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15 Entertaining Dishes That Won’t Make You Spend Hours in the Kitchen

Who says cooking great food has to take all day? There are lots of quick and fun dishes that you can throw together without missing out on the fun. Whether it’s a quick bite for a cozy family meal or something a bit more festive for friends, you won’t have to spend forever in the kitchen. Keep things simple with 15 entertaining dishes that won’t make you spend hours in the kitchen.

Sausage Rolls on a white plate.
Sausage Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pico de Gallo

A shot of Pico de Gallo on a board with chips nearby.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re in need of a quick and fresh addition to your meal, our Pico De Gallo got you covered. All it takes are a few chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and you’re set for a flavorsome experience. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours. This vibrant concoction pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or as a fresh topping for any grilled dish. Trust me, your guests will love the burst of freshness it brings to the table.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Smoked Jalapeño Poppers

Smoked jalapeno poppers on a platter.
Smoked Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who love a bit of spice, our Smoked Jalapeño Poppers are a game-changer. They add a smoky twist to the traditional popper, filled with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon for an extra kick. Thankfully, they’re straightforward to make and are always a favorite amongst guests. Perfect for anyone looking to spice up their party menu without spending the whole day in the kitchen. Trust me, these poppers bring the heat in the best way possible.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapeño Poppers

Spinach & Brie Dip

Spinach & Brie Dip in a casserole dish surrounded by pita wedges.
Spinach & Brie Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pulling out a creamy Spinach & Brie Dip from the oven, knowing it didn’t take you all day to make. The combination of brie cheese melting through the spinach is not only effortless to prepare but also irresistibly tasty. It’s the kind of dip that has everyone going back for seconds, and it’s ready before you even know it. Perfect for smearing over toasted bread or crackers, making your snack time both fancy and simple. You get to enjoy your gathering without being tied down to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Spinach & Brie Dip

Pizza Raclette

A group of pizza raclette.
Pizza Raclette. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pizza Raclette takes the pizza-making experience to a whole other level of fun and simplicity. Guests get a kick out of melting their own toppings, turning dinner into an interactive event. It’s incredibly easy to set up and even easier to enjoy, ensuring no one is stuck in the kitchen missing out on the fun. This dish is perfect for those looking to add a twist to traditional pizza night without the extra hassle. Everyone gets exactly what they want, and you get to keep your sanity.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Raclette

Baked Brie in a Bowl

A wooden platter with baked brie in a bowl, cheese, crackers, grapes and bread.
Baked Brie in a Bowl. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Our Baked Brie in a Bowl is the definition of an easy yet indulgent treat. By baking the brie directly in a bowl, you cut down on prep time without sacrificing any of the creamy goodness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with a variety of toppings, so you can tweak it to fit your gathering. This dish turns a simple cheese into a warm, inviting centerpiece. And the best part? You’re left with plenty of time to enjoy your guests’ company.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie in a Bowl

Cold Corn Dip

A bowl of Chilled Corn Dip with chips on a black plate.
Cold Corn Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Our Cold Corn Dip is a refreshing choice for those who love spending more time with guests than in the kitchen. This dip comes together quickly, blending sweet corn with creamy textures for an immediate crowd-pleaser. It’s so simple to make and even easier to love, perfect for any last-minute gathering. Serve it chilled with a side of your favorite chips or veggies, and watch it disappear in no time. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic way to add a quick and tasty option to your party lineup.
Get the Recipe: Cold Corn Dip

Baked Scotch Eggs

Scotch Eggs on a black plate.
Baked Scotch Eggs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Not many dishes can bring the wow factor without hours of preparation, but our Baked Scotch Eggs do just that. They’re a fantastic protein-packed snack that combines the goodness of sausage meat with the heartiness of eggs, all without the mess of frying. These eggs are surprisingly simple to prepare and serve as a great talking point among guests. They’re ideal for those seeking satisfying appetizers that don’t demand too much kitchen time. Definitely a must-try for your next casual meet-up or fancy gathering.
Get the Recipe: Baked Scotch Eggs

Guacamole Snack Board

A top-down shot of a guacamole snack board.
Guacamole Snack Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Setting up a Guacamole Snack Board is not only a fun party activity but also a hassle-free way to serve up some deliciousness. You get to create a customizable snacking experience with homemade guacamole at the center stage. It’s super easy to assemble, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the festivities yourself. This board invites everyone to build their own perfect bite, making your gathering a hit without much effort. Truly, it’s entertaining made simple and savory.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turning leftover turkey into a deliciously creamy Turkey à la King can be your next dinner party hit. It’s a comforting dish that gives new life to leftovers, ensuring nothing goes to waste. The best part? It’s a straightforward recipe that allows you to create a satisfying meal without spending all day in the kitchen. Guests are bound to appreciate the hearty flavors, and you’ll love how it simplifies your entertaining prep. This dish proves that you can serve up comfort and taste without the extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Our Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a light and flavorful option that comes together in no time. It’s packed with the goodness of orzo pasta, shrimp, and a medley of fresh ingredients, offering a refreshing break from heavier party fare. This salad is a great way to impress your guests with a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Not to mention, it’s a beautiful addition to any table without requiring hours of preparation. A definite win for any host looking to keep things simple yet sophisticated.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Lemon Cake Pops

Lemon cake pops on a white plate.
Lemon Cake Pops. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Lemon Cake Pops offer a burst of flavor in a convenient, no-mess form. They’re incredibly fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat, providing a sweet end to any gathering. This dessert is proof that you don’t need to spend hours baking to bring something special to the table. They’re as perfect for a casual get-together as they are for a more upscale event. Plus, their individual serving size means you can mingle worry-free.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pops

Beef Wellington Bites

Beef Wellington Bites on a white plate with sauce in the middle.
Beef Wellington Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you want to impress but not stress, Beef Wellington Bites are your go-to. They transform the elegance of the traditional dish into bite-sized wonders, perfect for party snacks. It’s a straightforward recipe that promises rich flavors without hours of preparation. These little guys are real crowd-pleasers, offering a savory taste that makes a lasting impression. Plus, they perfectly align with the idea of fancy yet easy entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites

Tomato Bruschetta Board

Tomato bruschetta board on a table.
Tomato Bruschetta Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A Tomato Bruschetta Board brings the fresh and vibrant flavors of Italy to your table with minimal effort. With juicy tomatoes, garlic, and basil atop crusty bread, it’s a build-your-own adventure that everyone loves. This dish is all about simplicity and taste, letting the quality ingredients shine without keeping you busy for long. It’s as easy as chopping and assembling, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the company. It is definitely a must-have for any gathering aiming to impress without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board

Sausage Rolls

Sausage Rolls on a white plate.
Sausage Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Everyone loves a good Sausage Roll, especially when it comes together without much fuss. This dish wraps savory sausage in flaky pastry, creating a finger food that’s hard to resist. They’re incredibly easy to bake and even easier to make disappear at your next gathering. Ideal for passing around while catching up with friends, they make you look like an effortless host. Plus, they confirm that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen for your snacks to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls

Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney

A chunk of oozing brie with apple chutney on a board.
Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something about a Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney that screams gourmet, yet it’s unbelievably easy to whip up. The combination of warm, gooey brie with the sweet and spicy chutney hits all the right notes. It’s the sort of dish that makes your guests think you’ve outdone yourself without actually keeping you busy in the kitchen. This duo is as perfect for a cozy gathering as it is for a more formal event. And the best part? It’s ready in no time, leaving you free to mingle.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney

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