American food might be comfortingly familiar, but these international recipes are about to change how you see it. By blending global flavors with ingredients you already know, these dishes offer a fresh take on what you might expect from a meal. Whether you’re looking for something new for breakfast or a dinner with a twist, these recipes will surprise you. Get ready to rethink American food with each bite.
Classic Matzo Brei
This simple dish features matzo fried with eggs, taking about 15 minutes to make. With just matzo and eggs as the primary ingredients, it delivers a soft, lightly crisp texture. It tastes a bit like scrambled eggs with a subtle matzo crunch. A comforting choice for breakfast or brunch, especially if you enjoy familiar, classic flavors.
Get the Recipe: Classic Matzo Brei
Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Greek Vegetarian Moussaka combines layers of roasted eggplant, zucchini, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with a béchamel. Ready in just under an hour, it brings together tender vegetables and creamy textures. It tastes savory and hearty, with a Mediterranean flair. Perfect for a filling vegetarian main course that’s anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Baked Feta Dip with Honey, Dates, and Hazelnuts
This warm baked feta dip is a sweet and savory combination of honey, dates, and hazelnuts. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and offers a balance of creamy feta with the crunch of nuts and sweetness from the honey. The flavors are rich and layered, making it a unique dip option. Great for serving at gatherings when you want something different from your typical appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Dip with Honey, Dates, and Hazelnuts
Fish with Pomegranate Sauce
Fish with pomegranate sauce brings together the delicate flavor of fish with the tangy sweetness of pomegranate molasses. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and results in a refreshing contrast of flavors. The pomegranate sauce adds a fruity brightness that complements the mild fish. Ideal for a fresh take on seafood that feels light but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Fish with Pomegranate Sauce
Tomato and Avocado Eggs Benedict
This variation on classic Eggs Benedict swaps the ham for creamy avocado and fresh tomato. It’s ready in about 20 minutes, featuring poached eggs on top of the avocado and tomato, all drizzled with hollandaise sauce. The flavors are bright and rich, with the avocado adding a smooth texture. Perfect for a vegetarian brunch with a bit of indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Tomato and Avocado Eggs Benedict
Breakfast Potato Latkes
These breakfast latkes are made from grated potatoes and take around 25 minutes to cook. The main ingredients, potatoes and eggs, come together to create a crispy, savory pancake. The taste is slightly salty with a satisfying crunch, ideal for a hearty breakfast. Serve them with sour cream or applesauce to balance the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Potato Latkes
Pomegranate Glazed Whole Salmon
This whole baked salmon is glazed with pomegranate for a sweet and tart finish. Ready in about 45 minutes, it features the rich taste of salmon with a bright, fruity glaze. The pomegranate adds a refreshing twist to the dish, keeping it light yet flavorful. It’s an impressive main course for any dinner occasion.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Glazed Whole Salmon
The Perfect Brunch Oyster Bake
This oyster bake is a creamy, savory dish perfect for brunch. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and combines oysters with a buttery crumb topping. The flavor is rich and briny, with a comforting texture. A decadent way to start your day or elevate a weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Brunch Oyster Bake
Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta
This salad blends white beans, feta, and fresh Mediterranean flavors like lemon and herbs. It takes about 15 minutes to throw together, making it an easy, light meal. The beans provide heartiness, while the feta adds a creamy, tangy bite. Ideal for a quick lunch or refreshing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta
Green Shakshuka
Green Shakshuka features poached eggs nestled in a vibrant mix of green vegetables. This dish takes about 30 minutes to make, offering a healthy and flavorful breakfast. The taste is fresh, with the greens balancing the richness of the eggs. Perfect for when you want a light yet filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Shakshuka
Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes
These potato pancakes are a traditional Irish recipe made from grated and mashed potatoes. Boxty takes about 25 minutes to cook, and it results in a soft, fluffy texture inside with a crispy exterior. The taste is mild, making it a versatile side dish for breakfast or dinner. Serve them with butter or sour cream for added richness.
Get the Recipe: Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes
Smoky Baba Ghanoush Without Tahini
This baba ghanoush recipe offers a smoky twist, omitting tahini for a lighter flavor. It takes around 20 minutes to prepare and features roasted eggplant blended into a smooth, slightly smoky dip. The taste is rich but not overwhelming, perfect for those who enjoy eggplant’s natural flavors. A great dip to serve with pita or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Baba Ghanoush Without Tahini
Fluffy Pumpkin Protein Waffles with Chocolate Sauce
These pumpkin waffles are packed with protein and topped with a rich chocolate sauce. Ready in about 20 minutes, they’re fluffy and light, yet satisfying. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and warmth, while the chocolate sauce provides a touch of indulgence. A perfect way to start your day with a bit of extra protein.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Protein Waffles with Chocolate Sauce
Gluten-Free Carrot Kugel
This gluten-free carrot kugel is a lightly sweet side dish made from carrots, eggs, and almond flour. It takes about 45 minutes to bake and has a soft, moist texture with a subtle sweetness from the carrots. The almond flour gives it a nutty flavor that complements the natural sweetness. It’s a great option for holiday meals or any time you want a comforting side.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Carrot Kugel
Hot and Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad
This Napa cabbage salad brings together the spicy and tangy flavors of a hot and sour dressing. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and features shredded cabbage with a light crunch. The dressing is bold, adding heat and sour notes that elevate the dish. A perfect light lunch or refreshing side.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad
Dill Zucchini Fritters
These zucchini fritters are flavored with dill and make for a light, crispy snack or side dish. Ready in about 20 minutes, they have a soft interior with a crunchy exterior. The dill adds a fresh, herby note that complements the mild zucchini. They’re great for when you want a simple yet tasty vegetable dish.
Get the Recipe: Dill Zucchini Fritters
Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
This vegan take on eggplant parmesan features roasted eggplant stacked with marinara sauce and dairy-free cheese. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare, offering a rich, savory flavor with a creamy texture. The eggplant is tender, while the sauce adds tang and sweetness. A great plant-based option for Italian-inspired dinners.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
Russian Cottage Cheese Pancakes
These Russian-style pancakes are made with cottage cheese, giving them a rich, creamy texture. It takes around 20 minutes to whip up a batch, resulting in fluffy, slightly tangy pancakes. They’re mildly sweet and perfect for breakfast or dessert. Serve them with a bit of jam or sour cream for a traditional touch.
Get the Recipe: Russian Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Fried Marinated Tofu
Marinated tofu is fried until crispy, making for a satisfying, protein-rich dish. Ready in about 30 minutes, the tofu soaks up the marinade’s flavors, resulting in a savory, umami-packed bite. The texture is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Great for adding to stir-fries, salads, or just as a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Fried Marinated Tofu
Colombian Baked Plantains with Guava and Cheese
This dish features ripe plantains baked with guava paste and soft cheese, creating a sweet and savory combo. It takes around 25 minutes to prepare, with the plantains becoming soft and caramelized in the oven. The guava adds a fruity sweetness, while the cheese brings a creamy richness. A unique dessert or side that’s full of tropical flavor.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Baked Plantains with Guava and Cheese
Breakfast Rutabaga Rosti
Rutabaga rosti is a savory breakfast dish made from grated rutabaga, fried into crisp patties. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, offering a crispy exterior with a tender interior. The flavor is slightly earthy and sweet, a nice change from traditional potato-based breakfasts. A hearty option for when you want something different in the morning.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Rutabaga Rosti
Tropical Overnight Oats
Tropical overnight oats combine coconut milk, chia seeds, and tropical fruits for a quick and healthy breakfast. Ready in about 10 minutes of prep (with overnight chilling), they’re creamy and naturally sweet from the fruit. The coconut adds a rich texture and tropical flair. A refreshing way to start the day without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Tropical Overnight Oats
Fried Ripe Sweet Plantains
Fried sweet plantains are a simple, naturally sweet side dish or snack. It takes about 15 minutes to fry the ripe plantains until golden brown. The taste is rich and caramel-like, with the plantains becoming soft and tender. A great option for a sweet addition to savory meals or on their own.
Get the Recipe: Fried Ripe Sweet Plantains