21 Simple Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Make Even If You Think You Don’t Know How To Cook
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Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be amazing, and these simple recipes prove it. They’re so easy, you’ll actually look forward to making them—even if you think you’re not a great cook. Perfect for any day of the week, these dishes bring maximum flavor with minimal effort, making every meal feel special.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are the ultimate holiday snack—crispy, comforting, and a breeze to make. They’re perfect for sharing during casual family get-togethers or munching on while watching holiday movies. Even if you’re not confident in the kitchen, you’ll actually want to make these because they’re that simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Air Fryer Pork Chops
These air fryer pork chops are a holiday lifesaver for busy nights. Juicy and golden with just the right amount of flavor, they come together in minutes, leaving you with more time to enjoy the season. You don’t need to be a pro to nail this recipe—just a few steps, and you’ve got a dish that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops
Red Velvet Cake
Few desserts say “celebrate” like a classic red velvet cake, and it’s easier to make than you think. Light, moist, and topped with a creamy frosting, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. You’ll want to try this one even if baking isn’t your thing—it’s that straightforward and rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake
Pumpkin Pasta
Pumpkin pasta is your ticket to a cozy, festive dinner without the hassle. Creamy, rich, and packed with seasonal goodness, it’s the kind of meal that warms you up on chilly holiday nights. Even if you don’t think you can cook, this simple recipe will surprise you with how easy it is to create something so delicious.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta
Apple Cinnamon Cake
This apple cinnamon cake is the perfect way to add a touch of sweetness to your holiday season. Moist, fluffy, and full of warm, comforting flavors, it’s just right for dessert, brunch, or even an afternoon treat. You’ll be amazed at how easily this cake comes together, even if baking feels intimidating.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Cake
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
This stuffed chicken recipe makes any holiday dinner feel like a five-star experience. With its creamy filling and golden baked finish, it’s elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll want to give this one a shot—it’s easier than it looks and totally worth it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
Broccoli Rice Casserole
Broccoli rice casserole is a must-have holiday dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting goodness, it’s a guaranteed hit at any festive gathering. You don’t need a lot of skill or effort to make this—it’s so simple that anyone can pull it off.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole
Cinnamon Rolls
Few things feel as festive as waking up to warm, gooey cinnamon rolls during the holidays. Soft, sweet, and dripping with a creamy glaze, they’re the kind of treat that makes any morning feel extra special. Even if you’ve never baked before, this recipe is easy enough to try—and you’ll be so glad you did.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls
Potato Skins
Potato skins are the ultimate holiday appetizer—crispy, satisfying, and so easy to make. They’re the perfect snack for holiday parties, game days, or even a quiet night in with your favorite movie. With such a simple process, you’ll actually want to make these, no matter your cooking experience.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
These make-ahead mashed potatoes are the holiday hack you didn’t know you needed. Creamy, fluffy, and ready when you are, they make it easy to serve up everyone’s favorite side without the last-minute rush. Even if cooking feels overwhelming, this recipe will make you feel like a pro with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Herb-Crusted Chicken
Herb-crusted chicken is the kind of dish that feels fancy but fits perfectly into the busy holiday season. Juicy, flavorful, and quick to prepare, it’s great for both family dinners and festive gatherings. This recipe is so simple and foolproof, you’ll feel confident making it even if you don’t cook often.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
This Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice is a holiday side dish that fits perfectly into any festive spread. Fluffy, flavorful, and packed with that restaurant-style flair, it’s fancy enough for celebrations but simple enough to whip up anytime. Even if you’re not much of a cook, this recipe makes it easy to add a touch of elegance to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip
No holiday gathering is complete without this Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip. Creamy, tangy, and ready in just five minutes, it’s the perfect addition to chips, crackers, or veggie platters. You’ll actually want to make this because it’s so simple, you’ll feel like a pro without even trying.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip
Easy Waffles
These easy waffles are perfect for cozy holiday moments when you want something special but simple. Light, crispy, and ready in no time, they’re great for sharing with friends or treating yourself to something warm and comforting. Even if you think you can’t cook, this recipe is so foolproof you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Waffles
Breakfast Sausage
Cooking breakfast sausage doesn’t have to be complicated, especially during the holidays when time is tight. This guide makes it easy to get perfectly browned, flavorful sausage every time—whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a small gathering. You’ll want to try this because it’s practically fail-safe, even for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Sausage
Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise
This Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise is the holiday condiment you didn’t know you needed. Creamy, tangy, and with just the right kick, it’s perfect for sandwiches, dipping snacks, or adding a little extra something to your festive table. Even if you’re not confident in the kitchen, this quick and easy recipe will have you feeling like a pro.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise
Copycat McDonald’s Pancakes
Bring a little holiday magic into your home with these Copycat McDonald’s Pancakes. Fluffy, golden, and irresistibly delicious, they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a sweet treat during the season. You’ll actually want to make these because they’re so easy, anyone can do it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat McDonald’s Pancakes
Chocolate Chai Latte
A Chocolate Chai Latte is the holiday drink you’ll want to sip on repeat. With rich chocolate and cozy spices, it’s perfect for curling up with a good book, chatting with friends, or just treating yourself to something warm and indulgent. Even if you’re new to making drinks, this recipe is so simple you’ll feel like a barista.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chai Latte
Copycat McDonald’s Biscuit
These Copycat McDonald’s Biscuits are a must-have for the holiday season. Buttery, flaky, and versatile, they pair perfectly with jams, spreads, or even savory sides. You’ll love how easy they are to make, even if baking isn’t your strong suit.
Get the Recipe: Copycat McDonald’s Biscuit
Pepper Gravy
Pepper gravy is a holiday staple that adds a touch of comfort to any meal. Thick, creamy, and with a bold kick of flavor, it’s perfect for drizzling over biscuits, potatoes, or anything that needs a little extra love. With this recipe, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create such a comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Gravy
Banana Bread
This banana bread is the holiday treat that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Moist, flavorful, and ready in no time, it’s great for gatherings, gifting, or just enjoying with a warm drink during a quiet holiday moment. You’ll want to make this because it’s so straightforward, it’s practically foolproof.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread
