So You Think You’re a Good Cook? 21 Recipes To Test You (2024)

Taking on more complex dishes is a sure way to improve what happens in the kitchen at home. These recipes introduce you to the balance of flavors and the joy of creating dishes that look as good as they taste. It’s about learning and mastering the techniques that chefs spend years perfecting. The process not only broadens your range in the kitchen but offers up new tastes to explore. Plus, it’s pretty impressive to whip out a professional-level dish at your next dinner party.

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Authentic Hungarian Goulash

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When you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons, nothing beats trying timeless classics from around the world. And speaking of the classics, Authentic Hungarian Goulash beckons. Combining the powerful yet balanced flavors in this dish feels a bit like conducting an orchestra, and trust me, you’ll love the music!
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

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You won’t believe how perfect this dish is for an idyllic evening at home. It’s comfort food at its finest featuring tender chicken bathed in a rich, creamy onion gravy. Preparing it is like a mini cooking class, honing your kitchen skills. You see, not only will it provide a meal full of hearty goodness, but it ends up being a fun learning experience too!
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Baked Spanish Rice

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Did you know you could explore Spain from your kitchen? All it takes is one shot at making Baked Spanish Rice. This recipe requires understanding, respect for the ingredients, and a bid to master their symphony. The journey of making this dish is rewarding enough, resulting in an authentic Spanish masterpiece cooked by none other than you.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Chicken Paprikash

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If you have an affinity for spices and experimentative cooking, this recipe is for you! Chicken Paprikash is vibrant in its presentation and bold in its flavor, resonating with the traditional magic of Hungarian cuisine. This is a chance to show off your culinary courage – a little adventure in your kitchen that can make your day absolutely radiant.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Pasta e fa*gioli Soup

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Isn’t it wonderful when a soothing dish wraps you with warmth, especially on a chilly day? That’s the vibe you get with Pasta e fa*gioli Soup, a classic Italian creation. Everything about this dish feels comfortable and familiar, right from making it to having the first spoonful. I think you’ll love this recipe, for both its simplicity and the comfort it brings.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e fa*gioli Soup

Chicken Tinga

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Don’t you think it’s amazing how some meals bring a whole culture to life? That’s exactly what you have with Chicken Tinga. The essence of Mexican cuisine springs to life in your kitchen, as a beautiful blend of spices comes together in this enticing dish. Making it is almost as much fun as eating it, I promise you!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Mediterranean Cod

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Do you fancy a culinary tour without leaving your kitchen? Well, Mediterranean cod is here to take you on that ride. The simplicity and charm of this dish are a testament to the often-underrated brilliance of basic cooking. Introduce your kitchen to the quintessence of the Mediterranean, while having a lot of fun along the way.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Million Dollar Spaghetti

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Do you want to win hearts without breaking a sweat? That’s the magic of Million Dollar Spaghetti! It’s something you can whip up easily in your kitchen, yet the layers of flavors are profound, almost surprising. Get ready for some compliments while your gang licks their plates clean.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Shrimp and Grits Casserole

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Have you ever wondered what the southern-style seafood tastes like? Here’s your chance to find out with Shrimp and Grits Casserole. Making this will help you become well-versed in an entirely different cooking culture while making sure you don’t miss out on an adventurous ride with intriguing flavors.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

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It’s easy to get caught up in the banality of everyday meals, isn’t it? For those times when you crave something different, break free with the Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. It’s unique, it’s vibrant and it brings a whole new perspective on chicken salad. Plus, it feels pretty rewarding to create something completely out of the ordinary!
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

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Let’s face it – cooking is more fun when it’s about exploring the unknown. How about we delve into Mexican cuisine with Smoked Pork Belly Tacos? It’s all about experimenting with smoky flavors, spices and striking the right balance. Get ready for an enduring cooking project that’s a breath of fresh air.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

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If you’ve ever been mesmerized by the classic charm of oven-baked dishes, the Mediterranean Chicken Bake is just the recipe you need. It demands a good understanding of ingredients and their interaction under heat. It’s all very exciting, and in the end, you’ll have a masterpiece to talk about at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

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Here’s a chance to step into the world of barbequing, using the most relatable and forgiving meat cut – pork belly. The Pork Belly Burnt Ends recipe provides you with an enjoyable learning experience, brushing up your understanding of grilling intricacies. It’s a hands-on dish that results in a rich, wholesome, and gratifying course.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

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Don’t you love it when a dish challenges and rewards you at the same time? With Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs, every step is an adventure. The dish is hearty, the flavors robust, and the result is always rewarding. Those who like to experiment with beef and seek pleasure in long-hour cooking projects will love this one!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

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With the Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper glaze, you can give your usual grilling routine a touch of zing. Here’s your chance to mix the smoky aroma of barbecued chicken with a sweet and spicy red pepper glaze. It’s not only an exceptional find but also a fun way to hone your barbecue skills.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

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The beauty of slow cooking lies in the anticipation and the Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops is the perfect recipe to experience that. It demands patience and presents an opportunity to enjoy the calm. Even as it simmers slowly, the entire house gets filled with an irresistible aroma, making the wait totally worth it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Dutch Oven Carnitas

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Trying your hand at Dutch Oven Carnitas can make an ordinary day special. Packed with fresh Mexican flavors, it is a small celebration in your kitchen. The result is a zestful dish that can transform your lunch or dinner into a mini feast.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas

Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup

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There’s something sincerely enjoyable about making soups, especially the Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup. The soup is rich in flavor, texture, and childlike joy which is reflected in the process of creating it. The slow, methodical transformation of the raw ingredients into a warm, hearty soup is a joy you’ll cherish.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup

Seafood Stuffed Salmon

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Every now and then, it is a good idea to step out of your comfort zone and try something challenging! Stuffing and baking a perfect Seafood Stuffed Salmon is a task that requires technique and patience. But the reward is pure joy – of creating something complex and the contentment of enjoying a beautifully crafted meal.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Salmon

Corned Beef Fritters

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Adding a new technique to your culinary armor is always exhilarating! Making Corned Beef Fritters is a step towards that goal. This recipe will be the test of your frying skills while the tangy fritters are the yummy bonus you get at the end.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters

Turkey Pot Pie Soup

So You Think You’re a Good Cook? 21 Recipes To Test You (22)

If you’ve been foreseeing an endearing kitchen time, the Turkey Pot Pie Soup is here! The recipe transforms a classic favorite into a soup that’s easy to cook, and surprisingly flavorful. It’s a fun process that leaves you with a warming, fulfilling dish perfect for any season.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup