"Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, for a cozy night in with your partner, or just for yourself, there are two options when it comes time to decide what to make. You can either stick to what you know (AKA make the same easy recipes you always make) or try a new recipe and hope for the best. Me? I always have every intention of venturing out and whipping up something impressive, but the second I look at the steps and ingredients of a fancy dish, I immediately revert to my usuals. Girl dinner and a glass of wine, anyone?
But as an aspiring hostess and someone who loves being complimented on their food, I’m making it a point to find the fanciest-looking recipes that are secretly easy to make. From appetizers like mushroom bruschetta to main dishes like chicken marsala (plus a few decadent desserts to round out my perfect menu), I am sharing 20 delicious and easy recipes that will earn you compliments but not take hours to make.
1. Brie and Sun-Dried Tomato Pull-Apart Bread
Source: Drizzle & Dip
2. Crispy Prosciutto Salad
Source: Two Peas & Their Pod
3. Pesto Parmesan Cheese Straws
Source: Two Peas and Their Pod
4. Easy Crème Brulée
Source: Platings and Pairings
5. Crispy Smash Potatoes
Source: Ambitious Kitchen
6. One Pot Cheesy Mushroom Pasta
Source: Ambitious Kitchen
7. Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese and Pomegranate
Source: Eat The Gains
8. Goat Cheese Pizza
Source: Garnish With Lemon
9. Pork Loin Roast
Source: Kristine’s Kitchen
10. Cherry Arugula Farro Salad
Source: Two Peas & Their Pod
11. Mushroom Bruschetta
Source: Garnish With Lemon
12. Crockpot Whole Chicken
Source: Kristine’s Kitchen
13. Chicken Marsala
Source: Kristine’s Kitchen
14. Baked Brie with Jam
Source: Garnish With Lemon
15. Cinnamon Walnut Pear Crisp
Source: Ambitious Kitchen
16. Chopped Pecan Crusted Cheese Ball
Source: Two Peas and Their Pod
17. Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars
Source: Garnish With Lemon
18. Grilled Carrots with Cinnamon and Chipotle
Source: Eat The Gains
19. Vegan White Bean and Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Source: Ambitious Kitchen
20. Chai Spiced Apple Ricotta Galette
Source: Half Baked Harvest
