Nail It with These 5-Star Recipes from Our Community Cooks (2024)

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Updated: Feb. 10, 2024

We've gathered the latest five-star recipes created by our Community Cooks! Whether breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert, these recipes will get a perfect score.

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Toad in the Hole Bacon Sandwich

Switch up the cheese—pepper jack gives a nice kick—or use sliced kielbasa, ham or sausage in place of the bacon in this versatile grilled cheese sandwich. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

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2/54

Loaded Huevos Rancheros with Roasted Poblano Peppers

This is a unique but tasty version of huevos rancheros. It’s similar to a cowboy hash, as the potatoes take the place of the corn tortillas. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

3/54

Slow-Cooker Bananas Foster

The flavors of caramel, rum and walnut naturally complement fresh bananas in this classic dessert made easy! —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

4/54

Keto Meatballs and Sauce

I have been following a keto diet for a year and a half and have lost 130 pounds. I took several recipes and tweaked them to create this recipe for keto meatballs. You won’t miss the breadcrumbs at all! I like to eat these on their own, but they are also great over zucchini noodles. —Holly Balzer-Harz, Malone, New York

5/54

Fried Cinnamon Strips

I first made these crispy strips for a special family night at our church. Most of them were snapped up before dinner! —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma

6/54

Rhubarbecue

This simmered sauce is a roller-coaster ride for your tongue. It's a wonderful blend of complex flavors that goes with any meat. — Rd Stendel-Freels, Albuquerque, New Mexico

7/54

Sweet Potato Chili with Turkey

My slow-cooker chili is packed with flavor. Swapping ground turkey for ground beef lightens it up, and sweet potato puree sneaks in a healthy dose of vitamin A. -Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

8/54

Pina Colada Icebox Cake

This icebox cake has all the flavors of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

9/54

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Sriracha Aioli

This Sriracha Brussels sprouts recipe constantly surprises you—it’s crispy, easy to eat and totally sharable, yet it’s a vegetable! The recipe is also gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo, and it can be vegan if you use vegan mayo. —Molly Winsten, Brookline, Massachusetts

10/54

Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders

These little sliders deliver big Buffalo chicken flavor without the messiness of wings. The spicy-sweet meatballs are a hit on game day with kids and adults alike. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

11/54

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

“This is so tasty, my husband insists it could be served in a restaurant,” promises Joan Hallford of North Richland Hills, Texas.

12/54

Mom-Mom Bessie’s Coconut Molasses Pie

I’m the keeper of my husband’s grandmother’s handwritten recipe book. Mom-Mom Bessie was one of the best cooks I knew, and we think of her every time we make this pie. The flavor combination of coconut and molasses is a family favorite. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

13/54

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

I added all of the components of a loaded baked potato—cheddar, potato, bacon, sour cream and chives—to my latest quick and easy dish. Every kid will love these chicken tenders! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

14/54

Blueberry Cream Pops

Blueberry and cream pops are such a fun after-school snack. Make them in the morning so the pops are ready to go when the kids come in the door. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

15/54

Prosciutto and Peas

This peas and prosciutto dish has a delicious, slightly salty flavor. Even the pea haters will like this one! —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

16/54

Chili-Topped Cornbread Waffles

My daughter inspired this cornbread waffles recipe. Everyone in my family loves chili except her, so we had an idea—cornbread waffles topped with chili and all the fixings! It was a hit. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

17/54

Italian Steak Sandwiches

My sister came up with these quick sandwiches that use minced garlic and other seasonings to bring pizzazz to deli roast beef. Add some carrot sticks or a tomato salad for a fantastic lunch in no time. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts

18/54

Apple Pie Ricotta Waffles

I had apples and ricotta cheese to use up, so instead of making a pie I decided to do something different. The result was these fluffy, tender waffles with just a hint of sweetness. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

19/54

Madras Curried Eggs with Rice

Whoever said that gourmet foods take ages to prepare did not know about this traditional Indian curried eggs dish, which my mother-in-law shared with me. Its meatless simplicity and all the accompaniments make it unique, delicious and unforgettable. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

20/54

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Muffins

I have a family member with special dietary needs, so I came up with these gluten-free sweet potato muffins that we could all enjoy. These are just as good as any traditional recipe, maybe better! If you don’t have sweet potato on hand, canned pumpkin may be used instead. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

21/54

Rosemary Beef Roast over Cheesy Polenta

I love beef roast in the slow cooker, and it’s fun to pair it with something a little different than potatoes! This is true comfort food. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

22/54

Honey Beet Bread

If you have any leftover from dinner, you’ll find this savory bread makes great sandwiches, too. -Nancy Zimmerman, New Jersey

23/54

Spicy Taco Meat

My husband and I love Tex-Mex food with all the fixings. Cooking the meat in the slow cooker makes prepping the toppings a breeze. We love to serve this at parties, with the filling in the slow cooker to stay warm and the various toppings in bowls so the guests can build their own! —Rebecca Yankovich, Springfield, Virginia

24/54

Grandma’s Potato Salad

Our Fourth of July feast wouldn’t be complete without this chilled old-fashioned potato salad. It’s my grandma’s treasured recipe. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

25/54

While growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans for this chorizo breakfast bowl. You can even add a spoonful of pico de gallo. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

26/54

Tahitian Breakfast Treats

This is a healthy take on the Tahitian coconut breakfast treat called Firi Firi, which is typically fried. My version is baked and rolled in a spicy island sugar mix. —Sue Falk, Sterling Heights, Michigan

27/54

Cheesy Breakfast Egg Rolls

Whether you have to run out the door in the morning or take a few minutes to relax at the table, these breakfast egg rolls will hit the spot. The egg and sausage mixture can be made the night before so in the morning you roll, fry and go! —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire

28/54

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

I got the idea for these Buffalo chicken sliders from my mom and dad, who’d made a similar version for a family get-together. It’s a versatile recipe, and I sometimes use several different styles of Buffalo sauce and let guests mix and match their favorites. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio

29/54

Old Bay Cauliflower

Ready in 10 minutes, this bowl of veggies has three ingredients and a whole lot of flavor. It’s the perfect cauliflower side dish. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington

30/54

Slow-Cooker Chipotle Pork Chops

I love the tender texture of pork chops made in the slow cooker! The flavor of this sauce is similar to barbecue, but with a little extra kick. The crispy onions on top add an extra, delectable crunch. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

31/54

Easy Jambalaya

I brought this easy jambalaya to a Sunday potluck and it was quickly gobbled up. When friends asked me for the recipe, they couldn’t believe how easy it was! —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska

32/54

Blue Cheese Pork Medallions

This comforting pork dish feels fancy, thanks to the creamy sauce kicked up a notch by blue cheese. Guests go crazy over it, and would never guess how quickly it all comes together. —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, CA

33/54

Mom’s Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

I make these fluffy scrambled eggs when family comes for breakfast or when I just want to do something extra special for myself in the morning. My favorite cheese for this recipe is freshly grated white cheddar, but whatever you have in the fridge works! —Kailey Thompson, Palm Bay, Florida

34/54

Watermelon Shrimp Salad

Sweet, spicy and easy to make, this salad travels well in a cooler to picnics and summer gatherings. I love the combination of flavors, the colorful presentation, and of course, I love to see the happy faces of my guests once they’ve tried it. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

35/54

Winters can be very long here in New Hampshire. I always look forward to the first veggies of spring and making some lighter dishes like this fresh salad. —Jolene Martinelli, Derry, New Hampshire

36/54

Lemon Ricotta Fritters

These mouthwatering fritters are golden brown outside, soft and cakelike inside, and have a lovely citrusy and creamy flavor from the classic duo: lemon ricotta. Fritters are great served warm with jam or honey. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

37/54

Spicy Cowboy Beans

These spicy cowboy beans are a perfect contribution to a potluck buffet any time of year. Instead of hours on the stove, they cook quickly in the pressure cooker and there’s no need to pre-soak the beans. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

38/54

Green Beans in Red Pepper Sauce

For easy veggies, I make a simple sauce of sweet red peppers, almonds and parsley. We also like this sauce with zucchini or roasted cauliflower. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

39/54

Quinoa-Pear Breakfast Bake

My husband and I enjoy quinoa, so I created this pear breakfast bake for our Sunday brunch. The quinoa is a nice change of pace from oatmeal. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

40/54

Air-Fryer Fajita-Stuffed Chicken

I had all the ingredients for fajitas, but instead of heating up my big oven I decided to try out the air fryer. Since mine is a small one, I wanted to get as much filling as I could in each stuffed chicken breast. This worked nicely by cutting slits in the breasts and then filling them. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

41/54

Waffle-Iron Pizzas

These little waffle pizzas are a fun mashup using the waffle iron. Try your favorite toppings or even breakfast fillings like ham and eggs. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

42/54

Air-Fryer Potato Chips

For Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York

43/54

Garlic Creamed Spinach

This creamed spinach side goes with just about anything. Try it with pasta, roasted pork or baked chicken. —Debbie Glassco*ck, Conway, Arkansas

44/54

Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings

This is one of my favorite appetizers to make over the holidays! The coarse ground pepper cuts the sweetness of the maple syrup by adding just the right amount of heat. These chicken wings are best fresh out of the oven (they are nice and crispy), but they are also delicious if made ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

45/54

Slow-Cooker Minestrone

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of warm homemade soup, and it’s even better when your slow cooker does most of the work for you! This slow-cooker minestrone is easy to put together but has all the flavor of a high-effort dish. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois

46/54

Overnight Peach Oatmeal

Hearty oatmeal combined with bright, sweet peaches make this slow-cooker recipe a perfect breakfast or brunch. This is an excellent make-ahead meal for busy mornings. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

47/54

Mediterranean Cobb Salad

I'm a huge fan of taking classic dishes and adding some flair to them. I also like to change up heavier dishes, like the classic Cobb salad. I've replaced typical chicken with crunchy falafel that's just as satisfying. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

48/54

Caramelized Baked Custards

Creme brulee is our favorite dessert and we love Irish cream liqueur, so I decided to put them together for a dinner finale we truly love. With a last name like Moynihan and a husband named Patrick, you can tell St. Patrick's Day is a very big holiday in our house! —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota

49/54

Thyme and Rosemary Carrots

Flavorful rosemary carrots go with just about any entree. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to use dried. —Jolene Martinelli, Fremont, New Hampshire

50/54

Berry and Grape Crumble (gluten, dairy free)

My daughter follows a restricted diet and told me that I nailed it with this berry crumble recipe. I combined grapes from my garden with blueberries and strawberries, and used gluten-free flour and coconut oil. We had eaten nearly the whole pan when I realized I’d better write down the recipe. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

51/54

Open-Faced Bratwurst Sandwiches with Beer Gravy

A nod to both my German heritage and classic diner fare, this bratwurst sandwich recipe comes together in a snap and can be made all in one skillet! I serve it with a green vegetable and french fries or mashed potatoes on the side. Cook sausages in lager or stout beer for a deeper flavor profile. —Allison Ochoa, Hays, Kansas

52/54

Fresh Summer Pasta Salad

While preparing lunch, I made this summer pasta salad for dinner. It was fast and easy; delicious and colorful. We love to enjoy the fresh fruits and veggies in season. I served this salad with almond crackers and sharp cheddar slices. So tasty! —Cathy Orban, Chandler, Arizona

53/54

Italian Beef Vegetable Soup

This hearty vegetable beef soup features a ton of fresh vegetables, making it the perfect dish to use up all that summer produce. It’s also great during cooler weather! Make sure you serve this Italian soup with some breadsticks, rolls or flaky biscuits. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

54/54

Rosemary Salmon and Veggies

My husband and I eat a lot of salmon. One night, while in a rush to get dinner on the table, I created this rosemary salmon meal. It's a keeper! You can also include sliced zucchini, small cauliflower florets or fresh green beans. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington

Originally Published: March 25, 2021