40 Basic Recipes Every Cook Should Know by Heart
- Various recipes for different dishes are shared, each with unique ingredients and cooking instructions.
French Toast
64 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: We discovered this easy French toast recipe in Mexico. We couldn't figure out what made the French toast so delicious until we learned the secret was vanilla. Since then, we've added a touch of vanilla to our waffle and pancake recipes, and it makes all the difference. —Joe and Bobbi Schott, Castroville, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2 pieces: 218 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 376mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
107 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 335 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
Fruit Salad
15 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: This appealing fruit salad is a lovely addition to breakfast, lunch or even supper. Light and refreshing, it's perfect alongside egg bakes, sausages and other hearty staples you find on breakfast buffets. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 161 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
Hearty Chili
4 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: This chili may be already chock-full, but we love to build it up even more with toppings like pico de gallo, red onion, cilantro and cheese. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 427 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1103mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 15g fiber), 30g protein.
Basic Buttercream Frosting
146 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: After trying a few buttercream frosting recipes, this easy vanilla buttercream frosting takes the cake with its unmatchable homemade taste. With a few simple variations, you can come up with different colors and flavors. —Diana Wilson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 124 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Homemade Guacamole
38 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges : 1-1/2 fat.
Cobb Salad
2 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: This skinny version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and use all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 324 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
Garlic Bread
24 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: Ever wonder how to make garlic bread? This homemade garlic bread is the answer! Minced fresh garlic is key to these flavor-packed crusty slices, which our big family would snap up before they even had a chance to cool. —Grace Yaskovic, Branchville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 258 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 433mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
Smashed Potatoes
17 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: Golden brown and buttery, these crispy smashed potatoes live up to their tantalizing name. A sprinkle of fresh herbs when they’re hot out of the oven maximizes the flavor…and the pretty. —Althea Dye, Howard, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 3 smashed potatoes: 292 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
Yogurt Parfaits
6 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: Get the morning started right with this super simple four-ingredient parfait. Try chunky or flavored applesauce for an easy variation. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 parfait: 158 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges : 2 starch.
Fajitas
54 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: I can't remember when or where I found this oven-baked fajitas recipe, but I've used it nearly every week since. We like it with hot sauce for added spice. —Amy Trinkle, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 2 fajitas: 375 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 838mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
French Fries
11 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: Yes, you do want fries with that—especially these crispy, golden fries, full of garlic flavor and just a little bit of heat. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 200 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 308mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
Scrambled Eggs
6 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: When our son, Chris, wants something other than cold cereal in the morning, he whips up these eggs. Cheese and evaporated milk make them especially good. They're easy to make when you're camping too. —Chris Pfleghaar, Elk River, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 246 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 438mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
Chunky Applesauce
32 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: There's just something extra special about a homemade applesauce recipe like this one. This simple dish is tart and not too sweet. It makes the perfect side, especially with pork chops or a pork roast. —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 157 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 3g fiber), 0 protein.
Snack Mix
1 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: I eat this tasty treat just as much as (if not more than) the kids! Have fun with it by adding other goodies into the mix, like nuts, cereal, pretzels and more. —Jeff King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 195 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
4 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: Heat up your indoor grill to make these ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwich recipes. They're delicious served with soup! —Debbie Murray, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 430 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 1094mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
Flaky Pastry Crust
18 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: This all-butter pie crust makes a flavorful, flaky pie. It is easy to handle and bakes to be golden brown and beautiful—just like Mom's! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece (1/8 recipe) single-crust pastry: 173 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Roasted Broccoli
17 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: Sure, it’s simple and healthy but, oh, this roasted broccoli is also delicious. Cutting the stalks into tall trees turns the ordinary veggie into a standout side dish. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 2 broccoli pieces: 144 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges : 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Simple Snack Dip
142 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 93 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
16 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: In the kitchen, it's important to start with something simple, like how to cook hard-boiled eggs. Use this egg recipe in plenty of dishes, or eat them plain for a quick protein fix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 egg: 75 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges : 1 medium-fat meat.
Baked Ranch Chicken
84 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: A crunchy coating of cornflakes and Parmesan cheese adds delectable flavor to this zesty ranch chicken. The golden, crispy chicken is a mainstay dish I can always count on. —Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half: 254 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 959mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
Steak Diane
24 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: Sometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak. — Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1 steak with 2 tablespoons sauce: 358 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
Parmesan Baked Potatoes
57 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: It always amazed me that this simple recipe could make potatoes taste so good. Mom liked to make them for Easter because they were more special than ordinary baked potatoes. —Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 2 halves: 165 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
Homemade Vinaigrette
1 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: Balsamic vinaigrette is a classic, versatile dressing. A variety of savory seasonings gives this recipe a tangy kick. It's the perfect complement to a bed of fresh greens. —Edgar Wright, Silver Spring, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 199 calories, 19g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Roasted Cauliflower
5 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: A standout cauliflower side is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 161 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges : 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
Simple Roast Chicken
21 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: This tender chicken is a real time-saver on a busy weekend. A simple blend of seasonings makes it a snap to prepare, and it smells heavenly as it roasts. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 293 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 370mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
25 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 167 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
From-Scratch Pesto
18 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: Homemade pesto always makes a thoughtful hostess gift. Mix things up with this parsley pesto variation. It's delicious served with pasta or in one of these recipes using pesto. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 97 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Baked Salmon
55 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: I often make this very moist and flavorful baked salmon for company because I can have it ready in less than half an hour. This salmon with lemon is well complemented by rice or a green vegetable and a tossed salad. —Emily Chaney, Penobscot, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 3 ounces cooked salmon: 209 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges : 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
Quesadillas
3 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: My son doesn't eat meat, so I created this recipe as a way for me to cook one meal for the family instead of two. It's so easy, my toddler grandson helps me make it! —Tina McMullen, Salina, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 quesadilla: 544 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 1028mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein.
Risotto
3 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: Once a week I create a new recipe for my blog, An Officer and a Vegan. I first made this risotto when I needed something cheerful and comforting. It would be fantastic with asparagus, zucchini or summer squash, but use whatever veggies are in season. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 198 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
BLT
9 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s my twist on the classic BLT. Creamy avocado, balsamic mayo and crisp salad greens make this version legendary in my book. For a lighter take, I often use turkey bacon. —Ami Boyer, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 501 calories, 37g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 870mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 11g protein.
Chicken and Pasta
14 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother made chicken wings and served them over rice. To speed things up, I cook lemony chicken breasts and serve them over capellini pasta. —Aileen Rivera, Bronx, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 403 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges : 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
Omelet
24 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: The first bite of creamy filling lets you know this isn’t any old omelet. Make it once, and we suspect you’ll be fixing it often. —Anne Troise, Manalapan, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 omelet: 305 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 455mg cholesterol, 374mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
Fresh Fruit Smoothie
12 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: We love the perfect blend of sweet and citrus in this refreshing smoothie. It's so easy to throw together, I often find myself making one for breakfast or a midday snack. — Jamie King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 129 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 34mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Roasted Vegetables
4 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: When I can't decide what vegetable to serve at dinner, I turn to this oven-roasted medley that features brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrots and butternut squash. It pleases everyone around the table.—Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 122 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges : 1 starch, 1 fat.
Roasted Green Beans
5 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: I first tasted roasted green beans in a Chinese restaurant and fell in love with the texture and flavor. This is my Americanized version and it's always a big hit at our holiday table. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 119 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges : 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
Simple Tacos
2 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: We eat meatless meals a few times a week, so I replaced the beef with nutty brown rice to bulk up these tacos. Sometimes I also like to swap in quinoa for the rice. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 423 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 10g fiber), 17g protein.
Chicken Stir Fry
6 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: Stir-fry noodles on a cooking show caught my eye. I ran with the idea and loaded mine with veggies. Now it’s our favorite hurry-up meal. —Beverly Norris, Evanston, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 434 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 9g fiber), 35g protein.
Flavored Butter
1 Reviews
From the Recipe Creator: This is such a delicious butter spread for afternoon tea or with a dessert bread. Just mix it up and get ready for the compliments. —Mary Bates, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 tablespoon: 89 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 77mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
