"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
2. Crispy Prosciutto Salad
3. Pesto Parmesan Cheese Straws
4. Easy Crème Brulée
5. Crispy Smash Potatoes
6. One Pot Cheesy Mushroom Pasta
7. Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese and Pomegranate
8. Goat Cheese Pizza
9. Pork Loin Roast
10. Cherry Arugula Farro Salad
11. Mushroom Bruschetta
12. Crockpot Whole Chicken
13. Chicken Marsala
14. Baked Brie with Jam
15. Cinnamon Walnut Pear Crisp
16. Chopped Pecan Crusted Cheese Ball
17. Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars
18. Grilled Carrots with Cinnamon and Chipotle
19. Vegan White Bean and Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
20. Chai Spiced Apple Ricotta Galette
