Don’t call yourself a foodie without trying these 21 dishes

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If you love food, you’ve got to try a bit of everything. It’s not just about fancy places; street food and family-run spots are where the real magic happens. Every dish has a story, and trying different foods is like exploring the world on your plate. So, don’t call yourself a foodie without trying these 21 dishes – it’s your ticket to being a true food lover!

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

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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

If you’ve yet to try Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, do you even foodie? These thighs come out of the air fryer so tender and coated in a sweet and garlicky glaze that’ll leave you licking your fingers and looking for more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Don’t call yourself a foodie without spooning into some Pasta e Fagioli Soup. This isn’t just any soup—it’s a robust Italian favorite that fills you up and warms you down to your toes. Pasta? Check. Beans? Check. Loads of flavor? Big check. Get your bowl and dive in.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Mediterranean Cod

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

No, you can’t call yourself a foodie until you’ve sampled Mediterranean Cod. It brings the exotic climes of the Mediterranean straight onto your plate – with the right herbs, a sprinkle of citrus, and a promisingly light yet satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Chicken Tinga

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

Have you tried Chicken Tinga? Because no credible foodie could dismiss this robust, spicy gem. This family dinner classic will wrap your usual tacos or burritos in a festival of flavor that you won’t easily get out of your mind.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

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.

So, you reckon you’re a foodie, right? But if you haven’t tried a forkful of Pork Belly Burnt Ends, you might be quite mistaken. These crispy, juicy morsels will hit your tongue with a burst of BBQ flavor, without any room for regret.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Steak & Pasta Salad

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

If Steak & Pasta Salad hasn’t yet graced your plate, then foodie might not be your title yet. With tender steak bites and twirly pasta in a tangy dressing, you’ll warm up to this dish quickly – and every potluck will want a piece of it.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

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.

Now, any aspiring foodie should put this on their list: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze. It’s not just your average chicken; each leg is a statement, delivering a daring depth of flavor that will have you nodding in approval.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

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

If you think you’ve got your foodie badge, pause until you’ve tried Ham & Asparagus Pizza. It’s a twist on the usual pizza night with that fresh, green snap of asparagus and the ham adds just the right amount of savory. It’s pretty much springtime on a pizza. Ready to give it a whirl?
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

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.

Can you really claim to be a foodie if you’ve never sunk your teeth into succulent Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs? These ribs have flavor in droves, the kind that transforms a casual dinner into a special treat worth remembering.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

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

Before you dub yourself a foodie, embrace the wholesome charm of a Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. This salad is packed with fresh and hearty ingredients, challenging the norms of what a simple salad can actually offer.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops on a baby blue serving dish.
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Are you even a foodie if you haven’t had Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops? Pull out the crockpot because these chops come out tender enough to cut with a spoon. And they swim in this cheesy sauce that’s just straight-up delicious. Trust me, it’s a slow-cooked masterpiece.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup

Two bowls of cream of caramelized onion & mushroom soup with garlic and thyme.
Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Before you call yourself a foodie, make sure you’ve tasted Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup. It’s a bowl filled with rich and creamy goodness. The combo of sweet onions and earthy mushrooms is pretty much a flavor bomb. It’s soup, but not like any soup you’ve had before. Enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup

Dutch Oven Carnitas

Carnitas in a round black dish.
Dutch Oven Carnitas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you haven’t filled a taco with Dutch Oven Carnitas, are you really living the foodie life? These are the kind of carnitas that fall apart with just a fork, full of flavors that taste like they’ve been building for hours. Wrap them in a tortilla and you’re all set. Go on, give ’em a try.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas

Pizza Raclette

A group of pizza raclette.
Pizza Raclette. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You’re not a complete foodie without digging into some Pizza Raclette. It’s pizza, but with a fun twist—ooey gooey raclette cheese right on top of your fave toppings. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth kind of experience that you’ll want to have over and over. Ready for that cheese pull?
Get the Recipe: Pizza Raclette

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Think your foodie status is secure? Not until you’ve sampled Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. This side dish gets jazzed up with a touch of bacon and a hint of onion, and it’s all cooked slow to get those flavors mingling just right. It turns plain green beans into something grand. Give it a go!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

A piece of Cuban sandwich casserole on a plate with potato chips.
Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Can you call yourself a foodie if you’ve never had a Cuban Sandwich Casserole? This dish stacks everything great about a Cuban sandwich in layers of awesome, and turns it into a casserole. We’re talking pickles, cheese, ham—it’s a party in a dish. So, are you up for some fun eating?
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Seafood Stuffed Salmon

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

Here’s a new challenge for eager foodies: Seafood Stuffed Salmon. The fish doesn’t just swim alone here; it brings along a medley of tender seafood buddies. It’s a generous meal, effortlessly offering you a wave of unforgettable flavors.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Salmon

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

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

Halfway through your foodie journey and haven’t had Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells yet? Well, it’s time. These shells are like little boats overflowing with melted cheese goodness. It’s the comfort food of your dreams, and one shell is never enough. Get your fork ready.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone

Two bowls of soup on the counter.
Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever tried Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone? If not, can you really consider yourself a foodie? This isn’t ordinary tomato soup; it’s got a smoky twist and the mascarpone turns the whole thing creamy and rich. It’s definitely not your average bowl of tomato soup. Tuck in and see for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone

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.

Well, you haven’t really tasted everything until you’ve had Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. This recipe adds a fresh spin to traditional stuffed shells that will entice anyone around the dinner table to take a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

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.

Try savoring the homey goodness of Turkey Pot Pie Soup before christening yourself a foodie. It’s a hearty soup that eats like a dinner and warms you to the core. It’s definitely a chilly day favorite that you won’t easily forget.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup

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