Off the beaten path dishes: 15 unexpected dishes to feast on

Photo of author

| Published:

Are you ready to try something different for your next meal? Here are 15 unexpected dishes that offer a fresh take on dining. These dishes, often overlooked, bring unique experiences to your table. They come from various places, each with its own twist, making them worth exploring. Step out of your comfort zone and find new favorites with these interesting options. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to spice up your usual routine, these dishes promise to bring a bit of excitement to your meals.

Corn on the cob with garlic parmesan on a black plate.
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you’re thinking about spicing up your next family gathering, why not try grilling up some Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle? It brings a burst of flavors that beautifully blends with the fresh crisp of green beans, providing a dish that’s both exciting and comforting. It’s a fantastic way to introduce something a little different at your table, and it’s absolutely a crowd-pleaser at any outdoor event. Plus, it’s straightforward to prepare, letting you enjoy the company while cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

In the spirit of bringing a bit of the Mediterranean home, this Mediterranean Ordo Salad with Shrimp offers a light yet satisfying option that can serve as a main dish or an accompanying side. This dish is as pretty as it is tasty, and it’s perfect for those occasions when you want a meal that feels a bit special without too much fuss. Its vibrant mix makes it a refreshing choice, especially on warm days. It’s also ideal for a healthy lunch that doesn’t skimp on enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Smoked Cauliflower

Smoked cauliflower in a skillet on a wooden table.
Smoked Cauliflower. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a twist in your vegetarian options? Smoked Cauliflower is here to save the day. It’s amazing how a bit of smoke can transform a simple cauliflower into a star dish. This recipe is perfect for those who love to experiment with their grill or smoker. It’s an excellent choice for dinner parties, offering something uniquely flavorful and satisfying that will impress all your guests, even the meat lovers!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When comfort food is on the agenda, Turkey à la King does not disappoint. This dish, often enjoyed with family during gatherings, brings the tender allure of turkey in a creamy, comforting sauce. It’s something that can make any day feel a bit more special. The recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey but is also worth cooking a fresh batch for. It’s a gentle reminder of home-cooked meals that warm the heart.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Southern Ham Salad

A bowl of Southern ham salad and croissants on a wooden table.
Southern Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Next time you’re thinking about something southern, why not whip up some Southern Ham Salad? It’s a delicious mix that works well as both a standalone dish or as a filler for sandwiches. It offers a reminiscence of summer picnics and family gatherings with its familiar yet always satisfying taste. This dish is a great way to use up any leftover ham, turning it into a completely new experience.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Consider Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken for an effortlessly delicious meal that cleans up in a snap. The infusion of lemon and rosemary provides a fresh aroma that will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a gourmet meal without all the complex steps. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when time is tight but you still want a meal that feels home-cooked and nurturing. Plus, it’s fantastic for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of Mexican carne molida with lime wedges served on a wooden table with a striped cloth on the side.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dig into the rich heartiness of Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef, a versatile dish that can be the highlight of tacos, casseroles, or even salads. It’s packed with vibrant, comforting flavors that make every bite exciting. This dish is particularly perfect for large gatherings where you want to provide variety without complicating things. It’s quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from the plate!
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

California Eggs Benedict

Eggs benedict with ham and avocado on an English muffin served on a black plate.
California Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

For a morning that feels like a special getaway, California Eggs Benedict can bring a taste of sunshine to your breakfast table. This version of eggs benedict introduces a fresh twist that’s sure to start your day off right. It’s a light yet indulgent dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite morning drink. Whether it’s a Sunday brunch or a special family breakfast, it’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Indulge in a Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka that brings the restaurant experience home. It’s a rich, creamy pasta dish that captures the essence of an Italian delicacy. Perfect for a date night or when you’re looking to treat yourself, it offers a comforting hug in the form of pasta. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up, letting you bring a touch of gourmet to your dinner with ease.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

A plate of cottage cheese toast with blueberries, next to a honey dipper.
Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Sometimes, simplicity shines the brightest, which is exactly the case with Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries. This dish proves that you don’t need complex ingredients to make something deliciously effective. It’s light, nutritious, and provides a sweet twist to your mornings or snack times. It’s also incredibly flexible, allowing you to top it with whatever fruits you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

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

If you haven’t tried Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans, you’re in for a treat. It’s perfect for days when you want a touch of southern comfort without any hassle. This dish is a testament to the wonders of slow cooking, bringing out rich, deep tastes from simple ingredients. Serve it up at your next family gathering, and watch it become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Pizza Raclette

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

Envision melting cheese over a selection of your favorites—that’s what you get with Pizza Raclette. This dish lets everyone tailor their meal to their liking, right at the table! It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy pizza with a twist, perfect for a party or a family dinner where everyone likes something different. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience worth cherishing.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Raclette

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

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

Sometimes, what you’re really looking for is comfort at the dinner table – something that feels familiar but also brings a little twist to your usual meals. That’s where the idea of turning a beloved classic into a casserole comes into play, making it a practical choice for those nights when you want to please everyone without spending hours in the kitchen. Turning the Cuban sandwich into a casserole form might sound unusual at first, but trust me, it’s a game changer.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

Corn on the cob with garlic parmesan on a black plate.
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s something for the corn lovers: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs upgrade your usual corn on the cob into something truly special. They provide a mouthwatering side that’s perfect for grilling seasons or whenever you want to add a twist to your vegetable sides. This dish is as fun to eat as it is tasty, making it a hit for both adults and kids alike.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

Mediterranean Cod

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

Bring the coastal feel to your table with Mediterranean Cod, a dish that marries simplicity with freshness. This option is great for those who love fish but are looking for a new way to enjoy it. It’s particularly good for a light family dinner that won’t leave you feeling overloaded. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, meaning more time enjoying dinner and less time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.