21 easy recipes that don’t look easy

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Sometimes, the kitchen feels like a new adventure, especially when you’re trying to impress friends or just treat yourself. But who says impressive needs to be complicated? There are recipes out there that look like you’ve slaved away for hours, but in reality, they’re as simple as can be. It’s like having a little secret between you and your oven.

A plate of smoked pork belly burnt ends with tomatoes and pickles.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Warm and comforting, perfect for a chilly night, this dish strikes a nice balance between soup and stew. Pasta e Fagioli Soup brings home the rustic Italian flavors you love, without needing a passport. It’s a hearty dish that looks like it spent hours on the stove, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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

Imagine whipping up a dish that’s both quick and packed with flavor. Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs achieve exactly that, blending sweetness with a punch of garlic. The air fryer does the heavy lifting, delivering a crispy finish that will have everyone thinking you’re a wizard in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Dutch oven Carnitas

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

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, that’s what makes a dish memorable. Dutch oven Carnitas provides exactly that, with meat that practically falls apart after its long, slow cook. It’s a fan favorite that seems complex but is remarkably easy.
Get the Recipe: Dutch oven Carnitas

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something about the combination of spices and simplicity that makes a dish stand out. Chicken Paprikash is one of those, offering a comforting embrace with its rich flavors. It might look like it requires hours of toil, but it’s actually quite approachable for any home cook.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Mediterranean Cod

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

Bringing the essence of the Mediterranean sea to your plate, this dish is as nutritious as it is flavorsome. Mediterranean Cod is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a feast for the senses. It’s a straightforward recipe that presents itself as a sophisticated dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Chicken Tinga

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

If you’re in the mood for something that packs a bit of heat and a lot of depth, you’ve found it. Chicken Tinga is the answer, with its robust and smoky flavor profile. It might appear complex, but this dish is deceivingly simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

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.

Set it and forget it; let the slow cooker do the magic. Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops turn out incredibly tender, infused with a creamy, comforting sauce. It’s an effortless way to achieve a dish that looks as if it demanded much more work.
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.

For those who love layers of flavor, this soup is a journey. Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup combines the sweetness of onions with the earthiness of mushrooms. It’s a sophisticated choice that’s actually straightforward in preparation.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup

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 green beans, but elevated to a whole new level of flavor. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans simmer in a bath of rich seasonings and additions, transforming into something utterly delicious. This is simplicity turned indulgent with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

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.

For a dish that commands attention at any table, look no further. Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs are tender, falling off the bone, and enveloped in a rich, garlicky sauce. Despite their restaurant-quality appearance, they’re surprisingly manageable to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

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.

There’s a certain thrill in serving a dish that looks visually stunning and tastes equally spectacular. Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze offer just that, with a glaze that shines and a smoky flavor that captivates. This recipe might look gourmet, but it’s incredibly accessible.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Steak & Pasta Salad

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

This is your go-to when you want the best of both worlds—rich, hearty steak and light, refreshing salad. Steak & Pasta Salad balances these elements in a way that seems intricate but is quite simple. It’s a dish that promises to impress, with minimal fuss involved.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

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.

Dig into a bowl of wholesomeness with a salad that’s far from ordinary. Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes combines chewy, nutty grains with light, savory elements. It’s a combination that looks gourmet but is essentially effortless to put together.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

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

Who says pizza can’t be fancy and easy at the same time? Ham & Asparagus Pizza is here to challenge that notion, with flavors and textures that meld beautifully. It’s an elegant twist on a familiar favorite that’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

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.

Experience the magic of transforming a simple ingredient into a bite-sized marvel. Pork Belly Burnt Ends are all about that caramelized crust outside and succulent meat inside. This dish might seem like it hails from a barbecue joint, but it’s quite doable at home.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Corned Beef Fritters

Corned beef fritters on a white plate with a sunflower.
Corned Beef Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a way to repurpose leftovers into something spectacular? Corned Beef Fritters use what you have, turning it into crispy, savory bites. This recipe is a genius way to elevate your meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters

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.

Imagine all the comforting flavors of a classic pot pie, but in a spoonable form. Turkey Pot Pie Soup does just that, offering comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that looks like it simmered all day, yet it’s quite easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup

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.

It’s not just about filling; it’s about what you fill them with. Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto add a fresh twist to a classic, with a combination that’s both satisfying and simple. This dish brings a bit of elegance without requiring professional skills.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

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

Sometimes, more is more, especially when it comes to cheese. Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are a testament to that, oozing with every bite. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that appears meticulously made, yet it’s actually straightforward.
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.

For a smoky twist on a comfort food classic, this soup is a revelation. Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone blends the richness of smoked tomatoes with creamy mascarpone for a velvety texture. It offers a sophisticated take on soup that’s deceptively simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone

Seafood Stuffed Salmon

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

Make any day feel like a special occasion with a luxurious and easy to execute dish. Seafood Stuffed Salmon pairs the rich flavors of the ocean in an elegant presentation. It looks like something from a fine dining restaurant, yet it’s remarkably manageable to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Salmon

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