I know that, for some, cooking is a major chore, but I’ve always really enjoyed it. Sure, of course, there are days where cooking and cleaning up afterwards tops my list of Things I Absolutely Do Not Want To Do, but I also generally just really do enjoy it. The most fun? When you can tackle something new to you, maybe a little challenging, that’s going to yield absolutely delicious results (the best part of cooking anything at all, if you ask me). I don’t have fun with these kinds of recipes all that often though because I spend so much of my time just trying to, you know, get something on the table so I can eat. But I’m remembering just how much I love these kinds of things lately, so we pulled together a list of recipes that, in our humble opinions, everyone should make at some point—including you.
Let’s just get this out of the way right now: this is not an exhaustive list, OK? I probably forgot your favorite food in the world (I’m so sorry, in advance), and there are probably things on here that you’d never in a million years make (but you should!). Maybe it’s just something we think you’ll really, really like, or maybe (like the roast chicken on the list), it’s something that’s more of a ~life skill~. Cross off one or cross off all 20, just get in the kitchen and cook. All you need is a little inspiration.
1. Scallops

Source: What’s Gaby Cooking
2. Caprese Eggs Benedict

Source: Two Peas and Their Pod
3. Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

Source: Pinch of Yum
4. Pan-Fried Garlic Butter Steak

Source: Host the Toast
5. Roasted Chicken

Source: Ambitious Kitchen
6. Cloverleaf Dinner Rolls

Source: As Easy As Apple Pie
7. Lemon Asparagus Risotto

Source: Recipe Runner
8. Chicken Curry

Source: Chelsea’s Messy Apron
9. Ricotta Gnocchi

Source: Gimme Some Oven
10. Pasta

Source: Gimme Some Oven
11. Braised Pork Ragu Pasta

Source: Spices in My DNA
12. Roasted Tomato Salsa

Source: Isabel Eats
13. Chipotle Turkey Chili

Source: College Housewife
14. Chive and Cheddar Quiche

Source: Brooklyn Supper
15. Smoked White Shells and Cheese

Source: Oh So Delicioso
Sweets
16. Chocolate Croissants

Source: Top with Cinnamon
17. Sprinkle Cake

Source: My Name is Yeh
18. Caramel Apple Pie

Source: Foolproof Living
19. Cinnamon Rolls

Source: The Salty Marshmallow
20. Créme Brûlée

Source: Oh So Delicioso