An Eat REAL America member recently sent me a message with a suggestion for a new coaching tip.
She said she would love more information on “go to” recipes to be prepared when people come to visit. What a fantastic idea!
Whether it’s planned family or friend visits during the holiday season or one of those wonderful “Hey, we are in the neighborhood!” surprises, having guests in your home can bring so much joy… and let’s be honest, sometimes a little stress! We want to help relieve that for you!
Hosting others in your home doesn’t have to mean scrambling to throw a meal together at the last minute. With a little planning — and a few REAL-food staples tucked away in your fridge and freezer — you can treat your guests to something nourishing and delicious without sacrificing your time or your sanity!
As just one example, see how easy it is to prepare these Cheeseburger Quinoa Bites – they freeze perfectly and are always a hit with both kids and adults because they really do taste like cheeseburgers!
Keep reading for even more of our favorite simple hosting tips and freezer-friendly ideas to make hosting effortless, healthy, and delicious.
Start with a Healthy Mindset
Before we even talk about food, it helps to reset expectations.
The goal isn’t to impress — it’s to make your guests feel welcome. A pot of soup simmering, an interesting snack board, or even a few warmed-up muffins can feel thoughtful and inviting. Keeping a few staples on hand means you can be fully present with your visitors while nourishing them with REAL food.
Stock your Freezer
There are SO MANY items that freeze beautifully, reheat well, and give you instant options when guests arrive.
Homemade soups and chili. Soups are one of the BEST freezer staples because they reheat quickly and often taste even better the next day. Tip: Freeze in quart-sized containers for 2-4 servings, or in covered containers for individual servings. Warm on the stove or thaw and warm in the slow cooker while you visit with your guests.
Just a few great choices include:
Slow Cooker Enchilada Soup Bar
Spicy Peanut Sweet Potato Soup
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Cincinnati Chili over Spaghetti Squash
Hearty entrees. These freeze well, reheat easily, and allow you to serve something comforting and satisfying without a lot of extra effort.
Meal starters. Keep a variety of these portioned in the freezer and then you can quickly turn them into tacos, bowls, sandwiches, and more.
Whole grains like rice and farro
Muffins and cookies. Perfect for morning drop-ins and really delicious with a cup of coffee.
Chocolate Bliss Breakfast Cookies
Smarty Pants Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
More effortless breakfasts. Freezer-friendly breakfasts are a game-changer for overnight guests or early-morning visits.
Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Cups
Rise and Shine Veggie Breakfast Bake
Hummus (Savory and Sweet!). Hummus is incredibly versatile – it works as a snack, appetizer, or part of a light meal. It freezes well, thaws quickly, and makes hosting so much easier.
Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Carrot Hummus
Energy bites and sweet treats. These are ideal because they freeze perfectly, thaw in minutes, and will save the day – put them out on a plate and you are instantly the best host!
Pantry Staples That Make Hosting Easy
Even if your freezer is empty, you can build a meal or snack in record time!
- Canned beans (having white beans on hand can help make a quick and creamy hummus, or throw together a bean salad — with a variety of beans and some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey and dijon mustard you can make a modified version of the Healthified Three Bean Salad)
- Canned tomatoes, Marinara sauce or basil pesto (for fast soups or pastas)
- Variety of pastas and grains like quinoa, farro or brown rice (ready to cook and toss with roasted vegetables)
- Whole grain crackers or bread (add some nuts, cheese, dried fruit and stone ground mustard and put together a simple charcuterie board)
- Nuts and dried fruit
- Dark chocolate
- Popcorn kernels (make a variety of flavor-loaded air popped popcorn)
- Salsas and hot sauces
- Broth cartons or granules
- Refrigerator items like greens, apples, oranges, grapes, carrots, eggs, and a block of good cheese (just to name a few)
- Staple vegetables on hand like onions, sweet potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli or cauliflower can be easily sautéed or roasted. Then, they can be paired with a grain or pasta and be transformed into a buddha bowl or stir fry. Use the sauce in our Korean Beef and Veggie Bowl recipe and you will look like a master chef without much effort!
Hosting Doesn’t Need to be Fancy – Just REAL!
With a stocked freezer and a few pantry items, you will be ready for guests anytime. And instead of being stuck in the kitchen, you get to spend time on what matters most – connecting with the people you care about.
What tips would you share with other Eat REAL America members?
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