14 Host-Friendly Dishes That Stay Warm on the Table

When hosting a gathering, one of the biggest challenges is keeping your food warm without constant reheating. Luckily, there are plenty of dishes that can stay warm on the table for hours. These options are not only delicious but also practical, allowing you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen. From savory casseroles to hearty stews, you can find the perfect dish that suits any occasion.

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Slow-Cooked Beef Stew

A slow-cooked beef stew is the perfect dish to keep warm during a long dinner. The low and slow cooking method helps the stew retain its heat for hours, ensuring your guests can enjoy it at the ideal temperature. Its thick, hearty consistency makes it an excellent option for a gathering, as the heat stays trapped in the stew, keeping it warm on the table. The combination of tender beef, root vegetables, and a savory broth makes this dish a crowd favorite. It’s also easy to reheat in a slow cooker, which helps save time during your event.

For this dish, start by preparing 2-3 pounds of beef stew meat, 4-5 medium carrots, peeled and chopped, and 3-4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed. Next, add 1 large chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 2 bay leaves, then season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Optionally, you can stir in 1 cup of red wine for extra richness in the broth.

Start by browning the beef stew meat in a pot, then set it aside. In the same pot, saute the onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the remaining ingredients, including the broth and herbs, and let the stew simmer for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender. Transfer it to a slow cooker to keep warm throughout the evening, stirring occasionally. Serve the stew directly from the pot, and enjoy!

Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked mac and cheese is an excellent dish that holds its warmth, especially when served in a deep baking dish. The cheese sauce helps maintain heat, and the pasta absorbs the heat, keeping the dish warm for a long period. This creamy comfort food is often a hit at gatherings, with its crispy top layer and gooey center. It’s an easy dish to prepare ahead of time and bake just before serving. Plus, you can cover the dish with foil or a lid to keep the heat sealed in.

To make baked mac and cheese, you’ll need 1 pound of elbow macaroni, 4 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 3 cups of milk. Add 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Also, 1 cup of breadcrumbs and salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside. Make a cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and adding milk until thickened. Stir in the cheeses and seasonings until melted and smooth. Combine the pasta with the sauce, pour into a baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

Chili con Carne

Chili is a perfect make-ahead dish that stays hot on the table for hours. Its thick texture and rich flavors allow it to maintain heat for an extended period, making it ideal for serving in large batches. Whether served in a large pot or slow cooker, chili is a fantastic option for a relaxed dinner. The combination of beans, meat, and spices keeps guests coming back for more. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level to suit your crowd.

You will need brown 1.5 pounds of ground beef or turkey in a pot. Add 2 cans of kidney beans, 2 cans of diced tomatoes, along with 1 medium chopped onion and 3 cloves of garlic. Also, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin, and 2 cups of beef broth. Optionally, you can spice it up with chopped bell peppers, jalapenos, and a dash of hot sauce.

Brown the ground meat in a large pot and set aside. In the same pot, saute the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened. Add the diced tomatoes, beans, spices, and broth, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve directly from the pot or keep it in a slow cooker to maintain warmth throughout the meal.

Roast Chicken

Roast chicken is not only delicious but also retains its heat well, especially when kept in a covered dish. The skin crisps up in the oven, locking in moisture and heat. When served with a side of roasted vegetables, the entire dish is hearty and satisfying. You can even carve the chicken ahead of time and keep it warm in a covered dish or serving platter. It’s perfect for a host looking to serve a dish that requires little maintenance during the meal.

For the chicken, rub 1 whole chicken with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and stuff it with 1 lemon and 2-3 sprigs of thyme. You’ll also need 4-5 medium cubed potatoes, 3-4 peeled carrots, and 1 large quartered onion. Season everything generously with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Rub the chicken with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Stuff the cavity with garlic and lemon halves, then roast for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Let the chicken rest before carving, and serve with roasted vegetables.

Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls filled with savory meat and rice are a hearty dish that stays warm for a long time. The cabbage leaves lock in the heat, keeping the filling moist and flavorful. Covered in a rich tomato sauce, cabbage rolls are a comforting dish that holds up well for hours on the table. They can be prepared ahead of time and simply reheated or kept warm in a slow cooker. This dish is especially suitable for colder months, making it an excellent choice for December gatherings.

For cabbage rolls, blanch 12-14 large cabbage leaves to make them pliable. Mix 1 pound of ground beef with one-half cup of uncooked rice, 1 medium chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. You’ll also need 2 cups of tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of paprika.

Blanch the cabbage leaves to make them pliable, then mix the beef, rice, onions, and seasonings for the filling. Roll the filling into the cabbage leaves and arrange them in a large pot or baking dish. Cover with tomato sauce and simmer for 1-2 hours until the rolls are tender. Keep the rolls covered to retain the heat, and serve directly from the pot.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a crowd-pleasing dish that remains warm for a long time, especially when covered in marinara sauce and cheese. The pasta absorbs the sauce, keeping the dish moist and flavorful. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and simply pop into the oven right before serving. The cheese melts beautifully on top, creating a golden crust that keeps the warmth trapped inside. Serve it from a deep baking dish to keep it piping hot throughout the meal.

You will need 1 pound of ziti pasta, 3 cups of marinara sauce, 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, and 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Additionally, include 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of garlic, minced, and fresh basil for garnish. The combination of cheese and marinara sauce will keep the dish flavorful and moist. A large casserole dish is perfect for baking and serving.

Cook the ziti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Mix the pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella. Pour everything into a baking dish, top with more mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes until golden. Serve hot and enjoy!

Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington is an impressive dish that stays warm for quite a while due to its puff pastry and hearty filling. The pastry traps the heat, keeping the beef and mushroom mixture perfectly warm throughout the meal. This dish is perfect for special occasions and formal dinners, as it’s both elegant and satisfying. It’s also relatively easy to serve straight from the oven to the table, requiring minimal effort to keep it warm. This dish will definitely wow your guests with both flavor and presentation.

For beef wellington, use 1.5 pounds of beef tenderloin, 1 sheet of puff pastry, and 8 ounces of mushrooms. You will also need 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 6 slices of prosciutto, and 1 egg for egg wash. Fresh thyme, salt, and pepper help season the beef. A large baking sheet or roasting pan is required for even baking.

Sear the beef tenderloin in a hot pan to develop a rich crust, then brush with mustard. Roll out the prosciutto and mushroom mixture on a sheet of puff pastry, then wrap the beef. Brush the pastry with egg wash and bake at 400 degrees F for 30-35 minutes. Allow it to rest before slicing, and serve while still warm.

Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is an ideal dish for keeping warm on the table due to its slow cooking method and tender texture. As the pork cooks low and slow, it retains moisture, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. This dish is perfect for serving in a slow cooker, which allows it to stay hot throughout the event. Pair it with sliders, tacos, or simply serve it with sides for a complete meal. The delicious BBQ sauce adds another layer of flavor while helping to keep the pork warm.

For pulled pork, gather a 4-pound pork shoulder, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, and one-fourth cup of apple cider vinegar. You will also need 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 medium onion, and 3 cloves of garlic. Add a mix of spices like paprika and cumin for seasoning. A slow cooker is ideal to ensure the pork cooks tenderly and stays warm.

Rub the pork shoulder with the spice mix and place it in a slow cooker with onions and garlic. Pour the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar on top, and cover. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the meat easily pulls apart with a fork. Shred the pork and stir in BBQ sauce, then serve directly from the slow cooker.

Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a fantastic option that stays warm on the table due to its crispy breading and melty cheese. This classic Italian dish is made by layering breaded and fried eggplant slices with marinara sauce and cheese, then baking until golden. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a great choice for a warm dish that everyone will love. It’s also easy to prepare ahead and reheat or keep warm in the oven. Serving it from a deep dish ensures the warmth is retained throughout the meal.

For this dish, you’ll need 2 medium eggplants, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Also, include 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 cups of marinara sauce, 2 eggs, and 1 cup of flour. Olive oil is necessary for frying the eggplant slices until golden. Fresh basil or oregano can be added for extra flavor in the sauce.

Slice the eggplant and dip in flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. Fry the slices in hot oil until golden brown, then layer them in a baking dish with marinara sauce and cheese. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Lasagna

Lasagna is a hearty dish that holds heat well due to its layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce. The multiple layers help trap heat, ensuring the dish stays warm for hours. It’s a perfect meal for a family-style dinner or buffet, allowing guests to serve themselves without worrying about the food cooling down. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a rich, comforting texture. Keep it in a covered dish to preserve the warmth until it’s ready to be served.

For lasagna, prepare 12 lasagna noodles, 1 pound of ricotta cheese, and 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. You’ll need 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 pound of ground beef, and 4 cups of tomato sauce. Add 2 cloves of garlic, 1 medium onion, and fresh basil to enhance the flavor. A large casserole dish works best for layering and baking.

Cook the lasagna noodles and set aside. Layer the noodles with the meat sauce, cheese mixture, and mozzarella, repeating until you have three layers. Cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to brown the top before serving.

Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a North African and Middle Eastern dish that remains warm for a long time due to its rich tomato sauce and eggs. The hearty tomato base, combined with the warm spices and eggs, keeps the dish at an ideal temperature. It’s easy to prepare in a large skillet and can be served directly from the pan. This dish is perfect for a brunch gathering or a cozy winter meal, offering comfort and warmth in every bite. Its versatility allows for customization, so guests can enjoy it however they like.

You will need 4 large tomatoes, 1 medium onion, 3 cloves of garlic, and 4 eggs. Add 2 bell peppers, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika for flavor. Fresh cilantro and olive oil are essential for sauteing the vegetables and garnishing the dish. You can also include feta cheese or olives for added flavor.

Saute the onions, bell peppers, and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add the tomatoes, spices, and salt, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Create wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them, then cover and cook until the eggs are done to your liking. Serve directly from the pan with fresh herbs.

Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and peppers is a warm, filling dish that stays hot for hours, thanks to the juicy sausages and soft peppers. The combination of savory sausage and sweet bell peppers creates a flavorful base that’s perfect for keeping on the table throughout the evening. Serve it in a large dish to maintain the heat, and your guests will enjoy a satisfying meal. Whether you serve it in a bun or on its own, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to make in advance and reheat.

For this dish, gather 4 sausages, 3 bell peppers, and 1 medium onion. You’ll need 3 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and Italian seasoning to taste. If you like, add a splash of wine or broth for extra depth. A large skillet or roasting pan is ideal for cooking and serving the dish.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet and saute the sausages until browned. Add the onions and peppers, cooking until softened. Season with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for another 10-15 minutes until the sausages are fully cooked through, then serve hot.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.