30 Recipes to Master Before You Turn 30 (2024)

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Juicy Roasted Chicken

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30 Recipes to Master Before You Turn 30 (1)

Every home chef needs a roast chicken recipe in their back pocket, and this one results in the juiciest chicken of all. With just five ingredients, it's shockingly simple to make, but never fails to impress. "I've probably used this recipe twice a month for the last 5 years (or more)," shares one Allrecipes community member. "When I have company, I know this recipe will be perfect. I love it!"

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Real Hummus

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30 Recipes to Master Before You Turn 30 (2)

Creamy, smooth, and thick, this easy app is the perfect dip to whip up for all sorts of occasions (and everybody knows homemade goes above and beyond the store-bought stuff). Served with warm pita bread, it simply doesn't get better.

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Chicken Noodle Soup

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30 Recipes to Master Before You Turn 30 (3)

A good chicken noodle soup is food for the soul, so it's important to make it right. With this shortcut recipe, you can have a flavorful, belly-warming soup on the table in just 40 minutes. User shannomac comments, "Easy to make and tastes like you spent hours making it."

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Best Scrambled Eggs

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30 Recipes to Master Before You Turn 30 (4)

If you've made it past your 20s without learning how to make a proper plate of scrambled eggs, it's definitely time to pick up the skill. Easy and filling, this meaty, cheesy scrambled egg recipe will carry you through many mornings (and breakfast-for-dinners) to come.

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Best Damn Chili

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There are a million ways to make a delicious chili, but if you don't have your go-to recipe yet, this is the one to claim. One Allrecipes member shares, "I have used this recipe for 3 years now when I wanted to learn how make chili from scratch. I'm so glad I found this! It is an awesome and flavorful chili that my family LOVES!"

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The Best Banana Bread

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30 Recipes to Master Before You Turn 30 (6)

When life gives you brown bananas, you're going to want to know how to make this delicious banana bread. Moist, fluffy, and full of flavor, this classic banana bread will never go out of style.

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Absolutely Fabulous Greek/House Dressing

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A good salad dressing can complement any greens and veggies you throw its way. That's why we love this zesty, light, and easy Greek dressing. Recipe creator Danielle M. claims that this is the 'secret' recipe from the pizzeria she works at. She says it's so tasty that, "people offer to buy it constantly, but if we sold it we wouldn't be able to make enough to use in the restaurant!"

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Best Marinara Sauce Yet

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This is the kind of sauce that makes everybody in the house wonder when dinner will be ready. Rich, herbaceous and hearty, this 'Sunday sauce' is the best type of comfort food, and one you'll make for years to come. "After making this sauce I may never be able to eat sauce from a jar ever again. This was truly an amazing Italian sauce," shares an Allrecipes member.

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The Perfect Basic Burger

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30 Recipes to Master Before You Turn 30 (9)

When cookout season comes around, it's essential to know how to make a good burger, and this simple, no-fuss recipe makes stand-out burgers every time. The secret is incorporating breadcrumbs in the patty to keep the burgers tender and juicy while cooking. Load them up with your favorite toppings, and you have the complete recipe for a perfect, warm summer night.

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Guacamole

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30 Recipes to Master Before You Turn 30 (10)

Nothing you'll pick up from the store will ever compete with a homemade guacamole, and when it's this easy to make, you might as well say goodbye to the store-bought stuff for good. Leaving more than 6,000 5-star reviews, our users agree this recipe is one of the easiest and tastiest you can find.

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Perfect Baked Potato

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Not only are baked potatoes easy, affordable, and almost impossible to mess up, they also happen to be one of the most comforting sides you can bring to the table. With a crisp, golden skin, and light, fluffy inside, a perfectly baked potato is customizable to everyone's tastebuds.

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Butter Flaky Pie Crust

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A dependable pie crust recipe is a cornerstone of holiday baking, and we happen to have the butteriest, flakiest recipe of them all. Get this pie dough down, and you'll impress your guests for years to come. "Very easy recipe!," says user Clara. "I have been wanting to make my own pie crust, like, forever!"

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Perfect White Rice

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30 Recipes to Master Before You Turn 30 (13)

Simple white rice can be the base of hundreds of easy and delicious dinners, and this recipe will help you nail the perfect light and fluffy texture every time. Don't worry—it's a lot easier than you think! "WOW! Where has this recipe been all my life?," says user Rebecca from LA. "This will be my new go-to rice recipe for sure."

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Good Old-Fashioned Pancakes

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There's no easier way to brighten weekend mornings than with these fan-favorite pancakes. Fluffy, golden, and buttery, this steamy stack is proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most fabulous (just ask the 13,000 5-star reviewers!).

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Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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For an easy, go-to lunch that never disappoints, the grilled cheese sandwich is a classic. This 3-ingredient recipe is all about the technique to achieve a perfectly gooey center and crispy crust. "I learned in a restaurant that if you use a larger pan and leave the sandwich open in the pan on low heat to fry...the cheese will be melted perfectly and the outsides will be perfectly golden," according to user Chandra Davidson.

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Baked Salmon

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For an easy, healthy, no-brainer meal, this baked salmon dish is one to keep in your rotation. Recipe creator LADYBLADE shares, "This was my first time making fish and it was a hit. Even my 9-year-old daughter who wouldn't ever dream of eating fish had half of my portion!"

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Mushroom Risotto

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If you've ever been intimidated by risotto, let this easy recipe assure you that the creamy rice dish is just as doable on a weeknight as it is for a fancy occasion. Whether you serve as a side or main course, this filling and flavorful dish turns out beautifully every time.

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Shrimp Scampi

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30 Recipes to Master Before You Turn 30 (18)

Simple but elegant, this butter and garlic-flavored shrimp dish will be your new favorite way to serve seafood. Plate the succulent shrimp over pasta and pair with a salad and garlic bread for a light, yet decadent dinner.

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Roasted Vegetables

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The easiest way to turn a main dish into a meal is to add these classic roasted veggies to the menu. "Colorful, tasty, and full of flavor, these caramelized roasted veggies deserve a place on your plate," says the recipe creator. Pro tip: they can even be made ahead and reheated before serving!

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Pesto

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Whether stirred into pasta, spread over sandwiches, or spooned over potatoes, this fresh and flavorful sauce has more uses than we can count, making it one of the best cooking tricks to master. User Autumn E. Kramer raves, "Have been using this recipe for YEARS...and is the BEST recipe!!!"

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Mom's Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese

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If there's a more cherished dish to bring to a potluck, we don't know it. This simple, classic, just-like-mom-used-to-make mac and cheese never fails to steal the show. User Tiffany Malen says, "The flavor is amazing and I always get a lot of compliments!"

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Sirloin Steak with Garlic Butter

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Nothing wows quite like a steak dinner, but when you're paying big bucks for a pricey piece of meat, the last thing you want to do is butcher the preparation (pun intended). This top-rated recipe promises a melt-in-your-mouth steak with restaurant-quality flavor, so you can be sure to impress at your next special occasion meal.

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Southern Pimento Cheese

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A staple on almost any tailgating, potluck, or holiday spread, homemade pimiento cheese never disappoints. Luckily, it's super easy to make for crowds—plus, you get the added bonus of being everyone's favorite person at the party. User Susan Hissam writes, "This is the best pimento cheese ever! It's perfect. That's all I can say about it. Every time I serve it I'm asked for the recipe (which I gladly share)."

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Easy Fried Rice

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When you're craving the crispy, savory taste of fried rice, this simplified recipe is the place to turn. This shortcut version uses leftover rice, a few eggs, and a handful of veggies to make a mealtime masterpiece. User Sue Kohlert says she's made this recipe many times, adding, "It turns out excellent every time, and it couldn't be easier. I usually make the rice a day or two ahead. Sometimes I toss in pork or chicken. Great recipe!"

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Easy Homemade Pizza Dough

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This quick and easy dough doesn't require any rise-time, yet it yields a soft and chewy crust that makes the perfect base for your favorite pizza toppings. One Allrecipes member comments, "Made this recipe three times and I'm obsessed with how easy, delicious, and fool proof it is." Master this recipe, and pizza night can be a weekly occurrence in your kitchen.

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Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Nothing shines in your recipe collection like a signature chocolate chip cookie, and this one, with its crisp edges and chewy centers, is one of our all-time favorites. In fact, more than 14,000 Allrecipes members agree, giving this recipe a 5-star rating. Hey, it might be time you adopt it as your go-to as well.

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Toasted Garlic Bread

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Sure, this dish might seem like a no-brainer, but a thick, crispy slice of garlic bread is tough to beat. The perfect addition to any Italian meal, this leveled-up bread is easy to make and even easier to devour. Melty mozzarella on top is optional, but highly recommended.

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Chef John's French Omelette

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According to Chef John, this recipe is "10% ingredients and 90% technique, so it does take a bit of practice to perfect." However, if you follow the steps exactly, you'll be able to make an incredible, impressive omelette in no time. "You'll be amazed at just how delicious these few ingredients can be when elevated using this method," he adds.

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Easy Crispy Baked Chicken

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This easy chicken dinner is elevated with cracker crumbs to create crave-worthy flavor and texture. By breading and baking the chicken breasts, you get the irresistible crunch of fried chicken with a method thats way easier (and healthier) to achieve. Pro tip: use cheesy crackers (like Cheez-Its) to incorporate even more flavor!

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One Bowl Chocolate Cake

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30 Recipes to Master Before You Turn 30 (30)

We have dozens of chocolate cake recipes in our collection, but it's the delicious taste and ease of this recipe that makes it our tried-and-true. For every occasion that requires a cake, whether it be a birthday, anniversary, or bake sale, this rich and moist chocolate cake will win hearts every time.

30 Recipes to Master Before You Turn 30 (2024)

FAQs

What dishes to master? ›

17 Dishes Every Home Cook Should Know How to Make, According to Chefs
  • 01 of 17. Eggs. Victor Protasio. ...
  • 02 of 17. Rice. Diana Chistruga. ...
  • 03 of 17. Roast Chicken. Julia Hartbeck. ...
  • 04 of 17. Bolognese. Photo and Styling by Julia Gartland. ...
  • 05 of 17. Baked Fish. Maxwell Cozzi. ...
  • 06 of 17. Fresh Pasta. ...
  • 07 of 17. Steak. ...
  • 08 of 17. French Fries.
Mar 11, 2024

What should you always do first to your recipe? ›

Start with the ingredient list. List ingredients with exact measurements and in the order in which they will be used. Leaving out ingredients is the most common mistake in recipe writing.

When you get a recipe What are the first things you do? ›

First, you take the recipe that you intend to cook and read it thoroughly to familiarize yourself with the timing, techniques, equipment, and ingredients you will need. Second, you pull all of the necessary equipment and arrange it near your cooking station, so that it is at the ready.

What is the hardest food to master? ›

The 10 toughest dishes in the world
  • Consommé Devilish dish: A clear soup made from meat, tomato, egg whites and stock, slowly simmered to bring impurities to the surface for skimming. ...
  • Turducken. ...
  • Béarnaise sauce. ...
  • Baked Alaska. ...
  • Croissants. ...
  • Soufflé ...
  • Macarons. ...
  • Beef wellington.
Jan 18, 2023

What is the most ordered dish? ›

Top Ordered Food Nationwide
  • Fries.
  • Chicken Quesadilla.
  • Mozzarella Sticks.
  • Garlic Naan.
  • Spicy Chicken Sandwich.
  • Pepperoni Pizza.
  • Chips & Queso.
  • Traditional Wings.
Dec 13, 2023

What is the first rule of cooking? ›

1. Read the recipe. Of all the important advice out there about cooking, this by far has to be the number 1 rule of cooking: read your recipe completely before getting started.

What is the most important step in a recipe? ›

List ingredients in chronological order. The ingredients list is one of the most important parts of a recipe, and it should be listed in the order that it will appear in the directions list. Make sure to be specific and list exact amounts needed; and include the state of ingredients (i.e., frozen, softened, melted).

Why do good chefs read the entire recipe first? ›

Because when you read a recipe, you get a better idea of what the final product should look like and how it should taste. A good recipe can make your food delicious—but if you don't read it all the way through before starting to cook, you might miss some crucial information.

What is the most critical part of a recipe? ›

Ingredient List - The ingredient list is one of the most critical parts of a recipe. The ingredients should be listed in chronological order, with the ingredient used first at the very top of the list (Palmer, 2020).

What is one thing a good recipe should include? ›

A good recipe has two parts
  • Ingredients listed in the order of their use.
  • Exact measurements (amounts) of each listed ingredient.
  • Simple, step-by-step directions (steps listed in sequence)
  • Cooking time.
  • Cooking temperature.
  • Size of correct cooking equipment to use.
  • Number and size of servings the recipe makes.

What is the most important part of a recipe? ›

The ingredient list is one of the most important parts of a recipe. It lays out all the ingredients that a reader will need to recreate the recipe at home. It should contain the amount of the ingredient needed, as well as the name of the ingredient.

What personality do you need to be a cook? ›

Culinary chefs score highly on extraversion, meaning that they rely on external stimuli to be happy, such as people or exciting surroundings. They also tend to be high on the measure of social responsibility, indicating that they desire fair outcomes and have a general concern for others.

What is the secret of tasty food? ›

Add a small pinch of salt every time a new ingredient is added to the dish, so that flavors have time to build. The earlier you start seasoning, the deeper and more concentrated the flavors will become in the final product. When cooking meats, make sure to salt and tenderize with a fork the night before.

How do you know if you have a talent for cooking? ›

TOP 50 SIGNS OF A GOOD COOK
  • Can rustle up anything from scratch.
  • Loving to eat as well as cook.
  • Willing to experiment and try all foods and ingredients when cooking at home.
  • Being happy to prepare food in front of guests.
  • Always being able to whip something up when there's virtually nothing in the cupboard.
May 19, 2017

What are some high skilled dishes? ›

High Skill Recipes
  • Apple or Pear Pie with Flaky Pastry.
  • Apple or Pear Pie with Shortcrust Pastry.
  • Bakewell Tart with a Shortcrust Pastry Top and Homemade Jam.
  • Banoffee Pie.
  • Black Forest Gateaux.
  • Bread - Plaited Loaf.
  • Burger - Crispy Fried Chicken, with Fries and Garlic Mayonnaise.
  • Burger and Bun - Homemade.

What are considered main dishes? ›

A main dish is the primary dish of a meal, around which the meal is built. Usually it involves a protein such as meat or fish, or it can be something like a casserole with protein in it. It is often accompanied by one or more side dishes.

What are 4 course dishes? ›

Four course meal is a culinary experience that typically consists of four courses: appetizer, soup or salad, main course, and dessert. This type of meal is often served at formal events or fine dining restaurants.

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