13 favorites that still outperform whatever’s trending

ByHeidi Bruaw

Some recipes do not care what is trending. They keep getting made, shared, and talked about because they simply work. This collection is all about the kind of dishes people bookmark, pass along, and make on repeat. These are the favorites that still show up strong no matter what is hot on the internet this week.

Slice of Quiche Lorraine on white plate next to fork and green salad.
Quiche Lorraine. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Cheddar Cheese Beer Soup

A bowl of cheesy dip topped with shredded cheddar cheese, surrounded by saltine crackers on a white plate, with a spoon in the dip.
Cheddar Cheese Beer Soup. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Microwave Cheddar Cheese Beer Soup is one of those go-to favorites that somehow outperforms whatever’s trending at the moment. It comes together in minutes and delivers rich, cheesy comfort without any extra steps. A simple mix of carrots, green onions, salt, and pepper keeps the flavor spot-on and lets the cheese do the talking.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Beer Soup

Tater Tot Casserole

A spatula lifts a serving of tater tot casserole from a glass baking dish, showing layers of ground beef, tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese.
Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Tater Tot Casserole is pure comfort food. Crispy tots sit on top of savory beef, creamy soup, and plenty of melty cheddar. It’s the kind of cozy, no-fuss dinner everyone’s happy to see on the table. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm, filling, and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Casserole

White Sauce

A plate of tortellini pasta covered in a creamy white sauce, sprinkled with black pepper, with a fork and napkin beside it.
White Sauce. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

With a few pantry basics, you can whip up a smooth, creamy white sauce that goes with almost anything. Pour it over pasta, spoon it onto veggies, or use it as the starting point for tons of favorite recipes. It’s a tried-and-true staple readers make once and then keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: White Sauce

Sherbet Punch

A large glass bowl and three glasses filled with fizzy pastel punch and colorful marshmallows, set on a yellow and white checkered cloth.
Sherbet Punch. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This sherbet punch is a longtime reader favorite and always disappears fast. Scoop the sherbet into a punch bowl, pour over lemon-lime soda, and let it foam up into something fun and festive. It’s creamy, bubbly, and guaranteed to make any get-together feel like a party.
Get the Recipe: Sherbet Punch

Deviled Egg Dip

A bowl of deviled egg dip garnished with chives and paprika, surrounded by baby carrots on a striped cloth.
Deviled Egg Dip. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This deviled egg dip turns a classic into a creamy, scoopable favorite that consistently beats whatever appetizer is trending. It’s rich and tangy with hard-boiled eggs, cream cheese, mustard, and just enough relish. Chill it, set out the dippers, and watch it disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Dip

Alabama Fire Crackers

A white bowl filled with seasoned square crackers is placed on a wooden surface, with a red and white checkered cloth in the background.
Alabama Fire Crackers. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Alabama Fire Crackers are one of those reader favorites I get asked about all the time. You just toss crackers in a zip-top bag with a bold, spicy oil mix and let them soak overnight. By the next day, you’ve got an easy, addictive snack that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Alabama Fire Crackers

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Three baked potatoes on a blue and white plate.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These Stuffed Baked Potatoes are filled with fluffy mashed potatoes mixed with butter, cheddar cheese, minced onion, and simple seasoning. The filling goes back into crisp potato skins, brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with paprika. Baked until hot and golden, they’re an easy side everyone goes back for.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Strawberry Coffee Cake

A slice of strawberry crumb cake on a white plate, surrounded by fresh strawberries, with more slices on plates in the background.
Strawberry Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Strawberry coffee cake bakes up tender and not overly sweet, with just enough strawberry flavor to keep it feeling light. It works just as well alongside your morning coffee as it does after dinner. This is one of those easy, anytime cakes that never feels like too much.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Coffee Cake

Quiche Lorraine

Slice of Quiche Lorraine on white plate next to fork and green salad.
Quiche Lorraine. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Quiche Lorraine may not be trendy, but it consistently outperforms whatever’s having a moment. Made with bacon, eggs, and plenty of cheese, it’s rich, filling, and always a favorite. Simple to make and endlessly reliable.
Get the Recipe: Quiche Lorraine

Chocolate Milkshake

Four chocolate milkshakes in mason jars topped with whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and red striped straws, with chocolate syrup and whipped cream cans in the background.
Chocolate Milkshake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving something cold and sweet without leaving the house? This easy Chocolate Milkshake comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Grab your blender and you’re sipping a homemade treat in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Milkshake

Amish Country Casserole

A plate of Amish casserole topped with shredded cheese and parsley, served over a mixture of peas, ground meat, and noodles on a striped napkin with a fork and drink.
Amish Country Casserole. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Amish Country Casserole is a no-frills, old-school dinner built around egg noodles, ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It comes together quickly and bakes up hearty enough to handle even the hungriest nights. This is the kind of comforting classic that feels familiar and never sticks around long.
Get the Recipe: Amish Country Casserole

Coconut Buttercream Frosting

A glass jar filled with a white creamy substance topped with shredded coconut sits on a wooden surface. A pink cloth is in the background.
Coconut Buttercream Frosting. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Coconut Buttercream Frosting is creamy, sweet, and has just the right hint of tropical flavor. Butter, vanilla, and shredded coconut come together for a smooth, fluffy frosting that spreads like a dream. It’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or anytime you want a little coconut twist.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Buttercream Frosting

No Bake Lemon Cheesecake

A lemon pie with a graham cracker crust sits on a marble surface next to a spatula, a striped kitchen towel, stacked plates, and three whole lemons.
No Bake Lemon Cheesecake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This no-bake lemon cheesecake comes together fast with lemon pudding mix and a ready-made graham cracker crust. After a few hours in the fridge, it sets up perfectly and is ready to slice. It’s an easy, feel-good dessert that never feels like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Lemon Cheesecake