17 recipes that keep earning a spot on the favorites list

ByHeidi Bruaw

These are the recipes people come back to again and again, the ones that never seem to lose their shine. Each dish has that dependable mix of comfort, flavor, and just the right amount of nostalgia. If you’re looking for tried-and-true winners, this is the list you’ll want to keep close.

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

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 bakes up warm, hearty, and downright satisfying. Crispy golden tots cover a savory mix of seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and melty cheddar. It’s the kind of comfort food that keeps earning a spot on the favorites list.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Casserole

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 couldn’t be easier to pull together. Just add scoops of sherbet to a punch bowl, then pour lemon-lime soda right over the top. Let it bubble and foam into a sweet, fizzy treat everyone will want a glass of.
Get the Recipe: Sherbet Punch

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 easy lemon cheesecake is whipped together in minutes using lemon pudding mix and a premade graham cracker crust. It chills in the refrigerator until firm and sliceable. The result is a cool, creamy dessert with bright citrus flavor.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Lemon Cheesecake

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.

This strawberry coffee cake comes out soft and balanced, with a gentle berry flavor that keeps it from feeling too heavy. It’s the kind of treat that feels right at home next to a morning cup of coffee or served as a simple dessert. Easygoing and comforting, it fits just about any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Coffee Cake

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 is creamy, zesty, and packed with classic flavor in every bite. Hard-boiled eggs, smooth cream cheese, mustard, and a touch of relish come together for a crowd-pleasing spread. It keeps earning a spot on the favorites list whenever it hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Dip

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

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 silky and sweet with just a hint of tropical flavor in every bite. Butter, vanilla, and coconut come together for a light, airy texture that feels perfectly fluffy. It glides on effortlessly and gives cakes and cupcakes a gentle coconut finish.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Buttercream Frosting

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 just a handful of pantry staples, you can stir together a silky, creamy white sauce that works with just about everything. It’s just as good draped over pasta as it is spooned onto vegetables or used as the base for countless comfort-food favorites. No surprise this one keeps rising to the top of the make-again list.
Get the Recipe: White Sauce

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 is loaded with crisp bacon, tender eggs, and lots of gooey cheese in every bite. It’s the kind of classic that feels just right for brunch, lunch, or an easy dinner. No wonder it keeps earning a spot on the favorites list time and time again.
Get the Recipe: Quiche Lorraine

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

Old-Fashioned Banana Bread

Sliced loaf of banana bread on wooden board.
Old-Fashioned Banana Bread. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This old-fashioned banana bread bakes up soft, moist, and full of sweet banana flavor in every slice. It’s the kind of simple, cozy treat that fills the kitchen with the best smell while it’s in the oven. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or whenever you want something homemade and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Banana Bread

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

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

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

Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Meatballs in a white bowl on a wooden table.
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Grape jelly and chili sauce meatballs simmer together until the sauce thickens into a smooth, shiny glaze. The flavor turns sweet and tangy with just a hint of heat. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that comes together with hardly any effort.
Get the Recipe: Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Chicken Tortilla Casserole

A baked casserole topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro in a white rectangular dish.
Chicken Tortilla Casserole. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This chicken tortilla casserole layers juicy chicken, mild green chiles, and soft tortillas for a warm, comforting dish. A creamy sauce bakes up thick and bubbling, bringing all the flavors together. It’s finished with a blanket of melted cheddar that makes every bite extra satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe

A slice of Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie with whipped topping sits on a white decorative plate, placed on a pink striped cloth next to a peach-colored flower.
Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Coconut Cream Pie is smooth and creamy with plenty of coconut goodness throughout. Every bite is rich, light, and full of classic flavor. A fluffy topping adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both comforting and a little indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe

Mexican Casserole

A partially served Mexican casserole in a baking dish, showing layers of corn, beans, cheese, and ground meat.
Mexican Casserole. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This simple Mexican casserole stacks flavorful seasoned beef, Rotel tomatoes, crispy chips, and plenty of melted cheddar in one comforting dish. It bakes up hot and bubbly, with cheesy layers throughout. Every scoop is warm, hearty, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Casserole

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