There are a few things that are essential for a memorable dinner party: great appetizers, a cocktail or two (plus the right glassware for serving) and of course, dinner and dessert. If you’ve spent a lot of time working on the little details like drinks, decor and the cutest miniature treats then you’re in the right place—we’ve got all the no-stress mains you could ever need to finish up your menu, each one as impressive (and dinner party-worthy) as the next. Just take this Milanese specialty of cross-cut veal shanks, for example. It’s braised with vegetables and white wine which might seem complicated—but this recipe only requires 10 minutes of prep work. Most of the cooking is hands off. After you brown the veal shanks and puree the vegetales for the sauce, the heat takes care of the rest.

Here's an easy kitchen hack for traditional Greek spinach and cheese pies. A Bundt pan gives you a break from filling and folding all those individual triangles — and it turns a crispy appetizer into a showstopper that could pass as a main course.