21 Easy Recipes That’ll Have You Asking, ‘Is It Really This Simple?’
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Easy Homemade Life may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that make you wonder, “Is it really this simple?” These easy recipes bring maximum flavor with minimal effort, letting you whip up delicious meals without the usual kitchen stress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family, these dishes are all about making life easier—and tastier.
Apple Cinnamon Cake
This apple cinnamon cake is so easy, you’ll be amazed at how bakery-worthy it turns out. With tender apples, warm spices, and a cinnamon crumble on top, it’s the perfect cozy treat. Just a few steps and basic ingredients, and you’ll have a cake that looks and tastes like it took way more effort.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Cake
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
This stuffed chicken recipe delivers that rich, creamy restaurant flavor without any of the work you’d expect. Cream cheese, cheddar, and seasoning come together inside juicy chicken breasts that bake to golden perfection. You’ll feel like you’re dining out—minus the cost or hassle.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
Sweet Potato Fries
These air fryer sweet potato fries are crispy, flavorful, and come together in minutes. With a quick toss in olive oil and spices, they’re ready to go without any of the mess of frying. Perfectly seasoned and crispy, they’ll have you asking, “Is it really this simple to make fries this good?”
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Longhorn Steakhouse rice at home? Yes, it’s that easy. This savory, slightly sweet rice with bell peppers and onions simmers to fluffy perfection, making it the ideal side dish for almost anything. A few simple ingredients, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality side ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
These make-ahead mashed potatoes are creamy, buttery, and unbelievably simple. Prep them days in advance, bake when you’re ready, and skip the last-minute kitchen chaos. This recipe is a game-changer for holiday meals, making you wonder why you ever did mashed potatoes any other way.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli Rice Casserole
This cheesy broccoli rice casserole brings all the comfort with none of the fuss. Tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar blend together in one dish that’s ready in 45 minutes. The easy, feel-good ingredients will leave you wondering, “Is homemade comfort food really this simple?”
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole
Outback Potato Soup
This Outback-inspired potato soup brings rich, creamy flavor to your kitchen in just 15 minutes of prep. Loaded with tender potatoes, bacon, and cheddar, it’s hearty and satisfying. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to recreate this restaurant classic at home.
Get the Recipe: Outback Potato Soup
Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins
These pumpkin cream cheese muffins taste like fall in a bite, yet they’re so simple to make. Soft, pumpkin-spiced muffins with a creamy center—just mix, bake, and enjoy. Who knew your favorite coffee shop treat could be this easy at home?
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins
Copycat Jimmy John’s Bread
This Jimmy John’s bread recipe gives you soft, sandwich-perfect bread without a complicated process. Flour, yeast, a few pantry staples, and you’re set for the week with bread that’s fresher (and cheaper) than the store. The ease will have you baking bread every week!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jimmy John’s Bread
Cinnamon Rolls
Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls that take just 20 minutes to prep? Yes, it’s really that simple. These rolls are soft, sweet, and topped with a creamy glaze, perfect for cozy mornings. You’ll never go back to store-bought once you see how easy homemade can be.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls
Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise
This Popeyes-inspired spicy mayo is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before. Just mix a few ingredients, and you’ve got a tangy, slightly spicy sauce that’s perfect for sandwiches, fries, and more. It’s all the flavor you love with none of the work.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise
Breakfast Sausage
Homemade breakfast sausage can feel intimidating, but this recipe keeps it simple. A few seasonings and quick cooking give you flavorful sausage that’s perfect for any morning. Delicious, easy, and better than store-bought—you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Sausage
Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
These Popeyes-style blackened tenders are so easy, you won’t believe they’re homemade. With Cajun seasoning and a quick cook time, you get juicy, flavorful chicken with zero hassle. Fast food at home? Yes, please.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
Herb-Crusted Chicken
This herb-crusted chicken is so simple yet tastes like a fancy restaurant dish. Juicy, savory, and packed with flavor, it’s ready in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. You’ll wonder why you ever bothered ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Blackened Ranch Sauce
This blackened ranch sauce is creamy, smoky, and only takes five minutes to make. Perfect as a dip, dressing, or spread, it’s the ideal quick flavor boost for any dish. You’ll love how something so simple can taste so amazing.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Ranch Sauce
Chocolate Chip Cookies
These chocolate chip cookies are gooey, golden-edged, and come together in just 20 minutes. Soft and chewy, they’re the perfect answer to a cookie craving with zero fuss. You’ll wonder why you’d ever need a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Dirty Chai Tea Latte
This dirty chai latte is so easy, you’ll feel like you’ve got your own coffee shop at home. With the perfect blend of chai and espresso, it’s a cozy drink that’s ready in minutes. Just stir, sip, and ask yourself, “Is it really this simple to make such a comforting drink?”
Get the Recipe: Dirty Chai Tea Latte
Baked Potato Soup (Chili’s Copycat)
This Chili’s-inspired baked potato soup is rich, hearty, and oh-so-easy. With tender potatoes, melty cheese, and crispy bacon, it tastes just like the original with minimal effort. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to bring restaurant flavor to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato Soup (Chili’s Copycat)
Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip
This three-ingredient chip dip is creamy, tangy, and ready in five minutes. Serve it with chips or veggies, and watch it disappear—no one will believe it’s homemade! It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought dip.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
These air fryer zucchini fries come out golden and crispy with hardly any work. Just season, pop them in the air fryer, and enjoy a healthy snack that’s every bit as satisfying as takeout. Fast, delicious, and guilt-free—what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Wingstop Ranch Dressing
Get the flavor of Wingstop ranch in just five minutes with this easy recipe. Creamy, tangy, and perfect for dipping, it’s hard to believe it’s this simple. Whip it up anytime you want that restaurant flavor without the cost.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Ranch Dressing
