When unexpected guests arrive, it's helpful to have some quick and easy recipes that you can whip up in a short amount of time. Best recipes for unexpected guests provide some ideas to help you feel prepared the next time you have guests arrive unexpectedly.
Hospitality is important. This is even more important in the rushed and busy world we inhabit today. Feeling hospitable is easier and less stressful if we have planned ahead. You may not need to provide a complete meal. It might be a snack or a dessert. Here are a few ideas for you to try.
Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Ingredients that you might include for this are assorted cheeses, cured meats, crackers, olives, nuts, and dried fruits. Arrange your choices of cheeses, meats, and accompaniments on a serving board.
This allows for easy snacking. These finger foods will usually cover the bases for surprise guests who might have food restrictions. The ingredients in this will vary according to what pantry staples you have on hand.
If you have items from the local deli, you can include them with the charcuterie offerings. This is one of those easy party meals that takes very little time to arrange on a serving board, plate, or other serving platter.
This can require a little bit of creativity to ensure you have a pleasing variety of food items pulled together on short notice. However, this can be a great way to use up a smaller amount of some food items.
Hummus Platter
Ingredients that you might include on your hummus platter might include pita chips, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and red peppers.
Arrange hummus in a bowl and surround it with pita chips and fresh vegetables. This may not end up being a full meal depending on the guest's preferences but it is healthy and quick to pull together.
This is an easy food to snack on and includes some staples that many people will have on hand. If guests come during our summer growing season we almost always have fresh from the garden vegetables available as I wrote about in a previous post, Frugal Living 2023-Summer Edition.
Remember to include foods you and your guests like. Recipes like the hummus platter are suggestions. Please use foods you have on hand and don't be afraid to try new food items. Almost anything tastes good with hummus!
Any Make-Ahead Meal
If I make a meal that can be frozen easily such as lasagna, chicken enchiladas (photo above), or chili, I try to double the recipe and freeze at least one meal-sized portion. I rely on this tactic not just for last-minute guests but for busy times such as the holiday season.
These simple recipes help me avoid pizza delivery or take-out during especially busy times. It is usually a simple process to double or triple a recipe. It doesn't take too much extra time.
I already have the ingredients out. My kitchen and prep area is already a mess. I might as well plan ahead and prepare enough to freeze for another day. This has been helpful to me on more than once occasion.
The frozen meals are especially appreciated during busy evenings. It is so nice to just pull a meal out of the freezer and transfer it to the oven. Dinner can be served in 45 minutes or less. This works great for my family as well as any unexpected guests that may drop by.
Many times I will combine this easy dinner with a frozen bread item such as French bread, baguette, or yeast rolls. All these freeze easily and do not take too long to get to the dinner table from the freezer. I have one of those families that appreciate an accompanying bread product.
When I pull a bread item from the freezer I usually brush it with melted butter before warming it in the oven. I may add some Italian seasoning depending on the main dish before popping it into the oven.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushroom ingredients include mushrooms, cream cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Mix cream cheese, minced garlic, and Parmesan. Using a casserole dish that can go from oven to table saves time. Stuff mushrooms, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until golden.
These are delicious and can be prepared quickly with just a few ingredients. These are light and tasty and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or a light meal along with a salad.
Mini Quiches
Mini quiche Ingredients include store-bought mini tart shells, eggs, milk, cheese, diced vegetables, ham or bacon.
Whisk eggs and milk, stir in cheese, vegetables, and meat. Pour into tart shells and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until set. Easy and delicious. I substitute with ingredients I have on hand, so this dish may taste a bit different each time I prepare it.
If you love quiche, and lets be honest who doesn't, you will love mini quiches. Just pop a few into your mouth. You get the melty cheese goodness along with the saltiness of the bacon or ham. Mini quiches are quick, easy, and taste great every time. This recipe easily makes the list for best recipes for unexpected guests.
Fruit Salad
Some ingredients to include in your fruit salad would be assorted fresh fruit (berries, melons, grapes), mint leaves, honey. Combine diced fruits, garnish with mint leaves, and drizzle with honey.
This is a great quick dessert solution. It is light and refreshing. The fruit you use is dependent on what your guests like and what you have on hand. The drizzle of honey pairs perfectly with sweet and tart fruit. In the winter I do not garnish with the mint leaves. In the summer, mint leaves are plentiful from my herb garden.
Quick Dessert
Quick Dessert - Ice Cream with Toppings ingredients include vanilla ice cream (or any flavor you have), chocolate sauce, nuts, whipped cream. Scoop ice cream into bowls and add desired toppings.
It really is the simple things. This is a quick dessert solution with ingredients you probably have on hand. And please use what you have on hand. I do not always have whipped cream on hand, but I usually have ice cream, chocolate syrup, and nuts available.
There you have it. A simple and easy list of food options for unexpected guests. These best recipes for unexpected guests are versatile and can be adjusted based on what ingredients you have on hand. Having a well-stocked pantry with basics like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, crackers, and nuts can be helpful for impromptu entertaining. The time of year matters as well.
In the Summer I have more fresh vegetables available. We have been known to add some tomatoes, zucchini, and cucumbers to a to go bag for Summer guests that stop by. This list of options I have included are just to get you started. I am sure you can come up with many more options that will allow you to entertain with ease.
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