My top 20 go to recipes when I have guests coming over

So yesterday I posted my most popular recipes from my blog page. Today I'd like to share what I cook for my guests.

These recipes make regular appearances at my parties. These are my go to recipes when I'm planning a party. These are the ones that my guests have loved, or they have asked for the recipe, ones that get talked about. Most of the recipes are quite easy, and as I have made them so often, they take little thinking when making them now, some take a little longer, but they are worth the effort.

My tip, if you like entertaining, is have a diary of your menu plans and guests, so you know who you invited and what you served them, that way you don't repeat yourself next time they come, unless they ask you to.

The sides I've added are my most popular ones, the ones I would serve alongside a barbecue. I've added no desserts to this list as I will give you my families top 20 desserts tomorrow.

Now I never plate up for parties, I am a person that loves to serve food on platters in the centre of the table and allow my guests to go back for seconds.

These recipes are not in any particular order this time. It was just a random list, all are favourites.

So if you have been over to my place for lunch/dinner, let me know what dish you loved the most. If you have cooked from what's cooking Ella, let me know what you served your guests.

1. Spinach and Ricotta Rolls

An absolute favourite with my daughter. These go very quickly once made.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/spinach-and-ricotta-rolls.html
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060681689222/

2. Prawn and Corn Cakes

I have been making these for over 10 years now, these go so quickly when I make them, and the recipe is requested quite often. Although I serve it as a starter, these are perfect for lunch also with a green salad.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/prawn-and-corn-cakes3
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060677013013/

3. Smoked Salmon Pancake Rolls

There are certain people I always make this for, and even though I don't like repeating myself, I do with these, as I know they don't make them at home, so I make it when they come over. I also like to make enough so I do have leftovers as my oldest son, loves taking them to school for lunch.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/smoked-salmon-pancake-rolls2
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060677391299/

4. Bocconcini, Basil and Prosciutto Balls

I love these as you can prepare them earlier, and they just taste so good. These I quite often I make for myself as a quick lunch idea.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/bocconcini-basil-and-prosciutto-balls1
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060677675619/

5.Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

This to I have been making for over 10 years now. This I like to serve when people arrive to have with a drink. I absolutely love the freshness of this bruschetta.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/tomato-and-basil-bruschetta2
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060676344827/

6. Fresh Guacamole

I have lovely friends who are Mexican and they have told me that in Mexico you don't add tomatoes to guacamole, but I have to say I love it, so I add it. This dip is always a party favourite. My guests absolutely love it.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/fresh-guacamole2
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060677559199/

7. Oysters (The Way I love Them)

This is my husband's dish and it is my absolute favourite ways of eating oysters. Still natural, just with a little extra flavour. I love when the roe pops in your mouth. Absolutely delicious.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/oysters-the-way-i-love-them1
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060677924780/

8. Kingfish and Radish Carpaccio

This is one of those delicate dishes that you just need to savour. Love the flavour, love everything about this dish.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/kingfish-and-radish-carpaccio1
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060678188516/

9. Buffalo Wings

Popular party dish for the young and old. These go very quickly.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/buffalo-wings1
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060677127343/ 

10. Sparkling Fruit Punch

This one is for my non drinking friends. Quite often non drinkers get overlooked, so I always make a little effort to make them have a drink they will enjoy also. Kids love this one also.

Find out how I made it at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/sparkling-fruit-punch1
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060677311808/

11. Caesar Salad

This is one great salad. Absolutely delicious and a favourite with the young and old.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/chicken-caesar-salad1
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060682305320/

12. Fried Rice

This is a family recipe. I got this from my mum, she has been making this for over 25 years now. A huge party favourite, that will be made for many, many more years to come.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/fried-rice2
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060676930014/

13. Beetroot and Feta with Herb and Pistachio Dressing

This is new to made salad menu. I first had this a dear friends house and since then it has made regular appearances at my parties. This recipe is frequently requested. An absolutely delicious salad.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/beetroot-and-feta-with-herb-and-pistachio-dressing1
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060678147595/

14. Greek Salad

So simple, yet so tasty, another salad I have been serving for years.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/greek-salad1
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060677768932/

15. Green Salad

A large green salad to feed the masses. This is my go to green salad recipe that I use at all my parties.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/green-salad1
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060677928531/

16. Spinach and Pear Salad

I love this salad, what beautiful flavours. My 8 year old will not stop eating this until all of it is gone.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/spinach-and-pear-salad1
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060678971704/

17. Spaghetti with Clams

For the seafood lovers, this is one of my most requested pasta dishes. My mum cannot get enough of this one. This one even impressed my mother in law.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/spaghetti-with-clams2
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060676907505/

18. Lasagne

This is a crowd pleasing lasagne, it feeds many and is absolutely delicious. Quite often I double the recipe and make one to eat now and I freeze the other for a later date.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/lasagne2
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060676034660/

19. Chilli Crab

I make this when I only have one or two families over. Prepare to get messy, you will be licking your fingers and you won't look attractive eating it. But you will enjoy every minute of this dish.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/chilli-crab3
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060677153090/

20. Pork Schnitzels in Lemon and Parsley

These pork schnitzels are amazing. Absolutely love the crumbs on this. I usually make this for small parties as it is a dish you need to serve hot and I try not to be in the kitchen too much once guests have arrived.

Find the recipe at http://www.whatscookingella.com/blog/pork-schnitzels-in-lemon-and-parsley1
Pin it: www.pinterest.com/pin/399413060676052543/