As a food blogger, these 17 recipes are the ones my family always asks for—and honestly, I love making them just as much. Whether it’s Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs or Chicken on the Ritz Casserole, these dishes have earned their spot in our weekly rotation. We keep Butter Pecan Cookies stocked in the tin, while Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy has become a dinner staple. From Meatballs in Marinara Sauce with fresh Parmesan to Cider Doughnuts on autumn mornings, these recipes are not just family favorites—they’re the ones I’m proud to share on my blog.

Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast

…and it’s not just for Christmas! I make this showstopper whenever I score a great deal on filet from my local big box store. This filet mignon beef tenderloin recipe, roasted to perfection in a single pan, brings a touch of elegance to any meal, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you’re craving something truly special. Get the Recipe: Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast

Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce

This started as a Fat Tuesday appetizer at a party in my home over a decade ago, and now my friends request it every time they visit. I find it hilarious because it’s so simple, yet they rave about it. Louis sauce is a classic Cajun shrimp sauce, originally made for shrimp cocktail with horseradish. Its bold kick comes from a lively blend of ingredients like chili sauce, Worcestershire, grated onion, crushed red pepper, and hot sauce. Get the Recipe: Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce

Pirates Punch

Pirates Punch is the ultimate tropical refreshment—sweet, fruity, and full of island vibes. During a trip to Amelia Island, Florida, I treated my friends to a pitcher of this rum-filled delight, and it instantly became a favorite. I always include it on my party menus because it’s the easiest punch to throw together and keep chilled in the fridge for guests who prefer something other than beer. Get the Recipe: Pirates Punch

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

The moment I tried Carolina Gold rice, I was hooked. Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy combines perfectly crispy chicken with fragrant, Carolina-grown rice. Topped off with a rich, homemade gravy, this dish delivers pure comfort in every bite!

Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

Copycat Entenmann’s Crumb Coffee Cake

Growing up in the New York-New Jersey area, I’ve been enjoying Entenmann’s baked goods since before I could even crawl. You knew I had to recreate it eventually, and this version is spot on—maybe even better (but I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a coffee cake snob). My Copycat Entenmann’s Coffee Cake features a dense vanilla base topped with a heavenly brown sugar cinnamon streusel and finished with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar! Get the Recipe: Copycat Entenmann’s Crumb Coffee Cake

Crispy Delicata Squash

I know it doesn’t look like much, but the flavor is out of this world—and yes, this handy little squash is at your grocery store right now. It’s delicata squash, and the best part? The whole thing, skin and all, is edible. My method for baking these Parmesan-crusted moons of deliciousness will have you hooked, and before you know it, you’ll be adding them to every salad! Get the Recipe: Crispy Delicata Squash

Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs

Yup, those Cheddar Bay Biscuits! Who doesn’t love Red Lobster? I turned them into a breakfast casserole, and now my family asks for it every single week. Breakfast dishes with sausage and eggs are everywhere, but none can top this one—every bite delivers savory goodness, plus the irresistible obsession that is Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs

A Classic Sidecar

I’m all in when a recipe comes with a rich history—and the same goes for cocktails (just ask my close friends). The Sidecar is a perfect example: a potent blend with a bright hint of orange, this classic Cognac cocktail traces its roots back to WWI. Get the Recipe: A Classic Sidecar

Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction

This recipe should be called “Just Add Wine Sauce” because the Zinfandel reduction truly makes the dish! My tender, juicy Herb-Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction is packed with savory and sweet notes, bursting with the rich flavors of fall. Get the Recipe: Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction

Cider Doughnuts

If you’re from the North, you should know how to make a good doughnut—and I make a great one! Cider doughnuts are an American classic, served hot and fresh at just about any apple orchard. I whip up at least three batches every fall, and they never disappoint. Get the Recipe: Cider Doughnuts

Penna Dutch Potato Salad

My grandfather was the potato salad master when I was growing up, and this recipe came from a neighboring farm and a wonderful Amish family. What makes this cookout favorite stand out is the addition of hard-boiled eggs and a homemade creamy dressing with a tangy kick. The magic happens when the hot cooked dressing is poured over hot potatoes, creating a flavor collision you won’t find in ordinary potato salad. Get the Recipe: Penna Dutch Potato Salad

French Onion Salisbury Steak

Gourmet flavor on a ground beef budget! Literally! This is the perfect recipe to keep in rotation—it’s affordable, hearty, and satisfying. And when time is tight, I’ve been known to cheat with frozen Texas toast garlic bread slices. Get the Recipe: French Onion Salisbury Steak

Chicken on the Ritz Casserole

We usually bring home a Costco chicken at least once a week, so this recipe, with fewer than ten simple ingredients, transforms that leftover chicken into a velvety, creamy ‘Chicken on The Ritz’ Casserole. It’s freezer-friendly, making it a go-to gem to have ready for busy nights. Get the Recipe: Chicken on the Ritz Casserole

Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Yeah, I know—everyone has their own take on meatballs in marinara, but you haven’t tried my version. Homemade meatballs are in a comfort food league of their own, and when done right, all you need is a shallow bowl, some freshly grated Parmesan, and a glass of Beaujolais to make it a perfect meal. Get the Recipe: Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas

Cheap, easy, and ready in minutes—this recipe quickly became a hit with my whole family, even though we didn’t grow up eating Mexican food. Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas combine juicy, paper-thin beef with vibrant sweet peppers, golden caramelized onions, and fresh avocado for a dish that feels like restaurant-quality Mexican cuisine right at home. Get the Recipe: Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas

Skillet Turkey Meatloaves with Mushroom Gravy

This is hands down the most underrated recipe on my site—a turkey meatloaf we make on repeat. These mini versions let you cook exactly how many you need, with lean ground turkey breast, sweet carrots, and crispy Brussels sprouts forming the base. Each flavorful Skillet Mini Turkey Meatloaf is served with a rich, indulgent mushroom pan gravy, making every bite pure comfort. Get the Recipe: Skillet Turkey Meatloaves with Mushroom Gravy

Butter Pecan Cookies

Above all the cookies I bake, these are the ones that are always in the tin. My family is downright obsessed with them. They’re simple, golden-brown cookies packed with loads of chopped pecans. Despite being rich with butter and pecans, they’re surprisingly inexpensive to make. Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies