Hosting becomes an art when the food does all the talking, leaving guests too busy enjoying to worry about notifications. These 19 recipes are engineered for maximum party engagement, from irresistible starters to dishes that could spark debates over the last serving. The kind of lineup that makes people stay late and ask for leftovers is bound to make your gathering the new gold standard. Skip the small talk; the food’s got it covered.
Tzatziki Sauce
Bring a touch of Mediterranean flair to your gathering without leaving your home. Watch as your guests chat excitedly over the creamy texture and refreshing flavors that keep their attention away from their phones. It’s not just a sauce; it’s a conversation starter, perfect for dipping or spreading. No one can resist the allure of a well-made Tzatziki Sauce, so expect it to be the center of attention at your celebration.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki Sauce
Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma
Say goodbye to ordinary drinks; this cocktail adds an unexpected twist to your festivities. Its unique blend promises to keep guests intrigued, making them forget about checking for other parties. Keep the toasts coming and the conversations lively with a round of Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma. This drink ensures a memorable chill vibe that will be talked about long after the last sip.
Get the Recipe: Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma
The Backyard Table
Get it NOW and level up your outdoor dining! The Backyard Table - Recipes for Summer Cookouts features 34 of Chef Jenn's BEST recipes for outdoor eating and entertaining.
You'll get ad-free recipes like:
- Grilled Corn Guacamole
- Grilled French Onion Burgers
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Blueberry Grunt
- and so many more!
Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!
Get it now, at a special introductory price of $7.99. That's over 50 pages of foodie love at your fingertips!
Buy Now!Baked Scotch Eggs
Kick off your feast with a British classic that’s bound to get people talking. Gather your friends and family to share in the joy of cutting into a perfectly Baked Scotch Egg, revealing layers of flavors. Expect this dish to spark excitement as it makes its way around the table, ensuring everyone’s fully present in the moment. Suddenly, scrolling through social media will seem like a distant thought when presented with such a satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: Baked Scotch Eggs
Smoked Blackberry Margarita
Mix up the party dynamics with a smoky twist to a beloved cocktail favorite. Smoked Blackberry Margarita is not your typical drink; it’s a showstopper that demands attention. As glasses clink and laughter ensues, your party becomes the one nobody wants to leave. This cocktail will have your guests too absorbed in the fun to even think about their notifications.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Blackberry Margarita
Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Spice up the appetizer game and get your guests buzzing about something other than their phones. Pass around the Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers and watch as they become the new hot topic. The balance between the smoky flavor and the kick of jalapeno is just enough to keep everyone engaged and eager for more. Phones will quickly be forgotten as everyone’s focus shifts to the next popper making its way around.
Get the Recipe: Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned
Cheers to an all-American classic with a boozy twist that will warm up any celebration. Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned is like taking a sip down memory lane, but with an added layer of sophistication. Friends will laugh and reminisce, all while enjoying the nostalgic, yet unexpected elements of this cocktail. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a storytelling aid that keeps the attention on the tales being told.
Get the Recipe: Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned
Crab Rangoon Dip
When this dish lands on the buffet table, watch how fast the crowds gather to scoop up the rich and creamy goodness. With Crab Rangoon Dip, you’ll see guests abandon their digital devices for a taste of this comforting dish. It’s a communal experience, inviting everyone to come together and dig in. This dip doesn’t just feed your guests; it fosters the togetherness that keeps them engaged in real-life conversations.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip
Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail
Introduce an intriguing layer of depth to a time-honored classic cocktail. With each pour of Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail, the room fills with an aroma that captivates your guests. It’s more than just a drink, it’s an immersive experience that anchors them in the now. Forget the outside world—the hickory notes and complex layers of this drink hold the room in a collective appreciation.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail
Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots
Transform a comfort food staple into the life of your party with an indulgent, loaded creation. Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots will have your guests clustering around the table, too invested in the flavors to worry about their phones. Laughter and crumbs will fly, as friends compete for the last bite. These tots aren’t just food, they’re an interactive highlight that promises shared moments and fond memories.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots
Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail
Brighten up your celebration with a beverage that stirs the senses and encourages guests to mingle. Sipping on Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail turns any gathering into an energetic affair. The lively conversations sparked by this refreshing concoction ensure no one feels the urge to glance down at their screens. What’s better is that the vivid colors and fresh aroma add to the excitement of your occasion.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail
Guacamole Snack Board
Reimagine appetizers with an inviting array that will get everyone talking and dipping together. Chunky, fresh and perfect for sharing, a Guacamole Snack Board makes for an interactive centerpiece at your party. Conversations will flow as smoothly as the guacamole, ensuring everyone’s too engaged to even think of checking their phones. Watch as this board becomes the hub of connection, laughter, and shared stories.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board
Smoked Gimlet Cocktail
Upgrade your cocktail game with a smoke-infused variation that will capture the curiosity of your guests. The allure of the Smoked Gimlet Cocktail lies in its sophisticated simplicity and depth of taste. It’s the perfect conversation piece which will keep glasses in hands and eyes away from screens. With the first sip, conversations will ignite and your celebration will be deemed unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gimlet Cocktail
Sausage Rolls
Rediscover the joy of a handheld favorite that makes for effortless snacking and mingling. Everyone loves a hearty bite, and Sausage Rolls deliver just that, keeping guests content and sociable. As the trays circulate, watch your party attendees delight in the shared comfort of this time-honored snack. And with such tasty fare in hand, who has time to check their phone anyway?
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls
Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour
Rethink the traditional sour with an infusion of smokey richness bound to fascinate your friends. Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour is a testament to the power of a well-crafted cocktail to draw people together. Each glass carries the warmth of maple and a hint of smoke that will keep guests engaged and phones forgotten. As stories are shared over these sips, the connections formed are far more enticing than any online update.
Get the Recipe: Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour
Sauerkraut Balls
Introduce a beloved Ohio tradition to your guests, creating a buzz with its savory flavor and unique presentation. Once you serve Sauerkraut Balls, expect rave reviews and constant chatter that keeps everyone too busy to even consider their smartphones. Not only is it a conversation piece, but it’s also the taste of tradition that can spark nostalgia and new experiences. Dig into each flavorful bite and leave the digital world behind.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Balls
Sunday in the Park Cocktail
Imagine a cocktail that feels like a leisurely day outdoors, meant for sipping and storytelling. With glasses raised of Sunday in the Park Cocktail, your guests will enjoy the laid-back vibe that encourages genuine connections. As the drinks flow, so do the conversations—outdoing any online interaction. This cocktail isn’t just a beverage; it’s the catalyst for a shared moment in time that keeps all eyes on the real scene.
Get the Recipe: Sunday in the Park Cocktail
Tomato Bruschetta Board
Step up your starter game with a board that begs for interaction and makes communal dining irresistible. A Tomato Bruschetta Board invites guests to build their perfect bite while fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and chat. There’s just something about shared food that breaks down barriers, allowing folks to bond over something as simple yet captivating as assembling bruschetta. With so much action around the board, who needs to check for notifications?
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board
Bailey’s Hot Chocolate with Baileys Marshmallow
Warm up your party with a twist on a classic comfort drink that doubles as a dessert. The charm of Bailey’s Hot Chocolate with Baileys Marshmallow lies in its ability to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. It offers a sweet excuse for guests to gather round, cradle their mugs, and swap stories without distractions. This hot chocolate is a reason to stay put, chat, and savor the moment as the steam rises and melts away any urge to peek at phones.
Get the Recipe: Bailey’s Hot Chocolate with Baileys Marshmallow
Redneck Eggrolls
Break the ice with an unexpected fusion appetizer that’s as much a conversation topic as it is a delicious snack. Redneck Eggrolls merge Southern charm with global cuisine, promising a taste experience that guests won’t stop discussing. Don’t be surprised to see people reaching for seconds instead of their phones, thoroughly engaged with the flavors and each other. It’s a playful dish that proves just how irresistible and engaging food can be.
Get the Recipe: Redneck Eggrolls