In-laws coming or dinner? Treat them to a fantastic meal with these stepped-up classics and surefire winners.
42 Recipes That’ll Impress Your In-Laws
1/42
Cornish Game Hens
Total Time
76 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of a turkey or a big roast, why not serve individual Cornish game hens for the holidays? They cook in a fraction of the time and they're guaranteed to impress all your guests. —Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 592 calories, 39g fat (16g saturated fat), 199mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 49g protein.
2/42
Cranberry Tart
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While everyone is enjoying a bountiful meal, this eye-catching tart can be baking to perfection in the oven. The pretty holiday dessert calls for very few ingredients, and it's a snap to assemble. —Jackie Zack, Riverside, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 255 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
3/42
Citrus Salmon en Papillote
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Salmon en papillote, or salmon cooked in parchment paper, is so easy to make yet so delicious, elegant and impressive. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 224 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
4/42
Grapefruit Yogurt Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We eat grapefruit for breakfast and in winter fruit salads—why not for dessert? Here's a sweet-tart cake that's easy, delicious and one of a kind. It's healthier too! —Maiah Miller, Montclair, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 187 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
5/42
Warm Apple & Pistachio Spinach Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm really not a salad person, but this unusual salad is actually worthy of bringing to a dinner party or even eating by itself. It's also super quick and easy to make. —Justine Kmiecik, Crestview, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 278 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 243mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.
6/42
Greek Salad Ravioli
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Turn the fresh flavors of a Greek salad into a warm dish for cold winter nights. I like to make a large batch, freeze it, then simply drop ravioli into simmering water for dinner in five minutes! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
6 ravioli: 283 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 high-fat meat, 1 fat.
7/42
Slow-Cooker Short Ribs
Total Time
6 hours 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These slow-cooker short ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don't need to pay any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 251 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
8/42
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sour cream and cream cheese give richness to these smooth make-ahead potatoes. They are wonderful for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner since there's no last-minute mashing required. —Trudy Vincent, Valles Mines, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 210 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
9/42
Blueberry Coffee Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This blueberry coffee cake is my go-to recipe for all of our holiday get-togethers because it's perfect for breakfast or dessert. It's easy to make, and it's the most delicious coffee cake I've ever had. —Susan Ober, Franconia, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 428 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
10/42
Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This spinach-stuffed chicken breast recipe is special to me because it has so much flavor, yet not too many calories. I love Italian food, but most of the time it is too heavy. This is a healthy twist on an Italian dish! —Nicole Stevens, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed chicken breast: 347 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 7 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
11/42
Butter Pecan Ice Cream Torte
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A simple, nutty crust and smooth caramel sauce are all the preparation required for this impressive dessert. It will keep in the freezer for one month—just be sure to wrap tightly. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 592 calories, 39g fat (17g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
12/42
Bacon-Wrapped Pesto Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to serve this family-favorite tenderloin—maybe because of the compliments that come with it! When the weather warms up, we grill it instead. —Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 402 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 864mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
13/42
French Onion Soup
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup soup with 2 pieces bread and 1 tablespoon cheese: 195 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
14/42
Salmon with Horseradish Pistachio Crust
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Impress everyone at your table with this elegant but easy salmon that's delicious and nutritious. You can substitute scallions for shallots if you like. —Linda Press Wolfe, Cross River, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 salmon fillet: 376 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
15/42
Bacon Pear Salad with Parmesan Dressing
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple salad is an elegant side dish for any menu. With a blend of fresh pears and warm, comforting flavors, it’s perfect for special meals. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 206 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 335mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
16/42
Bee Sting Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The bee sting cake, or bienenstich, may look daunting, but it's well worth the effort. Take the steps one at a time and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 601 calories, 33g fat (17g saturated fat), 183mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
17/42
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Once you've tried this tangy, yet delicate lemon chicken piccata, you won't hesitate to make it for company. Seasoned with parmesan and parsley, the chicken cooks up golden brown, then is drizzled with a light lemon sauce. —Susan Pursell, Fountain Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 232 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
18/42
Caesar Salad in Peppered Parmesan Bowls
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Edible salad bowls look impressive but are a cinch to make. It can be your little secret! —Melissa Wilkes, St. Augustine, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 138 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
19/42
Dark Chocolate-Caramel Macchiato Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my first entries in the National Pie Championship was this impressive pie with coffee flavor and cool chocolate curls on top. —Amy Mills, Sebring, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 413 calories, 27g fat (18g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
20/42
Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
21/42
Herb Focaccia Rolls
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Yeast rolls speckled with fresh thyme and rosemary are a breeze to make without kneading and long wait times. Break out the good butter for these adorable rolls. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 120 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
22/42
Strawberry Mascarpone Cake
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Don't let the number of steps in this recipe fool you —it's easy to assemble. The cake bakes up high and fluffy, and the berries add a fresh fruity flavor. Cream cheese is a good substitute if you don't have mascarpone cheese handy. —Carol Witczak, Tinley Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 677 calories, 48g fat (22g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
23/42
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 522mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
24/42
Beef Brisket in Beer
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One bite of this super tender brisket and your family will be hooked! The rich gravy is perfect for spooning over a side of creamy mashed potatoes. —Eunice Stoen, Decorah, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounce-weight: 285 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
25/42
Best Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 519 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
26/42
Royal Broccoli Souffle
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Talk about impressive! This side dish never fails to impress even the toughest of critics--my family. —Linda Evancoe-Coble, Leola, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 100 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 318mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
27/42
Roasted Beets with Orange Gremolata and Goat Cheese
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandma always grew beets then pickled or canned them, but I prefer to prepare them differently. I love these roasted beets in the winter but they can be enjoyed all year with the addition of fresh herbs and tangy goat cheese. —Courtney Archibeque, Greeley, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 49 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
28/42
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Butter
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The spicy heat of the chicken pairs beautifully with the flavorful cilantro butter in this original recipe from Diane Halferty of Corpus Christi, Texas. We added spicy chocolate cinnamon cane sugar to the chicken, which complemented the other spices that are brushed over the chicken before grilling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1 tablespoon lime butter: 426 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 411mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 40g protein.
29/42
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
25 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Treat your sweet-salty tooth! Sweet potatoes dressed with buttery, herby, garlicky goodness make for a stunning, delicious side dish. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 hasselback sweet potato: 333 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.
30/42
Lemon Popovers with Pecan Honey Butter
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom passed this recipe down to me many years ago. We love the delicate lemon flavor with the pecan honey butter. The popovers are a nice addition to any dinner, but they're especially delicious at breakfast with a bowl of fruit and yogurt. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 popover with about 2 tablespoons honey butter: 325 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
31/42
Rhubarb Tart
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 tarts (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
The rhubarb flavor in this tart balances nicely with the honey and amaretto. The mascarpone cheese makes it rich and creamy. Sometimes I'll even double the rhubarb for really sumptuous tarts. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 259 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
32/42
New Zealand Rosemary Lamb Shanks
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was young, my family lived in New Zealand for two years after World War II. Some things were in short supply, but one item that was always available was lamb shanks. Mother cooked them all the time with root vegetables, and to this day I love lamb! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 lamb shank with 1 cup vegetables: 350 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
33/42
Stuffed Mushrooms with Crabmeat
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender crab-stuffed mushrooms with their crispy golden topping are always popular at parties! The crab filling is a delicious special-occasion treat. Serve them while they're warm. —Nancy Aiello, Bloomery, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 51 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
34/42
Ginger-Glazed Lemon Bundt
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tangy ginger, tart lemon and puckery cranberries make this melt-in-your-mouth cake as crisp—and gorgeous—as autumn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 468 calories, 19g fat (12g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
35/42
Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own homemade version—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 449 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 960mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
36/42
Lemony Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicate dish tastes so bright with a touch of lemon and tender sauteed scallops. Serve with crusty whole grain bread, and you have an impressive dinner that comes together in a flash. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 404 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein.
37/42
Ultimate Chocolate Bread Pudding
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I really want to impress guests, I serve this decadent bread pudding. With just a few staple ingredients—bread, eggs, sugar and chocolate—I'm able to turn out this masterpiece in no time! —Erin Chilcoat, Smithtown, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 745 calories, 44g fat (25g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 87g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein.
38/42
Grampa’s German-Style Pot Roast
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grampa was of German heritage and loved the old-world recipes his mother gave him. I made a few changes so I could prepare this dish in a slow cooker and give it a slightly updated flavor. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 552 calories, 31g fat (12g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 926mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.
39/42
Red, White and Blue Summer Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In this dish, I combine traditional Caprese salad flavors with summer peaches and blueberries. I also add prosciutto for saltiness, creating a balanced, flavor-packed side dish. —Emily Falke, Santa Barbara, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 233 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 486mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
40/42
Key Lime Cream Pie
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am very proud of this luscious no-bake beauty. It's so cool and refreshing—perfect for any summer potluck or get-together. Wherever I take this pie, it quickly disappears, and everyone asks for the recipe. —Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 646 calories, 52g fat (30g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
41/42
Hungarian Chicken Paprikash
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some recipes for chicken paprikash include vegetables like bell peppers and celery, but not my Grandmother Alta’s. Hers was a simple combination of chicken, onions, garlic, paprika and sour cream. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 422 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 596mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 40g protein.
42/42
Apricot-Rosemary Pork Medallions
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I needed to use pork tenderloin from my fridge, but I didn't want to wait for it to roast. I tried this, and it was not only quick but my family loves it. You can play with different preserves to make your favorite flavors. —Mildred Lynn Caruso, Brighton, TN
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 404 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein.