Every home chef learns at his own pace, but at a certain point, it’s time to truly own your signature dishes. So, we’re going back to basics with this collection of basic recipes that can serve to build your recipe repertoire. From classic breakfasts to standout sauces to your famous chocolate cake, these recipes will take you far in your home cooking career. These are our most-loved and most-made recipes, so let’s just say the whole community agrees: it’s time to learn the cooking staples!
Juicy Roasted Chicken
Every home chef needs a roast chicken recipe in their back pocket, and it results in the juiciest chicken ever. With just five ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to make, but never fails to impress. “I’ve probably used this recipe twice a month (or more) for the last 5 years,” shared one Allrecipes community member. “When I have company, I know this recipe will be perfect. I love it!”
Real hummus
Creamy, smooth, and thick, this easy app is the perfect dip for all kinds of occasions (and everyone knows that homemade stuff is so much better than store-bought stuff). Served with warm pita bread, it just doesn’t get better.
Chicken Noodle Soup
A good chicken noodle soup is food for the soul, so it’s important to get it right. With this shortcut recipe, you can have a flavorful, belly-warming soup on the table in just 40 minutes. User shunmac comments, “Easy to make and tastes like you spent hours making it.”
The best scrambled eggs
If you’ve made it through your 20s without learning how to make a proper plate of scrambled eggs, it’s definitely time to pick up the skill. Easy and filling, this meaty, cheesy egg recipe will carry you through many mornings (and dinners for breakfast) to come.
Best Demon Chili
There are a million ways to make delicious chili, but if you don’t have a go-to recipe yet, this is a contender. An Allrecipes member says, “I’ve used this recipe for 3 years when I wanted to learn how to make chili from scratch. I’m so glad I found it! It’s a wonderful and flavorful chili. It’s my family’s favorite!”
The best banana bread
When life hands you brownies, you’ll want to know how to make them. This Delicious banana bread. Moist, crunchy, and full of flavor, this classic banana bread will never go out of style.
Absolutely wonderful Greek/house dressing
A good salad dressing can complement any greens and vegetables you throw its way. That’s why we love this zesty, light and easy Greek dressing. Recipe creator Danielle M claims this is the ‘secret’ recipe of the pizzeria she works at. It’s so delicious, she says, that, “People keep offering to buy it, but if we sell it, we won’t be able to make enough to use in the restaurant!”
The best marinara sauce yet
This is the sauce that makes everyone in the house wonder when dinner will be ready. Rich, herby and hearty, this ‘Sunday Sauce’ is comfort food at its best, and one you’ll be making for years to come. “After making this sauce I may never eat sauce from a jar again. It was truly an amazing Italian sauce,” shared one Allrecipes member.
The perfect basic burger
When it comes to cooking season, it’s important to know how to make a good burger, and this simple, no-fuss recipe makes a standout burger every time. The secret is to add breadcrumbs to the patty so the burger stays soft and juicy while cooking. Load them up with your favorite toppings, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a perfect, steaming hot night.
Guacamole
Nothing you pick up at the store will ever compete with homemade guacamole, and when it’s this easy to make, you might as well say goodbye to the store-bought stuff. With over 6,000 5-star reviews, our customers agree that this recipe is one of the easiest and tastiest you’ll find.
Perfect Baked Potato
Not only are baked potatoes easy, affordable, and nearly impossible to mess up, they’re also one of the most comforting side dishes you can bring to the table. With a crisp, golden skin, and a light inside, a perfectly cooked potato is customizable to everyone’s taste.
Butter Flaky Pie Crust
A reliable pie crust is the foundation of the recipe. Holiday bakingand we have the hottest, flakiest recipe of them all. Get this pie dough down, and you’ll be impressing your guests for years to come. “Very easy recipe!” says user Clara. “I’ve been wanting to make my own pie crust for, like, forever!”
Perfect white rice
Plain white rice can be the base for hundreds easy and delicious dinnerand this recipe will help you nail the perfect light and fluffy texture every time. Don’t worry – it’s easier than you think! “Wow! Where has this recipe been all my life?” says user Rebecca from LA. “This will definitely be my new go-to rice recipe.”
Good old fashioned pancakes
There’s no easier way to brighten up a weekend morning than with these fan-favorite pancakes. Fluffy, golden, and buttery, this steamed steak is proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most spectacular (just ask the 13,000 5-star reviewers!).
Grilled cheese sandwich
For an easy, on-the-go lunch that never disappoints, the grilled cheese sandwich is a classic. This 3-ingredient recipe is all about the technique to get a gooey center and crispy crust. According to user Chandra Davidson, “I learned at a restaurant that if you use a large pan and leave the sandwich open in the pan over low heat…the cheese will melt completely and the outside will be perfectly golden. ” according to user Chandra Davidson.
Baked salmon
For an easy, healthy, no-brainer meal, this baked salmon dish is one to keep in your rotation. Recipe creator LADYBLADE shares, “This was my first time making fish and it was a huge success. Even my 9-year-old daughter, who wouldn’t dream of eating fish, had half of my portion!”
Mushroom Risotto
If you’ve ever been intimidated by risotto, this easy recipe will convince you that the creamy rice dish is just as workable on a weeknight as it is for a nice occasion. Whether you serve it as a side or a main course, this filling and flavorful dish turns out beautifully every time.
Shrimp Scampi
Simple yet elegant, this butter and garlic flavored shrimp dish will be your new favorite way to serve seafood. Plate the succulent shrimp over pasta and pair with salad and garlic bread for a light, yet decadent dinner.
Roasted vegetables
The easiest way to turn a main dish into a meal is to add these classic roasted vegetables to the menu. “Colorful, delicious and full of flavor, these caramelized roasted vegetables deserve a place on your plate,” says the recipe creator. Pro tip: They can be made and reheated before serving!
Pesto
Whether stirred into pasta, spread on a sandwich, or spooned over potatoes, this fresh and flavorful sauce has more uses than we can count, making it one of the best cooking recipes ever. User Autumn E. Kramer said, “Have been using this recipe for years…and it’s the best recipe!!!”
Mom’s favorite baked mac and cheese
If there’s another favorite dish to bring to a potluck, we don’t know it. It’s simple, classic, just like mom used to make mac and cheese, never fails to steal the show. User Tiffany Malen says “The taste is amazing and I always get so many compliments!”
Sirloin steak with garlic butter
Nothing tastes as good as a steak dinner, but when you’re paying big bucks for an expensive cut of meat, the last thing you want to do is butcher (pun intended). This top-rated recipe promises melt-in-your-mouth steak with restaurant-quality flavor, so you can be sure to impress at your next special occasion meal.
Southern pimento cheese
A staple at almost any tailgating, potluck, or holiday spread, homemade pimento cheese never disappoints. Luckily, it’s pretty easy for the crowd—plus, you get the added bonus of being everyone’s favorite person at the party. User Susan Hassam writes, “This is the best pimento cheese ever! It’s just perfect. That’s all I can say about it. I get asked for the recipe every time I serve it (which I Happy to share).
Easy Fried Rice
When you’re craving the crispy, delicious flavor of fried rice, this easy recipe is the place to turn. This shortcut version uses leftover rice, a few eggs, and a handful of vegetables to make up a mealtime staple. User Sue Kohlert says she’s made this recipe several times, adding, “It turns out great every time, and it couldn’t be easier. I usually make the rice a day or two ahead. Sometimes I add pork or chicken, the best recipe!
Easy homemade pizza dough
This quick and easy dough requires no rise time, yet produces a soft and chewy crust that makes the perfect base for your favorite pizza toppings. An Allrecipes member commented, “Made this recipe three times and I’m amazed at how easy, delicious, and foolproof it is.” Perfect this recipe, and pizza night can be a weekly event in your kitchen.
The best chocolate chip cookies
Nothing sparkles like a signature chocolate chip cookie in your recipe collection, and this one, with its crisp edges and chewy centers, is one of our all-time favorites. In fact, over 14,000 Allrecipes members agree, giving this recipe a 5-star rating. Hey, it might be time to adopt it as your go-to too.
Toasted Garlic Bread
Sure, this dish might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s hard to beat a thick, crispy slice of garlic bread. A perfect addition to any Italian meal, this flatbread is easy to make and easy to eat. The melted mozzarella on top is optional, but highly recommended.
Chef John’s French Omelet
According to Chef John, this recipe is “10% ingredients and 90% technique, so it takes a bit of practice to perfect.” However, if you follow these steps exactly, you’ll be able to make an incredible, impressive omelet in no time. “You’d be surprised how delicious these few ingredients can be when elevated using this method,” he adds.
Easy Crispy Baked Chicken
This easy chicken dinner is elevated with cracker crumbs for crave-worthy flavor and texture. By breading and baking chicken breasts, you get the irresistible crunch of fried chicken in a way that’s easy (and healthy) to achieve. Pro tip: Use cheesy crackers (like Cheez-Its) to add more flavor!
A bowl of chocolate cake
We have dozens of chocolate cake recipes in our collection, but it’s the delicious taste and ease of this recipe that make it our tried and true. For every occasion that calls for a cake, be it a birthday, anniversary or bake sale, this rich and moist chocolate cake will win hearts every time.