13 Grocery Store Items That Make Hosting Feel Easy

Hosting at home can feel a lot more manageable when you have the right grocery store picks on hand. A few well-chosen items can help you pull together snacks, drinks, and simple dishes without too much last-minute stress. Whether you are planning a casual get-together or something a little more special, small shopping choices can make a big difference. So, keep reading for grocery store finds that can make entertaining feel much easier.

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Frozen Meatballs

Frozen meatballs are great for hosting because they go from freezer to table with very little work. They are filling, crowd-friendly, and can fit casual parties, game nights, or family gatherings. A good sample dish is barbecue meatballs served with toothpicks for an easy appetizer. They also stay warm well in a slow cooker, which helps when guests arrive at different times.

To make barbecue meatballs, place 24 frozen meatballs in a saucepan or slow cooker with 1 cup barbecue sauce, 1 fourth cup grape jelly, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and heat on low for 2 to 3 hours in a slow cooker or simmer on the stove for about 20 minutes until hot. Stir once in a while so the sauce coats the meatballs evenly. Move them to a serving bowl or keep them in the slow cooker and set out toothpicks for easy serving.

Puff Pastry

Puff pastry makes hosting feel lighter because it turns a few basic fillings into something that looks party-ready. It bakes up golden and flaky, which makes even a small snack feel a little more special. A sample dish you can make is spinach and cheese puff pastry bites. Since the dough is ready to use, most of the work is just filling and baking.

For spinach and cheese bites, thaw 1 sheet of puff pastry and cut it into 9 squares. Mix 1 cup thawed chopped spinach, 1 half cup crumbled feta, 2 tablespoons cream cheese, and 1 tablespoon chopped green onion in a bowl. Spoon a little filling into each square, fold the corners slightly inward, and brush the edges with 1 beaten egg. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 18 minutes until puffed and golden, then let them cool slightly before serving.

Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chicken is one of those grocery store picks that can save a host a lot of time when guests are on the way. It is fully cooked, easy to serve warm or cold, and works in everything from sliders to salads. A sample dish you can make with it is chicken salad crostini for a snack table or light lunch spread. It also helps cut down on prep since the seasoning and cooking are already done.

For a quick chicken salad crostini, shred 2 cups of rotisserie chicken and mix it with 1 third cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, 1 fourth cup of finely chopped celery, and a small pinch of salt and black pepper. Slice 1 baguette into rounds and toast them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 minutes. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each toast and top with a few thin slices of grapes or a little extra parsley if you like. Set them on a platter and serve right away, or chill the chicken mixture first and assemble later.

Hummus

Hummus is a strong hosting item because it works as a dip, spread, or part of a snack board without much effort. It feels fresh, goes with many vegetables and breads, and suits different kinds of guests. A sample dish you can make is a hummus and veggie platter with warm pita on the side. It is also a good pick when you want something that does not need cooking.

To put together a hummus platter, spread 1 cup of hummus onto a shallow plate or small serving dish. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the top and scatter on 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped roasted red peppers, and a light pinch of paprika. Cut 2 cucumbers, 2 carrots, and 1 bell pepper into sticks, then warm and slice 4 pita rounds into wedges. Arrange everything around the hummus and serve right away or chill until guests arrive.

Shredded Cheese

Shredded cheese makes hosting easier because it can go into dips, casseroles, nachos, and baked appetizers without extra prep. It melts quickly and helps turn basic ingredients into something warm and satisfying. A sample dish you can make is baked nacho dip with salsa and beans. It is especially useful when you need one dish that feeds several people at once.

For a baked nacho dip, stir together 1 can refried beans, 1 cup salsa, 1 cup sour cream, and 1 and 1 half cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese in a baking dish. Sprinkle an extra 1 half cup of cheese on top and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Top with 2 sliced green onions and a few spoonfuls of chopped tomatoes if you want more color. Serve it warm with tortilla chips on the side.

Store-Bought Pie Crust

Store-bought pie crust helps host because it gives you a quick base for savory or sweet dishes without making dough from scratch. It can turn eggs, cheese, or fruit into something that looks homemade with less time in the kitchen. A sample dish you can make is a mini quiche tray for brunch or afternoon guests. It is also handy when you want food that can be made ahead.

For mini quiches, press 1 refrigerated pie crust into 12 muffin cups and set aside. In a bowl, whisk 4 eggs, 1 half cup milk, 3 fourths cup shredded cheese, 1 third cup chopped cooked bacon or ham, and 2 tablespoons chopped green onion. Fill each cup about three-fourths full and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 22 minutes until set. Let them rest for 5 minutes, then remove and serve warm or at room temperature.

Frozen Dinner Rolls

Frozen dinner rolls make hosting easier because fresh bread from the oven always feels welcoming, even when it takes very little effort. They can be served plain, turned into sliders, or paired with soups and pasta dishes. A sample dish you can make is ham and cheese slider sandwiches on baked rolls. They are especially useful for feeding a group without making each sandwich one by one.

For ham and cheese sliders, bake 12 frozen dinner rolls according to the package directions and let them cool slightly. Slice the rolls in half as one sheet if possible, then layer in 8 slices of deli ham and 6 slices of Swiss or cheddar cheese. Brush the tops with 2 tablespoons melted butter mixed with 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and a small pinch of garlic powder. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes until the cheese melts, then pull apart and serve warm.

Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips are a hosting favorite because they pair well with dips, hold up on snack tables, and work for casual gatherings of all kinds. They can be used straight from the bag or turned into a larger shareable dish. A sample dish you can make is sheet pan nachos with beans, cheese, and jalapenos. They are also easy to refill during a party without much fuss.

To make sheet pan nachos, spread half of a 12-ounce bag of tortilla chips on a baking tray and top with 1 cup black beans, 1 and 1 half cups shredded cheese, 1 half cup corn, and 1 fourth cup sliced jalapenos. Add another light layer of chips and repeat with the rest of the toppings. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes until the cheese melts. Finish with 1 diced tomato, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and dollops of sour cream before serving.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese works well for hosting because it turns into dips and spreads with almost no effort. It pairs with sweet or savory flavors, which makes it useful for many types of menus. A sample dish you can make is a creamy pepper jelly dip with crackers. It is one of those party foods that looks nice on a table and takes only minutes to put together.

For a pepper jelly dip, place 8 ounces of softened cream cheese on a small plate or shallow bowl and smooth the top slightly. Spoon 1 third to 1 half cup pepper jelly over it and scatter 2 tablespoons chopped green onion on top. If you want a little extra richness, mix the cream cheese first with 2 tablespoons of sour cream before spreading it out. Serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices for an easy appetizer.

Marinated Olives

Marinated olives are useful for hosting because they add flavor quickly and make a snack table feel more complete. They need almost no prep, and they pair nicely with cheese, crackers, and breads. A sample dish you can make is a warm olive appetizer with citrus and herbs. They also work well as part of a larger grazing board.

To warm marinated olives, place 2 cups mixed olives in a small baking dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 smashed garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes until fragrant and lightly warmed through. Remove the garlic clove if you want a softer flavor before serving. Set the olives out with toothpicks and slices of crusty bread.

Bagged Salad Kits

Bagged salad kits help a lot when hosting because they cut down on washing, chopping, and mixing at the last minute. They come with dressing and toppings, which keeps prep short while still giving the table something fresh. A sample dish you can make is a salad bowl topped with grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas. It is a nice way to round out heavier party foods with very little extra work.

For a fuller salad, empty 1 bagged salad kit into a large bowl and toss it with the included dressing and toppings. Add 2 cups sliced cooked chicken or 1 can drained chickpeas for more substance. If you want a little more color, mix in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1 diced avocado. Chill until serving time and toss once more before putting it on the table.

Frozen Fruit

Frozen fruit is a handy hosting item because it works in drinks, desserts, and breakfast dishes without peeling or chopping. It can add color and sweetness while staying in the freezer until you need it. A sample dish you can make is a berry yogurt parfait bowl for brunch guests. It is also useful for keeping drinks cold without watering them down too fast.

For a berry yogurt parfait bowl, stir 3 cups vanilla Greek yogurt in a large serving bowl until smooth. Warm 2 cups frozen mixed berries in a saucepan for 5 to 7 minutes with 1 tablespoon honey until they soften slightly, then let them cool for a few minutes. Spoon the berries over the yogurt and top with 1 cup of granola, 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, and a little extra honey if you want. Serve with a large spoon so guests can scoop their own portions.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.