This list of 45 of the Best Recipes for Unexpected Guests provides a variety of quick and easy recipes to help you be prepared for last minute guests. From appetizers to main courses and desserts, these easy meals are simple, versatile, and delicious, and don't compromise on nourishment for you and your surprise guests. Plus, you'll love the easy lunch ideas for guests that serve as a full meal well into dinner-time.
Whether it's a last-minute visit from friends or family, unexpected guests can throw a wrench in your meal plans.
But don’t worry - I have you covered with this list of the best recipes for unexpected guests that feature quick and easy, reliable recipes that you can whip up on short notice.
In this post, I’m sharing some delicious and versatile recipes that will impress your guests while saving you time and stress. The best part is that these recipes won’t just satisfy your guests; they will also nourish them well.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to be hospitable and make your guests feel welcome, whether offering them a simple snack or a full meal; the warmth of your hospitality and the kind gesture matter most.
Now, if you're reading this around the holidays, be sure to check out my collection of best gluten-free holiday recipes and non-traditional Christmas recipes for more mouth-watering deliciousness to serve on your dinner table.
Jump to:
- Reasons to have these recipes
- How to plan quick meals for unexpected guests
- Helpful Tips for Easy and Nourishing Meals
- Serve Small Bites for Unexpected Guests
- Quick Appetizer Ideas
- Easy Lunch Ideas for Guests
- Quick Meals for Unexpected Guests
- Easy Dinner Recipes for Guests
- Simple Recipes to Feed a Crowd
- Quick and Easy Desserts
- Helpful Tools & Links
- FAQs
Reasons to have these recipes
Having a list of wholesome recipes that you can make quickly for unexpected visits can be helpful for several reasons:
- Saves time and stress: If friends and family arrive unexpectedly at your home, you may feel rushed and stressed trying to figure out what to feed them. Having all these recipes on one list can save you time and alleviate stress.
- Offers a variety of options: This list of easy meals can ensure that you have a variety of options to choose from. This way, you can cater to different dietary preferences and know there is something for everyone.
- Impress your guests: Not that you need to, but food is a love language for some. With a list of tried and tested recipes, you can confidently offer your guests a delicious meal that will bless them.
- Great recipes for tight budget: Unexpected visitors mean unexpected expense. These budget-friendly recipes will help you avoid breaking the bank.
- Serves a crowd: Many of these recipes are total crowd-pleasers and can easily be adapted to fit many dietary needs, whether it's GAPS, Whole30, low carb, or paleo.
💭Pro tip: If your pantry is lacking in ingredients, stock up with items like jarred olives, artichoke hearts and roasted bell peppers, crackers, and nuts so you’re prepared next time last minute guests arrive.
How to plan quick meals for unexpected guests
- Decide if you're serving a light meal or a full dinner. Once it’s established that you are feeding your surprise guests, you have to quickly assess what ingredients you have on hand. Depending on the time of day and how many guests you have expected, you might serve a light snack, a full meal, or something in between.
- Thaw the meat. If you decide to offer a whole meal, complete with protein, you will need to thaw the meat first. Before you do anything else, pull the frozen meat out of the freezer and place it in a leak-proof plastic bag. Submerge it in a bowl of room temperature water and change out the water every 30 minutes.
- Shop your pantry. Check to see if you have canned tuna (tuna casserole!) or wild rice (chicken wild rice soup). Either way, a well-stocked pantry is one of the best things in a busy kitchen!
💭Pro-tip: A great way to thaw meat without much time is to submerge sealed package of frozen meat in a bowl of room temperature or cold water. Replace water every 30 minutes until meat has thawed. The meat should thaw in about an hour or two. This works surprisingly fast for ground meats like sausage, ground chicken, or ground beef.
Helpful Tips for Easy and Nourishing Meals
Add a ferment: It’s important to keep gut health optimal, so it’s always a great idea to add a fermented food such as sauerkraut and kimchi to any meal.
Keep staples ready: Smother salmon with homemade mayonnaise for an instant meal. Or you can toss chicken wings with buffalo sauce for an easy dinner. Top your favorites with sriracha mayo to elevate any tasty dish.
Know your flavors: You can enhance the flavor of any meal by adding a spicy jalapeno kick - try fermented jalapenos or roasted jalapenos. And if you have this easy garlic confit on hand, it is delightful on sourdough bread for an easy starter.
Have nourishing basics down: You can build the best soup with a nutrient-dense broth in your fridge. Even if it’s frozen solid in your freezer, it thaws quickly on the stovetop. Ensure you are stocked with chicken bone broth and beef bone broth.
Garnish with fresh herbs: One of my favorite ways to elevate any dish is to add fresh dill, basil, or cilantro. Consider using a parsley substitution if you don't have any on hand.
Serve Small Bites for Unexpected Guests
You may be wondering how finger foods made it on the quick and easy list of Best Recipes for Unexpected Guests.
The reality is that offering finger foods or appetizers for your last-minute guests can be a fun and interactive way to show hospitality. Serving snacks is always a good idea for several reasons:
- Easy to prepare: Do a scavenger hunt of your refrigerator and pantry and pull out foods that can be eaten as a snack or appetizer. Consider protein-rich sources like deli meats and dips like hummus.
- Versatile: Snacky foods can cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. Dairy-free? Skip the ranch and pull out hummus to pair with carrot sticks.
- Convenient: Keeps things simple and stress-free, which is great for you and your guests. Finger foods require minimal utensils, plates, and table space and let your guests mingle and socialize while they eat.
Quick Appetizer Ideas
Consider serving some finger foods in plain sight for your guests to serve themselves. Arrange a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruit on a platter for a simple and elegant snack. Add nourishing proteins like cured salami, lox salmon, and easy beef liver pate.
Or serve fresh veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers, and red peppers along with hummus, ranch dressing or French onion dip.
Try these simple small bites that are satisfying, delicious, and quick to pull together.
Easy Lunch Ideas for Guests
If you’re moving beyond finger foods and need a full meal, consider these quick meals for unexpected guests that will satisfy their appetites without keeping you tied up in the kitchen for hours.
Quick Meals for Unexpected Guests
The best recipes for unexpected guests have to be quick and easy.
And while we’re all about offering simple and quick dinners, they must also be healthy and nourishing. But the term simple can be subjective and mean different things to different people.
One of the best ways to make a quick and comforting meal for unexpected guests is by turning to the simplicity and versatility of soups. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious pot of soup that's both nourishing and satisfying.
Easy Dinner Recipes for Guests
Grab a casserole dish and create a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for your surprise guests. What makes these the best recipes for unexpected guests? They're easy to whip up, have nourishing ingredients, and satisfy all taste preferences.
All you need is a simple side dish like red cabbage steaks or air fryer butternut squash and you have a well-balanced meal.
Simple Recipes to Feed a Crowd
Grab a casserole dish and create a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for your surprise guests. What makes these the best recipes for unexpected guests? They're easy to whip up, have nourishing components, and satisfy all taste preferences.
💭Make it nutrient-dense: Make sure your meals are accompanied by a spoonful of probiotic-rich fermented food and use bone broth as much as you can.
Quick and Easy Desserts
There are plenty of quick desserts that your guests will love. A super quick dessert solution that always works is fresh fruit.
Berries like strawberries and blueberries are lovely sweet treats that most people enjoy. Or try a fruit salad, depending on the seasonality. Chop up some fresh fruit and toss them together for a light and refreshing dessert.
Helpful Tools & Links
Below are some affiliate links that may be helpful to you as you make some of these best recipes for unexpected guests. You can find some of these items cheaper at your local store but it helps to have a link so you know what you're looking for.
Kitchen tools: Be sure you have a good cutting board, large mixing bowl, and a sharp chef's knife.
Serving vessels: You may find these helpful as you serve your non-traditional Christmas dinner - ceramic baking dish, serving platter set, large salad bowl, and a pretty glass pitcher for chilled drinks like lemonade and hibiscus punch.
Storage supplies: Have any leftovers? Store them in glass snap containers or Weck jars for drinks or salad dressings.
FAQs
Whether or not your guests are expecting a full meal or just a snack board, consider serving a charcuterie board with an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and crackers for an elegant and easy option for small bites or to tie your guests until mealtime.
Keep your pantry stocked with versatile foods like crackers, cheese, and hummus. Frozen foods like beef tongue and chicken liver are handy for last-minute nutrient-dense recipes. Lastly, having fresh fruits and veggies on hand provides a simple and healthy option for unexpected guests.
Some quick meals for unexpected guests can be a classic chicken Caesar salad with pre-cooked chicken and homemade Caesar salad dressing. Throw in some air fryer croutons, if you're extra fancy. Another simple idea is to have a build-your-own taco bar, complete with pico de Gallo, nacho cheese, and fermented jalapenos.
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