What Should I Bring? 21 Recipes for Friends in Need

Whether a friend has just welcomed a new baby, is recovering from surgery, or navigating an illness, showing up with food can be one of the best way to care for them. Knowing what to bring is often the tricky part — you want something that travels well, reheats easily, and actually nourishes rather than just fills. That’s exactly what my next cookbook, Cooking for Comfort is all about — a collection of recipes to make and bring to the people you love. Since the book won’t be out until next year, I culled a collection of recipes from the archives to tide you over until then. You’ll find savory mains, sturdy salads, soups, sweets, and a few breakfast items. The recipes all lean easy, as in they won’t take long to make, and should last at least a couple of days in a friend’s fridge.

21 Recipes for Friends in Need

Below is a selection of recipes tailor-made to take to loved ones. If you need help organizing meal deliveries, check out MealTrain.com, which is also tailor-made for times like this.

Breakfast

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Cups

Mediterranean Frittata

One Bowl Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Soups

Red Lentil Coconut Curry Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Simple Rice and Vegetable Soup (add shredded chicken to the finished soup, if desired)

Vegetarian Mains

Cheesy Zucchini Tofu Lasagna (a Caesar salad on the side is a nice addition)

Four Ingredient Sweet Potato Enchiladas (I like to include this slaw to go with)

Savory Winter Vegetable Pie (or this summer version)

Chicken Dinners

Slow Cooker Chicken Marbella (add a side of rice, if desired)

Chicken Kebab Wraps (pack the kebabs, flatbread, and salad in separate containers)

Instant Pot Chicken in Salsa Verde (pack tortillas and any favorite fixings along with the chicken)

Meaty Mains

Stuffed Eggplant Parm (consider including a green salad with this dressing)

Instant Pot Beef and Butternut Squash Chili (include containers of toppings, ie sour cream, cilantro, cheese)

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Sturdy Salads

Tex Mex Chopped Chicken Salad (store the dressing and chicken in separate containers)

Farro and Fig Salad with Arugula

Lentil Salad

Bars and Wholesome Sweets

No-Bake Almond Butter Bars

Chocolate Chip Makeover Cookies

Double Chocolate Sweet Potato Brownies

21 Recipes for Friends in Need Post written by registered dietitian nutritionist Katie Sullivan Morford, MS, RDN