Help us out, Seafoodies!
Will you sign our petition to make holiday parties fun for the host again?! Because somewhere between November’s first frost and December’s last-minute gift wrap, we always seem to get overwhelmed. Sound familiar? How has hosting turned into a marathon of kitchen confinement and menu stress, when it should be about creating memories (and actually being present for them)?
We’ve all been there! Frantically Googling “impressive but easy recipes” at midnight, wondering what you can whip up to make your gathering stand out from the endless parade of cheese boards and predictable potlucks. Well, if you would like to start getting to be a guest at your own events—you’ve come to the right place!
This ultimate roundup of 30 seafood recipes will set you up for success when it comes to Christmas, Hanukkah or New Years entertaining. With these trustworthy party winners, for once, when your doorbell rings, you won’t still be in an apron and panicking about timing. Instead, you’ll be greeting guests and feeling fabulous, while they ooh and ahh over a spread that looks like it came straight out of a holiday magazine.
Mingle as your guests discover the Blackened Tilapia and Watermelon Salsa Crostinis that makes store-bought hummus hide in shame, or watch friend conversations flow around your Skinny Baked Popcorn Shrimp. There’s something deliciously satisfying about seeing everyone try (and fail) to play it cool while angling for the last chip from the Sheet Pan Crab Nachos. And that Smoked Salmon Dip? It’s about to become your family’s new holiday tradition—and save you from hours of pre-party prep.
While these 30 dishes sound like they require a chef’s kitchen and a small army of helpers, they’re actually your ticket to party freedom. No more missing the entire shindig because you’re stuck plating things in the kitchen. These recipes are designed to let you pull off that elevated feast while still having time to top off your wine glass and join in on the festive fun.
So this year, let’s liberate holiday hosts everywhere! Are you ready to join the party?!
Quick tip—don’t forget to reserve some of the pasta cooking water! The starchy water will thicken and bind the sauce to the pasta, so your guests won’t miss a spoonful of its amazing taste.
With some store-bought smoked salmon, a handful of kitchen staples and a trusty food processor, you’ll have this crowd-pleasing snack prepped ahead—and ready in no time.
We swapped Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and added a chopped avocado for plenty of extra omega-3s to keep the party going!
We love this dish as an appetizer—it’s sized to share! Or, served over whole-wheat pasta with a side salad, it makes a nicely balanced entrée for a casual dinner party with friends.
If there is any schmear leftover—treat yourself to some dip on a bagel/toast the next morning as fuel for your post-party cleanup efforts!
Baked Spinach Artichoke Shrimp Dip
Along with serving traditional bread and crackers, add a spread of fresh veggies for some extra crunch, color and (best of all) nutrition!
Kale Caesar with Shrimp or Salmon
Greek yogurt, grated cheese, anchovies and seasonings turn into a tangy dressing—that we recommend serving on the side to keep your kale crisp all night!
We chose cod for this chowder because of its mild flavor and flaky bite, but you can use any white fish you have on hand!
Juicy clams, chunky potatoes, fragrant vegetables and a broth that’s nothing short of heavenly. What’s not to love?!
The Instant Pot proves to be a party planner’s dream gadget once again—this flavorful bisque takes just 10 minutes to prep and then about an hour hands-free in the IP!
Simple prep, individual portions, off-the-charts taste and exceptional nutrition—these pot pies are ready to party!
As far as recipes go, a boil is incredibly simple: Add seafood and veggies to a pot of heady broth, then let ‘er steam!
Instant Pot Pasta with Red Sauce and Clams
Twirlable strands of linguine and spaghetti complement the tomatoey sauce well, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand when throwing together this 20-minute main course!
You can relax and bake this lasagna the day before serving—when it isn’t crunch time. Just cover with aluminum foil, refrigerate and reheat when ready to enjoy!
Our guide to broiling the perfect lobster tail is as effortless as it is tasty—in less than half an hour, you can relish a succulent lobster meal that’ll mesmerize your dinner companions.
While the paella simmers, you can pop some crusty bread in the oven and toss a green salad together—or just relax, knowing your hungry friends will be satisfied soon!
Risotto makes a great addition to any holiday menu but it’s also exceptional for a busy weekend or date night in. Plus it’s made with wine—so what’s to stop you from sipping a little while it cooks?
You’ll be amazed how quickly this dish comes together! While the pasta is cooking, you can watch the shrimp sauté with seasonings—all while picking out your party music playlist for the evening!
Guests will never guess you used canned crab meat and store-bought gnocchi to make this homemade meal fabulose, fast and convenient!
Serve your finished masala buffet-style with platters of fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread and your favorite veggies!
Don’t be deceived by the “skinny” label—these tasty morsels are bursting with flavor and crunch satisfaction.
From the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen to the last slurp of pasta, this shrimp creation is a guaranteed shindig hit.
Gluten-Free Acorn Squash and Crab
Debunk the falsehoods that: (1) Cravable dishes can’t be good for you and (2) you can’t serve seafood with cheese at a gathering. Wrong, and wrong!
