Ditch the delivery: 21 tastier meals you can DIY

Photo of author

| Updated:

Ever opened a delivery box to find something soggy and kind of sad looking? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Cooking at home can actually be a blast, and it always tastes way better. So, why not say goodbye to those disappointing meals and hello to some awesome flavors with these 21 tastier meals you can DIY?

A bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something special about making a delicious dinner in just one pan, and Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is the perfect example. It’s hearty, it’s tasty, and it screams better than anything you can order. Seriously, whip this up and you’ll see why it’s on our list of tastier meals you can DIY. The comfort food factor is just unbeatable.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Baked Spanish Rice

A closeup of Baked Spanish Rice in a black dish.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever crave something warm and comforting? Baked Spanish Rice is the answer and a standout among tastier meals you can DIY. Forget about bland rice dishes from restaurants; this one’s full of flavor and super satisfying. Plus, making it yourself means you can boast about your cooking skills.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s no need to settle for boring chicken when Chicken Piccata exists. This dish is tangy, tasty, and just perfect for shaking up your dinner routine with something a bit fancier. It’s also on our list of tastier meals you can DIY, because why not dine in style at home? Plus, it’s a lot easier to make than you might think.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Southern Ham Salad

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

Forget the ordinary, Southern Ham Salad is about to be your go-to for sandwiches and crackers. It’s savory, it’s a bit sweet, and it’s packed with flavor. This is a great recipe for using up leftover ham and turning it into something extraordinary. Whip this up for a picnic or lunch, and watch it disappear. It’s a classic Southern dish that you can easily make at home.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with asparagus.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re into juicy chicken with a golden touch, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites should be on your list of tastier meals you can DIY. They’re super easy to make and packed full of flavor. Seriously, once you’ve tried these, the thought of hitting up a delivery app for chicken will seem silly. It’s all about bringing restaurant vibes into your kitchen with these little guys.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Molly Bars

Four pieces of molly bars on a white plate.
Molly Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Let’s talk about desserts that are too good not to make at home. Molly Bars are a no-brainer for a sweet treat and definitely fall into the category of tastier meals you can DIY. Whip up a batch of these, and you’ll wonder why you ever craved store-bought sweets. They’re just that good and a total game-changer for dessert time.
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars

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.

On the hunt for an easy dinner that delivers on flavor? Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken has got you covered. It’s herby, it’s citrusy, and it roasts to perfection alongside your favorite veggies. This one-pan wonder makes cleanup a breeze and proves that tasty dinners don’t need to be complicated. A surefire way to get a delicious meal on the table without a fuss.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

A closeup of a baking dish filled with Pasta with Ricotta and Tomatoes with a scoop missing.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You won’t believe how easy and tasty making Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is. It’s creamy, it’s tangy, and it knocks any takeout pasta out of the park. This dish is about keeping things simple but delicious, showing you that homemade pasta can be a weeknight thing. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends with minimal effort. A real winner for any pasta lover.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Garlic Parmesan Wings

Garlic Parmesan Wings on a platter.
Garlic Parmesan Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those nights when only wings will do, Garlic Parmesan Wings got you covered. This is one of those tastier meals you can DIY and forget about soggy, expensive takeout. Crunchy, cheesy, and with just the right amount of garlic, these wings are all about making your taste buds happy. Bonus: Your kitchen will smell amazing.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Wings

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for something a little fancy but totally doable? Roast Pork with Apples is your ticket to impress without the stress. This combo is classic, delicious, and a real showstopper at any table. It’s another one of those tastier meals you can DIY, proving once again that homemade is just better. Trust us, your kitchen’s about to turn into the best spot in town.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Miss dining out at Cracker Barrel? Try making Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings at home. It’s hearty, it’s comforting, and it gets close to the real deal. This dish brings the taste of the American South into your kitchen, perfect for when you’re craving that country cooking feel. A bowl of this, and you’ll be feeling cozy in no time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

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.

When you’re craving something on the lighter side but still want heaps of flavor, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is where it’s at. It’s fresh, it’s easy, and it definitely deserves a spot in your roster of tastier meals you can DIY. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good about what you’re eating. Plus, it’s a great way to pretend you’re on vacation in your own dining room.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Cauliflower with lemon and dill on a black board.
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you think veggies are boring, Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill will change your mind. It’s zesty, it’s herby, and it’s surprisingly addictive. This is a side dish that easily upgrades any meal, proving that tastier meals you can DIY don’t always have to be about the meat. Give it a shot; it might just become your new favorite way to eat cauliflower.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

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.

Leftover turkey never had it so good until Turkey à la King came along. This dish turns bland leftovers into something creamy, dreamy, and absolutely delicious. It’s a makeover for turkey that definitely earns its spot among the tastier meals you can DIY. Who knew leftovers could taste this good? It’s comfort food that really hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Croissant Breakfast Casserole

A white plate with a slice of Croissant breakfast casserole and orange next to it.
Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew breakfast could feel so luxurious? Croissant Breakfast Casserole is here to make mornings exciting. It’s fluffy, it’s cheesy, and it’s got all the breakfast essentials in one dish. Perfect for lazy weekends or when you want to brunch in style at home. This dish says goodbye to the boring breakfast routine and hello to a flaky, buttery, egg-stravaganza.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole

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.

Dreaming of a sunny California morning? California Eggs Benedict is your answer. It’s fresh, it’s innovative, and it brings a twist to the classic Benedict with some avocado and tomato. Perfect for when you’re looking to treat yourself to a fancy breakfast at home. It’s a taste of the West Coast, no matter where you are, making mornings a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re in the mood for something hearty and delicious, the Beefy John Wayne Casserole has got your back. It’s meaty, it’s cheesy, and it’s 100% worth the effort — a total winner for any dinner situation. It belongs to the tastier meals you can DIY, making it a solid choice when you’re feeding a crowd or just really hungry. Trust us, this casserole doesn’t play around.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Four tacos with Mexican molida on a wooden table.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your dinner with Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. It’s savory, it’s got just the right kick, and it’s super versatile. Think tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for rice. This dish is all about bringing bold flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort. So, ditch the taco kit, and give this authentic recipe a go for your next Mexican night.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Get that Cracker Barrel flavor at home with Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. They’re sweet, they’re tender, and they’re ridiculously easy to make. A side dish that’s simple but hits the spot, especially if you’re into those buttery, sugary carrots served at the restaurant. Why go out when you can make these babies at home? It’s a side dish that’ll steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

A top-down shot of Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies on a white plate.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Sweet, tangy, and with just the right crunch, Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are about to become your new tea-time favorite. They’re easy to make, they’re delicious, and they have a way of brightening up your day. Perfect for when you’re craving a little something sweet that’s not too over the top. Homemade cookies never tasted so good.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

For a refreshing side dish, Cucumber Salad with Feta is a must-try. It’s crisp, it’s tangy, and it’s sprinkled with the freshness of dill. This salad is a winner for any meal that needs a light and flavorful companion. Whether it’s alongside grilled meats or as a healthy lunch option, this salad promises a tasty way to get in your greens. It’s a breeze to whip up and just as easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Leave a Comment

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