Do you sometimes daydream about starring in your very own cooking show, but have never cooked a thing in your life? Now is the time to make that dream a reality. Cooking can be intimidating, especially for first-timers. But don’t worry, I’ve rounded up 30 beginner recipes that are impossible to mess up. They’re all delicious, too, of course! From pancakes and toast to spaghetti and pizza, these recipes will turn you into a pro in no time. So what are you waiting for? Fire up that skillet, preheat the oven, and let the cooking commence.
1. Rice
If you want to impress everyone with your rice cooking skills, read on. With this recipe, you’ll learn how to cook rice using the stovetop, the grill, or the ever-reliable rice cooker.
2. Naan Pizza
Making dough from scratch isn’t easy. You won’t have to worry about that with this recipe. The beauty of this pizza is that the ingredients are all store-bought. All that’s left to do is to assemble and bake! Just grab some naan (flatbread), slather it with marinara, top it with shredded cheese, and pop it in the oven.
3. Nachos
Nachos are one of the most famous Mexican dishes out there, and you’ll love how quick and easy they are to make. The basic ingredients are store-bought tortilla chips and cheese. Pretty simple, right? But if you have experience sauteeing things, you can add sauteed ground beef or pork, too!
4. Avocado Toast
Is there anything better than a simple avocado recipe? This amazing toast comes together fast. All you’ll need to do is mash an avocado and smother your toast with it. You can and there, or make things even more exciting by adding in some bacon and a poached egg.
5. Guacamole
Slice an avocado in half, take out the pit, spoon out the flesh, and mash it. Mix in cilantro, jalapenos, and chopped red onion. Sprinkle some lime juice in and season with salt. With a few simple steps, you’ll get ultra-rich and creamy guacamole. Tip: avocado browns easily, so don’t make a huge batch unless you’re feeding a crowd. You can always make more if you run out.
6. Tacos
Tacos are a treat in every bite. With the combination of tangy, crunchy, and creamy, they’re something you’ll enjoy making and eating. All you’ll have to do is to fill your taco shells with avocado, beans, and shredded cabbage. You can add in some meat, too, such as chopped chicken or ground beef. Top them with shredded cheese, and voila.
7. Spaghetti
Yes, you can make spaghetti, even if you’re a newbie! You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make. This recipe calls for basic ingredients that are already most likely in your pantry – pasta, olive oil, garlic, salt, ground black pepper, and dried chili flakes. The smell of garlic cooking in olive oil and butter will change your life! Add the seasonings and toss in the pasta, and dinner is served.
8. Macaroni and Cheese
You probably eat boxed mac and cheese regularly, but once you learn how to make it from scratch, you’ll never go back. This delightful dish is made of macaroni, cheese, milk, butter, and flavored with spices. Throw the ingredients into the Crockpot, and you’ll have the perfect mac and cheese in no time.
9. Vegetarian Quesadilla
Another Mexican comfort food that you need to add to your cooking resume is the quesadilla. This vegetarian version is made of whole wheat tortilla stuffed with either chicken, fish, or cheese. It’s simple, yet purely delightful. Bake it in the oven for 20 minutes, and it’s ready to eat!
10. Buttered Noodles
Just the thought of buttered noodles makes me hungry, and they couldn’t be easier to make. Butter, garlic, and pasta: together, these basic ingredients make such a stunning dish. Sprinkle the noodles with a bit of salt and pepper, and finish them off with cheese. It’s incredibly tasty, yet so simple, you can make this dish any time of the week.
11. Pancakes
Surprise your family by making fluffy pancakes for breakfast. All you’ll need are flour, baking soda, buttermilk, butter, sugar, and salt. Slather the flapjacks with butter, drizzle them with maple syrup, and serve. Trust me, these pancakes will make your kids love you even more.
12. Pumpkin Pasta
Pumpkin pasta may sound a bit strange, but it only takes a forkful to get you hooked. It’s such an easy recipe, but it looks and tastes so good, you’ll think it came from a restaurant!
13. Spinach Salad
Spinach leaves, apples, and feta cheese tossed with a tangy vinaigrette: there’s definitely nothing boring about this salad at all. You can stick to the recipe, or add more ingredients to suit your taste. That’s the great thing about salads. Once you know what flavors go well with each other, it’s so easy to mix and match.
14. Apple Sandwich
The concept might seem weird, but trust me. This recipe will make you a believer. Apple slices, almond butter, granola – this sandwich is crisp, crunchy, and delectable. Best of all, it’s guilt-free!
15. Oatmeal
Don’t settle for instant oats! They’re not nearly as nutritious or delicious as rolled oats. Don’t worry, it’s a cinch to prepare. Be sure to have a 1:2 ratio of oats and milk: that’s all you’ll need to remember. Top oatmeal with strawberries, blueberries, or bananas, and breakfast is served.
16. French Fries
This recipe yields flavor-packed French fries that are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. What makes these fries extra special is the not-so-secret seasoning mix. Cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika: the flavor blend is mind-blowing!
17. Peanut Butter Toast
This next recipe is probably the most basic one on the list. There’s nothing basic about the flavor, though. Toast your bread and smother it with peanut butter. It’s quick and easy, but definitely delicious. Add bananas, blueberries, and chocolate chips for more color and flavor.
18. Sweet Potato Fries
Slice up some sweet potatoes and coat them in olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the oven take care of the rest. Feel free to snack on them like crazy, as this snack is guilt-free!
19. Mashed Potatoes
Don’t you just love a spoonful of smooth and creamy mashed potatoes? This side dish is so addictive, I’ll gladly eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. What’s the secret to super silky potatoes? HOT milk! Try it now and thank me later.
20. Rotisserie Chicken Salad
This salad is loaded with chicken, almonds, and grapes. It’s an unlikely combination, but once you coat it in a mayo-whipped cream dressing, it will blow your taste buds away. This definitely doesn’t fall under the healthy salads category, but it’s worth every calorie.
21. Frozen Fruit Smoothie
What’s great about a smoothie is that you can use whatever fruit you have in your pantry, and it will still taste amazing. Mango, strawberry, banana, orange, blueberry, raspberry, melon – the possibilities are endless! Toss them in the blender with Greek yogurt or milk and pulse. And that’s it, you’re done!
22. Grilled Cheese
A grilled cheese sandwich only requires two basic things: toast and cheese. Whether you’re using cheddar, provolone, brie, or the good old American cheese, you really can’t go wrong. There really is no such thing as a bad grilled cheese!
23. Parfaits
Feeling a little fancy? How about a parfait for breakfast? Layers of fruit, granola, and yogurt in a glass are a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
24. Waffles
Waffles are crisp on the outside and tender and fluffy on the inside. In short, they’re impossible to resist. With the ever-dependable Bisquick mix, you can do anything – waffles included. This newbie-friendly recipe is so easy, you’ll want to make waffles on the daily.
25. Coleslaw
Creamy and refreshing coleslaw is the perfect side dish for parties! It’s a snap to make, but it is guaranteed to impress any guest. What makes this coleslaw so creamy? Why, it’s got mayo, milk, and buttermilk! It’s so good, it will give KFC a run for its money.
26. No-Bake Cookies
This recipe is a good place to start your dessert-making journey. It calls for seven ingredients: cocoa powder, sugar, quick oats, butter, milk, vanilla extract, and peanut butter. Notice anything odd? You’ve guessed it, there’s no flour. This means you won’t need the oven to pull this one off! Just mix the ingredients, and your cookie dough is done.
27. Easy Apple Crisp
Even apple-haters will enjoy this dish. Apples are coated in cinnamon-brown sugar, topped with cinnamon oats, and baked to golden perfection. It’s love at first bite! Topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel sauce, it’s so delicious, one serving isn’t enough.
28. No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
This peanut butter pie is every dessert lover’s dream. The filling alone – a combo of peanut butter, cream cheese, and whipped cream – is heaven on earth! Together with a buttery crust, this pie will take you to eternal bliss.
29. Microwave Fantasy Fudge
Creamy, fudgy, OMG. Fantasy fudge is the ultimate chocolatey treat! Besides the chocolate, this fudge is also loaded with walnuts for a wonderful texture contrast. It’s chewy and crunchy in every bite.
30. Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies
Cornflakes and peanut butter together make one insanely addictive treat. These cookies are sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy all in one bite. You’ll want to snack on them all day! Click on a star to rate it!
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