Food & Drink

20 Recipes That Look Fancy, But Are Incredibly Easy to Make

written by HAILEY BOUCHE
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Source: Ambitious Kitchen
Source: Ambitious Kitchen

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.

entertaining guide

1. Brie and Sun-Dried Tomato Pull-Apart Bread

easy recipes
Source: Drizzle & Dip

2. Crispy Prosciutto Salad

easy recipes
Source: Two Peas & Their Pod

3. Pesto Parmesan Cheese Straws

easy recipes
Source: Two Peas and Their Pod

4. Easy Crème Brulée

easy recipes
Source: Platings and Pairings

5. Crispy Smash Potatoes

easy recipes
Source: Ambitious Kitchen

6. One Pot Cheesy Mushroom Pasta

easy recipes
Source: Ambitious Kitchen

7. Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese and Pomegranate

easy recipes
Source: Eat The Gains

8. Goat Cheese Pizza

easy recipes
Source: Garnish With Lemon

9. Pork Loin Roast

easy recipes
Source: Kristine’s Kitchen

10. Cherry Arugula Farro Salad

easy recipes
Source: Two Peas & Their Pod

11. Mushroom Bruschetta

easy recipes
Source: Garnish With Lemon

12. Crockpot Whole Chicken

easy recipes
Source: Kristine’s Kitchen

13. Chicken Marsala

easy recipes
Source: Kristine’s Kitchen

14. Baked Brie with Jam

easy recipes
Source: Garnish With Lemon

15. Cinnamon Walnut Pear Crisp

easy recipes
Source: Ambitious Kitchen

16. Chopped Pecan Crusted Cheese Ball

easy recipes
Source: Two Peas and Their Pod

17. Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars

easy recipes
Source: Garnish With Lemon

18. Grilled Carrots with Cinnamon and Chipotle

easy recipes
Source: Eat The Gains

19. Vegan White Bean and Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

easy recipes
Source: Ambitious Kitchen

20. Chai Spiced Apple Ricotta Galette

easy recipes
Source: Half Baked Harvest