50 Recipes You Must Attempt in 2021

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Goodbye and good riddance, 2020! With a new year comes a clean slate and the opportunity to learn how to cook up some new dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned at-home chef looking for new recipes to try or you’re just learning how to cook and feeling a little intimidated, we’ve got you covered. From classic, tried-and-true dishes to unique twists on the classics, here are 50 recipes you need to try in 2021.

And for more, don’t miss these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

For anyone who has a sweet tooth, there’s nothing better than starting the day with a dish like stuffed French toast. This recipe tastes as decadent as anything you’d order in a restaurant, but it’s less than 400 calories.

Get our recipe for French Toast Stuffed with Strawberries.

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Banana nutella crepeMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Is there anything tastier than Nutella? (That’s a rhetorical question, of course.) These crepes are super easy to make, and if you aren’t a fan of bananas, you can simply replace them with a different fruit like strawberries or blueberries.

Get our recipe for Banana-Nutella Crepes.

Healthy scrambled eggs with salmon asparagus and goat cheeseMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Start the day with this filling, protein-packed breakfast. We recommend serving it with a side of roasted potatoes or fresh fruit.

Get our recipe for Scrambled Eggs with Salmon, Asparagus & Goat Cheese.

eggs diablo with taco shells in panWaterbury Publications, Inc.

If you like foods with a kick, you’ll definitely want to try this spicy breakfast dish, made with red pepper, fire-roasted tomatoes, green peppers, and onions. It’s also perfect for vegetarians because it contains 17 grams of protein.

Get our recipe for Eggs Diablo.

breakfast sweet potato on blue plate with blueberries and yogurtCarlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!

Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest foods out there, so this recipe is the perfect way to start the day off on the right foot. It’s loaded with other healthy ingredients including granola, vanilla yogurt, and blueberries.

Get our recipe for a Breakfast Loaded Sweet Potato.

Maple cashew apple toastJason Donnelly

Start the morning by satisfying your sweet tooth with this light but filling toast. Just be sure to use pure maple syrup so you’re consuming natural sugar.

Get our recipe for Maple-Cashew-Apple Toast.

breakfast tacos recipe on a plateKiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Eggs and bacon tacos are a great way to start the day, and this recipe is also perfect if you’re craving breakfast for dinner.

Get our recipe for Eggs and Bacon Breakfast Tacos.

japanese egg pancakes spinach green onionsWaterbury Publications, Inc.

Calling all vegetarians! This twist on Japanese egg pancakes is super easy to make and includes delicious ingredients like spinach, green onions, radish, garlic, and rice vinegar.

Get our recipe for Japanese Egg Pancakes with Spinach and Green Onions.

peaches and green kale smoothie bowl on white backgroundWaterbury Publications, Inc.

This smoothie bowl is definitely one of the most delicious ways to get in your greens. Plus, it contains 11 grams of protein, so it’s a filling breakfast. What more could you ask for?

Get our recipe for a Peaches and Green Smoothie Bowl.

Chocolate coconut banana smoothieJason Donnelly

If you prefer a filling smoothie for breakfast, you won’t want to miss out on this sweet but healthy drink. Made with Greek yogurt and coconut milk, one serving is under 200 calories—no need to feel guilty if you make another one as an afternoon snack.

Get our recipe for a Chocolate-Coconut Banana Smoothie.

Asian tuna burgers with wasabi mayoMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Mix things up by swapping beef burgers for these tasty, protein-packed tuna burgers. If tuna isn’t your favorite fish, no problem. The recipe can also be made with salmon, and the spicy wasabi mayo topping is the perfect finishing touch.

Get our recipe for Asian Tuna Burgers with Wasabi Mayo.

Healthy grilled calamari saladMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This salad is the perfect appetizer or side dish. The calamari is grilled rather than fried, but it’s equally tasty and much healthier than what you find in restaurants.

Get our recipe for a Grilled Calamari Salad.

Healthy loaded calzoneMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Stuffed with chicken and veggies, this calzone is one of our favorites. It’ll leave you wondering why calzones don’t get as much love as pizza.

Get our recipe for a Loaded Calzone.

veggie pizza calzonesCarlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!

Of course, there’s no rule that you have to choose between a calzone or pizza. This recipe is also perfect for vegetarians.

Get our recipe for Air Fryer Veggie Pizza Calzones.

Vegetarian curry cauliflower with butternut squashMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

The recipe may be vegetarian, but meat-eaters definitely won’t want to miss out on this flavorful curry. It tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but it only takes 25 minutes to make.

Get our recipe for Curry with Cauliflower and Butternut Squash.

Healthy grilled cheese with apples and baconMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and this recipe’s combination of apples, bacon, and sharp cheddar is the stuff of dreams.

Get our recipe for Grilled Cheese with Apples and Bacon.

Healthy pasta bologneseMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Another classic comfort food dish is pasta bolognese, but the traditional recipe is packed with calories and saturated fat. This version uses turkey and lean sirloin rather than veal and fattier beef, without sacrificing the flavor we know and love.

Get our recipe for Pasta Bolognese.

Healthy hawaiian crepeMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

If you love Hawaiian pizza, you’ll want to try this sweet and savory crepe.

Get our recipe for a Hawaiian Pizza Crepe.

Vegetarian honey roasted carrotsMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Bored with your rotation of veggie recipes? This simple recipe adds delicious flavor, and we predict everyone at the table will want seconds.

Get our recipe for Honey Roasted Carrots.

Low-calorie chicago dogMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

It’s no secret that Chicago’s hot dogs are to die for. Unfortunately, we can’t just hop on a plane every time we’re craving one, but this recipe is the next best thing. You just may feel like you’ve been transported to the Windy City.

Get our recipe for a Chicago Dog.

Healthy mexican hot dogsMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

There’s more than one way to eat a hot dog. Made with salsa, guacamole, and pickled jalapeños, this dish is heavenly for anyone who loves both hot dogs and Mexican food.

Get our recipe for Mexican Hot Dogs.

Slow cooker beef and beerMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Inspired by a Belgian dish, this recipe combines beef and dark beer (we recommend using Guinness). It only requires 10 minutes of prep time in the morning. Then, let the slow cooker do its magic, and you’ll have the perfect meal for a cold night.

Get our recipe for Slow-Cooker Beef and Beer.

Bowl of pumpkin pad thai with peanuts ready to be eatenBlaine Moats

Everyone loves Pad Thai, and this unique recipe is made with pumpkin purée. It’s the perfect dish for fall, but we’d eat it all year round because it’s just so darn tasty.

Get our recipe for Pumpkin Pad Thai.

healthy zucchini carbonaraMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Most restaurants add heavy cream to their carbonara dishes, but that’s not how it’s made in Italy and our recipe proves it’s definitely not necessary for a delicious meal. It’s made with bacon, but you can remove that ingredient if there are any vegetarians at the table.

Get our recipe for Zucchini Carbonara.

homemade succotashShutterstock

In search of a new side dish to try? Look no further than this succotash recipe. This versatile dish is made from sweet corn, lima beans, and bacon. It pairs perfectly with any meat- or fish-based main course.

Get our recipe for Succotash.

chicken enchilada casserole in bowlKiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Making enchiladas at home is a time-consuming task. Luckily for all of us, there’s a delicious solution if we’re craving enchiladas but don’t have the time to make them. Get out the slow cooker and make this casserole recipe. Don’t worry if you have a lot of leftovers—just freeze it and it’ll taste just as good the next day.

Get our recipe for Chicken Enchilada Casserole.

Vegan sweet potato friesMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Sweet potato fries are one of the most popular splurge foods out there, and it’s easy to see why. But if you make them at home using this healthy recipe, you’ll be surprised at how good they taste without all those empty calories. They’re baked rather than fried, and cayenne pepper gives them an extra kick of flavor.

Get our recipe for Sweet Potato Fries.

cooked corn with salt and butter on a plateKiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Another beloved side dish is corn on the cob, but if you’re new to cooking at home, it may be a little intimidating. Use this recipe to guide you step-by-step; you’ll end up with a tasty, healthy final product.

Get our recipe for Corn on the Cob.

Low-calorie honey-mustard salmon with roasted asparagusMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This grilled salmon dish is quick and easy to make, and the recipe includes steps that will have you grilling like a pro in no time. Then spend a whopping three minutes whipping up a honey mustard sauce to add the perfect finishing touch.

Get our recipe for Honey-Mustard Salmon with Roasted Asparagus.

air fryer falafelCarlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!

Who doesn’t love falafel? This recipe uses an air fryer, which automatically removes all that extra oil and fat. But don’t worry, the final product is just as good and versatile.

Get our recipe for Air Fryer Falafel.

warm brussels sprouts salad eggs pickled red onionsWaterbury Publications, Inc.

Brussels sprouts don’t get nearly as much love as they deserve. If you’re a skeptic, give this recipe a try, and we’re pretty sure you’ll be singing a different tune. Plus, we could all use more variety when it comes to getting in our greens.

Get our recipe for a Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad with Eggs and Pickled Red Onions.

beef skewersShutterstock

Fire up the grill, because you definitely don’t want to miss out on these skewers. Use skirt or flank steak, and get even more flavor by adding plenty of homemade chimichurri sauce.

Get our recipe for Argentinian-Style Churrasco Skewers With Chimichurri Sauce.

Healthy beijing wingsMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Just when you thought you’d sampled every chicken wing topping out there, here’s a new variation on the beloved dish. The wings are soaked in a delicious Asian marinade and then roasted or grilled rather than fried.

Get our recipe for Beijing Wings.

Crock pot chicken noodle soup with bread on a table.Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Chicken noodle soup is a staple comfort food, and it tastes even better after a day in the Crock-Pot. This is definitely a recipe that you’ll want to add to your rotation STAT.

Get our recipe for Crock-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup.

one skillet taco pasta with spoon, cotija cheese, and sliced avocadoWaterbury Publications, Inc.

This recipe combines two of the most popular foods out there: pasta and tacos. It’s easy to make and only requires one skillet, which makes clean-up time a whole lot quicker!

Get our recipe for One-Skillet Taco Pasta.

Healthy mozzarella spiediniMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Goodbye mozzarella sticks, hello mozzarella spiedini! This vegetarian recipe pairs the staple cheese with a baguette crust, rosemary, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil.

Get our recipe for Mozzarella Spiedini.

Healthy grilled fruit kebabs with yogurt and honeyMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

The perfect mix of sweet and savory, these kebabs are made from fresh fruit and make an excellent snack or dessert.

Get our recipe for Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Yogurt and Honey.

Bowl potato chipsShutterstock

It’s no secret that the chips aisle is filled with temptation. These potato chips are baked so you can indulge guilt-free (everyday, even yet!) and the recipe includes a number of suggested toppings if you want to mix things up.

Get our recipe for Homemade Chips.

baked kale chips with olive oil and sea salt in an orange bowlShutterstock

Kale chips aren’t the easiest snack to make, but don’t let that scare you off. This recipe includes step-by-step directions straight from an expert recipe developer. You’ll be making the best kale chips in town in no time.

Get our recipe for Kale Chips.

Finished latkes with sauces ready to eat on HanukkahKiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

It doesn’t have to be Hannukah to enjoy latkes with either sour cream or applesauce. But it can never hurt to be a latke expert so you can pitch in at a moment’s notice during any Hanukkah celebration.

Get our recipe for Latkes.

Sundae with grilled pineapple and rum sauceMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Yes, sundaes can be healthy! Made with pineapple and rum sauce, this dessert is perfect for all the piña colada enthusiasts out there.

Get our recipe for a Sundae with Grilled Pineapple and Rum Sauce.

Chocolate pudding with olive oil and sea saltMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Ditch the store-bought pudding and use this recipe to make a much healthier version at home. The finishing touch of olive oil and sea salt makes this dessert the best combination of sweet and savory—and it’s only 310 calories per serving.

Get our recipe for Chocolate Pudding with Olive Oil and Sea Salt.

Vegetarian strawberry shortcake with balsamicMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Made with angel food cake and topped with strawberries soaked in balsamic vinegar and black pepper, this strawberry shortcake will ensure you never want to order the Cheesecake Factory’s 1,000-calorie version again.

Get our recipe for Strawberry Shortcake with Balsamic.

Warm mocha tartWaterbury Publications Inc.

Calling all chocoholics! This gooey tart may take a bit of time to make, but the final product is more than worth it.

Get our recipe for a Warm Mocha Tart.

biting into a slice of coca cola cake on a grey plateKiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

This recipe is perfect for at-home chefs looking for new dishes to try. Who knew that Coca Cola could be an ingredient in a cake? It may sound a little odd, but one bite will convince you that the mixture works and makes for an excellent dessert.

Get our recipe for Coca-Cola Cake.

Low-calorie espresso granitaMitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Looking for a frozen dessert that doesn’t include ice cream? An espresso granita is the answer to your dessert prayers. Made with espresso, light whipped cream, and dark chocolate, it comes in at less than 200 calories. Seconds, anyone?

Get our recipe for an Espresso Granita.

finished milkshakes with strawsKiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Sometimes we just get a strong craving for a good, old-fashioned milkshake. Of course, the dilemma is that if you get it from an ice cream shop, you’ll be consuming a whole lot of empty calories in one fell swoop. Instead, use this recipe, and you’ll get all the deliciousness you crave without the extra calories.

Get our recipe for Old-Fashioned Milkshakes.

kombucha pina colada popsiclesCourtesy of Health-Ade Kombucha

If you like piña coladas… well, we all know how the song goes. But instead of getting caught in the rain, whip up these fun, healthy popsicles.

Get our recipe for Kombucha Piña Colada Popsicles.

bubbly rose kombucha floatCourtesy of Health-Ade Kombucha

If you love a glass of rosé, try mixing it up with this summer treat by adding kombucha, ice cream, and raspberries.

Get our recipe for a Rosé Kombucha Float.

paloma cocktail grapefruit fruit garnish in glass on trayShutterstock

Can’t decide between a glass of wine and a cocktail? This recipe is here to solve all your beverage woes!

Get our recipe for a Rosé Paloma Cocktail.

For more, check out these 108 most popular sodas ranked by how toxic they are.