Hosting another family for dinner

[Anonymous]

Kids range from 2-8. I have a picky eater, don't know about them. Grill is out.

My specialty is combo dishes, like jambalaya, or casseroles like lasagna. But I really think I need to serve a cut of meat (not chicken, unless it's a roasted chicken maybe). And cuts of meat intimidate me. Any ideas for an impressive but easy-ish menu? Throw out any and all ideas for all courses! Thank YOU!

[Anonymous]

Why do you think you need a cut of meat? Lasagna sounds perfect. With a salad. Maybe bread if you wish. Have some fruit salad and maybe some ice cream handy. Relax. They will enjoy anything. Oh and wine. You need wine.

[Anonymous]

I was going to suggest build-your-own tacos. But then after reading your post and realizing you want something impressive, i decided maybe not!
How about bratwurst? That's an easy way to serve meat. Or oven-friend chicken? I find children like bratwurst or chicken more than "cuts of meat". At least our kids!

[Anonymous]

lasagna is a total win, just make sure your guests eat pork if you plan to include sausage. You can make pasta and red sauce on the side because most kids will eat that (or plain pasta with butter and parmesan cheese). Salad, bread. Yum, I want lasagna now!

[Anonymous]

Does the other family have any dietary or picky restrictions?

I like to keep things simple for my own sanity. Salad (dressing on the side), roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli or asparagus, fruit for dessert. Or roast beef, baked potatoes, same veggies. Once I did lamb chops, but everyone REALLY liked them and they're pretty expensive - I basically would have needed four per person to satisfy everyone. If I have vegetarians over, I go Italian and do baked ziti.

[Anonymous]

Ina Garten's roast chicken is wonderful, and easy, and simple enough that even picky eaters might have a hope of eating it. I would do that with some nice fall-ish sides, like roasted veggies, something with sweet potatoes maybe...look at THanksgiving menus for inspiration. And I would have Annie's mac and cheese in the cabinet and chicken nuggets in the freezer.

[Anonymous]

You need to know the basics for the other family. I'm guessing you know them a bit before having them over. If not, you should probably ask if the other family have any food restriction. If they say they don't like tomato sauce or can't eat gluten,..then you can't do lasagna unless you get gluten free lasagna.

[Anonymous]

That pesto baked chicken recipe from the 5 ingredients or less thread on here is a winner.

[Anonymous]

I have picked up grilled meat, vegetables and rice from kebab places before, and added Cava dips like Harrissa, Crazy Feta, Hummus, etc. with pita, tortilla chips and a salad. Worked well, kid-friendly and mostly gluten free.

[Anonymous]

Tenderloins may not be the fanciest, but I find them pretty hard to mess up.

[Anonymous]

how about a nice large piece of salmon baked in the oven, and some chicken tenders or something extra kid-friendly.

[Anonymous]

We had 2 families over last week and I served pollo ala brasa with salads, rice, and fresh corn.

[Anonymous]

is this a casual get together or a dinner where you need or want to impress?

things we have done with other families (both at our house and their homes):
chili, salad, corn bread, pasta (for Cincinnati style, and for picky kids)
flank steak, roasted veggies, salad, plus mac & cheese
taco bar
ham, veggies, etc

[Anonymous]

Go with lasagna and make plain pasta and have extra sauce. Picky kids can choose plain pasta or pasta with sauce.

Have some cut up fruit and plain veggies for the kids.

[Anonymous]

We do lots of "make your owns" since kids are picky--and they're always a hit. We've done baked potatoes, pizza, nachos and tacos. But if you want something "fancier" I think lasagna or jambalaya would great; I'd be impressed. (But-- I don't think anyone bringing kids for dinner is looking to be impressed." Oh and fondue is quick and interesting for dessert.