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Updated Sep 09, 20248 Foolproof Recipes for Entertaining
Effortless meals for every type of gathering, plus the pots and pans to register for in order to pull them off.
by Sarah Fine
Updated Aug 29, 2024
Want to know the top two secrets to make hosting a little easier? An arsenal of one-pan recipes that you've mastered, and cookware that can go right from the stovetop (or oven) to the tabletop to minimize cleanup. Enter: your new best friend, Lodge Cast Iron's USA Enamel™ collection—the only line of colorful enameled cast iron made in the US. You might be familiar with traditional cast iron cookware, but an enamel surface provides a smooth finish that's perfect for going from the kitchen to your table. Whether you're hosting your first holiday together or a small dinner party, keep reading for quick tips, foolproof recipes and the cookware to register for to nail them all.
This easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, and it's packed with farm-fresh ingredients you can pick up any time. Get the recipe.
Pro tip: A preheated skillet is the secret ingredient for perfectly crisp edges when it comes to frittatas—plus, it helps avoid eggs sticking to the side of the pan.
Cook with: 11 Inch USA Enamel Skillet, $150; LodgeCastIron.com
Dinner parties are all fun and games until you remember your guests are actually expecting you to cook for them… Fear not, this one-pot classic will make it seem like you pulled out all the stops. Get the recipe.
Pro tip: Creating a "nest" of veggies for the chicken to sit on gives it some extra height in the pot and adds for optimal flavor from top to bottom.
Cook with: 7.5 Quart USA Enamel Dutch Oven, $350; LodgeCastIron.com
A hearty dish you can whip up in an hour that only uses one pan? Sign us up! Plus, it makes at least six servings—ideal for hosting. Get the recipe.
Pro tip: To avoid oversalting the dish, wait to add salt to the rice until two minutes after it's in the pan. It's always easy to go back and add more seasoning, if you need.
Cook with: 11 Inch USA Enamel Skillet, $150; LodgeCastIron.com
As you start reaching for sweaters and jackets, it's never a bad idea to have an equally cozy recipe at the ready. Trust us—come game day, this pot roast will be a potluck staple. Get the recipe.
Pro tip: Some home chefs swear pot roast is better the second day for maximum flavor. Our take? It never hurts when you can save some extra time on the day of your get-together, so go ahead and prep the day before.
Cook with: 7.5 Quart USA Enamel Dutch Oven, $350; LodgeCastIron.com
This simple salmon dish is healthy, quick and delicious. Get the recipe.
Pro tip: Steaming your fish and braising your veg together in the same pan cuts down on overall cook time so you can get dinner on the table ASAP.
Cook with: 11 Inch USA Enamel Skillet, $150; LodgeCastIron.com
This modern take on a traditional classic will have your guests' mouths watering the moment they walk through the door. Get the recipe.
Pro tip: Prep your marinade ahead of time and let your chicken sit in the fridge while you tend to your other hosting duties. The best part? If you leave it for longer than the recommended 1-3 hours, your dish will be that much more flavorful!
Cook with: 11 Inch USA Enamel Skillet, $150; LodgeCastIron.com
Who says it has to be summertime to treat yourself to s'mores? This ooey gooey dessert screams sandy-toed days and bonfire nights. Get the recipe.
Pro tip: Not only is this 15-minute dessert a nostalgic classic, but the melty chocolate-and-marshmallow combo stays warm in the cast iron skillet, so every bite is as mouthwatering as the first.
Cook with: 11 Inch USA Enamel Skillet, $150; LodgeCastIron.com
Not sure what to whip up for a sweet treat? This one's a crowd-pleaser for a reason. Get the recipe.
Pro tip: Slightly underbake your cookie (so it's "medium rare," if you will) for a soft, chocolatey center and crispy edges, then top it with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Cook with: 11 Inch USA Enamel Skillet, $150; LodgeCastIron.com
