Be the Friend Who Brings the Meal (Even When You’re Busy)

Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us—whether it’s a family facing the loss of a loved one, a friend recovering from surgery, or the joyful chaos of a new baby arriving. And during those times, there’s something incredibly comforting about someone showing up with a home-cooked meal.

I know the feeling of being stretched too thin—so busy you can barely get a meal on your own table, let alone make one for someone else. I’ve been there. Last year, when I was sick during the holidays, I was completely blown away by the number of friends who showed up for me and my family with food. These were busy people, but they made time for us during the most hectic season. It meant the world to me, and it made me realize something: I wanted to be that friend.

But I also knew that, in order for me to be that friend, I’d have to find a more manageable way to do it.

Making It Work for You (and Your Busy Schedule)

If you’ve ever wanted to bring a meal to a friend going through a tough time or celebrating something wonderful, but felt like you couldn’t manage it, I’m here to help! I’ve found a way to make this both meaningful and doable. The trick is all in the planning.

Here are a few strategies that have worked for me:

• Double Up: When you’re cooking dinner for your own family, why not make a little extra? Lasagna and Chicken Tetrazzini are both perfect for doubling and splitting. You can give half to a friend in need and keep half for your own dinner. It’s a win-win!

• Cook Once, Serve Twice: Another approach is to make these meals ahead of time and freeze them. Then, the next time a friend or family member could use some comfort food (or a celebratory dish), you’ll have something ready to go. All you need to do is grab a bagged salad, some bread, and your frozen meal!

• Plan Ahead: On a week when life isn’t too busy, take the opportunity to make a double batch of Lasagna or Chicken Pot Pie, freeze half, and tuck it away for the next time you hear of someone going through a hard time or a joyful one. Having a meal ready to go in advance means you’re prepared when those moments come up.

My Go-To Recipes for Sharing

I’ve found a few recipes that are always a hit when I bring a meal to someone—whether it’s during a difficult time or a celebration. I’m excited to share them with you!

• Lasagna – A classic comfort food that everyone loves. Plus, it’s easy to split and freezes wonderfully.

• Chicken Tetrazzini – Creamy, cheesy, and filling, this dish is another easy one to make ahead or double.

• Chicken Pot Pie – Cozy and comforting, it’s the perfect meal to share during the colder months.

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What to Include with Your Meal

When you’re bringing a meal to someone, you don’t have to overcomplicate it! Here’s what I typically include to make it a full, easy meal:

• Bagged Salad – A quick and fresh side.

• Bread – A baguette or a simple loaf of bread always pairs well with these dishes.

• Dessert – If you’re feeling extra generous, throw in some of my frozen cookie dough (you can find the recipe here: [link to cookie dough recipe]).

Not a Cook? No Problem! Easy Pick-Up Ideas

I completely understand that for some, cooking might feel overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule. But being that thoughtful friend doesn’t always mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen. If you’re more of a “pick-up-something” kind of friend, here are a few simple, but still meaningful, options:

• Soup from Your Favorite Restaurant – Soup is comforting and easy to transport. Next time a friend is feeling under the weather or recovering from surgery, grab a quart of their favorite soup and pair it with some bread.

• Breakfast Surprise – Breakfast is often overlooked, but it can be a simple, thoughtful way to support someone. Swing by your local bakery and pick up some muffins, fresh fruit, and a carton of orange juice. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a friend with a new baby or someone who just needs a little extra care.

• Prepared Dishes – If you have a local grocery store or deli that sells pre-made meals, don’t hesitate to pick up something delicious and take it over to your friend. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.

Be Prepared to Be a Blessing

The key to making this work, even when life gets hectic, is preparation. You don’t need to wait until you’re overwhelmed to try to pull something together. When you plan ahead—whether by doubling a recipe, freezing a meal, or simply picking up a thoughtful dish—you’re always ready to be the friend who brings the meal.

Whether someone is going through something hard or celebrating a wonderful new chapter, you’ll be there with something thoughtful, delicious, and comforting. And trust me, it’ll make a bigger difference than you might realize. I know it did for me.

Disclaimer: I realize that some of these meal suggestions, including bagged salads or frozen bread, might not be the healthiest options out there, and that’s okay! The recipes themselves are comforting, easy-to-make meals designed to lighten the load during a busy or challenging time. Feel free to adapt these ideas based on your cooking level, budget, and the time you have available. If you can chop fresh ingredients for a salad, go for it! But remember, the heart of this is to show love and kindness—you don’t need hours, a big budget, or gourmet skills to bless a friend with a meal. Sometimes, just eating a home-cooked meal is a gift in itself, especially during times when people might not be eating well. Let’s focus on showing up for one another in a way that’s manageable and meaningful!