Everyday to gourmet: 19 transformative recipes

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Here’s a thought – what if you could turn the regular meals you cook at home into something you might find on a fancy restaurant menu? Sounds interesting, right? Exactly, and it’s doable with the suitable recipes. These recipes aim to take those go-to meals and give them a gourmet twist. It’s all about working with familiar ingredients but using them in a new, creative way. So you’re not just cooking, you’re creating, experimenting. With these recipes, you might find yourself looking forward to cooking and enjoying a gourmet meal right from your kitchen.

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

Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Two pulled pork eggs benedict on a plate with sauce.
Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who needs to dine out when you can make Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict at home? Tender, flavorful pork layered onto a classic eggs benedict makes an ordinary meal feel gourmet. The familiar comfort of a poached egg and hollandaise sauce teamed with pulled pork is a real game-changer. Even a regular Tuesday breakfast will feel like Sunday brunch with this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Mistletoe Mule

A copper glass filled with mule and with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Mistletoe Mule. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Get ready to shake up your regular drink routine with the Mistletoe Mule. This cocktail has a way of bringing a festive feel to any day of the week. A refreshing blend of ingredients that elevates a traditional mule to a whole new level but in a simple and achievable way. It’s like having a holiday in a glass, ready to break the monotony whenever you need it!
Get the Recipe: Mistletoe Mule

Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup

A closeup of a bowl of Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup.
Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

After a long day, a bowl of Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup is like a comforting hug. Not your average soup, this recipe combines the subtle flavors of cauliflower and sweet potato to create a comforting meal yet feels a little fancy. The flavors are simple and familiar but presented in a unique way, making an everyday soup feel like a gourmet dish. It’s a great reminder that a gourmet experience can be as simple as a bowl of well-made soup.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Make an everyday chicken dish into something extraordinary with these oven-baked chicken thighs with creamy onion gravy. The chicken is cooked to perfection, with the creamy onion gravy adding a layer of indulgence. This combination takes a common ingredient like chicken and elevates it into a gourmet main course. With this dish on the table, it’s easy to forget you’re dining at home and not in a fancy restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turning a regular meal into a gourmet experience is as simple as making this Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Tender chicken and soft gnocchi in a rich, flavorful broth make this soup a standout dish. It feels cozy and upscale at the same time, making your lunch or dinner feel out of the ordinary. It’s proof that gourmet doesn’t always mean complicated.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Steak & Potato Soup

Steak & Potato Soup in a black bowl.
Steak & Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew a simple soup could feel so fancy? This Steak & Potato Soup is all about taking everyday ingredients and turning them into something that feels gourmet. It’s a hearty, filling soup that combines the robust flavors of steak with the comforting presence of potatoes. It’s a gourmet experience right in the comfort of home.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Potato Soup

Seafood Chowder

Seafood chowder with a sprig of dill, a delicious stew recipe.
Seafood Chowder. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Seafood Chowder has a way of transforming a regular meal into something truly special. It’s a mix of different seafood, each adding its unique flavor, creating a rich and diverse dish. Each spoonful feels like an exciting adventure – a gourmet experience that’s achievable even on weeknights. With this dish, Tuesday dinner can feel like a Friday night out.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Chowder

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fried rice is a classic, but this Chicken Fried Rice is anything but ordinary. It’s a simple dish made special with the right flavors and ingredients. A dish that’s familiar but feels gourmet and serves as a reminder that a gourmet experience can be found in the simplest of meals. It’s a fresh, flavorful approach to an everyday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma

An  winter vanilla thyme vanilla paloma mocktailwith a sprig of thyme.
Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mix up your drink routine with a Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma. It has an exciting blend of flavors that turns an everyday drink into something extraordinary. Light, refreshing, and a bit unexpected, this Paloma is a simple way to add a gourmet touch to your meal. It’s a reminder that gourmet experiences can come in the form of a refreshing drink.
Get the Recipe: Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma

Turtle Brownies

A piece of Turtle Brownie with ice cream on a plate.
Turtle Brownies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Indulgence gets a new meaning with these Turtle Brownies. They’re a rich, decadent treat that elevates a regular brownie with the addition of caramel and nuts. A bite into these feels like a gourmet dessert, making any day feel a little more special. It’s a simple way to bring a gourmet dessert experience into your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Turtle Brownies

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Here’s a simple way to bring gourmet into your every day – Pasta e Fagioli Soup. This wholesome, hearty soup is more than just a meal, and it’s an experience. It combines pasta and beans in a flavorful broth that feels like a fancy Italian cafe in a bowl. This soup is a reminder that gourmet meals can be cozy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

A closeup of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes in a white serving dish.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are a game-changer. They take a simple ingredient like sweet potato and elevate it into a flavorful side dish that feels gourmet. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these cubes bring a unique twist to your regular meal. They’re a delicious testament to the idea that a gourmet experience can be as simple as a well-prepared side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Cranberry Bars

Two squares of cranberry bars on a slate plate.
Cranberry Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a touch of gourmet to your dessert with these Cranberry Bars. They’re a delightful combination of sweet and tart, making an ordinary dessert stand out. These bars show that you can create a dessert that feels like a gourmet treat with just a few simple ingredients. It’s a sweet reminder that gourmet can be simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bars

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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

Break out of the usual with these Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Each bite is packed with flavor, turning an everyday chicken dish into something impressive. It’s a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings a gourmet dining experience right into your home. It’s proof that a gourmet meal doesn’t have to be complex.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring a touch of finesse to your regular meal with these Au Gratin Potato Stacks. They’re a new take on classic au gratin potatoes, presented in a way that feels extra special. Not just good to eat but also pleasing to the eye, these stacks elevate the humble potato into a gourmet side dish. Gourmet doesn’t always mean complicated, and these potato stacks are proof.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Baked Scotch Eggs

Scotch Eggs on a black plate.
Baked Scotch Eggs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These Baked Scotch Eggs bring a whole new dimension to a regular egg dish. They’re a delightful mix of boiled eggs and savory meat coating, turning an ordinary ingredient into a gourmet delight. Even a simple egg can transform into a luxury dining experience with this recipe. It’s a delicious reminder that gourmet can be simple yet extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Baked Scotch Eggs

Turkey & Apple Panini

Turkey & Apple Panini stacked on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Panini. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shake things up with this Turkey & Apple Panini. This is not your regular sandwich, it’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, combining turkey and apple in a unique way. It’s a simple, everyday sandwich turned gourmet, bringing a refreshing upgrade to your lunch. With this panini, lunchtime will never be boring again.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini

Bacon, Cheddar & Green Onion Scones

Bacon, Cheddar, Green Onion Scones on a black plate.
Bacon, Cheddar & Green Onion Scones. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turn breakfast or teatime into a gourmet experience with these Bacon, Cheddar & Green Onion Scones. These scones are a savory treat that changes up the usual sweet scone game. They’re a delicious example of how gourmet can be simple, approachable, and absolutely scrumptious. It’s a scone, yes, but so much more!
Get the Recipe: Bacon, Cheddar & Green Onion Scones

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s a salad that’s anything but ordinary — the Mexican Street Corn Salad. This recipe infuses an everyday salad with vibrant flavors, turning it into a gourmet dish. It’s not just about eating healthier, but about enjoying the process and the flavors, and this salad gives you that gourmet experience. With this salad, a weeknight dinner can easily feel like a food festival.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

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