So, You Want to Be Friends With Your New Neighbors?
Are you looking to make friends with your new neighbors or at least make their transition easier? There's perhaps no better way to do this than to bring over a nice homemade treat because everyone knows food is the key to people's hearts. Here are 20 foods you can make to welcome new neighbors.
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1. Banana Bread
Have some extra bananas on hand? Simple, delicious, inexpensive, and with just a few ingredients, banana bread is the perfect warm and welcoming food that anyone can make.
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2. Cookies
Everyone loves cookies. Whether chocolate chip or shortbread they’re a simple treat that lasts for at least a few days and are sure to be appreciated.
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3. Lemon Pound Cake
Nothing says “welcome to the neighborhood” better than this sunny cake. The recipe is simple–a pound of each ingredient mixed together in a bowl–so even the most baking-illiterate person can do it.
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4. Chicken Pot Pie
Tasty, comforting, easy to make, and lasts for days, chicken pot pie is a great main course to bring over. Plus, you’d have to bring it in a casserole dish which gives them the excuse to visit you and return it later.
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5. Pasta Casserole
Pasta casserole like lasagna or manicotti is another great dish to bring next door, especially if you’re cooking some for yourself anyway. Let’s face it, no one makes a small quantity of lasagna.
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6. Pasta Salad
Another food that’s always well-received, pasta salad is a colorful dish that you can get creative with. You can put in almost whatever you have on hand, so it’s also a nice way to use up some ingredients.
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7. Fruit Pie
Who doesn’t love pie? The way the tantalising scent of it baking fills your home it would almost be rude not to share. If you don’t want to bring the whole pie, just wrap up a couple of slices–any amount is sure to be appreciated.
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8. Brownies
Brownies are another simple and delicious baked good that practically everyone loves. You can get creative with them–use dark or white chocolate, add nuts, or drizzle caramel on top.
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9. Freshly Baked Bread
If you’re into making bread, why not bring a loaf over to your neighbors? It’s inexpensive and makes for a warm and inviting gift.
10. Quiche
A bit more of a production but this French brunch meal is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can put almost whatever you want in it–everything tastes good in a cheesy egg custard.
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11. Muffins
If you want to bring a baked good with a bit more nutritional value, look no further than the muffin. There are countless different varieties that are easy to make and taste great.
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12. Fruit Salad
Did you just buy a huge watermelon and have no idea how you’re going to get through it? A fruit salad might just be your answer. Make a big batch and bring some over to your neighbor for a treat even someone with a strict diet can enjoy.
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13. Granola
This crispy breakfast cereal can have more expensive ingredients, but it’s easy and impressive. Just combine oats with nuts, honey, and oil and bake it til it’s crispy, then add dried fruit, jar it up, and bring it over.
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14. Soup
Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for welcoming neighbors, especially on a chilly day. Chances are you’re making a large batch anyway so why not share?
15. Pasta Sauce
If you like to make your own pasta sauce, it’s a nice idea to gift some to your neighbors. Whether they use it to make spaghetti or lasagna, a nice homemade sauce will elevate their meal and make for a no-fuss dinner.
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16. Homemade Preserves
Whether you like to make jam or pickles, the next time you make a batch, donate a jar to your new neighbors for a thoughtful gift. Preserves add a personal touch to their pantry that lasts a long time.
17. Cinnamon Buns
If you’re really eager to impress, bring over some warm, freshly made cinnamon buns (if you can part with them.) They’re the perfect treat to enjoy with a morning coffee and will definitely get you on your new neighbors' good side.
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18. Cheese and Charcuterie Board
This one is a little more fancy and expensive, but it’s one of the most elegant things you can bring over. Pair it with a bottle of wine and you’ll have an instant friend.
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19. Enchiladas
Do you love Mexican food? New flash: everyone does. This is a hearty dish that can easily be re-heated so your new neighbors can have a stress-free meal sorted. They can be made vegetarian, with beef, or chicken to suit different restrictions.
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20. Frittata
A frittata is basically a lazy quiche: it has all the cheesy, creamy goodness without the fuss of making pie dough and rolling it out. It can easily be reheated and enjoyed at any time of day making for a stress-free and versatile dish that your new neighbors will appreciate.
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