21 Recipes So Good, Even Surprise Guests Will Think You Planned It All Along

Uh oh! Friends just dropped by? Don't panic! You can whip up a delicious meal that'll have them thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. This list has 21 amazing recipes that are perfect for last-minute gatherings.

Most use ingredients you probably already have on hand, and come together in a flash. Say goodbye to stress in the kitchen and hello to compliments all around with these crowd-pleasing dishes!

Bruschetta with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Easy Bruschetta with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes features homemade basil Pesto, sautéed zucchini and delicious sun-dried tomatoes. If you're looking for a very best crowd-pleasing appetizer for birthday party,  Thanksgiving or Christmas, you can count on this Basil Pesto Bruschetta to deliver. Easy to make and absolutely delicious! Get the recipe.

Italian Cannellini Bean Salad

This Italian Cannellini Bean Salad is healthy, flavorful, and satisfying. Made with white beans, juicy roasted bell peppers, olives, marinated red onions, and dollops of vegan cashew cheese, it's the perfect cold side dish or easy lunch. A good option for picnics, potluck, or work lunches too. Get the recipe.

Easy Penne Pomodoro

This Penne Pomodoro is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring a delicious, flavor-packed red tomato sauce with hints of basil and garlic. This easy pasta recipe is quick and easy to make, and you can have it ready at the dinner table in under 30 minutes! Get the recipe.

Crispy Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic and Dill 

So easy and delicious, these Crispy Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic and Dill are a comfort side dish that never disappoints. Naturally vegan and made with just 4 simple ingredients, these crushed red potatoes are great for any occasion. Get the recipe.

Bourbon Chicken Recipe

This easy bourbon chicken recipe is a classic dish that's ready in under 30 minutes and combines delicious tangy and sweet flavors. With tender, juicy chicken smothered in a savory Bourbon sauce, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good, hearty meal. Get the recipe.

Creamy Salmon Pasta

This Easy and Creamy Salmon Pasta features quickly seared salmon tossed in a creamy, smoky sauce along with your favorite pasta. This hearty and satisfying dish is loaded with flavor and comes together in no time. Get the recipe.

Artichoke Tomato Bruschetta 

If you’ve been looking for a delicious appetizer that’s perfect for the holidays, then this artichoke tomato bruschetta is probably it. It’s the perfect combination of an oven-toasted baguette with the tangy sweetness of tomatoes, the earthy flavor of artichokes, and the creamy richness of goat cheese. Plus, it can be ready in less than 25 minutes! Get the recipe.

Brisket Nachos

Use leftover shredded beef brisket to make these easy but insanely delicious loaded BBQ brisket nachos. They’re great as a party appetizer, dinner or addition to a game day spread and easy to customize to your topping preferences! Get the recipe.

Chicken Ragu Pasta

This simple chicken ragu pasta may be easy to make and use everyday ingredients, but there's nothing basic about its flavor. This yummy, savory, and quick-to-make dinner idea is bound to become a favorite family meal. Enjoy this homemade pasta with ground chicken in just half an hour. Get the recipe.

Pasta alla Carbonara with Peas and Bacon

This Pasta alla Carbonara with Peas and Bacon a favorite quick, easy and inexpensive comfort food that's ready in less than 30 minutes. Get the recipe.

Korean Beef and Rice

If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, then try this Korean beef and rice! It’s the perfect combination of flavors for a meal that’s going to become a new family favorite! With a few pantry staples, you can make a delicious meal from start to finish in just 15 minutes! Get the recipe.

Stir Fry Noodles (Ready In Under 30 Minutes)

These Stir Fry Noodles are incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and the perfect recipe for busy weeknights! It features perfectly stir-fried veggies, tasty tofu, and delicious noodles coated in a simple, flavorful homemade stir-fry sauce! Get the recipe.

Creamy Mushroom Dip

If you're a fan of dips with bold flavors and creamy textures, this mushroom dip is for you. It combines the rich, earthy taste of mushrooms with the creaminess of ricotta and mayo and the sharpness of parmesan. Add in a touch of garlic, caper, and vinegar, and you've got an absolutely delicious dip! Ready in just 20 minutes! Get the recipe.

Spicy Sausage Pasta 

Make this Spicy Sausage Pasta recipe in under 15 minutes with just 6 ingredients. Packed with flavor from fresh sausage, garlic, parmesan and bacon - with a lighter touch from spinach. Get the recipe.

Easy Asian Salmon Stir Fry

This easy salmon stir fry recipe will show you how easy and how delicious it can be. This Asian salmon recipe is made with kitchen staples (if you stir fry, you should have these) and the whole meal comes together in less than 30 minutes. Get the recipe.

Gnocchi Carbonara

Whip up a comforting dinner with this Gnocchi Carbonara recipe. It combines pillowy gnocchi with a creamy, rich sauce for a truly delightful dish. Get the recipe.

Smoked Salmon Sandwich with Cucumber Ribbons

Next time you need a slightly fancy, majorly delicious meal (served open faced for a better bread to topping ratio) this smoked salmon sandwich with cucumber ribbons is IT! Get the recipe.

Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

This Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is the perfect one-pot meal that'll be ready in under 30 minutes to give you a deliciously satisfying meal without having to slave away in the kitchen all day! It features chicken stroganoff, the chicken version of this incredibly popular East European dish that we've all come to know and love. Get the recipe.

Cheesy Tortellini Casserole 

This cheap & cheesy Tortellini Casserole is a weeknight favorite done in 25 minutes with just 5 ingredients. A cheesy tortellini al forno that's packed with flavor, and a dish the whole family will love. It also heats up really well for delicious leftovers! Get the recipe.

10-Minute Cajun Shrimp Recipe

This Cajun shrimp is made with bold Cajun spices, the richness of butter, the tanginess of lemon juice, and a savory hint of garlic. It’s absolutely delicious, and you know the best part? You only need 5 ingredients to make it from scratch in 10 minutes! Get the recipe.

Ham and Cheese Sliders

There's nothing quite like the classic comfort of Ham and Cheese Sliders, especially when they're this easy to make. Our sliders are packed with savory ham, melted cheddar, and a tangy Dijon kick. Get the recipe.