17 Dishes to Try Before You Die If You're a True Foodie

If you’re a true foodie, there are some dishes you can’t miss out on. These 17 recipes are must-tries for anyone who appreciates great food. From savory meals to sweet desserts, each one brings something unique and delicious to the table. Explore these essential recipes and elevate your culinary experience.

Spinach Lasagna Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

This butternut squash soup is rich, creamy, and takes about 45 minutes to make. It’s made with roasted squash and savory spices, offering a naturally sweet and nutty flavor. The homemade dumplings add a tender, satisfying bite that complements the soup’s smooth texture. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish is both comforting and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread

This cranberry orange poppy seed bread combines tart cranberries with zesty orange and takes just over an hour to make. The poppy seeds add a slight crunch, while the citrus glaze enhances the fruity flavor. It’s a moist and flavorful loaf that balances sweet and tart perfectly. Ideal for breakfast or a snack, this bread is a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread

Blackberry Crumble Pie

A slice of berry crumble pie with a buttery crust is served on a white plate, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The plate rests on a blue and white striped cloth napkin, making it a perfect choice for fresh and fruity desserts during your summer vacation. — Blackberry Crumble Pie. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This blackberry crumble pie is a delightful mix of sweet and tart flavors and takes about 1 hour to prepare. The juicy blackberries are topped with a buttery, crispy crumble that adds texture to each bite. With a flaky crust and a gooey filling, it’s a comforting dessert that’s hard to resist. Serve it warm for the best experience.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Crumble Pie

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

This chicken pot pie is filled with tender chicken and vegetables, all wrapped in a flaky crust and topped with tarragon gravy. It takes about 1 hour to make and delivers a savory, comforting flavor with a hint of herbaceous tarragon. The gravy adds richness, making this pie hearty and satisfying. It’s a classic dish perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

This brown butter scallop pasta is a quick 30-minute meal that combines seared scallops with a rich, nutty brown butter sauce. The pasta is coated in the butter, with sage adding a subtle earthiness to the dish. The scallops are tender and slightly sweet, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s an elegant and delicious dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Panko Crusted Rockfish

This panko-crusted rockfish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, taking just 30 minutes to prepare. The rockfish fillets are coated in panko breadcrumbs, giving them a crunchy texture that contrasts with the flaky fish. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness to the dish, enhancing the mild flavor of the rockfish. It’s a simple yet satisfying seafood dish.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Rockfish

Grandma’s Cornbread

This cornbread is moist, slightly sweet, and takes about 35 minutes to bake. Made with simple ingredients, it has a soft crumb that pairs perfectly with butter or honey. The golden crust adds a bit of texture to each bite, making it a versatile side for any meal. It’s a nostalgic dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cornbread

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

This cilantro lime chicken and rice dish is zesty and flavorful, taking about 40 minutes to make. The chicken is marinated in lime juice and cilantro, giving it a fresh, citrusy taste. Paired with fluffy rice, it’s a satisfying meal that’s both light and filling. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Chicken Shawarma Plate

This chicken shawarma plate offers a flavorful, spiced chicken that takes about 45 minutes to prepare. The chicken is marinated in a mix of spices, creating a rich, aromatic flavor. Served with rice or flatbread, it’s a hearty meal that’s full of Middle Eastern flair. It’s a great option for those who enjoy bold, savory dishes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate

Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy

This bangers and mash with Guinness gravy is a hearty dish that takes about 50 minutes to make. The sausages are savory and juicy, served over creamy mashed potatoes. The Guinness gravy adds a deep, rich flavor that ties the dish together. It’s a comforting, classic meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy

Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Creme

Three blackberry pots de creme lined up on a wooden board next to silver spoons. — Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Creme. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These blackberry white chocolate pots de crème are a rich, creamy dessert that takes about 2 hours to prepare, including chilling time. The white chocolate adds sweetness while the blackberries bring a tart contrast. Each spoonful is smooth and indulgent, making it a perfect dessert for special occasions. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Creme

French Toast Bake

This French toast bake is a sweet, comforting dish that takes about 1 hour to make. It’s made with thick slices of bread soaked in a rich custard, then baked until golden and crispy on top. The inside remains soft and creamy, creating a perfect balance of textures. It’s ideal for breakfast or brunch, offering a satisfying start to your day.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Bake

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

This lamb shepherd’s pie is a hearty and savory dish that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare. The lamb is cooked with vegetables in a rich gravy, then topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Baked until golden, it’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for cooler weather. The flavors are rich and robust, making it a true comfort food classic.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

These roasted Brussels sprouts with almonds and feta are a quick and healthy side dish that takes about 30 minutes to make. The Brussels sprouts are roasted until crispy, then topped with crunchy almonds and tangy feta cheese. The combination of flavors and textures makes this a standout dish. It’s a great way to elevate a simple vegetable into something special.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

English Muffin Bread

This English muffin bread is soft and chewy, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes to bake. It has the classic nooks and crannies that make it perfect for toasting and spreading with butter or jam. The bread is slightly tangy and pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings. It’s an easy way to enjoy the taste of English muffins in loaf form.
Get the Recipe: English Muffin Bread

How to Make Pita Bread at Home

This homemade pita bread is soft and fluffy, taking about 1 hour to prepare. The dough puffs up beautifully in the oven, creating a pocket perfect for filling with your favorite ingredients. The flavor is mild and slightly nutty, making it a versatile bread for any meal. Fresh out of the oven, it’s a treat that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Pita Bread at Home

Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Two lasagna roll-ups filled with spinach and ricotta cheese, topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, garnished with a fresh basil leaf—dishes every foodie should try before you die. — Spinach Lasagna Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These spinach lasagna rolls are a hearty and delicious dish that takes about 1 hour to make. The rolls are filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, then baked with marinara sauce and melted cheese on top. The flavors are rich and satisfying, offering a vegetarian alternative to traditional lasagna. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Lasagna Rolls