Whenever someone has a baby or has some other need, food is a great way to show love and support. But despite good intentions of friends, they may end up with a fridge full of lasagna and wishing for some other meal to switch it up a little.
To avoid lasagna takeover, we've come up with a list of slightly less common meals that are still crowd-pleasing and easy to transport. Wins all around! Read on for our ideas:
1. Chicken pot pie
Comforting, crowd-pleasing and easy on the budget, chicken pot pie is a guaranteed winner for anyone in need. We love the idea of using a puff pastry crust to make it even easier!
2. Enchiladas
Who doesn't love Mexican food? Pork, chicken, beef or vegetarian — enchiladas can be made in a convenient casserole dish and totally customized for any diet.
3. Calzones
Calzones are a fun idea that most people would never think to make when they deliver dinner, but they're easy, affordable and can even be frozen for the family to pop in the oven later on.
4. Beef stew
It's a Sunday dinner classic perfect for any night of the week. Throw it in the crock pot in the morning, unplug and take the whole pot over to your friend that night.
5. Homemade mac and cheese
An alternative to lasagna, homemade macaroni and cheese is a pasta dish that's equally comforting but not as common. You can sneak in some veggies for a healthy twist or use unique cheeses to make it more gourmet.
6. Copycat Cafe Rio (or Chipotle) salads
Here in our home state of Utah we get cravings for Cafe Rio on the regular, but if you haven't had the pleasure of trying this Utah hot spot, Chipotle is a close comparison. It's relatively healthy, versatile and always a good way to win over a crowd.
7. Quiche
Quiche is about as convenient as it gets for delivering dinner. If you throw in a side salad and loaf of French bread you've got a complete meal that can be vegetarian or not.
8. Chicken salad sandwiches
We think of chicken salad sandwiches as a classic baby shower or chick food — but it makes a great light dinner that can be used as leftovers for days afterward.
9. Soup and homemade bread
If you're delivering dinner in the winter months, soup is a go-to meal that has SO many options. We love chili, zuppa toscana or potato cheese for a meal to please all ages.
10. Beef and broccoli with rice
This takeout favorite can be easily made at home and will definitely be a nice change of pace from the typical meals your friends will probably be receiving other nights of the week.