Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, for a cozy night in with your partner, or just for yourself, there are two options when it comes time to decide what to make. You can either stick to what you know (AKA make the same easy recipes you always make) or try a new recipe and hope for the best. Me? I always have every intention of venturing out and whipping up something impressive, but the second I look at the steps and ingredients of a fancy dish, I immediately revert to my usuals. Girl dinner and a glass of wine, anyone?
But as an aspiring hostess and someone who loves being complimented on their food, I’m making it a point to find the fanciest-looking recipes that are secretly easy to make. From appetizers like mushroom bruschetta to main dishes like chicken marsala (plus a few decadent desserts to round out my perfect menu), I am sharing 20 delicious and easy recipes that will earn you compliments but not take hours to make.
1. Brie and Sun-Dried Tomato Pull-Apart Bread
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-10.jpg)
Source: Drizzle & Dip
2. Crispy Prosciutto Salad
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-5.jpeg)
Source: Two Peas & Their Pod
3. Pesto Parmesan Cheese Straws
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-the-everygirl-new-1.jpeg)
Source: Two Peas and Their Pod
4. Easy Crème Brulée
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg.jpg)
Source: Platings and Pairings
5. Crispy Smash Potatoes
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-7-1.jpg)
Source: Ambitious Kitchen
6. One Pot Cheesy Mushroom Pasta
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-8.jpg)
Source: Ambitious Kitchen
7. Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese and Pomegranate
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-8.jpeg)
Source: Eat The Gains
8. Goat Cheese Pizza
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-2.jpeg)
Source: Garnish With Lemon
9. Pork Loin Roast
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-3.jpg)
Source: Kristine’s Kitchen
10. Cherry Arugula Farro Salad
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-4.jpeg)
Source: Two Peas & Their Pod
11. Mushroom Bruschetta
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-9.jpeg)
Source: Garnish With Lemon
12. Crockpot Whole Chicken
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-6.jpg)
Source: Kristine’s Kitchen
13. Chicken Marsala
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-4.jpg)
Source: Kristine’s Kitchen
14. Baked Brie with Jam
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-12.jpg)
Source: Garnish With Lemon
15. Cinnamon Walnut Pear Crisp
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-1.jpg)
Source: Ambitious Kitchen
16. Chopped Pecan Crusted Cheese Ball
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-3-1.jpg)
Source: Two Peas and Their Pod
17. Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-14.jpeg)
Source: Garnish With Lemon
18. Grilled Carrots with Cinnamon and Chipotle
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-5.jpg)
Source: Eat The Gains
19. Vegan White Bean and Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-7.jpg)
Source: Ambitious Kitchen
20. Chai Spiced Apple Ricotta Galette
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fancy-but-easy-recipes-teg-9.jpg)
Source: Half Baked Harvest
![](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-mess-easy-meals-the-everygirl-gallery.jpeg)