Takeouts, eating out at restaurants, and store-bought meals have their place, but when it comes to pure satisfaction, nothing beats a homemade meal!
Not every dish is easy to get right, though. So, we’ve compiled a list of 20 of the best well-known dishes that are simple to make and taste even better when cooked up in your own home. Which one will you try first?
1. Smoked meat
Have you ever tried smoking your own meat? Try it once and you’ll never look back. You get an incredible texture, an unbelievable depth of flavor, plus the satisfaction of doing it all yourself!
Try this Smoked Chicken recipe.
2. Chocolate chip cookies
The smell as they cook in the oven is enough to elevate homemade cookies to essential status. Add the amazing taste and texture – so much better than the store-bought kind – and you’re onto a winner.
Make yours sugar-free with this incredible Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.
3. Sloppy Joes
Pure messy comfort food, everyone loves a sloppy Joe! But once you’ve made your own at home, you’ll never look back. This classic American dish has a rough and ready charm that’s even better when homemade.
Make your own… Check out this Lamb Sloppy Joe recipe!
4. Lasagne
The classic Italian comfort food, homemade lasagna is truly out of this world. Find yourself a good recipe, take your time, and make a big batch… leftovers taste even better the next day!
5. Chutney
There are few condiments quite as joyful as chutney. Yes, it’s a labor of love and requires the patience of a saint, but the results are divine!
Make your own chutney. Get the recipe for Grape Chutney.
6. Stock
The secret to so many recipes, from soups and stews to casseroles and gravies, is a good stock. Forgot those stock cubes… making your own is next-level stuff.
Check out this Turkey Stock recipe.
7. Curry
Homemade curry is such a pleasure to make. The smell of the spices as you toast and grind, the sizzle of the ingredients in the pan, the color of the dish as it all comes together. Heavenly!
Try this easy Chicken Pasanda recipe.
8. Cheesecake
From the buttery biscuit base to the creamy filling and decadent topping, homemade cheesecake is an indulgent delight that never fails to hit the spot.
Go for an easy version, with this No Bake Mocha Cheesecake.
9. Salads
A homemade summer salad with fresh ingredients? Bliss, pure and simple. Master a few recipes and you’ll be tweaking away, perfecting your own go-to versions.
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10. Waffles
Do yourself a flavor favor and invest in a good waffle maker, then start whipping up your own waffles in your own kitchen. It’ll be a game-changer.
Make these Malted Waffles and start the day in style!
11. Guacamole
Most dips taste much better when homemade, and this classic Mexican marvel is no exception. Fresh avocados, cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice make all the difference.
12. Ice cream
Have you ever tried making your own ice cream? It’s easier than you think. Scoop up a little joy with an ice cream maker… you can even get kids involved in making it!
Truly this amazing Hokey Pokey Ice Cream recipe.
13. Smoothies
Is there anything so soothing as a sublime summer smoothie? Refreshing, deliciousness, and so easy to make at home.
Check out this Super Green Smoothie recipe!
14. Jam
Homemade jam is pure, unadulterated joy in a jar! And if you’re intimidated by the idea of jam-making, don't be. The hardest part is resisting snacking on the fruits before cooking them!
Want to try making your own? Check out this Seedless Blackberry Jam recipe
15. Pizza
Okay, so you’re never going to outdo a pizza master. But homemade pizza tastes a million times better than the ready-made heat-in-the-oven kind. Plus, it’s a lot easier than you think. With a bit of time and practice, you’ll be whipping up beautiful pizzas.
16. Bread
Homemade bread tastes WAY better than the store-bought kind. Plus, it’s cheaper, customizable, and completely free from preservatives.
17. Mac & cheese
Never made homemade mac and cheese? It’s time to change that. It’s so easy to do and tastes much better than anything you’ll get in a store.
18. Oatmeal
It is the perfect heart breakfast, especially on a cold winter morning. Ditch the packet stuff and reach for the rolled oats. Cook it on the stove, add your own extras, and you’ll have a wonderfully warming treat.
19. Gravy
Put down the granules and forget those packet gravies, because homemade gravy is the real deal. The next time you think about wasting those meat juices when making a roast, stop. That’s your base for a gravy that will change everything!
20. Mayonnaise
Deliciously creamy and on a whole other level than anything you can buy in a store, homemade mayonnaise is wonderful. It’s tricky to get right at first, but once you do, you’ll make it again and again.
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