20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (2024)

Table of Contents
Cooking at home is challenging — we get it — and everyone needs a collection of staple recipes they can turn to over and over again. 1. Roasted lemon chicken to pair with just about anything. 2. A super simple pesto you can toss with pasta, over chicken, or spread on a sandwich. 3. Fluffy homemade pancakes you can make for just about any meal. 4. Chicken stir-fry so you can use up all of the veggies in your fridge. 5. Crockpot chili that's the perfect hands-off recipe for chilly nights. 6. Homemade garlic bread you can serve alongside pasta, salad, or just about anything else. 7. Comforting spaghetti carbonara that comes together in no time. 8. A simple one-pan salmon and green beans that's made entirely in the oven. 9. A simple omelet so you can quickly prepare breakfast before running out the door. 10. An easy stovetop mac 'n' cheese so you finally stop eating the boxed variety. 11. A foolproof recipe for perfectly cooked steak every time. 12. An easy 20-minute tomato sauce you can toss over pasta. 13. A homemade pizza recipe you can customize with your favorite toppings. 14. A quick homemade hummus that comes together in no time. 15. A sheet tray of roasted veggies you can eat all throughout the week. 16. Perfectly moist grilled chicken you can make indoors — because who has an actual grill, anyways? 17. A gourmet grilled cheese you can whip up in a matter of minutes. 18. A delicious (and classic!) Caesar salad you can eat as a full meal, or pair with something else. 19. Fluffy mashed potatoes you can serve alongside any ~fancy~ meal you're making. 20. A signature chocolate chip cookie recipe you can bake for special occasions (or just because). Looking for even more recipe inspiration? Check out these posts: FAQs

    From pasta, to chicken, to roasted veggies — these simple recipes will come in handy over and over again.

    by Jesse SzewczykBuzzFeed Staff

    Cooking at home is challenging — we get it — and everyone needs a collection of staple recipes they can turn to over and over again.

    So we rounded up 20 of our favorite staple recipes that just about everyone should know how to make. Pick a few of your favorites, bookmark them, and keep them in your back pocket.

    1. Roasted lemon chicken to pair with just about anything.

    cafedelites.com

    Why you should know how to make it: It's both simple and impressive, and relatively cheap to make. This recipe uses chicken thighs instead of a whole bird to make things more manageable for a beginner cook. You can pair it with veggies, grains, and anything else your heart desires.

    Get the recipe.

    2. A super simple pesto you can toss with pasta, over chicken, or spread on a sandwich.

    thesuburbansoapbox.com

    Why you should know how to make it: Pesto is super versatile and can dress up just about any meal. Toss it over pasta, spread it on salmon, or mix it with yogurt to make a creamy sandwich spread. It's easy to make, and you can stash it in your fridge for several days.

    Get the recipe.

    3. Fluffy homemade pancakes you can make for just about any meal.

    20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (2)

    motherthyme.com

    Why you should know how to make it: Homemade pancakes make the ultimate breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner (don't @ me). They're fairly easy to make, cook up quickly, and taste way better than the kind you make with store-bought mix.

    Get the recipe.

    4. Chicken stir-fry so you can use up all of the veggies in your fridge.

    20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (3)

    momontimeout.com

    Why you should know how to make it: Stir-fry is the perfect meal to make when you have a fridge full of random items. This recipe, using chicken and veggies, is the perfect starting point. Using this recipe as a guide, you can throw in whatever protein or veggies you have on hand to create an off-the-cuff dinner that's satisfying and quick.

    Get the recipe.

    5. Crockpot chili that's the perfect hands-off recipe for chilly nights.

    20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (4)

    chelseasmessyapron.com

    Why you should know how to make it: Everyone should have a solid chili recipe up their sleeves. It's the perfect thing to cook on cold nights and makes great leftovers. This one is prepared in a slow cooker, so it's great for busy weeknights. You just dump everything in in the morning, turn it on, and come home to a warm dinner ready to be enjoyed.

    Get the recipe.

    6. Homemade garlic bread you can serve alongside pasta, salad, or just about anything else.

    20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (5)

    budgetbytes.com

    Why you should know how to make it: Garlic bread complements pretty much every meal. It only requires five ingredients and minimal effort to throw together, and pretty much everyone will love it.

    Get the recipe.

    7. Comforting spaghetti carbonara that comes together in no time.

    gimmesomeoven.com

    Why you should know how to make it: It's the ultimate empty-fridge pasta recipe that uses just a handful of basic ingredients such as eggs, bacon, and dried spaghetti. It's cheap, comes together quickly, and tastes amazing.

    Get the recipe.

    8. A simple one-pan salmon and green beans that's made entirely in the oven.

    littlespicejar.com

    Why you should know how to make it: Everybody needs a simple technique for cooking fish at home. This recipe marinates salmon in honey mustard and bakes it alongside green beans, but you can use just about any veggie you'd like.

    Get the recipe.

    9. A simple omelet so you can quickly prepare breakfast before running out the door.

    20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (6)

    thekitchn.com

    Why you should know how to make it: Cooking a perfect omelet is simple, but it takes practice. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to bust out an impressive breakfast for yourself or guests without a ton of effort.

    Get the recipe.

    10. An easy stovetop mac 'n' cheese so you finally stop eating the boxed variety.

    20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (7)

    thekitchn.com

    Why you should know how to make it: Sure, boxed mac 'n' cheese is delicious, but you really can't beat a homemade version. This recipe only requires five ingredients and is made entirely on the stovetop, so you don't have to bother baking it.

    Get the recipe.

    11. A foolproof recipe for perfectly cooked steak every time.

    20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (8)

    tasty.co

    Why you should know how to make it: Steaks are expensive, so when you actually do splurge on them, it's important you know how to cook them properly. This recipe pairs them with a homemade garlic butter that keeps them nice and tender and full of flavor. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for those special occasions and people will be convinced that you're a pro chef.

    Get the recipe.

    12. An easy 20-minute tomato sauce you can toss over pasta.

    20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (9)

    foxandbriar.com

    Why you should know how to make it: You can make this sauce ahead of time, stash it in your fridge, and toss it over pasta during the week. It's way better than the store-bought varieties, and not that much work.

    Get the recipe.

    13. A homemade pizza recipe you can customize with your favorite toppings.

    20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (10)

    Vaughn Vreeland/BuzzFeed

    Why you should know how to make it: Sure, ordering pizza is pretty much zero effort, but there's something special about making your own pizza. It tastes way better, and you can top it with whatever ingredients your heart desires.

    Get the recipe.

    14. A quick homemade hummus that comes together in no time.

    cookingclassy.com

    Why you should know how to make it: Hummus is the ultimate snack to have on hand. You can dip chips, veggies, pretzels, and just about anything else you can think of in it. It lasts for several days after you make it and can be customized with any flavor you can think of. Love red peppers? Add them in! Really into roasted garlic lately? Throw some cloves in as you blend it!

    Get the recipe.

    15. A sheet tray of roasted veggies you can eat all throughout the week.

    20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (11)

    cookingclassy.com

    Why you should know how to make it: These simple roasted veggies are seasoned with garlic and herbs and are a cinch to throw together. They go with just about any protein and make meal-prepping a breeze.

    Get the recipe.

    16. Perfectly moist grilled chicken you can make indoors — because who has an actual grill, anyways?

    20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (12)

    gimmedelicious.com

    Why you should know how to make it: Grilled chicken is a simple go-to protein that you can pair with pretty much anything — and once you invest in a grill pan, you can make it indoors in no time. Throw it on top of rice, a salad, or in a sandwich — however you eat it, it's going to be good.

    Get the recipe.

    17. A gourmet grilled cheese you can whip up in a matter of minutes.

    20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (13)

    Michael Graydon and Nikole Herriott / Via bonappetit.com

    Why you should know how to make it: Because it'll become your new go-to snack for late nights, quick lunches, and everything in-between.

    Get the recipe.

    18. A delicious (and classic!) Caesar salad you can eat as a full meal, or pair with something else.

    cookingclassy.com

    Why you should know how to make it: Caesar salad is a classic for a reason. It's both hearty and light, flavorful, and relatively simple to throw together. If you choose to make your own dressing, you can get a head start and prepare it on the weekend, then just stash it in your fridge.

    Get the recipe.

    19. Fluffy mashed potatoes you can serve alongside any ~fancy~ meal you're making.

    20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (14)

    Taylor Miller/BuzzFeed

    Why you should know how to make it: Whenever you need to cook a fancy meal, mashed potatoes are the ultimate go-to side. They're decadent yet super easy to make, and they make any meal feel special.

    Learn how to make four different kinds of mashed potatoes.

    20. A signature chocolate chip cookie recipe you can bake for special occasions (or just because).

    Lauren Zaser / BuzzFeed

    Why you should know how to make it: Because cookies are the ultimate sweet treat to make for just about any occasion. Birthday party? Bring cookies. Celebrating a promotion? Bring cookies.

    Get the recipe.

    Looking for even more recipe inspiration? Check out these posts:

    17 Easy Pantry Meals You Can Whip Up On Busy Nights

    20 Cheap And Easy One Pot Dinner Ideas To Bookmark

    20 Go-To Recipes Every Twentysomething Should Know (2024)

    FAQs

    How many recipes does the average person know? ›

    According to a recent study three in four U.S. residents who have traveled in the last five years claim that more than anything else, they went for the food (74%).

    How many things should you know how do you cook? ›

    17 Dishes Every Home Cook Should Know How to Make, According to Chefs
    • 01 of 17. Eggs. Victor Protasio. ...
    • 02 of 17. Rice. Diana Chistruga. ...
    • 03 of 17. Roast Chicken. Julia Hartbeck. ...
    • 04 of 17. Bolognese. Photo and Styling by Julia Gartland. ...
    • 05 of 17. Baked Fish. Maxwell Cozzi. ...
    • 06 of 17. Fresh Pasta. ...
    • 07 of 17. Steak. ...
    • 08 of 17. French Fries.
    Mar 11, 2024

    What percent of the population knows how do you cook? ›

    Survey Finds 28% of Americans Can't Cook.

    When you were going to try a new recipe what is the first thing you want to do? ›

    Read the recipe before you start.

    “Read the recipe a few times before you make it,” she says, “and make sure it is something you are comfortable doing.” Then, lay out every ingredient you'll need before you begin to cook.

    How many meals are humans actually supposed to eat? ›

    In one sense, it all comes down to math: The average adult human requires 2,000 calories per day, and you're only awake for so many hours. "Across all peer-reviewed research and health practices, three meals a day is a general recommendation to encourage consistent, adequate energy intake," Miluk said.

    How many meals are you actually supposed to eat? ›

    The Theory: Nutrition experts tend to recommend eating 3 balanced meals (350 to 600 calories each) and 1 to 3 snacks per day (between 150 and 200 calories each).

    What is rule number 1 of cooking? ›

    1. Read the recipe. Of all the important advice out there about cooking, this by far has to be the number 1 rule of cooking: read your recipe completely before getting started. This may seem like a mundane task (especially when you're excited dive in!), but you'll be so thankful you took the time to do it!

    What are the 4 rules of cooking? ›

    The four basic safe food handling behaviors — clean, separate, cook, and chill — will keep our food safe. Food safety risks at home are common.

    How many people don t know what to cook? ›

    While seven out of ten people claim to be naturally gifted in the kitchen, 56% of people surveyed in a recent poll say they struggle with even the most basic recipes.

    Do you think everyone should know how do you cook? ›

    Cooking improves your health

    There is a whole lotta truth to this statement. Consider that by learning to cook you are not only in control of your calorie intake, but you're also building healthier habits, and the healthier you eat, the more energy you'll have to keep cooking.

    Who cooks more, male or female? ›

    Worldwide, women cook nearly nine meals a week on average, while men cook only four, according to a new survey. A new survey finds the gender gap in 'home cooking' has widened, with women cooking more meals than men in nearly every country worldwide. Women cooked just under nine meals per week, on average, in 2022.

    What is the first thing you should do with every recipe? ›

    Read the recipe.

    Take a good look at the recipe. Don't just skim it; read it through from start to finish. As you read, visualize doing the steps, which will help when you're prepping and prevent that dreaded yikes-I'm-missing-an-ingredient moment.

    What do you think is the most important part of a recipe? ›

    Ingredient List - The ingredient list is one of the most critical parts of a recipe. The ingredients should be listed in chronological order, with the ingredient used first at the very top of the list (Palmer, 2020).

    What is the first thing I should cook? ›

    Marshmallows. "The best thing for someone getting into baking to make: marshmallows," says pastry chef Stella Parks of BraveTart.com. "You mix corn syrup, sugar, and water and boil it to about 250 degrees, which makes it firmer.

    What is the average number of recipes in a cookbook? ›

    The average cookbook contains 300-400 recipes.

    How many does the average person know? ›

    The median person knows 472 other people. On average, people know 611 others, driven in part by a small number of people with huge numbers of acquaintances. There are different degrees of how well you know people.

    How often do people use recipes? ›

    Morning Consult research shows that consumers frequently use recipes: Two-thirds of U.S. adults said they cooked with a recipe at least one day in the past week, and nearly 10% said it's a daily occurrence.

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