19 recipes that make it clear why they’re favorites

ByHeidi Bruaw

Some recipes just keep showing up at the table again and again—and there’s a good reason for it. These are the dishes people request, the ones that disappear first, and the ones that quietly earn a permanent spot in the favorites list. From comforting classics to a few standout surprises, these 19 recipes prove exactly why they’re the ones everyone keeps coming back to.

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.

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 comes together in minutes with almost no effort. Scoops of sherbet are dropped into a punch bowl and topped with lemon-lime soda, creating a bubbly, foamy treat. One sip makes it clear why this sweet and fizzy drink has been a favorite for so long.
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.

Strawberry coffee cake bakes up soft and tender with just the right touch of sweetness. The fresh strawberry flavor adds a light, fruity note that keeps each bite from feeling too rich. It’s the kind of treat that feels easy to enjoy any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Coffee Cake

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 smooth, sweet, and carries a gentle coconut flavor that stands out in the best way. Butter, vanilla, and coconut whip together into a light, fluffy texture that spreads beautifully. One taste makes it pretty clear why this frosting keeps earning a spot on the favorites list.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Buttercream Frosting

Guacamole

A bowl of guacamole garnished with a cilantro leaf, surrounded by lime slices and tortilla chips on the side.
Guacamole. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Forget the packaged kind and make it fresh instead. This guacamole comes out creamy and bright with plenty of lime and crisp red onion. A touch of jalapeño adds just enough heat to keep every bite interesting. It’s the kind of dip that disappears fast once the chips hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

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 comes out tender, moist, and packed with sweet banana flavor in every slice. As it bakes, the warm aroma fills the kitchen and makes the whole house feel cozy. It’s the kind of simple treat everyone is happy to see on the counter.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Banana Bread

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

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 comes out warm, hearty, and seriously satisfying. Crispy golden tots sit on top of seasoned beef, a creamy sauce, and plenty of melty cheddar. One bite and it’s easy to see why this casserole keeps earning a spot on the favorites list.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Casserole

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

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.

Deviled Egg Dip is smooth, tangy, and full of that classic flavor everyone loves. Chopped hard-boiled eggs blend with creamy cream cheese, mustard, and a little relish for the perfect balance. It’s the kind of simple dip that disappears fast once people start scooping.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Dip

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

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 simmer together until they turn into a thick, glossy glaze that coats every meatball. The sauce balances sweet and tangy flavors with a mild kick of heat. One bite and it’s easy to see why these meatballs never last long at the table.
Get the Recipe: Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

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

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 simple, old-fashioned dinner that sticks with the classics. Tender egg noodles and seasoned ground beef are baked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s the kind of hearty meal that feels comforting and familiar from the very first bite.
Get the Recipe: Amish Country Casserole

Applesauce Bread

A loaf of applesauce bread with three slices cut, two apples, a bowl of applesauce, and a red and white checkered cloth on a wooden cutting board.
Applesauce Bread. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Applesauce Bread bakes up soft and incredibly moist with cozy cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg, and bits of crunchy nuts throughout. It has that homemade flavor that makes the kitchen smell amazing while it bakes. Best of all, it comes together quickly, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Get the Recipe: Applesauce Bread

Surprise Potatoes

A rectangular glass dish filled with a baked casserole topped with crumbled chips, with a wooden spoon scooping from the bottom left corner.
Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Surprise Potatoes bake up hot and bubbly with plenty of cozy, comforting flavor. Frozen hash browns and generous handfuls of melty cheese create a rich, satisfying base. You can mix in whatever extras you’re in the mood for, making it easy to switch things up every time.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Hot Chipped Beef Dip

A bowl of dip with carrots and celery.
Hot Chipped Beef Dip. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This hot chipped beef dip bakes up rich, creamy, and full of melty cheese in every bite. It’s the kind of warm, savory dip that disappears fast once it hits the table. One scoop is all it takes to make the start the best part. Serve it warm so every bite stays smooth and cheesy.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chipped Beef 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 a bold, crunchy snack that never seems to last long once they hit the table. Buttery crackers sit overnight in a seasoned oil mixture, soaking up plenty of punchy flavor. By the time they’re ready, every bite is loaded with that zesty kick people keep reaching for.
Get the Recipe: Alabama Fire Crackers