100+ Best-Ever Comfort Food Recipes
Sometimes, you just want to indulge in a classic comfort food dish, and we're here to let you know there is nothing wrong with that, especially because we happen to have tons of delicious recipes you can easily whip up in your kitchen when that comfort food craving hits. Our recipes happen are flavor-packed and easy to make, and they're good for you, too. You can rest assured that we have a new and improved version of every meal imaginable. From mac and cheese to a burger inspired by the Big Mac to fresh-baked cookies, this list will help you find whatever it is your heart—or should we say stomach—desires!
So sit back and take notes as you prepare to uncover more than 100 of the best comfort food recipes. And to really step up your cooking game, here are the 21 Best Healthy Cooking Hacks of All Time.
Breakfast
Banana Pancakes
Prepare to have the lightest, most delicious pancakes ever, thanks to the use of Greek yogurt and cottage cheese in this recipe. And with the addition of fresh banana slices, which caramelize into little pieces of pure sweetness once they hit the skillet, you're truly in for a decadent breakfast.
Get our recipe for Banana Pancakes.
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Vanilla Bourbon French Toast
This version ditches the typical milk and sugar you would call upon in a French toast recipe for cream and some bourbon. Don't worry though, it's still a sweet way to start your day!
Get our recipe for Vanilla Bourbon French Toast.
Huevos Rancheros
It's no secret that huevos rancheros is one of the most delicious breakfast concoctions of all time, and we guarantee you'll be dreaming about this flavor-packed dish long after you're done eating it.
Get our recipe for Huevos Rancheros.
Denver Omelet
This omelet is not only an ode to Denver, but a truly filling dish to kickstart your morning that is stuffed with mushrooms, ham, peppers, and yes, plenty of cheese.
Get our recipe for a Denver Omelet.
Eggs in Purgatory
Eggs in purgatory is a meal that meets all your flavor needs: it's spicy, sweet, creamy, and salty, thanks to the eggs, bacon, grains, and tomatoes. This recipe is one we like to refer to as a Hangover Helper, so eat this along with some Advil and plenty of water, and you'll be good as new after a night out.
Get our recipe for Eggs in Purgatory.
Veggie Scramble with Mushrooms, Spinach, and Goat Cheese
This is how you majorly upgrade the simple scrambled eggs breakfast: by adding mushrooms, spinach, and goat cheese. It's an easy way to make this classic meal suddenly seem fancier! And if you're aiming for a soft, extra-creamy scramble, make sure you turn the heat down and keep stirring the eggs constantly on low heat so they don't burn. We love this for a family-friendly breakfast or brunch option that's more filling and satisfying than a bowl of cereal!
Get our recipe for a Veggie Scramble with Mushrooms, Spinach, and Goat Cheese.
Spinach and Ham Quiche
Pair this quiche with a cup of coffee, and your morning is set! It's also very easy to make this on a Sunday and take a piece with you each day on your way out the door. A yummy meal great for meal-prepping that you can eat all night long? Yes, please.
Get our recipe for a Spinach and Ham Quiche.
Steak and Eggs With Chimichurri
You simply can never go wrong with the pairing of a seared steak and egg yolk in the morning. You know you're in for something serious even before it hits the table! And this is one recipe you can really make any time of day, so breakfast for dinner is totally an option here, too.
Get our recipe for Steak and Eggs With Chimichurri.
Appetizers
Popcorn Chicken
Is there truly anything better than chicken nuggets? This ultra crunchy oven-baked chicken recipe begins and ends with a keto breaded crust, using almond flour, chopped almonds, and a flaky spelt cereal to create a unique crunchy combo.
Get our recipe for Popcorn Chicken Nuggets.
Chicken and Black Bean Nachos
This nacho recipe is going to become your new go-to for parties, as it does what many restaurant versions of this dish don't always get quite right: it makes sure each chip is perfectly coated with chicken, cheese, and beans.
Get our recipe for Chicken and Black Bean Nachos.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
This dip is forever a solid choice when you're in search of something filling and tasty to serve at a party that's a total crowd-pleaser. The chiles in this recipe bring some extra heat, while the toasted pitas work as super scoopers, so you'll have plenty of dip in each bite (and no broken chips in the bowl!).
Get our recipe for Spinach Artichoke Dip.
7-Layer Dip
This version of the 7-layer dip brings together spicy ground turkey, pico de gallo, whole black beans, and a spoonful of creamy Greek yogurt, instead of the typical sour cream. You can serve this dip in one giant dish, but serving it in individual glasses makes it easier to build layer by layer, and it'll score you major presentation points with guests, too.
Get our recipe for 7-Layer Dip.
Crispy Quesadillas with Guacamole
Our quesadilla recipe reverses the cheese-to-filling ratio that you would typically find in a restaurant quesadilla. You won't have a soggy, overly cheesy dish here, as we make sure there is a perfect balance of vegetables, chorizo, and cheese to let every flavor shine.
Get our recipe for Crispy Quesadillas with Guacamole.
Smoky Deviled Eggs with Bacon
When it comes to making finger foods and satisfying the munchies that come while you're waiting to serve dinner, nothing beats deviled eggs. This version features bacon crumbles, too, so you really can't beat it.
Get our recipe for Smoky Deviled Eggs with Bacon.
Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, and Burgers
Chicken Noodle Soup
For most people, chicken noodle soup is at the top of the list when it comes to go-to comfort food. Our version is overloaded with chunky vegetables and shredded chicken, guaranteeing that every spoonful is full of warm goodness. And while you're making a batch, feel free to double the recipe so you have some to freeze for later.
Get our recipe for Chicken Noodle Soup.
French Onion Soup
A truly good French onion soup does take time, so while this won't be done in a few minutes, the effort is always worth it, especially when it comes to our flavor-packed version.
Get our recipe for French Onion Soup.
Italian Sausage Soup
This recipe for Italian sausage soup might sound like it's complicated to make, but have no fear—we assure you, it's a simple dish made up of just meat, vegetables, and pasta. All the fixings for a warm bowl of comfort food, right?
Get our recipe for Italian Sausage Soup.
Creamy Split Pea Soup
When you combine split peas and smoky ham in a long, slow simmer, you end up with a delicious, creamy, thick broth that could warm even the most frigid soul. One spoonful and you'll be able to easily understand why this split pea soup is such a classic.
Get our recipe for Creamy Split Pea Soup.
Clam Chowder
It's important to note that real clam chowder isn't supposed to be so thick and creamy, but should be more of a thin broth that focuses on the clams that are the true stars of this soup. In this recipe, we use milk instead of cream to lighten things up and let the clams take their place front and center. And yes, we have plenty of smoky bacon that pairs perfectly with the flavors the clams serve up, too.
Get our recipe for Clam Chowder.
Italian Meatball Soup
We take some inspiration from the flavors of Italy in this light soup that has plenty of veggies, meatballs, and pasta. Again, it's a medley that will never steer you wrong. It's also perfect for meal planning, as it will keep great frozen in the fridge.
Get our recipe for Italian Meatball Soup.
Chinese Chicken Salad
This is no doubt one of the most popular salads in America, as there's a good chance you'll find a version of this in just about any restaurant. Here, we have a lighter version of the Chinese chicken salad that has just the right amount of dressing and toppings.
Get our recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad.
Spinach Salad Topped With Goat Cheese, Apples, and a Warm Bacon Dressing Recipe
You won't have to worry about having a sad spinach salad again with this recipe! Here, we add caramelized apples, toasted pecans, and creamy goat cheese to the leafy green base.
Get our recipe for a Spinach Salad Topped With Goat Cheese, Apples, and a Warm Bacon Dressing Recipe.
Asparagus Salad With a Fried Egg and Prosciutto
As you can see, we're fans of salads that aren't just some veggies tossed upon a bed of lettuce. This recipe has asparagus as the main component, and paired with the creaminess of the soft egg yolk and the crunch of toasted bread crumbs, you have a creative and, most importantly, filling take on a salad.
Get our recipe for Asparagus Salad With a Fried Egg and Prosciutto.
Classic Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
An oozing, crispy grilled cheese and a cup of warm tomato soup is another legendary one-two combo of the comfort food world. Our grilled cheese is packed with gooey pimento cheese, roasted peppers, and Greek yogurt while the tomato is oven roasted for an extra punch of flavor.
Get our recipe for Classic Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.
Philly Cheesesteak With Caramelized Veggies
This version of the Philly cheesesteak uses tender skirt steak, provolone, and a medley of caramelized vegetables for a spin on the classic sandwich.
Get our recipe for a Philly Cheesesteak With Caramelized Veggies.
Grilled Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Sandwich
Buffalo chicken sandwiches are usually fried, but we changed things up, opting for a grilled piece of meat. After you grill the chicken, it's basted in hot sauce and butter, then topped with a yogurt-based blue cheese sauce. Sorry if your mouth is already watering.
Get our recipe for a Grilled Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Sandwich.
Turkey Sloppy Joe
What makes sloppy joes so easy to make is that most of the time, everything you need is likely already in your pantry and spice cabinet. And with this recipe, all you need is about 15 minutes and your meal is set.
Get our recipe for Turkey Sloppy Joe.
Club Sandwich With Super Mayo
There's just something about a club sandwich, isn't there? This version with ham, turkey, bacon, and a souped-up mayo is worthy of making its way into your weekly lunch-planning roundup.
Get our recipe for a Club Sandwich With Super Mayo.
Savory and Sweet Elvis Sandwich
It became widely known that Elvis Presley had an intense love of peanut butter, banana, and, according to some accounts, bacon, and along with some honey, he put them all together in a sandwich now called the Elvis in his honor. Each bite is filled with that savory and sweet mix. Trust us, this is the ultimate comfort food sandwich, so don't knock it til you try it.
Get our recipe for a Savory and Sweet Elvis Sandwich.
Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwich
In this recipe, half of the cooking time gets knocked out because we prefer to use leftover grilled or roasted meats in this sandwich! This allows for a fresh take on the classic roast beef and cheese sandwich.
Get our recipe for a Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwich.
Croque Monsieur
Think of a croque monsieur as a ham and cheese sandwich that's amped up. Ham is sliced thick, the cheese is Gruyère, a blanket of béchamel covers everything, and it's all served nice and warm, straight from the oven. It's French food at its finest.
Get our recipe for Croque Monsieur.
Pasta and Pizza
Mac and Cheese
It's safe to say mac and cheese is the undisputed king of comfort food. This classic formula is one you can never go wrong with: a béchamel base, laced with extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, and finished with a bit of yogurt to give the sauce a truly perfect texture. It's better than anything you'd eat from a box.
Get our recipe for Mac and Cheese.
Ricotta and Cottage Cheese-Stuffed Spinach-Artichoke Manicotti
In the mood for some cheese-stuffed pasta? In this manicotti recipe, we use low-fat ricotta and cottage cheese, along with plenty of sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts, all bringing a ton of flavor.
Get our recipe for Ricotta and Cottage Cheese-Stuffed Spinach-Artichoke Manicotti.
Fettuccine Alfredo
You will no doubt find Fettuccine Alfredo on the menu at any Italian restaurant, so why not try your hand at making your own version that rivals that of any you would order? We turn to our old friend béchamel here, which creates a thick, creamy sauce without any heavy cream and excess butter.
Get our recipe for Fettuccine Alfredo.
Turkey Bolognese With Fettuccine
This turkey bolognese recipe goes back to the dish's roots, as it's comprised of ragu, the hearty slow-simmered meat sauce. Grab a fork and dig in!
Get our recipe for Turkey Bolognese With Fettuccine.
Chicken Sausage Lasagna
This recipe brings together all the elements a beloved lasagna should have, such as plenty of mozzarella, ricotta, and tomatoes, and it adds chicken sausage to the mix, too.
Get our recipe for Chicken Sausage Lasagna.
Mac and Cheese With Spinach, Ham, and Tomato
If you're looking for more of a jazzed up mac and cheese, this is the recipe for you. This pasta is loaded with ham, spinach, and cherry tomatoes, with yes, plenty of cheese, too!
Get our recipe for Mac and Cheese With Spinach, Ham, and Tomato.
Spicy Hawaiian Pizza
If you're going to have a decked-out pizza, Hawaiian is forever the way to go, and this recipe makes sure you get that sweet and smoky flavor in every slice.
Get our recipe for Spicy Hawaiian Pizza.
Spinach, Sausage, and Pepper Pizza
Anytime you decide to make your own pizza, you know you're in for some fun and you're able to create a pie exactly how you want it. Our recipe is great for those who want to get a little bit of the typical meat-lover and veggie pies' toppings all on one pizza.
Get our recipe for Spinach, Sausage, and Pepper Pizza.
Chicken and Meat
Tastiest Sunday Roast Chicken
Disclaimer: You don't have to wait until Sunday to make this dish! The key to this perfectly roasted chicken though is seasoning it long before you start cooking so that it will create a juicier roast. It might take a little more prep and planning, but the end result is worth it.
Get our recipe for Tastiest Sunday Roast Chicken.
Flavorful Provençal Chicken
With white wine, tomatoes, olives, and herbs, this chicken dish has the soul of southern France in every bite.
Get our recipe for Flavorful Provençal Chicken.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken
What makes this creamy mushroom dish stand out is the combination of Greek yogurt and half-and-half that is used to create the sauce, which gives it a rich, velvety texture, without feeling like it's weighing the chicken down.
Get our recipe for Creamy Mushroom Chicken.
Best-Ever Oven Fried Chicken
Nope, you don't need to break out the skillets and lard! Our chicken is brined in buttermilk and hot sauce, then coated in bread crumbs, tossed in a gentle amount of oil, before it hangs out in the oven. The result that emerges is seriously the crispiest chicken ever!
Get our recipe for Oven Fried Chicken.
Chicken Parm with Spinach
You won't find any pasta hiding under this chicken parm! Instead, it's served with garlicky spinach in place of pasta, which adds a punch to the meat that pairs perfectly with the saucy chicken.
Get our recipe for Chicken Parm with Spinach.
Chicken Pot Pie
It's a known fact that pot pies will forever be one of America's favorite comfort foods, so we, of course, had to put our spin on it. You'll find all the usuals stuffed inside, but the fact that we use a puff pastry that's rolled extra thin is what makes this version stand apart from any other basic pot pie.
Get our recipe for Best-Ever Healthier Chicken Pot Pie.
Thai Chicken Curry
The joy of Thai curry is that it brings all of the classic flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine—salty, sour, bitter, and hot—together in one bowl. And that's exactly what's going on in this delicious chicken dish!
Get our recipe for Thai Chicken Curry.
Basque Chicken
This dish combines yummy smoked paprika, sweet peppers, and piquant chorizo, all in a slow-cooked stew. We add in some dark beer to the mix, too, which brings a great flavor that will leave your taste buds in awe.
Get our recipe for Basque Chicken.
Chicken and Dumplings
Who could ever resist some chicken and dumplings? This recipe is filled with root vegetables, a savory broth, shredded chicken, a roux to thicken the soup base, and, yes, plenty of fluffy dumplings.
Get our recipe for Chicken and Dumplings.
Chicken Tikka Masala
If you're just starting to try your hand at making your own Indian food, then tikka masala is the best dish to tackle. Although we swap out the butter and cream for Greek yogurt and half-and-half, you'll still end up with the same flavors. And you can easily make this meal vegetarian, too, replacing the chicken with chickpeas!
Get our recipe for Chicken Tikka Marsala.
Red Chile Chicken Enchiladas
When you're in the mood for some Mexican, it's always a good idea to make what you're craving yourself instead of going out to a quick chain restaurant to get your fix. Homemade is always better, and this tasty red chile chicken enchilada is proof!
Get our recipe for Red Chile Chicken Enchiladas.
Kung Pao Chicken
Ahh, the stir-fry, a quick, easy, and forever comforting dish. After a long day, you don't want to spend forever in the kitchen making dinner, so this meal you can make all in one pan that's ready in 10 minutes is a game-changer. Grab your ingredients and your wok and get cooking!
Get our recipe for Kung Pao Chicken.
Sesame Noodles with Chicken
Sometimes, a box of fettuccine is the perfect fit for an Asian-inspired meal as it is for an Italian one! The key to this sesame noodle and chicken dish is to think of it like a salad and noodles are the lettuce. You'll want to add in some protein (we obviously went with chicken here), as many veggies as you want, and a light dressing. That's it!
Get our recipe for Sesame Noodles with Chicken.
Jambalaya
No New Orleans dish is more famous than jambalaya. It's a rice that's mixed with meat, seafood, and vegetables—so basically everything you could ever want in a hearty, filling dish that truly brings on all the major flavor.
Get our recipe for Jambalaya.
Spicy-Cool Southwest Turkey Burger
Turkey burgers can be just as good, if not better, than a typical beef burger, and this recipe proves just that. There's pico de gallo, avocado, cheese, and a chipotle puree—it's flavor overload in the best way possible.
Get our recipe for Spicy-Cool Southwest Turkey Burger.
Turkey Meatloaf Better Than Any From Your Childhood
Among the most comforting of all comfort foods, a well-made meatloaf is at the top of the list. Don't worry, this isn't the bone-dry loaf you might've had as a kid. Our version has a well-seasoned base, a generous glaze, and is carefully cooked to avoid ending up with a sad, dry loaf.
Get our recipe for Turkey Meatloaf Better Than Any From Your Childhood.
90-Minute Roasted Turkey With Orange-Cranberry Relish
Yes, it is possible to have a fully-cooked, and oh so delicious roasted turkey is only an hour and a half. If you follow this recipe, you'll be left with a moist bird that has beautifully seared skin when you take it out of the oven.
Get our recipe for 90-Minute Roasted Turkey With Orange-Cranberry Relish.
Best Copycat Big Mac
There might not ever be a fast-food burger more famous than the Big Mac, so we decided to make our own version that we must say is 100 percent more satisfying than what you get at the Golden Arches because it's completely homemade. We replace the mystery meat with lean ground sirloin, sear the patties in a cast-iron skillet, and then bring all the classic ingredients you know and love together inside one sesame seed bun.
Get our recipe for the Best Copycat Big Mac.
Cowboy Burger
Here, we use lean bison to make this burger and top it with grilled sweet onions. It draws inspiration from a Carl's Jr. classic, the Western Bacon Cheeseburger, so you're basically going to be able to cook up a better version of this burger right at home.
Get our recipe for a Cowboy Burger.
Red Wine-Infused Mushroom Swiss Burger
It might be known as the bourgie burger, but our take on the upscale dish is a mushroom Swiss burger that is easy to make. Plus, there's red wine involved, so you know it's going to be delicious.
Get our recipe for a Red Wine-Infused Mushroom Swiss Burger.
Smoky Crockpot Chili
Our crockpot chili recipe has plenty of big flavors: smoky chipotle pepper, hoppy IPA, and cumin and chili powder to tie the whole thing together. Chili and corn always make for a lovely pairing, too, so we suggest serving this with some cornbread or a stack of warm corn tortillas.
Get our recipe for Smoky Crockpot Chili.
Garlic-Rosemary Roast Beef
It's as simple as turning on the oven, putting in the seasoned beef, and pulling it out when it's ready—that's all you have to do! This type of roast beef recipe magic is timeless.
Get our recipe for Garlic-Rosemary Roast Beef.
Smothered Pork Chops
The smothering is what stands out in this recipe. Our mixture that covers the pork is made of chicken stock, low-fat buttermilk, and sharp mustard, creating a lovely sauce the pork chop can easily swim in. Serve this with some potatoes and veggies, and you're all set.
Get our recipe for Smothered Pork Chops.
Bourbon-Glazed Ham With Peach Chutney
Ham is one of those meats that can be super easy to cook with, and this recipe is proof. All you have to do here is apply a glaze (we went with a sweet-spicy mustard-bourbon sauce) and pop it in the oven for 45 minutes.
Get our recipe for Bourbon-Glazed Ham With Peach Chutney.
Beef Stew
Although beef stew is typically made in the winter as the perfect meal to have on a cold night, we're going to go ahead and say you can make this whenever you want! Beef, red wine, and vegetables all slow-cooked into a state of deliciousness while you were at work all day? Yeah, nothing better.
Get our recipe for Beef Stew.
Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's pie is a solid meat and potato-style dish: a slow-simmered mix of ground red meat and vegetables covered with warm mashed potatoes. It just sounds like a warm hug, doesn't it? The dish is traditionally made with lamb, but sirloin makes a perfectly tasty pie, too.
Get our recipe for Shepherd's Pie.
Steak In a Red Wine Pan Sauce
Sometimes, you're just in the mood for a steak, but going outside to grill might not be a realistic option. That's where this recipe that calls for cooking steak in a pan comes in! It's much easier cooking steak this way, too, and who knows, you might not ever fire up the grill again once you try this dish out!
Get our recipe for Steak In a Red Wine Pan Sauce.
Carne Asada Burrito
Our version of the carne asada burrito is much more modest in size to the one you would find at any restaurant, but it still has everything you love packed in it: guac, black beans, and marinated skirt steak.
Get our recipe for a Carne Asada Burrito.
Poor Man's Steak with Garlic Gravy
This is one dish that never gets old. Just take some lean ground sirloin and form it into steaks, which you then cover with sauteed mushrooms, onions, and a soy-spiked sauce. Go ahead and serve the meat over a bed of mashed potatoes, or even some garlic-lemon spinach.
Get our recipe for Poor Man's Steak with Garlic Gravy.
Braised Brisket With Horseradish Cream
Brisket is a tough meat to cook, but with the help of a slow cooker, you'll have tender slices of meat, and you don't have to put in a ton of work! Just a mere 15 minutes of prep time is all it takes.
Get our recipe for Braised Brisket With Horseradish Cream.
Turkey Swedish Meatballs
No, these meatballs don't come in a vat of bubbling red sauce, but we're basing this dish on the Swedish style way! Here, we swap the beef for turkey, creating meatballs that are super tender and lean.
Get our recipe for Turkey Swedish Meatballs.
Beef with Broccoli
When that takeout craving hits, you can't really ignore it. But instead of calling up your local Chinese spot, try your hand at making a staple dish of beef and broccoli yourself! This version still has the heart and soul of the original recipe, but without all of the excess sauce, oil, and sodium for a lighter alternative that still tastes just as good as takeout.
Get our recipe for Beef with Broccoli.
Pork Chile Verde
Pork chile verde might not be a dish that's currently on your radar, but this recipe is proof why it should be. A spicy broth coating tons of veggies and tender pork—what could be better than that? Add a few warm tortillas, a hunk of lime, and a cerveza, and feel like you're eating this meal in Mexico and not your own kitchen.
Get our recipe for Pork Chile Verde.
Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder
Pork is another meat that really goes well with so many dishes, but this pork shoulder is so good, you might not even want to add it to anything. Just dig right in!
Get our recipe for Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder.
Lamb Tagine
Lambs seems to be a meat that is often underappreciated, but here, we season it with the best of the Moroccan spice cabinet, add in golden raisins and fresh ginger, and braise it in a slow cooker with a flavorful broth. Go ahead and serve this dish with some couscous, and you'll instantly be convinced that lamb is a meat you should be turning to more often!
Get our recipe for Lamb Tagine.
Steak Frites
One of the most famously French meals is steak frites. This recipe is our nod to meat and potatoes, done the French way, and you don't even need a plane ticket to indulge in this dish!
Get our recipe for Steak Frites.
Seafood
Fish and Chips
Fish and chips is simply a classic: tender fish coated in crunchy batter paired alongside a pile of crispy potatoes—you can see why it's an English staple! In this recipe, the breaded cod is baked and served with homemade potato chips.
Get our recipe for Fish and Chips.
Spanish Garlic Shrimp
Shrimp that has been slow-cooked in olive oil and infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and chile? Yep, you've got one mouth-watering meal on your hands! This dish is great served as an appetizer, too.
Get our recipe for Spanish Garlic Shrimp.
Southern-Style Cornmeal Tomato Gravy Catfish
This catfish recipe draws inspiration from the South with a simple tomato gravy that once you take a bite, instantly reminds you of something your grandmother would make for you.
Get our recipe for Southern-Style Cornmeal Tomato Gravy Catfish.
Classic Cioppino
Cioppino is a fish and shellfish soup, and while that might sound like a challenging dish to make, this recipe is actually quite fast to make. Combining together tomatoes, garlic, wine, herbs, and lots of fresh seafood—this is a meal that once you master, you'll feel like a true chef.
Get our recipe for a Classic Cioppino.
Blackened Tilapia With Garlic-Lime Butter
Blackening any food is always a good idea, and in this recipe, the flavors from the tilapia get even more enhanced, thanks to the garlic-lime butter. That fish and butter combo will never go out of style. And we have an easy, DIY blackening spice recipe you can use, too.
Get our recipe for Blackened Tilapia With Garlic-Lime Butter.
Roast Salmon with Lentils
Oh, the humble lentil. Such an easy side to prepare, and it pairs perfectly alongside an oven-roasted salmon, with the flavors merging together for a delicious meal.
Get our recipe for Roast Salmon with Lentils.
Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits
A Southern-style dish, this one has sautéed shrimp with scallions, cayenne, and kielbasa over a bed of quick-cooking grits. Doesn't get more classic than shrimp and grits!
Get our recipe for Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits.
Grilled Swordfish with Caponata
This recipe lets you take a trip to Sicily without having to leave your kitchen by bringing together two of the island's staple foods: grilled swordfish and caponata. They make for a light and refreshing dish that tastes like you're on a vacation with each bite.
Get our recipe for Grilled Swordfish with Caponata.
Seared Scallops with White Beans and Spinach
Searing scallops highlights their natural, more meaty taste, and cooked with bits of spinach, bacon, and white beans, you're in for a dinner that looks—and tastes—like something you would get from a five-star restaurant.
Get our recipe for Seared Scallops with White Beans and Spinach.
French Bistro-Inspired Sole Meunière
You don't have to go to a French bistro for some Sole Meunière! It's not a super common dish you'll find at most restaurants, so go ahead and make this anytime you're in the mood for a truly special meal.
Get our recipe for a French Bistro-Inspired Sole Meunière.
Side Dishes
Cheese Fries
We're going to go ahead and say it: there never is a bad time to indulge in a plate of cheese fries. Our recipe features fries that are baked until crispy perfection, the right amount of cheese, a few pieces of crumbled bacon, and a handful of pickled jalapeños for a truly delicious dish you can pair with so many meals.
Get our recipe for Cheese Fries.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Break out as many veggies as you want for this rice dish. And although scrambled eggs is usually the go-to with fried rice, we went with one just-cooked egg on top of the rice, so you can break the yolk and dig right in.
Get our recipe for Vegetable Fried Rice with a Fried Egg.
Green Bean Casserole
Our green bean casserole honors the classic recipe you most likely know and love already, but instead, we swap in fresh ingredients to create a dish with more texture and flavor than the original.
Get our recipe for a Green Bean Casserole.
Southern-Style Biscuits
A warm, perfectly flaky, Southern biscuit just screams comfort, and we achieve just that in our recipe, even though we pull back on the butter and use low-fat buttermilk. Trust us, this really is the most perfect biscuit!
Get our recipe for Southern-Style Biscuits.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are always a good idea, and they make for the most the perfect creamy canvas for big flavors, which is why garlic works so well with the spuds. You can add as many garnishes as you would like to brighten up the taste even more. Think: fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, basil, freshly chopped chives, bacon, sautéed spinach, caramelized or roasted onions, roasted green peppers—as you can see, the possibilities are truly endless.
Get our recipe for Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Twice-Baked Potatoes
In this twice-baked potato recipe, we use milk and yogurt to enrich the potatoes, along with a little bit of cheese and bacon to make these spuds feel super indulgent.
Get our recipe for Twice-Baked Potatoes.
Yukon Gold & Sweet Potato Gratin
In our version of potato gratin, we use a lower fat milk instead of traditional cream, and yep, those are sweet potatoes you're seeing mixed in there! Serve this when you have company over, and your guests will be thrilled to meet their new favorite side dish.
Get our recipe for Yukon Gold & Sweet Potato Gratin.
Stuffed Tomatoes
If you're in a time crunch, turn to this recipe for vegetarian-friendly stuffed tomatoes. It doesn't take much time to prep these tomatoes that are filled with garlic and fresh basil. If you want to add a meat element to it, you can simply wrap each tomato with a slice of prosciutto before baking.
Get our recipe for Stuffed Tomatoes.
Apple-Sausage Stuffing
We're going to say it: you don't have to only eat stuffing during Thanksgiving! In this recipe, you'll find sausage, tart apples, and fresh sage all mixed together for a stuffing you can easily pair with roast beef or chicken any time of the year.
Get our recipe for Apple-Sausage Stuffing.
Garlic-Lemon Spinach
In this spinach recipe, we create a version of the leafy greens that is coated with garlic and red pepper-infused olive oil. Even if you're not a spinach fan, we have a feeling trying this recipe out will change your mind. Hey, it worked for Popeye, right?
Get our recipe for Garlic-Lemon Spinach.
Potato Salad
Potato salad seems to usually just end up being a giant bowl of potatoes and some veggies drowning in mayo. Our version avoids that by adding Dijon and a shot of vinegar to the mayo. The result is a potato salad everyone at the BBQ will be coming back for second helpings of!
Get our recipe for Potato Salad.
Smoky Baked Beans
In this baked beans recipe, we build up all the flavor with a few of our all-time favorite foods and spices: cayenne, beer, and bacon. The perfect trio for a side dish!
Get our recipe for Smoky Baked Beans.
Grilled Mexican-Style Corn
If you're looking for something to bring to your next picnic, this grilled Mexican-style corn recipe is exactly what you need. It's covered in a thin layer of mayo (instead of butter) and topped with a sprinkling of chili powder and cheese, just like it is done traditionally.
Get our recipe for Grilled Mexican-Style Corn.
Coleslaw
You won't spot anything drenched in mayo here! Our version of coleslaw is infused with a vinegar tang. It goes great as a side, but you can also use it as a topping for sandwiches.
Get our recipe for Coleslaw.
Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli
You can't get more straightforward than this 4-ingredient recipe that uses just a bit of Parmesan cheese for a nice bit of flavoring. It's also ready in less than 15 minutes, so it's a great side dish to meal prep for the week.
Get our recipe for Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli.
Honey-Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots are a solid veggie side dish to have around because they pair so well with so many different meals: salads, butternut squash soup, roasted beef. The possibilities are endless!
Get our recipe for Honey-Roasted Carrots.
Brussels and Bacon
Brussels sprouts aren't always at the top of people's "most liked vegetables" list, but with the addition of bacon, red pepper flakes, and crunchy almonds in this recipe, you can easily get any none-Brussels fan to try this.
Get our recipe for Brussels and Bacon.
Smoked Paprika Potato Chips
Once you start eating chips, it's kind of hard to stop after one. These chips, though, are much more delicious than any you can buy in the store, thanks to the fresh potato flavor and a smoky touch from paprika. There's a good chance you'll end up eating a ton of these—we're warning you!
Get our recipe for Smoked Paprika Potato Chips.
Chimichurri
Chimichurri is an herb-based sauce from Argentina that packs a bit of spice, all thanks to the minced jalapeño. It's hands-down one of the best condiments ever, as you can easily add it to sandwiches, chicken dishes, grilled vegetables, and eggs, to name a few!
Get our recipe for Chimichurri.
Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is the most versatile of all salsas. It's mild, so you can easily add this chunky tomato, onions, peppers, and cilantro mix to tacos, nachos, salads, scrambled eggs, or even just to have with some tortilla chips.
Get our recipe for Pico de Gallo.
Pesto
This pesto recipe is great to have on hand, as it makes enough for a big pasta dish, to drop into soups, to spread on sandwiches, and enough left over to use as salad dressing, too. To keep it extra fresh and green, put a thin layer of oil on top of the pesto before refrigerating!
Get our recipe for Pesto.
Best-Ever Guacamole
Everyone should have a solid guacamole recipe on hand at all times, so that's where we come in. All you need is some avocado, certain key spices, and then you'll be on your way to becoming the person at the party who always brings along the best guacamole ever. You're welcome.
Get our recipe for Best-Ever Guacamole.
Desserts
Classic Milkshakes
You don't need to go to Dairy Queen for a creamy milkshake! That's right, you can enjoy an old-fashioned milkshake at home for fewer calories and you can choose whatever flavor you like. You're going to be pro milkshake maker soon enough.
Get our recipe for Copycat Dairy Queen Milkshakes.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
You can go wrong with a chocolate chip cookie. And you'll be pleasantly surprised to know that these cookies still have butter and chocolate and overall, aren't that bad for you! We just use less of those ingredients so you can get the same delicious taste for fewer calories.
Get our recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Grilled Banana Split
Prepare to step up your banana split game, thanks to the fact that this recipe caramelizes the banana. Topped with salted peanuts for a nice crunch and slathered in a warm chocolate sauce, this is one sundae you'll most likely find yourself making a few times during the summer months!
Get our recipe for Grilled Banana Split.
Ricotta Cheesecake with Warm Blueberries
Now, this is the cheesecake you can 100 percent have more than one slice of! It's made with ricotta, which creates a light, creamy texture, and paired with warm blueberries, it's a simple, yet satisfying take on the classic dessert.
Get our recipe for Ricotta Cheesecake with Warm Blueberries.
Blueberry-Peach Cobbler
When summer hits, you most likely want a dessert that is equal parts refreshing and sweet, so what better way to do that than with blueberries and peaches? In a cobbler, of course. These baked beauties are topped with crispy biscuits, making the ideal setup for soaking up all the fruit juices.
Get our recipe for Blueberry-Peach Cobbler.
Molten Chocolate Cake
There might not be a greater feeling than seeing the look of pure awe and impressiveness on your friends' faces when you crack open the middle of this cake and they see all that chocolate lava flow freely onto their plate. Plus, it's super simple to whip up this cake for your next dinner party, too!
Get our recipe for Molten Chocolate Cake.
Best Fudgy Brownies
No one ever wants to bite into a dry, sad brownie; it's just a fact. But don't worry, our recipe—which actually has a rather low amount of butter and sugar but plenty of dark chocolate—results in the fudgiest brownies you'll ever have.
Get our recipe for Best Fudgy Brownies.
Key Lime Pie
There really is no pie easier to make than this one. You simply just have to mix the ingredients together, pour, bake, serve, and eat. And if you can't find bottled key lime juice (or fresh key limes), Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice is a solid option you can order that will still bring that authentic flavor.
Get our recipe for Key Lime Pie.
Apple Pie with Crunch Topping
Most apple pies are made with two crusts—one as the base and the other as the top. But here, we change that, and replace the second crust with a crunchy topping made of oats, chopped almonds, and brown sugar. Yes, it is just as amazing as it sounds.
Get our recipe for the Apple Pie with Crunch Topping.
Tiramisu
It's kind of hard to mess up a classic tiramisu, so have faith this recipe won't steer you wrong. This version swaps out egg yolks and mascarpone in favor of beaten egg whites and whipped cream cheese for a dessert that is still a satisfying treat.
Get our recipe for Tiramisu.
Oatmeal–Chocolate Chip Cookies
What makes these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies so special is that each bite of the soft cookie is filled with the taste of baked oats, a burst of chocolaty goodness, and an extra pinch of sea salt, bringing together that salty and sweet combo your tastebuds go nuts over. This cookie is simply a dream.
Get our recipe for Oatmeal–Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Southern-Style Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is a staple of Southern comfort food, and this version of the sweet, custardy dish makes sure you can still actually taste the banana in there. And it's loaded with vanilla wafers, so what really could be better than that?
Get our recipe for Southern-Style Banana Pudding,
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Yogurt
All you need is a grill and a few pieces of your favorite fruits for this easy treat! In this recipe, we use watermelon, peaches, and pineapples, but you can use any fruit you like that will be able to withstand the heat of a grill. And paired with a cool yogurt sauce, you'll have the perfect savory-sweet dessert in no time.
Get our recipe for Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Yogurt and Honey.
