You Can Host With Just These 17 Dishes

Hosting doesn’t have to mean a dozen dishes or hours in the kitchen. These recipes are simple, make a big impact, and actually taste great. They’re the kind of food people remember—not because it was fancy, but because it hit the right notes. Whether you’re feeding a small group or a packed house, this is how you pull it off without overthinking every bite.

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

Mushroom Stroganoff

This mushroom stroganoff is creamy and savory, ready in 30 minutes. It pairs nicely with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, making it a flexible option for hosting dinners.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Ethiopian Cabbage

A one-pot Ethiopian cabbage stew made with warm spices and pantry vegetables takes 30 minutes to prepare. It brings a hearty and flavorful option to any hosting menu.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

Pizza Sliders

An image of a hand picking up one pizza slider from the baking pan. — Pizza Sliders. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pizza sliders loaded with cheese, sauce, and vegetables come together quickly with little effort. They’re a fun and convenient choice when hosting guests who enjoy casual finger foods.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sliders

Nigerian Fried Rice

Nigerian fried rice is a colorful, flavorful dish that takes just 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a lively addition that adds variety to any hosted meal.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

The black bean salad with cilantro lime dressing is ready in just 10 minutes. Its fresh ingredients and quick preparation make it a convenient side for hosting lunches or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Penne Pomodoro

Penne Pomodoro comes together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients. This budget-friendly dish fits well on the table for hosting without requiring extensive prep.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A close up view of cooked tortellini pasta salad in a white bowl. — Pesto Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This tortellini pasta salad comes together in just 20 minutes using fewer than 10 ingredients, making it a great choice for summer gatherings. Its quick prep allows more time to spend with guests.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

One-pot lemon ricotta pasta is ready in 15 minutes, offering a bright and light dish. It works well for quick weeknight dinners or when hosting a casual meal.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus takes 25 minutes and just five ingredients to prepare. It’s an easy side that fits well with summer cookouts or casual hosting occasions.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon. — Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This classic three-ingredient bucatini cacio e pepe is easy to prepare and very authentic. It comes together quickly, making it a reliable choice for hosting when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of a cooked gouda mac and cheese in a baking pan. — Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Homemade baked gouda mac and cheese takes about 45 minutes and has a rich, creamy consistency. It suits hosting when comfort food is needed without complicated preparation.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Baked cauliflower cheese features a creamy Mornay sauce and a crispy top, ready in about an hour. This dish works well as an alternative side when hosting dinner parties.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side. — 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

With only three main ingredients and a 30-minute cook time, this broccoli cheese casserole is perfect for busy days. It’s simple to prepare and fits well when hosting casual meals.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup

An overhead image of two cabbage soups in a white serving bowl. — Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This one-pot vegan cabbage soup is packed with nutrients and flavor and can be made in large batches. Its ease of preparation makes it practical for hosting during busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup

Pasta e Piselli

Pasta e piselli combines peas and Pecorino cheese for a simple yet tasty meal. It’s quick to prepare and works well for hosting weeknight dinners with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of two bowls of mac and cheese with a fork beside each. — Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker mac and cheese requires minimal effort—just combine ingredients and let it cook. Its creamy texture makes it a popular dish to serve at relaxed gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steaks are ready in 35 minutes and make a healthy side dish. They’re straightforward to prepare and bring a satisfying vegetable option to the hosting table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks