• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Parallel Plates
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
×
Home » Recipe Collections

These 21 Meals Taste Better with Friends

Published: Jun 15, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Meals just hit different when you’re sharing them with friends. There’s something about a good dish and a full table that makes everything taste better. These recipes aren’t just about feeding people—they’re about making moments. They’re bold, simple, and made to be passed around. If you’re looking for something that’s great for a crowd and actually worth making again, you’re in the right place.

Three Chicken Milanese on a plate with some greens and slices of lemon.
Chicken Milanese. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Vegan Turkey Roast

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

This chickpea and seitan roast comes together with pantry staples and minimal prep. It’s a solid option for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal when you want something homemade without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast

Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

A close-up image of gochujang cauliflower tacos on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of lime slices and sliced red onions.
Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These Korean-spiced cauliflower tacos are crisp and easy to prepare ahead. They’re a practical choice for lunch or dinner, especially when you want to change up your toppings.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

An angled shot of savory sweet potato casserole served in a baking dish.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This savory sweet potato casserole uses garlic and a honey walnut topping for a balanced flavor. It’s a great fit for holiday dinners or regular weeknights when you want something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Moroccan Shakshuka

An overhead image of a cooked shakshuka in a pan.
Moroccan Shakshuka. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Moroccan-style poached eggs simmer in a tomato-based sauce with parsley, avocado, and crumbly cheese. This makes a great brunch choice thanks to the bold flavors and quick stovetop prep.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Shakshuka

Nigerian Jollof Rice

Top view of Nigerian jollof rice.
Nigerian Jollof Rice. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Nigerian jollof rice is a tomato and pepper-based one-pot dish, known for the crispy layer that forms at the bottom. It’s a flavorful and quick pick for dinner, ready in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Jollof Rice

Chicken Milanese

Chicken Milanese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken Milanese features thin, breaded chicken cutlets cooked until crisp, finished with garlic and parmesan. It’s an easy weeknight option that works well for lunch or dinner with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Milanese

Chana Masala

Top view image of chana masala served in a white bowl.
Chana Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chana masala is a one-pot chickpea curry that comes together in about 30 minutes. It works well for lunch or dinner, especially when you're looking for something quick and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chana Masala

Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Top view of Thai curried butternut squash soup.
Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

This Thai-style butternut squash soup uses coconut milk and spices for a smooth, flavorful result. It’s a practical option for fall lunches or light dinners.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

This Margherita pizza can be made at home in about 20 minutes using fresh ingredients and a basic dough. It fits well into a busy evening schedule when a quick, low-effort meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Easy Mushroom Wellington

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

This vegan mushroom Wellington is wrapped in flaky pastry and filled with seasoned mushrooms and herbs. It makes a solid centerpiece for holiday dinners or special weekend meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington

Leek and Mushroom Pasta

An overhead image of cooked leek mushroom pasta in a pan.
Leek and Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This creamy leek and mushroom pasta is made in one pot with fresh herbs, ricotta, and parmesan. It’s a solid weeknight dinner choice that’s ready in 40 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Pasta

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes in a Dutch oven, with wooden spoon.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheesy mashed potatoes come together in about 45 minutes and can be made on the stove or in an Instant Pot. They’re a versatile side for dinner or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Potato And Sausage Chowder

Overhead image of cozy bowl of potato and sausage chowder with breads on the side.
Potato And Sausage Chowder. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

This potato and sausage chowder comes together in one pot and takes minimal effort to prepare. It's a practical choice for dinner, especially when something warm and filling is needed at the end of a cold day.
Get the Recipe: Potato And Sausage Chowder

Lemon Greek Potatoes

Close-up image of lemon greek potatoes in a dish.
Lemon Greek Potatoes. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

These roasted lemon Greek potatoes are baked with garlic, oregano, and olive oil, ready in about an hour. They make a dependable side for dinner when you want something simple that pairs well with many mains.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Dal Tadka

Two bowls of finished dal tadka next to each other.
Dal Tadka. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Dal tadka is a lentil-based curry with a flavorful spice tempering. It’s a protein-rich option that fits easily into lunch or dinner alongside flatbread or rice.
Get the Recipe: Dal Tadka

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina features baked potato gnocchi in a tomato sauce with melted cheese, using familiar pantry staples. It works well for dinner when you're looking for something warm and satisfying without a long cooking process.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Easy Veggie Lasagna

An image of a slice of vegetable lasagna on a white serving plate.
Easy Veggie Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegetable lasagna uses roasted vegetables, pasta, and ricotta layered together for a filling, meatless option. It works well for lunch or dinner when you want something baked and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

Hearty Beef Chili

Hearty Beef Chili. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This traditional beef chili is made with simple ingredients and slow-simmered for deep flavor. It's a solid dinner pick when you want something hearty and straightforward without extra prep.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Beef Chili

Ethiopian Cabbage

A close up image of cooked Ethiopian cabbage in a skillet pan with a wooden serving spoon mixing the dish.
Ethiopian Cabbage. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Ethiopian cabbage stew (Atakilt Wat) is a one-pot dish made with pantry vegetables and warm spices. It’s a simple way to serve a comforting dinner in just half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Top view of spaghetti squash casserole.
Spaghetti Squash Casserole. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

This spaghetti squash casserole is cheesy, simple to put together, and ready in 45 minutes. It’s a dependable option for busy weeknights when you need something you can throw in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Black Bean Quinoa Burger

An image of black bean quinoa burger on a cutting board with the top bun on the side.
Black Bean Quinoa Burger. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These black bean quinoa burgers are easy to prep and full of plant-based protein and fiber. They’re a smart choice for lunch or meal prep during the week.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Quinoa Burger

More Recipe Collections

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Close up headshot

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.

More about me →

Popular

  • Overhead image of cozy bowl of potato and sausage chowder with breads on the side.
    Potato And Sausage Chowder
  • Close-up of a bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup, garnished with parsley, ready to serve.
    Stuffed Pepper Soup
  • A slice of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars on a white plate in the foreground, with another slice on a pile of plates in the background.
    Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars
  • A serving of Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells on a plate.
    Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure & Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up!

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 Black Bicycle LLC