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Home » Recipe Collections

30 Easy Recipes You’ll Be Mad You Didn’t Try Last Week

Published: Oct 27, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Easy recipes are all about getting dinner on the table without a ton of hassle, and these 30 quick dishes are just what you need to shake things up in your kitchen. Each one is relatively simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something different. Plus, they come with a fun twist that’ll have everyone wondering why they didn't try these last week! So, if you're looking for meals that are both quick to whip up and have that little something extra, you’re in the right place.

An image of slices of flatbread on a serving plate.
Pesto Flatbread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Peanut Butter Brownies

Close-up image of a batch of peanut butter brownies with a stack of three in the middle, the top one bitten.
Peanut Butter Brownies. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Quick and easy peanut butter brownies made with a mix, egg, and oil, and topped with a creamy peanut butter swirl. Ready in just 30 minutes, these brownies make it easy to enjoy a warm, gooey dessert you’ll be glad you tried this week.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Brownies

Homemade Pink Orange Donuts

Close-up image of homemade pink orange donuts on a cooling rack, with two donuts pierced together by a fork.
Homemade Pink Orange Donuts. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Bright and fun to make, these homemade pink orange donuts are a sweet, colorful treat that’s quick to whip up. Perfect for any occasion, this easy recipe is one you’ll wish you tried last week for fresh donuts at home.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pink Orange Donuts

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Made with fresh ingredients in just 20 minutes, this homemade Margherita pizza brings a simple, flavorful option to busy weeknights. It’s an easy pizza recipe to add to your weeknight meal lineup and one you’ll be happy to try.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Easy Microwave Baked Potato

An overhead image of microwave baked potato on a plate with a fork.
Easy Microwave Baked Potato. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Enjoy a fluffy, perfectly cooked baked potato with this easy microwave recipe that’s ready in just 15 minutes. This quick recipe is a great addition to your weeknight meals, making you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Baked Potato

Pesto Flatbread

An image of slices of flatbread on a serving plate.
Pesto Flatbread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Simple and flavorful, this pesto flatbread comes together in 20 minutes with fresh ricotta, cherry tomatoes, and pesto on a crisp naan base. An easy recipe you’ll want to try soon, it’s perfect for a quick and tasty meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Flatbread

Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

An overhead image of vegan white bean chili with toppings.
Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan white bean chili uses wholesome pantry ingredients and is ready in 30 minutes, making it a quick and nutritious meal for any night. It’s an easy recipe to keep on hand for when you want something hearty and satisfying without a long prep time.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit

Two glass jars of cherry tomatoes and garlic confit on a white surface.
Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cherry tomato confit captures the flavor of fresh tomatoes in an almost no-prep recipe that’s perfect for summer. Easy to make, this recipe will have you preserving the bright taste of summer tomatoes to enjoy on cold winter nights.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit

Corn in a Cup

Two glasses of Corn in a Cup garnished with lime.
Corn in a Cup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Made in just 15 minutes, this easy corn in a cup combines sweet corn with creamy mayonnaise, cheese, and Tajin for a satisfying snack or side dish. It’s the perfect recipe you’ll be happy to have tried for a quick, flavorful bite.
Get the Recipe: Corn in a Cup

3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies

Side angle view of piped Nutella cookies on a wooden board lined with parchment paper.
3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These three-ingredient Nutella cookies are a quick treat that’s ready in only 25 minutes, offering a simple way to enjoy dessert with minimal effort. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re a recipe you’ll wish you tried sooner.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies

Naan Pizza

An image of naan pizza with different toppings on each.
Naan Pizza. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

With three easy naan pizza options—Margherita, Veggie, and Mediterranean—this customizable recipe brings fun and flavor to your table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick meal, it’s an easy recipe you’ll want to have in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Naan Pizza

Strawberry Spoon Cake

A close up shot of strawberry spoon cake in a cast iron skillet, ready to be served.
Strawberry Spoon Cake. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This strawberry spoon cake, baked in a cast iron skillet with layers of fresh strawberries and fluffy cake, is a crowd-pleasing dessert. Quick and easy to make, it’s the sweet recipe you’ll be reaching for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Spoon Cake

Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

A plate of golden, crispy French fries is placed on white parchment paper.
Air Fryer Frozen French Fries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Make perfectly crispy air fryer French fries at home with this quick recipe that’s ready in minutes. Healthier and easier than frying, it’s a simple recipe you’ll love adding to your weekly meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Overhead view of rigatoni arrabbiata dish placed on a white plate and baking dish. 
Rigatoni Arrabbiata. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This rigatoni arrabbiata brings spicy, bold flavor with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil in just 30 minutes. An easy recipe for busy nights, it’s the kind of pasta dish you’ll be glad to have tried for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Air Fryer S'mores

A close-up view of a stack of s'mores, consisting of toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers.
Air Fryer S'mores. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

In just five minutes, this air fryer s’mores recipe delivers gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate with none of the mess. Easy and convenient, it’s a simple recipe you’ll want to have on hand for s’mores cravings anytime.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

Homemade Refried Beans

An overhead view of a bowl of refried beans with a spoon beside it.
Homemade Refried Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Ditch the canned refried beans for this easy, one-pot vegan version ready in just 20 minutes. An easy recipe you’ll be glad to have tried, it makes a flavorful, wholesome side or filling for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Refried Beans

Easy Dinner Rolls

Close-up of a batch of a golden-brown dinner rolls.
Easy Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Soft, tender, and rich, these easy dinner rolls are the perfect addition to holiday meals or any special dinner. Ready in no time, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for bread lovers everywhere.
Get the Recipe: Easy Dinner Rolls

Easy Air Fryer French Toast

Two slices of French toast on a white plate with a brown rim, being cut with a fork and knife.
Easy Air Fryer French Toast. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer French toast is the quick breakfast solution you’ll wish you’d made sooner, ready in just 15 minutes. This easy recipe gives you crispy, golden slices that make a perfect start to busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer French Toast

White Wine Vinaigrette

An image of white wine vinaigrette in a jar.
White Wine Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy and quick, this homemade white wine vinaigrette is a simple way to add flavor to any salad. This easy recipe is ready in minutes, and it’s versatile enough to fit into your weekly meal prep.
Get the Recipe: White Wine Vinaigrette

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes with a slice of butter and a golden spoon.
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This no-drain Instant Pot mashed potato recipe is garlicky and creamy, ready in under 15 minutes. An easy recipe for holiday spreads or simple weeknight dinners, it’s a dish you’ll be happy to have mastered.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Nigerian Fried Rice

An overhead image of Nigerian fried rice in a serving bowl.
Nigerian Fried Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Nigerian fried rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish with long grain rice and colorful veggies, ready in just 15 minutes. This easy recipe is a great choice for any meal, and it’s one you’ll be glad you tried.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice

Cream Cheese Corn Dip

An image of cream cheese corn dip in a baking dish with a spoon full of the dip rests on top.
Cream Cheese Corn Dip. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Made in 35 minutes, this cream cheese corn dip combines sweet corn, spicy peppers, and gooey cheeses for a deliciously easy appetizer. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe will be a hit at any party you host.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Corn Dip

Microwave Sweet Potato

An overhead image of microwaved sweet potatoes on a plate.
Microwave Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This microwave sweet potato recipe makes fluffy sweet potatoes in just minutes, with no cleanup needed. Quick, easy, and mess-free, it’s a side dish you’ll wonder how you lived without.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Sweet Potato

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

An overhead image of cooked rasta pasta on a serving bowl.
Jamaican Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

With creamy pasta and fresh ingredients, this mildly spiced vegan rasta pasta recipe is ready in 30 minutes. Quick and easy, it’s a flavorful meal you’ll want to try for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A close up view of cooked tortellini pasta salad in a white bowl.
Pesto Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Perfect for summer, this tortellini pasta salad combines fresh ingredients in a quick 20-minute recipe that’s easy and light. It’s a great recipe to add to your weekly menu for simple meals or sides.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Easy Mango Salsa

An overhead image of mango salsa in a serving plate.
Easy Mango Salsa. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fresh, homemade mango salsa made in minutes by chopping up a few ingredients and mixing them together. This easy recipe adds a vibrant touch to tacos, meats, or fish and will be a go-to topping you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mango Salsa

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy and citrusy, this lemon ricotta pasta is a one-pot recipe ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining. An easy meal you’ll want to keep in your repertoire, it’s ideal for all occasions.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Easy Egg Rolls

An image of vegan egg rolls arranged on a serving dish with sweet chili sauce on the side.
Easy Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy and flavorful, these vegan egg rolls are ready in just 20 minutes, perfect as an appetizer or snack. An easy recipe you’ll wish you’d tried sooner, it’s a quick way to add something different to your weeknight bites.
Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Rolls

Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

A close up photo of instant pot spinach artichoke dip placed in a white bowl with wooden spoon in the side.
Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Instant Pot spinach artichoke dip is creamy and adaptable, ready to please at any party or game day gathering. Easy and versatile, this recipe will quickly become a favorite you’re glad to have tried.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Sweet and Spicy Pickled Onions

Top view of sweet and spicy pickled onions in a jar.
Sweet and Spicy Pickled Onions. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick-pickled onions that come together in 15 minutes for a tangy, crunchy topping that elevates tacos, salads, and more. An easy recipe with a long fridge life, it’s something you’ll wish you’d made ages ago.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Pickled Onions

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

An image of spaghetti squash casserole with a serving missing from the lower right side of the baking dish.
Spaghetti Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cheesy spaghetti squash casserole brings a healthy, veggie-packed meal to your table in just 45 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, this easy recipe will make you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Casserole

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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