12.17.2021
Last-Minute Recipes for Entertaining
Fast hacks to upgrade hummus, olive oil, goat cheese, dips, and popcorn using pantry staples. Easy crowd-pleasers for last-minute hosting.
- Little touches turn store-bought items into impressive snacks: whip hummus, drizzle oil, or roll goat cheese in herbs.
- Use simple ratios: 2 tbsp seasoning per 1/2 cup oil for dipping oil and about 1 tbsp seasoning per cup of dip base as a start.
- Popcorn and quick dips are crowd-pleasers that you can flavor in minutes and scale for any group.
With the hustle and bustle of holiday hosting, it is always good to have a few quick wins up your sleeve. We gathered some easy recipe tips your guests will love, most of them requiring things you may already have in your fridge or pantry. This gives you some wiggle room to work in the kitchen, wrap some last-minute presents, or simply enjoy the present with your cherished company. If you have a favorite easy recipe for hosting, let us know in the comments below.
Hummus, But Better
Jazzing up store-bought hummus is a simple way to look like a culinary genius. Whip some air into plain hummus and plate it like a pro with a heavy hand of olive oil and generous strewing of spices. A sprinkle of sea salt, a pinch of sumac, or a balanced spice blend are all you need to bring out the best in ordinary hummus. Shop our toppings blends for hummus faves like Everything Bagel and Za’atar.
Instant Infused Olive Oil
Our Tuscan Olive Oil Seasoning is perfect for sprucing up a dish of bread dipping oil. Simply mix two tablespoons or more of seasoning with half a cup of your favorite olive oil. Serve this with a loaf of rustic bread, or any bread, really! You can also use this seasoned oil to flavor a bowl of mixed olives or a brick of feta cheese.
Gourmet Goat Cheese
Cheese and crackers are simple (and required) foodstuffs to serve at any party. Make goat cheese a little more interesting by rolling the log in a zesty herb blend. Our favorite blends for this are a close tie between Italian Herb Blend and Herbes de Provence. Explore our collection of herb blends for more ideas.
Whip Up a Dip
As with cheese and crackers, a good dip makes any occasion feel extra festive. We have perfected the most delicious dip blends on earth for this exact reason. These seasonings can simply be mixed into sour cream, yogurt, or mayonnaise. Serve alongside your favorite crudite veggies, potato chips or pretzel sticks. We have to make an honorable mention of our Classic Chip Dip Mix for this. It is a must-have for dip lovers.
Freshly Popped Popcorn
Sometimes the simplest recipes have the greatest crowd appeal. This holds true with fresh popcorn, especially when you sprinkle the right seasonings over the top. You cannot go wrong with our savory White Cheddar Cheese Powder or spicy Vulcan’s Fire Salt. Sweeten things up with our Spiced Vanilla Sugar or some Saigon Cinnamon and a dash of cane sugar. You can find more popcorn accents in our selection of toppings blends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I quickly upgrade store-bought hummus?
Whip plain hummus with a whisk or hand mixer to add lightness. Make a shallow well on top, drizzle a good olive oil, then finish with sea salt and a spice like sumac or an Everything Bagel or Zaatar blend. Add chopped herbs, toasted pine nuts, or a drizzle of hot honey for extra wow.
What is the easiest way to make infused olive oil for dipping?
Stir 2 tablespoons of a dry seasoning into 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil. Let it sit a few minutes so the flavors bloom, then serve with rustic bread. Store leftover seasoned oil in the fridge and use within about 5 days.
How do I make goat cheese look and taste gourmet?
Roll a log of fresh goat cheese in an herb blend like Italian herbs or Herbes de Provence. Press crushed nuts, lemon zest, or finely chopped herbs into the exterior for texture. Arrange on a board with crackers and fruit for instant appeal.
What is a quick formula for mixing dips?
Use one cup of a creamy base such as sour cream, plain yogurt, or mayonnaise and start with about 1 tablespoon of a dip seasoning. Stir, taste, and adjust. Serve with cut vegetables, chips, or pretzel sticks.
How should I season popcorn so it sticks?
Season popcorn while it is hot and slightly oily. Toss with a tablespoon or two of melted butter or a light spray of oil, then sprinkle on about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per 8 cups of popped corn. For sweet popcorn use cinnamon sugar or spiced vanilla sugar.
How far ahead can I prepare these last-minute dishes?
You can make dips and seasoned goat cheese a few hours to a day ahead. Keep all perishable items refrigerated and do not leave them at room temperature for more than two hours. Make infused oil the same day or store in the fridge up to 5 days.
How can I adapt these ideas for dietary needs?
Swap plain yogurt for dairy-free yogurt or use vegan mayonnaise for dairy-free dips. Check seasoning blend labels for allergens like sesame or gluten. Offer gluten-free crackers and clearly label items for guests with allergies.
How can I quickly upgrade store-bought hummus?
Whip plain hummus with a whisk or hand mixer to add lightness. Make a shallow well on top, drizzle a good olive oil, then finish with sea salt and a spice like sumac or an Everything Bagel or Zaatar blend. Add chopped herbs, toasted pine nuts, or a drizzle of hot honey for extra wow.
What is the easiest way to make infused olive oil for dipping?
Stir 2 tablespoons of a dry seasoning into 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil. Let it sit a few minutes so the flavors bloom, then serve with rustic bread. Store leftover seasoned oil in the fridge and use within about 5 days.
How do I make goat cheese look and taste gourmet?
Roll a log of fresh goat cheese in an herb blend like Italian herbs or Herbes de Provence. Press crushed nuts, lemon zest, or finely chopped herbs into the exterior for texture. Arrange on a board with crackers and fruit for instant appeal.
What is a quick formula for mixing dips?
Use one cup of a creamy base such as sour cream, plain yogurt, or mayonnaise and start with about 1 tablespoon of a dip seasoning. Stir, taste, and adjust. Serve with cut vegetables, chips, or pretzel sticks.
How should I season popcorn so it sticks?
Season popcorn while it is hot and slightly oily. Toss with a tablespoon or two of melted butter or a light spray of oil, then sprinkle on about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per 8 cups of popped corn. For sweet popcorn use cinnamon sugar or spiced vanilla sugar.
How far ahead can I prepare these last-minute dishes?
You can make dips and seasoned goat cheese a few hours to a day ahead. Keep all perishable items refrigerated and do not leave them at room temperature for more than two hours. Make infused oil the same day or store in the fridge up to 5 days.
How can I adapt these ideas for dietary needs?
Swap plain yogurt for dairy-free yogurt or use vegan mayonnaise for dairy-free dips. Check seasoning blend labels for allergens like sesame or gluten. Offer gluten-free crackers and clearly label items for guests with allergies.
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