20 Dishes You Need to Try Before You Die

Some dishes leave a lasting mark and are worth trying at least once in a lifetime. These 20 dishes you need to try before you die represent meals that stand out for their flavor, tradition, and impact. Each recipe captures something memorable that makes it essential to experience. If you want to taste dishes that matter, these 20 are the ones to put on your list.

A person scooping a dish of eggs in a skillet. — Cheesy Eggs. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie is a dish you need to try before you die because it delivers a rich filling paired with creamy topping in a single pan. This recipe stands out as a must-try for anyone looking to experience a comforting and hearty meal. It’s simple to prepare and works well any time of year, making it a reliable choice for a memorable dinner. This dish leaves a lasting impression that stays with you long after the last bite.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Crème

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

Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Crème is a dessert you need to try before you die for its smooth texture and balanced flavors. The combination of creamy white chocolate and tart berries creates a refined dish that’s accessible at home. It comes together with ease, making it a great option for a special occasion or quiet night in. This dessert raises the bar and becomes a memorable part of any meal experience.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Crème

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

A serving of chicken pot pie with golden crust, diced chicken, peas, and potatoes on a black plate—an ideal choice for budget recipes and cheap meals. — Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy is a dish you need to try before you die because it turns classic comfort food into something memorable. The flaky crust combined with creamy filling and a hint of tarragon adds depth without complexity. It’s hearty and familiar, perfect for slowing down and enjoying a sit-down meal. This recipe transforms any night into a moment worth remembering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Overnight Maple Clementine French Toast Casserole

Overnight Maple Clementine French Toast Casserole is a breakfast you need to try before you die for its ease and bright flavor combination. With just 15 minutes of prep the night before, it bakes into a dish that feels special without extra effort. The maple and clementine bring a fresh twist to a classic breakfast casserole. This dish turns morning into an event that’s hard to forget.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Maple Clementine French Toast Casserole

Grandma’s Cornbread

Overhead shot of cornbread in a cast iron skillet with a single slice cut out. — Grandma’s Cornbread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grandma’s Cornbread is a dish you need to try before you die because it delivers comfort and nostalgia in every bite. Ready in under 45 minutes, it combines a golden crust with a tender crumb for a simple yet memorable side. This recipe proves how the basics can become unforgettable when done right. Missing out means skipping a true classic that deserves a place at the table.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cornbread

Blackberry Crumble Pie

Blackberry Crumble Pie is a dessert you need to try before you die for its juicy berries and buttery topping. The 90-minute bake time results in a payoff that store-bought pies can’t match. It’s a dish that rewards patience and makes any occasion feel special. This pie is one that stays in rotation because it’s simply worth it.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Crumble Pie

Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits is a dish you need to try before you die for its rich biscuits paired with syrupy berries and whipped cream. Easy to prep ahead and serve fresh, it’s a classic summer treat done right. The brown sugar adds depth to the biscuits, making this version stand out. This recipe shows how simple ingredients come together to create a memorable dessert.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs are a dish you need to try before you die for their bright lemon and herb flavors locked into tender chicken. Ready in under an hour, they offer a quick and flavorful option for any dinner. These kabobs bring a fresh spark that keeps them coming back to the table. This recipe is a reminder that fast meals can leave a lasting mark.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

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.

Spinach Lasagna Rolls are a dinner you need to try before you die for their neat presentation and comfort-packed filling. Rolled pasta filled with spinach and cheese comes together in under an hour for a satisfying meal. They’re easy to serve and bring a fresh take to a classic dish. This recipe quickly earns a place on the list of favorites.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

A serving of pasta topped with a seared scallops and a sage brown butter sauce. — Brown Butter Scallop Pasta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta is a dish you need to try before you die for its quick preparation and bold flavors. Nutty brown butter pairs with perfectly seared scallops to bring restaurant-quality taste home in 30 minutes. It’s a dish that stands out without demanding hours in the kitchen. This pasta earns a spot as a go-to for memorable dinners.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds & Feta

A bowl of roasted brussels sprouts. — Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds & Feta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds & Feta is a side dish you need to try before you die for its caramelized sprouts and crunchy almonds. The salty feta adds contrast that makes this dish memorable and fast to prepare. It often ends up stealing the show on the plate. This recipe proves that sides can be the highlight of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds & Feta

Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy

Gravy being poured over sausages and mashed potatoes. — Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy is a dish you need to try before you die for its rich sausages and creamy potatoes tied together with deep-flavored gravy. This traditional meal delivers comfort without feeling tired or overdone. It’s a filling dinner that comes together with familiar ingredients. This recipe speaks the language of dinner table satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy

Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites are a dish you need to try before you die for packing bold flavor into bite-sized snacks ready in minutes. These simple vegetable boats show how small portions can make a big impact. They’re quick to prepare and often become the best thing on the table. This recipe changes the way appetizers fit into any meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

Pulled Pork Deviled Eggs

Pulled Pork Deviled Eggs are a dish you need to try before you die for combining smoky meat with a classic egg base. This snack stands out in any setting with bold flavor and simple prep. They’re often the first to disappear from the plate. This recipe takes a familiar favorite and turns it into something worth repeating.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Deviled Eggs

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a dish you need to try before you die for bringing juicy shrimp and creamy garlic sauce together with wilted spinach. This one-pan meal cooks fast but delivers a rich flavor experience. It’s a dish that punches above its effort level and leaves a mark. This recipe shows why some meals become unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Sausage Spinach Quiche

Sausage Spinach Quiche is a dish you need to try before you die for its flaky crust and savory filling that works any time of day. Seasoned sausage and earthy greens bake into a dish that’s ready quickly and eaten fast. It doesn’t require fanfare to make an impression. This recipe earns a spot in regular meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Spinach Quiche

Rich Turkey Bolognese

A white bowl filled with penne pasta topped with meat sauce, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves, with a metal spoon resting on the side of the bowl. — Rich Turkey Bolognese. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Rich Turkey Bolognese is a dish you need to try before you die for its slow-simmered tomatoes, ground turkey, and vegetable sauce that improves any pasta. It offers a hearty meal without heaviness and comes together in time for weeknight dinners. This sauce changes the way you think about turkey in pasta dishes. This recipe proves that great meals don’t need to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Bolognese

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

Two grilled wraps are cut in half, showing fillings of grilled chicken, lettuce, cucumber, and other vegetables. The wraps have visible grill marks and are stacked on a plate with a blurred background. — Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma is a dish you need to try before you die for its crisp edges, bold spices, and juicy chicken made with minimal cleanup. It cooks quickly and delivers flavor that feels like it took hours. This recipe fits busy nights without sacrificing impact. It’s a dish that makes takeout less tempting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

Cheese Bourekas

A close-up of golden, sesame-topped pastry triangles on a tray, served with fresh tomato halves and a sliced boiled egg. — Cheese Bourekas. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Cheese Bourekas are a dish you need to try before you die for their golden pastry filled with melty cheese. They’re simple to prepare and disappear quickly from any plate. This recipe shows how comfort food can be straightforward and memorable. One bite proves why these pastries never go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Bourekas

Cheesy Eggs

Cheesy Eggs bring rich tomato sauce, bubbling Jarlsberg cheese, and soft eggs together in a skillet ready in about 30 minutes. This dish is one you need to try before you die for combining breakfast and pizza elements into a bold meal. It’s simple enough for weekdays but impressive enough for guests. This recipe offers a fresh take on eggs that stays with you.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggs