a virtually endless list of side dishes.

So, let us save you all that time flipping through the Barefoot Contessa host’s many, many cookbooks or endlessly scrolling through her website for the perfect main course for your next dinner party. We did the work for you. Ahead, take a look at our favorite Garten recipes that are sure to impress your dinner guests.

  • Skillet-Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (3)

    Buttermilk-brined chicken is the star of this recipe. It remains juicy and tender even after cooking up in a skillet alongside some potatoes. This is a one-pan meal you can happily serve to company.

    Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.

  • Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

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    Vegetarian entrees don’t have to be boring, as Garten’s roasted veggie lasagna proves. It’s made with eggplant and zucchini, and gets extra flavor thanks to the inclusion of garlic and herb goat cheese.

    Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.

  • Panko-Crusted Salmon

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    These salmon filets are first crisped up in a skillet, skin-side down. Then the pan gets transfered directly to the oven, where the parsley-lemon panko topping toasts to a delicious golden-brown as the salmon cooks to tenderness.

    Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.

  • Orange Marmalade–Glazed Ham

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (6)

    Baked ham is always a crowd pleaser, but Ina Garten’s ham glaze, which is made with marmalade (she uses Tiptree), mango chutney, and more, sets this recipe apart from the crowd.

    Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.

  • Mustard-Roasted Fish

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (7)

    How do you liven up your weekly white fish meal? Serve it with a creamy sauce of mustard, crème fraîche, and briny capers.

    Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.

  • French Apple Tart

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (8)

    The layered slices of this French apple tart make it perfect for serving company, but the truth is, it’s not that much harder to make than an apple pie.

    Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.

  • Emily’s English Roasted Potatoes

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    Would you belive that this recipe comes from Ina Garten’s friend Emily Blunt? Her English roasted potatoes are perfectly crispy-crunchy outside, and tender within.

    Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.

  • Seared scallops & potato celery root purée

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (10)

    Carefully follow Garten’s steps to chef’s-kiss worthy scallops, and you’ll leave your guests truly impressed.

    Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.

  • Slow roasted spiced pork

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    Onions, jalapeños, cumin, chipotle Chile powder, and more make this tender, slow-roasted pork downright irresistible.

    Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.

  • Herbed pork tenderloins with apple chutney

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (12)

    You can’t go wrong with pork, more pork, and homemade apple chutney.

    Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.

  • 1770 house meatloaf

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    Food blogger The Food Charlatan described this Garten dish best: “It’s tender, moist, and flavorful. The delectable garlic meatloaf sauce makes it extra fancy and tasty. Pure comfort food.”

    We second that.

    Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa and The Food Charlatan.

  • Skillet roasted lemon chicken

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (14)

    Garten sure as hell knows how to make a roast chicken, and this roasted lemon chicken recipe proves it.

    Get the recipe from The Hungry Hutch.

  • Cioppino

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    Cioppino is an Italian-American fish stew dish that originated in San Francisco with of cod, shrimp, mussels, and scallops.

    Get the recipe at Food Network.

  • Brisket with onions & leeks

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (16)

    Purchase six pounds of brisket, sprinkle with salt, wrap it up, refrigerate it overnight; then, roast it for about three-and-a-half hours atop a mixture of onions and leeks.

    Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.

  • Beef bourguignon

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (17)

    This beef stew is not only easy to make, but it’s also a great comfort food dish to make on chilly nights.

    Get the recipe at The View From Great Island.

  • Pastit*io

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    Pastit*io is a basically Greek lasagna with layers of meat, tomato sauce, pasta, and a creamy bechamel.

    Get the recipe from Vodka & Biscuits.

  • Chicken thighs with creamy mustard sauce

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    Picture it: juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin, swimming in a creamy, wine-and-Dijon mustard sauce. Now, make it.

    Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.

  • Lemon chicken

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (20)

    Garten’s juicy, lemon-infused chicken dish may be a beginner recipe, but it looks and tastes so great, your dinner party guests wouldn’t dare leave you with leftovers.

    Get the recipe from The PKP Way.

  • Filet mignon with mustard & mushrooms

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    Advanced home chefs, this flavorful, decadent filet mignon with mustard and mushroom recipe will test your culinary skills.

    Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.

  • Moroccan lamb tagine

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (23)

    Don’t own a tagine? This Moroccan lamb tagine recipe alone is worth the purchase.

    Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.

  • English rib roast

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    For a meal that looks impressive but takes virtually zero work, Garten’s standing rib roast requires just a thick layer of salt and pepper and a couple of hours in the oven.

    Get the recipe at Taste and See.

  • Truffled Mac & Cheese

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (25)

    Mac & Cheese for dinner, for company, might sound crazy. But when Garten adds luxe ingredients like white truffle butter, cremini mushrooms, sherry, and more, it all starts to make sense.

    Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.

  • Lobster Pot Pie

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (26)

    Summer comfort food, anyone? That’s the name of the game in Ina Garten’s rich lobster pot pie recipe.

    Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.

  • Baked Rigatoni With Lamb Ragù

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (27)

    If you have guests who are on the pickier side, try this riff on baked ziti. It’s made with a rich lamb ragout (if they’re super picky, swap that for pork or beef), and has all of the classic Italian-America flavors so many of us crave.

    Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.

  • Baked Cod with Garlic & Herb Ritz Crumbs

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (28)

    You never know what your guests do and don’t like, so if you want to serve seafood, opting for a mild, flaky white fish like cod is the move. Pair with Garten’s buttery Ritz and panko crumb topping, and dinner is likely to get devoured.

    Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.

  • Heirloom Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad

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    Sometimes the perfect accompaniment to a rich dinner party meal is a striking salad. Garten’s relies on ripe heirloom tomatoes, so it’s best to keep this recipe on rotation in the summer months.

    Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.

  • Saffron Risotto with Butternut Squash

    21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (30)

    What are two things that will never fail to impress a dinner guest? Saffron and risotto. Pair them in this savory-sweet dish that’s made with butternut squash and plenty of Parm.

    Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.

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21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table (2024)

FAQs

21 Ina Garten Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Everyone at Your Table? ›

Coconut Cake

“There's a reason this is one of Ina's most popular recipes!” Pheifer exclaims.

What dish is Ina Garten most famous for? ›

Coconut Cake

“There's a reason this is one of Ina's most popular recipes!” Pheifer exclaims.

What recipes are in make it ahead by Ina Garten? ›

More Books From Ina
  • Cranberry Martinis, 27. Jalapeño Margaritas, 26. ...
  • Bruschettas with Sautéed Chard, 61. ...
  • Cauliflower & Celery Root Soup, 54. ...
  • Caesar Salad with Blue Cheese & Bacon, 43. ...
  • Ham & Leek Empanadas, 70. ...
  • Easy Coquilles Saint Jacques, 133. ...
  • Asparagus & Prosciutto Bundles, 148. ...
  • Chocolate Cake with Mocha Frosting, 199.

What should I cook to impress my date? ›

Date night recipes
  • Vanilla panna cotta. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. ...
  • Next level spaghetti carbonara. ...
  • Steak Diane. ...
  • Quick honey & garlic pork chops. ...
  • One-pan sirloin steak & creamy mushroom sauce. ...
  • White chocolate & cardamom tart with raspberry dust. ...
  • Baked sea bass with lemon caper dressing. ...
  • Chicken & mushroom wellington.

What to cook for special guest? ›

48 Quick Dinners for Surprise Guests
  • 3 / 48. Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon. There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. ...
  • 4 / 48. Beef and Mushrooms with Smashed Potatoes. ...
  • 5 / 48. Cauliflower & Tofu Curry.
Feb 15, 2024

What is the simplest dish in the world to cook according to Ina Garten? ›

The Simplest Dish In The World To Make, According To Ina Garten. After testing recipes for various projects all day, Ina Garten prefers to make something simple, quick, and ready straight out of the oven. Her favored dish is roast chicken. To make a roast chicken, preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

What president did Ina Garten cook for? ›

Did you know Ina Garten used to work at the White House? The celebrity chef and queen of the coastal grandmother aesthetic worked in the Office of Management and Budget during the Ford and Carter administrations.

What white dishes does Ina Garten use? ›

She writes, "They both have a huge range of white china. For example, my large serving bowls are Crate and Barrel brand, and my Pillivuyt and Apilco dishes are from Williams-Sonoma."

Is Ina Garten leaving Food Network? ›

Barefoot Contessa hasn't produced new episodes since 2021, and anyone who still has cable knows that Food Network doesn't show Garten's TV shows as often as we'd like. However, Garten recently announced that she's working on new episodes for the cooking network.

What recipe did Gordon Ramsay make? ›

Gordon Ramsay recipes
  • Rack of lamb with warm salad of mixed beans & slow-roast tomatoes. ...
  • Pan-fried sea trout, peas & chorizo fricassée. ...
  • Frozen banana & praline parfait. ...
  • Spaghetti with seafood velouté ...
  • Beef bourguignon with celeriac mash. ...
  • Chocolate marquise. ...
  • Beef wellington. ...
  • Lemon tart with summer berries.

How to make a romantic dinner? ›

When planning a romantic dinner you should consider several factors: lighting, music, decor, and of course, the food and drinks. Candles and soft music are a great way to set the mood for romance. Select unscented candles or neutral-scented candles that won't interfere with the flavors of the food you intend to serve.

What is a perfect dinner date? ›

Go somewhere that's special to both of you; maybe it's that average Mexican joint where you first met in high school or the pizza place two towns over you visited once and loved. If it's a first date, take them somewhere that's special to you and give them a glimpse into your life.

What to cook for 20 guests? ›

19 Ideas For Easy Meals For Large Groups
  • Taco Bar. A taco bar is one of the best inexpensive meals for large groups. ...
  • Meatballs. ...
  • Butter Chicken. ...
  • Lasagna. ...
  • Chili. ...
  • Homemade Pizza. ...
  • Baked Pasta. ...
  • Skewers.
Apr 4, 2023

How can I impress my guests with food? ›

Appetizers to impress your guests!
  1. Pesto Marinated Mozzarella Balls. ...
  2. Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites – Must Love Home. ...
  3. Honey-thyme marinated cheddar cheese. ...
  4. Without fail, I whip this up for every party. ...
  5. Spinach and Artichoke Dip Party Squares. ...
  6. Crock-Pot Bacon Wrapped Smokies - only 4-ingredients - Crowd Favorite.

What is Ina Garten best known for? ›

She is host of the Food Network program Barefoot Contessa, and was a former staff member of the Office of Management and Budget. Among her dishes are Perfect Roast Chicken, Weeknight Bolognese, French Apple Tart, and a simplified version of beef bourguignon.

What made Ina Garten famous? ›

In 1999, Ina wrote her first book, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, which was one of the best-selling cookbooks of the year. The book invites readers into her specialty food store and shares the recipes that made it such a success. In 2001, Ina followed with best-selling Barefoot Contessa Parties!

Why is Ina Garten so popular? ›

For over 20 years, Ina Garten has shared her comforting and foolproof recipes with the world through her beloved cookbooks and "Barefoot Contessa" show. But before becoming a Food Network star, Garten wrote budgets at the White House and ran a Hamptons grocery store. Here's her incredible life story.

Why do people love Ina Garten? ›

Garten, a TV host and prolific cookbook author, has a brand that melds aspirational and accessible, contributing to a diverse fan base: rich women in fur coats who appreciate her show, truck drivers who profess a love of her books as they drive by and, more recently, the 1.6 million people who follow her on Instagram.

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