We have all had unexpected guests at one time or another. When mealtime rolls around and visitors still remain, it would be impolite not to ask them to stay. Meal ideas can be difficult to come up with when the pantry is just about bare, but it is possible to whip up a delicious and filling lunch or dinner in a matter of minutes. Use these last minute meal ideas for unexpected guests. They are fast, easy and absolutely delicious. Best of all, most can be altered and prepared to please every palate.
Omelets Can Be Whipped Up Quickly and Easily
After inviting guests to stay for a meal, consider whipping up omelets. Eggs are inexpensive, quick and easy to prepare, and they can be made according to personal preference. Those that do not eat meat can enjoy theirs with cheese and veggies such as diced green peppers, fresh spinach, mushrooms and/or diced onions. Pork, poultry or pepperoni can be added to create meat filled omelets. In any case, all of the fillings are optional. Serve the omelets with toast, English muffins or other bread that you have on hand along with jam, jelly or honey.
Enhance Frozen Pizzas with Extra Toppings
Last minute guests do not expect a meal made from scratch. Most would be satisfied with just about anything fresh and delicious. If you have frozen pizzas on hand, consider enhancing them with extra toppings. Basic frozen pizzas that lack substance can taste fantastic with a few simple additions. Add sliced mushrooms, thinly sliced sweet peppers, extra mozzarella cheese, olives and/or fully cooked meat. Prepare the pizzas according to the preferences of your last minute lunch or dinner guests.
Make frozen pizzas go even further by serving garlic bread on the side. Butter ordinary slices of white bread, and top them with garlic powder, parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning before browning them on a baking pan in the oven. Homemade garlic bread is a fast and easy side dish for last minute lunch or dinner guests. It can also be topped with cheese.
Prepare Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Speaking of cheese, another fantastic last minute meal option is the grilled variety. When guests stay until mealtime and the cupboards and freezer are just about bare, consider preparing gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Prepare them in the usual manner, but add slices of lunch meat, bacon or red ripe tomatoes. To assemble them quickly and easily, use mayo instead of butter or margarine, and bake them in the oven at 350 degrees on a cookie sheet. They turn out golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. Be sure to flip them over as necessary to evenly brown both sides.
These are just a few of the many fast and easy meals that can be prepared for last minute meal guests. Spaghetti, either with or without meat, is also ideal. It is fast, easy and very filling. Search your cupboards, and if these ideas are not to your liking, use a handy online search tool that will provide meal options according to the ingredients that you have on hand. Delve into your creative side, and serve guests a meal that will satisfy their hunger.
Source: Personal Food Preparation Experience and Experimentation
