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Home » Recipe Collections

You’ll Want to Host Just to Show Off These 17 Recipes

Published: Jun 4, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

These recipes will make you think, “Yep, I’m definitely hosting.” They're the kind of dishes you pull out when you want people to talk about the food on the way home. They're crowd-pleasers, but more than that, they’re the kind that make you feel proud setting them on the table. If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to throw a get-together, these recipes are it.

Overhead photo of vegan ham with pineapple slices placed on a white serving dish. 

Vegan Ham. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy cheese, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes come together in one pot for a quick win. It’s the kind of dish that makes a fast dinner still feel worth showing off.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Vegan Bolognese

An image of bolognese in a bowl with basil on top.
Vegan Bolognese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lentils and mushrooms cook down into a rich sauce with barely any hands-on time. It’s a strong pick for hosting nights when you want something bold without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Bolognese

Green Rice Casserole

An overhead image of green rice casserole in a white baking dish.
Green Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This green rice casserole is done in under 35 minutes and still hits hard. It’s a great choice when you want to host without needing hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

Eggplant Casserole

An eggplant casserole in a baking dish, accompanied by a wooden spoon.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted eggplant, cheese, and herbs layer into a casserole that feels complete with very little work. It’s a go-to when you want something solid but don’t have time to plan much.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon ricotta pasta cooks in one pot and takes just 15 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and still looks like you planned ahead.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Vegan Turkey Roast

Vegan Turkey Roast in a glass baking dish on a countertop, garnished with herbs.
Vegan Turkey Roast. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chickpeas and seitan bake into a hearty roast that holds up on any table. It’s one of those dishes that makes group dinners feel a little more put together.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Overhead view of rigatoni arrabbiata dish placed on a white plate and baking dish. 
Rigatoni Arrabbiata. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This rigatoni arrabbiata brings bold garlic and tomato flavor in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for nights when you want fast food that still feels like real cooking.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Easy Mushroom Wellington

An overhead image of mushroom wellington in a serving plate.
Easy Mushroom Wellington. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

The flaky crust and hearty filling make this vegan Wellington feel like a main event. It’s a smart choice when you want one dish to carry the whole dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington

Vegetarian Enchiladas

A close up image of a serving of vegetarian enchiladas on a plate.
Vegetarian Enchiladas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These vegetarian enchiladas come packed with flavor and covered in a bold red sauce. They’re an easy way to feed a group without losing your whole afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Enchiladas

Vegan Ham

Overhead photo of vegan ham with pineapple slices placed on a white serving dish. 
Vegan Ham. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan ham brings all the right flavors in a simple, plant-based version. It works well for group dinners when you want a centerpiece that’s low-stress.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

An image of a white plate with a serving of cheesy green bean casserole with a fork on the side, and the casserole behind it.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green beans bake into a cheesy casserole with a golden top in just 30 minutes. It’s a great choice for tight schedules that still call for something that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

An image of cooked tater tot casserole.
Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy vegetables and crispy tater tots come together in a casserole that’s easy to love. It’s fast to prep and works well for any crowd-style dinner.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

Close-up image of Chicken and Queso Rice Bake garnished with fresh chopped parsley on a plate.
Chicken and Queso Rice Bake. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Cheesy chicken and rice bake fast and feed a lot without needing much effort. It’s great for last-minute plans when people are hungry and time is short.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

A serving of Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan in a plate.
Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Maple Dijon chicken roasts with vegetables and bacon on a single sheet. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together and still feel good putting on the table.
Get the Recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken, beans, and corn bake into a Tex-Mex pasta casserole that’s easy to prep. Using rotisserie chicken makes it faster but still good enough to serve guests.
Get the Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake

Vegetable Casserole

Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A creamy base, fresh vegetables, and crunchy topping make this vegan casserole a solid bet. It’s one of those dishes that holds its own for group dinners or casual hosting.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Wild rice, mushrooms, and mozzarella bake into a hearty casserole that’s simple to prep. It’s a good fit when you need a dish that can sit on the table and still impress.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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