These are the 18 recipes I find myself making over and over again. They’ve earned a permanent spot in my kitchen because they’re simple, delicious, and always a hit. Whether it’s a quick dinner or a dessert, these are the go-to dishes I love sharing with friends and family. Sometimes, less is best!

A Tasty and Kid-friendly Pickle Macaroni Salad

Our mom had her own way of getting my brother and I to eat pasta salad with what she called “picnic noodles,” and it quickly became the only macaroni salad we’d make. I usually stick with sweet pickle relish, but a dill pickle pasta salad with fresh dill is just as kid-approved!

Get the Recipe: A Tasty and Kid-friendly Pickle Macaroni Salad

Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy

Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy is the ultimate pub fare for those comfort food cravings. Use any quality sausage your crowd enjoys, and this dish will quickly become as popular in your kitchen as it is in mine!

Get the Recipe: Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy

The Original Monte Cristo Sandwich

The Monte Cristo sandwich has been a hit since its debut, offering a crispy, cheesy bite of indulgence. With layers of ham, turkey, and two types of cheese, it’s dipped in batter and fried to perfection. Yes, it’s a bit of a commitment, but trust me—it’s worth every bite!

Get the Recipe: The Original Monte Cristo Sandwich

Elegant Eggplant Napoleons

I get more excited about assembling these deliciously cheesy Eggplant Napoleons than most other dishes—they’re that good! These elegant little stacks are the epitome of sumptuous flavors and are so satisfying they could easily be the main event instead of just an appetizer.

Get the Recipe: Elegant Eggplant Napoleons

Tasty Roasted Garlic Dip

If you’re a garlic lover, this Roasted Garlic Dip is a must-try! Roasting the garlic for just 15 minutes mellows it to a sweet, rich flavor, blending perfectly with a few simple ingredients. The first time I served it, it disappeared in 11 minutes flat!

Get the Recipe: Tasty Roasted Garlic Dip

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Enjoy the comforting flavors of Penna Dutch Potato Salad, a classic Amish recipe given to my grandmother in the 1940s. With its creamy texture and crunchy bite, the unique warm dressing sets it apart from traditional potato salads. This nostalgic dish is a year-round favorite!

Get the Recipe: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Autumn Cranberry Apple Chutney

I used to make cranberry sauce from scratch just for the holidays, but now I also whip up this bright and flavorful chutney. Packed with fresh fruits, ginger, cinnamon, and star anise, this Autumn Cranberry Apple Chutney is a fantastic complement to turkey and stuffing.

Get the Recipe: Autumn Cranberry Apple Chutney

Creamed Pearl Onions

Anthony Bourdain introduced me to these irresistible little onions, and I’ve been hooked ever since. This savory Creamed Pearl Onions recipe, with sweet onions in a rich cream sauce, finds its way to my table almost every month. Tey’re so good, I can never stop eating them!

Get the Recipe: Creamed Pearl Onions

Devilish Butlers; Easy French Bread Rolls

Known as Devilish Butlers, this crusty French bread rolls recipe uses a foolproof yeast method, making it ideal for beginners and experts alike. Whether as burger buns, hollowed for Muffalettas, or simply enjoyed with soft Irish butter, these rolls never disappoint!

Get the Recipe: Devilish Butlers; Easy French Bread Rolls

Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad

This ‘Church Lady Level’ Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad shines with toasted pecans and sweet, in-season champagne grapes. The mix of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors makes it a standout. With simple ingredients, this may just be the best chicken salad you’ve ever made!

Get the Recipe: Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad

French Onion Noodle Casserole

My French Onion Noodle Casserole is a simple 6-ingredient dish that’s loaded with savory flavor. Quick to make and versatile, it pairs perfectly with Swedish Meatballs or just about any meal—definitely worth the bake!

Get the Recipe: French Onion Noodle Casserole

Best Easy and Creamy Squash Casserole

Easy Squash Casserole makes a delicious side dish to just about any main dish and is perfect for using up all of those zucchini and yellow squash still lingering in many gardens. This recipe gets brownie points for being a fantastic freezer casserole.
Get the Recipe: Best Easy and Creamy Squash Casserole

Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole

Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole combines the flavors of Red Lobster’s famous biscuits with sausage and eggs for a hearty southern-inspired breakfast. It’s perfect for weekend mornings or holiday brunches, offering a delicious and filling start to the day. Enjoy the savory goodness of this easy-to-make casserole that’s sure to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole

Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

It may sound like a cliché to tease about a single game-changing ingredient in a mac and cheese recipe, but this one really does have it! This Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese is a rich and comforting dish prepared on the stovetop and then baked to cheesy perfection. Plus, if you’re feeling creative, the recipe also includes instructions for making adorable individual Mac and Cheese Muffins.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

Country Apple Pie Recipe

This recipe stands out because it makes three pies—perfect for prepping ahead of the holidays. With a flaky crust and sweet, spiced apples, this Country Apple Pie brings Southern charm to any gathering. Bake now or later, and enjoy a cozy, comforting dessert for family or guests.
Get the Recipe: Country Apple Pie Recipe

Creamy Tomato and Sausage Penne

This Creamy Tomato and Sausage Penne is my go-to recipe for easy, pantry-friendly dinners. Packed with bright tomatoes, tender pasta, a touch of heat, and an irresistibly creamy sauce, it’s no wonder this is my most popular dish! Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato and Sausage Penne

Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe

This recipe pairs salmon with a fresh parsley pesto, offering a herbaceous alternative that showcases salmon in a new light beyond traditional fillets and steaks. It’s easy to make in about 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners. The pesto adds a burst of flavor that complements the salmon. Serve it with your favorite vegetables for a complete meal. A refreshing and quick way to enjoy salmon.
Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe

Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas

Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas are a fantastic option for 30-minute dinners. The thinly sliced beef cooks quickly and is packed with flavor. Combined with sautéed peppers and onions, this dish is both colorful and delicious. Wrap it all in a warm tortilla for a quick and easy meal that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas