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19 Recipes That Prove Homemade Is Always Better

From cozy soups to bold sauces and sweet finishes, this lineup brings plenty of flavor without the fuss. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding your family, or just making something quick for yourself, these recipes are practical and packed with good ideas.

Some are made for special occasions—like pecan pie or scalloped potatoes—but others are great everyday options, like tuna salad or trail mix. You’ll find dishes that work for lunch, dinner, snacks, and even dessert, all with clear steps and real ingredients.

So whether you’re here for a smoky salsa, a rich soup, or something sweet to end the night, you’re in the right place. These recipes are easy to pull off and even easier to come back to. Dive in and see which one becomes your new favorite.

The BEST Tuna Salad Recipe

The BEST Tuna Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This quick tuna salad brings together just the right balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy. Great for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or scooped onto crackers. Ready in 10 minutes and easy to tweak with your favorite mix-ins.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Tuna Salad Recipe

Homemade Pecan Pie

Homemade Pecan Pie. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Buttery crust, gooey center, and that classic pecan crunch—this pie brings big holiday energy any time of year. Made with brown butter and a hint of spice, it’s sweet, rich, and guaranteed to be the first dessert to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pecan Pie

Homemade Strawberry Sauce

Homemade Strawberry Sauce. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

With just strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice, this sauce is ready in minutes and works on everything from pancakes to ice cream. Freeze a batch for later and enjoy summer flavor anytime.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Strawberry Sauce

Homemade Chestnut Mushroom Gravy

Homemade Chestnut Mushroom Gravy. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Earthy and rich, this mushroom gravy is a great plant-forward option for topping mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even steak. Easy to make in one pan and loaded with deep, savory flavor.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chestnut Mushroom Gravy

Traeger Smoked Salsa

Traeger Smoked Salsa. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This smoky salsa gets its depth from the grill and its kick from jalapeños and garlic. Use it with chips or spoon it over tacos, eggs, or grilled meats. A must-try if you’re firing up the smoker.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Salsa

Traeger Ham and Cheese Scalloped Potato Casserole

Traeger Ham and Cheese Scalloped Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Thin-sliced potatoes, layers of ham, and melted cheese come together in this smoky, creamy casserole. Great for feeding a crowd at gatherings or as a hearty side that steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Ham and Cheese Scalloped Potato Casserole

Alabama White Sauce

Alabama White Sauce. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This creamy BBQ sauce has a tangy bite that’s perfect for grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even as a dipping sauce. Comes together fast and adds a bold twist to your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Alabama White Sauce

Homemade Granola

Homemade Granola. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Crunchy, not too sweet, and endlessly customizable—this granola is a breakfast or snack you can make in under 30 minutes. Mix in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruit and skip the store-bought stuff.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Granola

Jalapeño Popper Smoked Chicken Soup

Jalapeño Popper Smoked Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This soup brings jalapeño popper flavor to a bowl—cheesy, smoky, and just the right amount of heat. Made with smoked chicken and perfect for colder days or when you want comfort food with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Smoked Chicken Soup

Authentic Homemade Guacamole Recipe

Authentic Homemade Guacamole Recipe. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Ripe avocados, lime juice, salt, and a few fresh add-ins—that’s all you need for this fast, no-fuss guac. Perfect for chips, tacos, or as a topping for burgers and bowls.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Homemade Guacamole Recipe

Homemade Garlic Bread

Homemade Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Stetted.

Crusty bread, buttery garlic spread, and a quick toast in the oven—this is garlic bread done right. Great alongside pasta, soup, or just eaten on its own.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Garlic Bread

Beef Noodle Soup with Prime Rib

Beef Noodle Soup with Prime Rib. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This isn’t your average beef noodle soup. Made with tender prime rib and a rich broth, it’s hearty enough to be a full meal and perfect for chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Beef Noodle Soup with Prime Rib

Smoked Pulled Pork Baked Beans

Smoked Pulled Pork Baked Beans. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These baked beans are amped up with smoky pulled pork and a sweet, savory sauce. A bold side for BBQs or an easy way to turn a can of beans into something special.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork Baked Beans

Smoked Au Gratin Potatoes

Smoked Au Gratin Potatoes. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Layers of thin potatoes in a cheesy sauce, finished with a smoky hit from the grill. This side dish is rich, filling, and a great addition to any meat-heavy meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Au Gratin Potatoes

Homemade Trail Mix

Homemade Trail Mix. Photo credit: Happy Snackcidents.

A quick mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and extras like chocolate or coconut—tailor it to your taste in under 5 minutes. Perfect for snacking, hiking, or packing in lunches.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Trail Mix

Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs simmer into a bold, no-fuss marinara. Use it on pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. Makes a big batch and freezes well.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

Homemade Calzones

Homemade Calzones. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

These calzones are stuffed with your favorite pizza fillings and baked until golden. Use store-bought dough or make your own—either way, they’re great for family dinner or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Calzones

Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

Homemade Potato Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Creamy, loaded potato soup that hits all the right notes—cheese, bacon, chives, and a rich base. Comes together in one pot and makes enough for seconds (and thirds).
Get the Recipe: Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe

Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Tangy and fresh, this tartar sauce is simple to make and way better than store-bought. Ideal for fried fish, crab cakes, or even spread on sandwiches. Ready in five minutes flat.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe