Lunch ideas for visiting family with baby after long drive

[PARunnerGirl]

I have some family visiting this week who will arrive around lunchtime after driving about five hours that day and five hours the day before with a two-month old 😅 There will be six adults in total. I’m looking for recipe ideas for a nice but relaxed lunch that I can make mostly ahead of time. I was going to make soup but it’s to be quite warm here later this week here.

Quiche is a bit boring I think, but maybe something maybe along those lines in terms of it being a one pot/ pan type of thing, not having to faff around prepping stuff too much when they arrive?

Any and all ideas very much appreciated!

I would cook a large chicken or maybe two and add some ham, to go with a salad. Chuck some new potatoes in a pan and make potatoes salad - add chives or spring onions or tarragon/ parsley / mint. Or a rice or pasta salad. Crusty bread and that's all you need!

Sausage plait served with green salad https://www.livingnorth.com/article/get-the-recipe-picnic-perfect-sausage-plait

What about of wrapped in prosciutto with pesto, roasted gnocchi, roasted cherry tomatoes and a green salad. Easy to prep in advance and just pop in the oven.

Sorry should have been clearer, i meant to do it as a tray bake, so get the gnocchi roasting in the pan first then add tomatoes fish and pesto to the same pan.

These are all lovely ideas thank you! I have actually added a whole chicken to my shopping this week so that’s a possibility. How good does that sausage plait look though?!

Lasagna can be prepared ahead and just cooked when you are ready . You could serve it with salad.
Quiche isn't boring though I am always happy to be presented with a nice home made quiche and salad.

A whole chicken can easily be made into Coronation chicken which is also great with baked potatoes or baguettes!

Also something to eat one handed if the parents are holding the baby.

I was going to say that too.
Delia's Macaroni pie is lasagne-like but easier to eat with just a fork - a good one for buffets for the same reason. I use any pasta shape I have in ifI don't have macaroni.

I'd do the roast chicken with salads/potatoes.

If they have a newborn they are probably eating lots of freezer lasagne, soup, etc. It'll be nice to have a change, but it's not faffy for you.

I'd do a big, inauthentic, Spanish tortilla with lots of chorizo, sweet onions, peppers etc. It's lovely the next day, cold or served hot with good tomatoes and a simple salad. With a sourdough baguette, it would be very easy to serve.

Another quiche fan here, btw

Spanish chicken casserole, not critical on timing, so it won't matter if they arrive late, but it's ready to serve immediately if they are starving. Serve with nice bread, or Boulangere potatoes, or microwave rice.

If you are still thinking about a soup, you could make one that can be served hot or cold such as potato & leek/vichyssoise.

Lovely ideas everyone and the one handed thought is much appreciated!