11 Recipes for Weekend Hosting or Hibernating

The weekdays seem to pass by slowly, and yet all too often it’s suddenly Thursday or Friday afternoon and we find ourselves with a weekend’s worth of eating ahead of us and no cooking plan. Whether you’re hosting this weekend, or laying low with grand coziness goals, you need recipe inspiration. Between savory snacks, an easy brunch strata, soups to warm the whole family, impressive mains, flawless cookies, and a next-level eggnog, with this list, you can eat your way through the whole weekend. And you may even have Monday leftovers.
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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Styling by Ali Nardi1/11Leek, Fennel, and Poppy Seed Tart
Puff pastry seems to make any recipe feel fancy, but it's actually easy to pull off, especially when you start with a good store-bought version. Roasted fennel and Parmesan pack flavor into this pretty tart, while the poppy seed sprinkle adds a festive pop. Just add drinks and your pre-holiday celebration is off to a good start.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton2/11Goat Cheese and Salami Stuffed Dates
Hosting a dinner party this weekend, and appetizers slipped your mind? With dates, salami, goat cheese, and pistachios, this recipe will save you (and may outshine the main course).
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Lillian Chou3/11Chaat Masala Mixed Nuts With Cornflakes
Dried mango powder and black salt pumps up the flavor on this mixed nut medley. Cornflakes (who knew?) add extra crunch.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton4/11No-Sleep-Till-Santa Eggnog
This full-flavored twist on classic eggnog incorporates coffee and bitters (plus rum, cognac, and sherry). Even people who don't love nog will adore this sophisticated spin on the winter drink.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Samantha Seneviratne & Jason Schreiber5/11Peanut Butter Blossoms, but Better
While there’s no peanut butter blossom we’d turn down, this recipe achieves optimization. Chunky peanut butter adds textural oomph; smooth ganache ensures chocolate flavor from first bite to final crumb.
Photo by Jenny Huang6/11Phyllo Cardamom Pinwheels
What gets a coat of butter and cardamom sugar, rolled, sliced, and baked until golden? This phyllo pinwheel cookie, which teases the eyes, then satisfies the tastebuds with delicate warmth.
Photography by Gentl & Hyers7/11Lomito de Cerdo al Tamarindo y Menta (Tamarind Braised Pork Loin With Mint)
A slow braise is this pork loin’s tender commandment. Tangy tamarind paste, zingy horseradish, and refreshing mint create true flavor complexity.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Drew Aichele8/11Classic Champurrado
This classic Mexican drink is rich in flavor and luscious in texture. Masa harina, piloncillo, stone-ground chocolate, and cinnamon deliver drinkable, delectable comfort.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Christopher Barsch9/11French Onion Breakfast Strata
If you’re hosting brunch this weekend, you can get this strata prepped the night before. It starts with a DIY onion dip mix that meet rich, melted Gruyère in this eggy, bready dream.
Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by D’mytrek Brown10/11Mushroom-Farro Soup
Soup doesn’t really have the right to taste this delicious. Browned mushrooms, Parmesan, and soy sauce build a strong umami foundation. Farro lends texture for this hearty dish that's ready to enjoy on a quiet evening at home.
Photograph by Isa Zapata. Food Styling by Kat Boytsova. Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca11/11Creamy Cauliflower Soup With Cheesy Mustard Croutons
This quick recipe is packed with cauliflower. The vegetable is transformed into rich, creamy, cravings-worthy comfort. Try this broccoli version for festive depth and color.








