Sarah Kenney, Recipe Tester

Four ingredients and one simple technique that will leave everyone asking—maybe even demanding—you for more. A keeper of a side dish.

There’s cornbread. And then there’s cornbread enhanced with bacon, corn, and good ol’ bacon drippings. Just as God intended, folks who’ve made it have been saying.

A sweetly spiced upgrade to trail mix, this snappy little snack is perfect for autumn eating. Serve as an appetizer or just a little pick-me-up.

Sometimes, a creamy, comforting soup is all you need, especially if you can make it vegan. Topped with yogurt and hazelnuts, it’s superb.

Peachy keen takes on new meaning with this little stunner of a starter or, if you’re like us and have a hard time restraining yourself, your entire dinner. Summer personified.

Comfort food at its finest—creamy polenta, packed with leafy greens and Parmesan. Full of nutritious veggies and on the table in 45 minutes. You’re welcome.

All the good stuff from a birthday cake–sprinkles and a creamy buttery frosting–incorporated into soft, tender sugar cookies. That’s something to celebrate.

A bittersweet something for when you want something that’s impressive and sophisticated (and did we mention vegan and gluten-free?).

An updated Italian classic made with all the usual suspects along with an unexpected drizzle of pesto that turns a frugal veggie-bin catch-all into something truly astounding.

A simple, quick, easy, cheap side that’s making kids as well as adults demand seconds. Yes, seconds. Of broccoli. You’re welcome.

Simple yet spectacular green beans thanks to the perfect technique from Alain Ducasse.

We got nothing against the Larabars we’ve been noshing for years. Save for the crazy price tag. Here’s a less expensive, more customizable alternative.

With their intensified flavor, these candy-like tomatoes make an astonishing addition to all sorts of dishes.

A childhood classic perfected. Includes advice depending on whether you prefer cookies that are thin and flat or thick and puffy.

This is definitely not your classic shakshuka. But with its lilt of lemon, its hearty braised greens, and it sprinkling of za’atar, it’s not something we’d kick out of bed.

Essentially fancy-sounding blobs of pastry with grated cheese, these chichi French lovelies impress everyone yet barely take any effort.

Dinner dilemma? Enter this delicate baked fish with crisp seasoned bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese with a white wine pan sauce that’s proven to be surprisingly popular with kids and adults alike.

Not your typical tacos, these beauties comprise gently spiced braised brisket that’s smattered with cabbage, pickled red onion, Cotija cheese, lime, and cilantro. Not your typical tacos. And boy are we thankful for that.

Cranberries add a chewy, sweet-tartness and pistachios bring a buttery tasting richness to these biscotti, making them a must-make for Christmas.

Unexpected, easy, eye-catching, and impressive as heck. That’s what we think of this lovely autumnal juxtaposition of tastes and textures that’s gonna upend the way you think about salads.