12 Go-To Recipes I Make Again and Again
There’s something comforting about having a few meals you can always count on.
From busy mornings to cozy nights in — these are the dishes I keep in heavy rotation.
When you love food but also value ease, comfort, and consistency, it’s a game-changer to have a handful of recipes you can turn to without overthinking. These are the meals that don’t just taste good—they work. They fit into my life when I’m tired, hungry, short on time, or just want something I know I’ll enjoy.
I’ve cooked and tested a lot of recipes over the years, but these are the ones that have made it into my regular rotation. They’re easy, reliable, and always hit the spot.
Breakfast & Brunch Favorites
1. Loaded Tater Tot Breakfast Tacos
Crispy tots, scrambled eggs, and cheese—what’s not to love?
Loaded Tater Tot Breakfast Tacos
These tacos are one of my favorite ways to start the day. They’re fun, satisfying, and endlessly customizable with whatever toppings I’m in the mood for.
🌮 Hearty and fun to eat
Tacos for breakfast? Always a good idea.🧀 Crispy, cheesy goodness
Golden tater tots are the ultimate base.⏱️ Weekday or weekend friendly
Comes together fast but still feels special.🥓 Easy to modify
Swap in bacon, sausage, or keep it meat-free.
2. Avocado Baguette Toast
An elevated take on classic avo toast.
Avocado Baguette Toast
Crunchy baguette slices make this feel just a little more special, while lemon juice, chili flakes, and flaky salt keep the flavors bright and bold. It’s quick, easy, and somehow always satisfying.
🥖 Crunchy and satisfying
Baguette brings that perfect crispy bite.🥑 Classic flavor combo
Avocado + baguette + chili flakes = can’t go wrong.⚡ Ready in minutes
No cooking required—just assemble and enjoy.🌿 Customizable toppings
Try it with eggs, tomatoes, or fresh herbs.
3. Cherry Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Tastes like a PB&J in oat form.
Cherry Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
This one is creamy, slightly sweet, and perfect for busy mornings. The cherries add brightness while the peanut butter gives it that nostalgic, cozy flavor I never get tired of.
🥜 Peanut butter perfection
Creamy, filling, and packed with flavor.🍒 Fruity and balanced
Tart cherries give it a nice contrast.❄️ Fridge-ready
Make it the night before and grab-and-go.🌱 Naturally vegan
No dairy, no fuss—just plant-based goodness.
4. Scrambled Eggs with Sausage and Veggies
A quick, protein-packed meal that always gets the job done.
Scrambled Eggs with Sausage and Veggies
This one’s a regular in my rotation because it’s simple, satisfying, and adaptable to whatever’s in the fridge. It works for breakfast, lunch, or even a lazy dinner.
🍳 Quick and hearty
Takes minutes to make, keeps you full for hours.🌶️ Use what you have
Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms—anything goes.🥩 Add or skip meat
Works just as well with plant-based sausage.🧼 Minimal cleanup
One pan, no fuss.
Lunchtime Favorites
5. Creamy Herbed Chicken Salad
Light, creamy, and full of texture—this is chicken salad done right.
Creamy Herbed Chicken Salad
Fresh herbs and crisp veggies give this chicken salad a bright, satisfying flavor. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or scooping straight from the bowl.
🌿 Bright and herby
Parsley keeps it fresh and flavorful.🥒 Crunchy texture
Celery adds the perfect bite.🍗 Meal-prep friendly
Keeps well in the fridge for a few days.🥪 Super versatile
Great on bread, in lettuce cups, or over greens.
6. Basil-Kissed Cavatappi Pasta Salad
This pasta salad eats like a meal.
Basil-Kissed Cavatappi Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Kale
It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for make-ahead lunches. The sun-dried tomatoes add depth, while the basil oil and kale keep it fresh and vibrant.
🍝 Twirly and satisfying
Cavatappi holds the dressing like a champ.🌞 Bold ingredients
Sun-dried tomatoes, kale, and basil = flavor-packed.🧊 Serve cold or room temp
Ideal for lunches, picnics, or meal prep.🌱 Easy to make vegetarian
Add meat, or don’t — either way, it’s super tasty.
Dinner (or Hearty Lunch) Favorites
7. Dan Dan Noodles
Big flavor, minimal effort.
Dan Dan Noodles
These spicy, savory noodles are bold and comforting, with just enough heat to make them crave-worthy. They’re my go-to when I want takeout vibes without the price tag.
🔥 Spicy and bold
Chili oil and garlic bring serious depth.🍜 Ultra slurpable
That sauce-to-noodle ratio is just right.⏱️ Cooks in 20 minutes
Perfect for a fast and flavorful dinner.🥄 Customizable protein
Use pork, chicken, turkey, or tofu.
8. Sheet Pan Kielbasa with Peppers, Onions & Pierogi
One-pan magic with big comfort vibes.
Sheet Pan Kielbasa with Peppers, Onions & Pierogi
Smoky kielbasa, soft pierogi, and sweet roasted peppers and onions—this sheet pan dinner is hearty, cozy, and low-effort. Just toss, roast, and dig in.
🧅 Savory and sweet
Roasted onions and peppers balance the dish.🧽 Easy cleanup
Everything cooks together on one pan.⏳ Weeknight-perfect
Minimal prep, maximum flavor.🥟 Big comfort energy
Pierogies make it feel like a hug on a plate.
9. Creamy Kale & Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Pasta
Sneaky greens meet rich, creamy pasta.
Creamy Kale & Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Pasta
This one’s all about balance—earthy kale, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a garlicky Parmesan sauce that ties it all together. Cozy and just a little indulgent.
🥬 Balanced but indulgent
Veggies meet comfort in the best way.🧄 Packed with flavor
Garlic, cheese, and tomato in every bite.👩🍳 No fancy steps
Pantry-friendly and easy to throw together.🥡 Leftovers reheat beautifully
Makes lunch the next day even better.
10. Chicken Francaise Over Linguine
Restaurant-worthy, but surprisingly simple.
Chicken Francaise Over Linguine
This lemony, buttery chicken dish feels fancy without the stress. Paired with pasta, it’s the kind of dinner that feels special even on a regular weeknight.
🍋 Bright and buttery
The lemon-wine sauce is light but luscious.🍝 Elegant but easy
Doesn’t require a ton of technique.⏱️ Weeknight-dinner approved
Comes together in 35 minutes.🧂 Crowd-pleasing
Great for guests or just treating yourself.
11. Spicy Sesame Garlic Noodles
Addictive, fast, and full of flavor.
Spicy Sesame Garlic Noodles
This one hits all the right notes—nutty, garlicky, a little spicy, and super slurpable. It’s endlessly flexible and always hits the spot.
🌶️ Bold and addictive
Chili, sesame oil, and garlic bring it all together.🍜 Done in 15
Quicker than ordering takeout.🛠️ Pantry-friendly
You probably already have everything on hand.🥢 Custom toppings
Try scallions, cucumbers, or a soft egg.
12. Creamy Truffle Mushroom Farfalle
Fancy-feeling but low-effort.
Creamy Truffle Mushroom Farfalle
This one’s my go-to when I want something rich and cozy without spending an hour in the kitchen. Mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil take it to the next level.
🍄 Earthy and rich
Mushrooms bring deep, umami flavor.🍽️ Fancy-feeling, low effort
Comes together in under 30 minutes.🧄 Creamy and garlicky
Just the right amount of richness.🍷 Perfect for date night
Or a solo cozy night in.
I love experimenting in the kitchen, but when I want something I know will deliver, these are the recipes I turn to. Whether you're looking for inspiration or just want to start building your own rotation of tried-and-true meals, I hope you’ll give a few of these a try.
Let me know which ones become your go-tos, too!
And if you're hungry for more ideas, you can browse all my recipes!
