You Can’t Call Yourself a Foodie Until You’ve Nailed These 17 Recipes

These 17 recipes are the real test of any true food lover. They represent the must-know dishes that separate casual cooks from serious foodies. If you want to claim foodie status, you’ve got to nail each one. Don’t just say you love food—prove it with these essential recipes.

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.

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.

This decadent dessert takes about 2 hours and combines sweet blackberries, creamy white chocolate, and silky custard. It’s a sophisticated treat for special occasions, with a perfect balance of tart and sweet. If you want to be taken seriously as a foodie, this luxurious dessert is a must. You’ll be telling everyone you’ve mastered it before they ask.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Creme

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 takes 45 minutes to prepare and features savory sausages, creamy potatoes, and rich Guinness gravy. It’s classic British comfort food that every foodie should master. This hearty meal will leave you more than satisfied. You’ll wish you could serve this at every cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy

Chicken Shawarma Plate

In about 1 hour, this chicken shawarma plate offers marinated chicken, garlic, and bold spices. It’s served with fresh veggies and pita, making it a vibrant, flavor-packed meal. A true foodie wouldn’t miss this Middle Eastern favorite. You’ll taste it and realize this is how food should always be.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

This lamb shepherd’s pie takes 1.5 hours, combining rich lamb filling with creamy mashed potatoes on top. The savory flavors make it an ideal dish for comforting family dinners. It’s a must-try for any foodie seeking timeless recipes. Serve this once, and you’ll be asked to make it over and over again.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Dumplings

Two bowls of butternut squash soup on a wooden table. — Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Dumplings. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Butternut squash soup, ready in 1 hour, blends creamy squash with homemade dumplings for a hearty, comforting dish. The smooth soup and tender dumplings make it the perfect meal for colder days. Every foodie needs a go-to soup like this. Once you make it, it’ll warm more than just your stomach.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Dumplings

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 takes 45 minutes, made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk for a soft, slightly sweet treat. Its golden crust and moist inside make it a must-have side for any meal. No foodie can pass on this timeless classic. Once you’ve tried it, it’ll become your go-to for comfort food cravings.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cornbread

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

In just 1 hour, this chicken pot pie brings together tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a tarragon gravy under a flaky crust. It’s a comforting classic that belongs in every foodie’s recipe collection. You’ll never call yourself a foodie until you’ve nailed this pie. The proof is in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Blackberry Crumble Pie

Ready in 1.5 hours, this pie blends tart blackberries with a buttery crumble topping, creating a perfect sweet-tart dessert. It’s the ultimate berry season treat. Every foodie should have this pie in their repertoire. Trust me, you’ll want to bake it before it becomes everyone’s favorite.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Crumble Pie

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

This pasta dish is ready in 30 minutes, with seared scallops and a nutty brown butter sauce creating restaurant-quality flavors at home. The richness of the butter and delicate scallops is unbeatable. No foodie should miss the chance to nail this one. Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll see why it’s a staple.
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.

In just 30 minutes, roasted Brussels sprouts, almonds, and feta come together for a crispy, nutty, and tangy side dish. The caramelized sprouts and savory feta are a flavor match made in heaven. No self-respecting foodie should skip this delicious side. Once you taste it, you’ll find excuses to make it.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds & Feta

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish. — Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Taking just 45 minutes, this cilantro lime chicken & rice dish bursts with flavors of lime and cilantro. The tender chicken is zesty and savory, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. No foodie can skip this one-pan wonder. It’s a must-have recipe that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Spinach lasagna rolls, ready in 1 hour, feature tender lasagna noodles stuffed with spinach and ricotta, topped with rich tomato sauce. It’s a fun and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna. Any foodie would appreciate having this dish on hand. You’ll soon be rolling this up for every cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Panko Crusted Rockfish

Panko crusted rockfish, ready in 30 minutes, features crispy fillets with a flaky, tender inside. With panko breadcrumbs and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a simple but satisfying dish for seafood lovers. You can’t claim foodie status until you’ve nailed this perfect fish dinner. When you’re in a rush, this is your new go-to.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Rockfish

French Toast Bake

French toast bake, ready in 1 hour, combines bread, eggs, and milk to create a custardy dish with a golden, crispy top. Perfect for brunch or a weekend treat, it’s a sweet breakfast you’ll return to again and again. Foodies can’t skip this one. After your first bite, you’ll never want to go back to basics.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Bake

How to Make Pita Bread at Home

This pita bread recipe takes about 2 hours and uses flour, yeast, and olive oil to create soft, fluffy bread with a slight chew. It’s perfect for stuffing with anything from hummus to grilled meats. You can’t truly call yourself a foodie until you’ve mastered this versatile, homemade delight. The moment you taste it, you’ll know you’ve nailed one of the essentials.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Pita Bread at Home

Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread

This bread, made in 1 hour, features tangy cranberries, fresh oranges, and crunchy poppy seeds for a sweet-tart treat. Perfect for breakfast or snacking, it’s a delight to bake and eat. It’s the kind of recipe every foodie loves to have up their sleeve. One slice, and you’ll wonder why you hadn’t tried it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread

English Muffin Bread

A loaf of bread is sitting on a cutting board. — English Muffin Bread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Ready in 1.5 hours, this English muffin bread has a crunchy crust and airy interior thanks to ingredients like flour, yeast, and cornmeal. Ideal for toasting, it pairs wonderfully with butter, jam, or eggs Benedict. No foodie journey is complete without getting your hands on this breakfast classic. After one slice, your morning will never be the same.
Get the Recipe: English Muffin Bread