Forget Takeout! 17 Restaurant-quality Dishes You Can Make At Home (For Less!)

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Forget Takeout! 17 Restaurant-quality Dishes You Can Make At Home (For Less!)

Who says you need to step out to enjoy a fancy meal? With a little bit of time and the right guide, whipping up restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of your own kitchen is totally doable. It’s not just about saving a few bucks; it’s about creating those special moments right at home, surrounded by the people who matter most.

Turkey and Pesto Stuffed Pasta Shells in a black cast iron dish.
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget calling for takeout when you can bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico into your kitchen. With a balance of smoky and slightly spicy notes, Chicken Tinga is a dish that promises to be both comforting and exciting. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking to bring a taste of the Mediterranean coast to your dining table, look no further. Mediterranean Cod offers a light, satisfying meal with flavors that feel like a sunny day by the sea. It’s a dish that not only nourishes the body but also delights the senses with its combination of herbs and freshness.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A plate of chicken thighs.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those seeking a deliciously crisp exterior with a tender center, Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs will not disappoint. This dish utilizes the convenience and health benefits of air frying, coupled with the sweet and savory glaze of honey and garlic. It strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and wellness, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

A plate of smoked pork belly burnt ends with tomatoes and pickles.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it’s time to impress at your next barbecue, turn to Pork Belly Burnt Ends for guaranteed success. This dish offers bite-sized pieces of heaven that are caramelized on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. It embodies the true spirit of American barbecue, combining rich flavors with the joy of sharing good food.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dig into the heart of Eastern Europe with the rich and creamy textures of Chicken Paprikash. This dish is a testament to the comforting power of home cooking, with its tender chicken and flavorful sauce. It’s a culinary escape to Hungary without the need for a passport or plane ticket.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

A closeup shot of two tacos filled with smoked pork belly and vegetables.
Smoked Pork Belly Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turn your kitchen into the next trendy street food spot with Smoked Pork Belly Tacos. This dish celebrates the fusion of smoky, rich pork belly with the fresh kick of taco toppings. It’s a casual yet gourmet approach to dinner that’s bound to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Upgrade your lunchtime with a dish that brings together the exotic spice of curry and the sweet touch of raisins. Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins is a refreshing take on traditional chicken salad, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It’s perfect for meal prep or a sophisticated picnic spread.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Braised Beef Short Ribs with gravy and mashed potatoes.
Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Indulge in the fall-off-the-bone tenderness of Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs. This dish is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a little comfort. The garlic enhances the richness of the beef, creating a dish that’s both hearty and full of depth.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze on a round platter.
Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring a touch of smokiness to your dining table with Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze. This dish offers a perfect balance of smoke and sweetness, making each bite an adventure. It’s a novel way to enjoy chicken that’s both simple to execute and impressive to serve.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Steak and Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak and Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Why choose between steak and pasta when you can have the best of both worlds in Steak and Pasta Salad? This dish combines the heartiness of steak with the lightness of a pasta salad, dressed in a vibrant dressing. It’s a versatile meal that’s as suitable for a quick lunch as it is for a dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Pasta Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna and Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna and Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a nutritious dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna and Tomatoes is a stellar choice. This salad brings together the chewy texture of wheat berries with the lightness of tuna and the freshness of tomatoes. It’s a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and energizing.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna and Tomatoes

Ham and Asparagus Pizza

A pizza with ham and asparagus on a pizza stone.
Ham and Asparagus Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Reinvent pizza night with a sophisticated twist in Ham and Asparagus Pizza. This dish marries the smoky flavor of ham with the vibrant, crisp texture of asparagus on a golden crust. It’s a refreshing departure from traditional pizza that’s sure to win over family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Asparagus Pizza

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dive into the comforting embrace of Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells, a dish that’s as satisfying to prepare as it is to eat. Filled to the brim with a rich cheese blend and baked to perfection, this dish turns any dinner into a special occasion. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Two bowls of Turkey Pot Pie Soup with crackers and spoons.
Turkey Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Capture the essence of a classic comfort dish in a lighter form with Turkey Pot Pie Soup. This dish offers all the comforting flavors of a traditional pot pie but in a nourishing soup form. It’s a heartwarming meal that brings comfort and joy with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Seafood Stuffed Salmon

Seafood Stuffed Salmon on a circular white plate.
Seafood Stuffed Salmon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform your dining experience with Seafood Stuffed Salmon, a dish that speaks volumes of elegance and flavor. This combination of tender salmon filled with a savory seafood blend makes for an exquisite meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s a feast for the senses that’s perfect for a special dinner.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Salmon

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Turkey and Pesto Stuffed Pasta Shells in a black cast iron dish.
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a twist on classic Italian, Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto offers a delightful blend of hearty and fresh flavors. This dish combines the comforting appeal of stuffed pasta with the bright, herbaceous notes of pesto. It’s a comforting yet light meal that’s sure to please any palate.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Corned Beef Fritters

Corned beef fritters on a white plate with a sunflower.
Corned Beef Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a playful take on traditional corned beef, Corned Beef Fritters offer a crispy, savory bite that’s hard to resist. This dish is perfect for using leftover corned beef or for when you’re craving something a bit different. It’s a comfort food classic that brings a touch of whimsy to the table.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters

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