18 Must-Make Recipes for Full-On Deliciousness

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Let’s cut to the chase: this is deliciousness you’ve got to try. We’re talking matzo ball soup that hugs your soul, crispy pork belly with crackle for days, and chocolate orange pinwheels that deserve their own fan club. From cozy bowls of creamy orzo with garlic butter chicken meatballs to the easiest whole grain bread you’ll actually want to make, this list isn’t just tasty—it’s a full-blown edible adventure. Bonus points for peanut butter frosting that might replace your willpower.

Candied Cashews

cashew nuts candied.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

These Candied Cashews are a sweet and crunchy snack that’s perfect for the holidays! You can make this quick and easy recipe in the oven or on the stovetop. Plus, it’s gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Candied Cashews

Best Apple Pie from Scratch

An image of a slice of homemade apple pie on a white plate with a red apple behind it.
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

This apple pie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust and a delicious apple cider flavor. It’s made completely from scratch with lightly spiced, sweet-tart apples. This recipe is perfect for the holidays or any time you’re craving a classic homemade dessert.
Get the Recipe: Best Apple Pie from Scratch

Baked Mac and Cheese

a wooden spoon scooping mac and cheese out of a baking dish.
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

This baked mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food! It’s easy to make at home and can be served as a main dish or side dish. The combination of cheddar and Gruyere cheese with a crunchy panko topping makes it a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mac and Cheese

Easy Vegetarian Tacos

Presenting a delicious Easy Vegetarian Tacos
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

These easy vegetarian tacos are a simple and delicious meal that can be made any night of the week. Loaded with a variety of fresh vegetables and flavorful spices, these tacos are sure to be a hit with everyone. Customize them with your favorite toppings for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Tacos

Matzo Ball Soup

A bowl of matzo ball soup featuring golden matzo balls in a clear chicken broth with vegetables and fresh dill, placed on a white surface with an orange-striped napkin.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Enjoy a bowl of comforting Matzo Ball Soup! This classic recipe features tender shredded chicken and fluffy, seasoned dumplings in a rich broth. Perfect for a cozy lunch or a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Matzo Ball Soup

Almond Milk Pudding

almond milk pudding
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

This 5-ingredient almond milk pudding is a rich, creamy, and thick dessert that is ready in minutes. Best of all, this decadent dessert is dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan-friendly!
Get the Recipe: Almond Milk Pudding

Grain Free Chocolate Orange Pinwheels

grain free orange chocolate pinwheels on a wire rack
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These Grain-Free Chocolate Orange Pinwheels are the perfect festive treat! Made with fresh orange juice and a rich cacao powder, these cookies are both gluten-free and paleo-friendly. Top them off with a delicious orange icing for a delightful holiday dessert.
Get the Recipe: Grain Free Chocolate Orange Pinwheels

Vibrant Curry Cashew Chickpea Quinoa Salad

curry quinoa salad on a plate with a fork
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This vibrant Curry Cashew Chickpea Quinoa Salad is packed with veggies and chickpeas, making it a protein-rich and flavorful meal. Perfect as a light lunch, satisfying dinner, or a nutritious side dish, this easy vegan recipe is sure to be a hit. The combination of curry powder, turmeric, and a touch of cayenne pepper adds a delightful warmth and spice to this colorful salad.
Get the Recipe: Vibrant Curry Cashew Chickpea Quinoa Salad

Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo.

Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

These Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo by Half Baked Harvest make for a cozy and easy fall-winter dinner. The recipe includes instructions for the instant pot and stovetop skillet as well. It’s perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo.

Crispy Pork Belly

crispy pork belly.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

Craving crispy pork belly? This recipe uses just 4 ingredients to create the perfect balance of crackly skin and juicy meat. It’s also gluten-free and keto-friendly, making it a delicious option for various dietary needs.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Pork Belly

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

A serving of chicken spaghetti on a gray plate.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

This Chicken Spaghetti recipe is comfort food at its finest! Tender chicken and spaghetti noodles are coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a touch of red pepper for a flavorful kick. It’s a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken and Potatoes

Creamy ranch chicken and potatoes in a crockpot.
Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

This slow cooker creamy ranch chicken and potatoes recipe is a comforting and easy dinner. Chicken tenderloins are cooked with baby carrots, red potatoes, and a creamy sauce made from ranch dressing mix and cream of chicken soup. Garnish with bacon bits and parsley for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken and Potatoes

Japchae (Korean Noodle Stir-Fry)

Japchae Korean Noodle Stir Fry
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Japchae recipe is a quick and easy Korean noodle stir-fry that can be made in just 30 minutes! Customize it with your favorite veggies and protein for a flavorful and delicious meal. The sweet potato starch noodles are a must-try!
Get the Recipe: Japchae (Korean Noodle Stir-Fry)

Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies

Overhead image of cream cheese pecan cookies stacked on a white serving plate set over a blue cloth.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

These Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking! They’re tender, buttery, and full of flavor with a sweet and tangy twist and the abundance of pecans. Slice and bake for an easy and delicious treat!
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies

Mexican Stuffed Peppers

a cheesy stuffed pepper with the top being lifted off
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These Mexican Enchilada Stuffed Peppers are the perfect quick and easy dinner! They’re packed with ground beef, cheese, taco seasoning, and enchilada sauce for a flavorful and healthy meal. This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables

Close up image of baked chicken thigh with vegetables.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies recipe is a simple, flavorful one-pan meal that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Bone-in chicken thighs are brushed with herb butter and roasted alongside seasoned fresh vegetables like Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and carrots for easy cleanup. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables

The Easiest Whole Grain Seeded Bread

Slices of simple homemade Whole Grain Seedy Vegan Bread with various toppings
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

This whole grain seeded bread is so easy to make, even your mom will be impressed! It only requires one bowl and 10 ingredients or less, so you can have fresh, homemade bread on the table in no time. Plus, it’s vegan, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making it a healthy and delicious option for everyone.
Get the Recipe: The Easiest Whole Grain Seeded Bread

Peanut Butter Frosting

Image of a cupcake frosted with Peanut Butter Frosting, ready to be enjoyed
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Peanut Butter Frosting recipe is the perfect topping for your next batch of cupcakes or cake! It’s indulgently creamy, irresistibly delicious, and bursting with rich peanut butter flavor. You’ll want to put it on everything!
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Frosting

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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