If you love making things from scratch, this list is packed with recipes and kitchen projects worth trying. From sauces and sweets to drinks and pantry staples, each one walks you through the steps with simple instructions. These guides help you make popular foods, drinks, and ingredients at home without overcomplicating the process. Whether you’re upgrading a dinner or tackling a DIY kitchen experiment, there’s something here to try next.

How to Make a Frittata with Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make a Frittata with Easy Step-by-Step Instructions. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This egg dish comes together quickly with whatever vegetables, meats, or cheeses you have on hand. It’s light, fluffy, and great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Cooking starts on the stove and finishes in the oven. Slice into wedges and serve warm or cold.
Get the Recipe: How to Make a Frittata with Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make Enchilada Sauce

How to Make Enchilada Sauce. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Rich, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy, this sauce brings depth to your favorite Mexican dishes. A smooth blend of chili powder, tomato, garlic, and broth simmers into something bold. You can pour it over enchiladas or use it as a base for rice bowls. It freezes well, too.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Enchilada Sauce

How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream

How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Light and fluffy with just the right sweetness, it’s a quick way to top desserts, drinks, or fresh fruit. Vanilla adds a nice boost without overpowering the cream. It holds its shape for hours if kept cold. Use a chilled bowl for best results.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream

How to Make Italian Meatballs

Three meatballs topped with melted mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce on a white plate, perfect for everyday meals, with a burlap tablecloth and herbs blurred in the background.
How to Make Italian Meatballs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These are juicy, tender, and loaded with garlic, herbs, and cheese. They hold together perfectly whether you bake, fry, or simmer them. Classic with marinara but just as good in sandwiches. You can freeze extras for quick meals later.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Italian Meatballs

How to Make Roasted Garlic

How to Make Roasted Garlic. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This turns sharp, raw cloves into soft, caramelized gold. The flavor mellows out and becomes rich and spreadable. Great mixed into mashed potatoes, dressings, or even butter. A whole head can be used in recipes without overpowering them.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Roasted Garlic

How to Make Simple, Perfect Guacamole

How to Make Simple, Perfect Guacamole. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Fresh lime juice, chopped onion, and jalapeño give this dip a punchy kick. Creamy avocados mash up with just enough texture left behind. It’s best served immediately with chips or veggies. Sprinkle extra cilantro or cotija on top if you like.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Simple, Perfect Guacamole

How to Make Soft Funfetti Sugar Cookies

A stack of homemade round sugar cookies with colorful sprinkles is placed on a white plate, with more cookies stacked on plates in the background.
How to Make Soft Funfetti Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Colorful sprinkles fold into a soft sugar cookie base that stays chewy for days. A hint of almond or vanilla adds extra flavor. These cookies bake evenly with minimal spread. Great for birthdays or anytime you want something playful.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Soft Funfetti Sugar Cookies

How to Make Homemade Marshmallows

Hand squeezing homemade marshmallows.
How to Make Homemade Marshmallows. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Pillowy and smooth, these are nothing like the store-bought version. They melt beautifully in hot chocolate and toast up evenly over a flame. The texture is light with a slight bounce. You can cut them into any shape once they set.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Homemade Marshmallows

How To Make Infused Cold Brew Tea

 Infused Cold Brew Tea glases.
How To Make Infused Cold Brew Tea. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Refreshing and lightly flavored, it steeps slowly to keep things mellow. Citrus, herbs, or fruit add an extra twist. No bitterness, just clean tea flavor that gets better as it chills. Perfect for warm afternoons or batching ahead for the week.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Infused Cold Brew Tea

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

A bowl of homemade lemon garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Bright and buttery with a strong garlic finish, this sauce works with seafood, pasta, or roasted vegetables. The balance of tang and richness adds something extra without overpowering the dish. It comes together in minutes. Use it warm for best results.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

How To Make Lemon Sugar

Three jars of lemon sugar sitting on a marble table.
How To Make Lemon Sugar. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This citrus-scented sugar adds a fresh twist to baked goods, tea, or cocktails. It stores well in a jar and only gets more fragrant over time. You can rub it into cookie dough or sprinkle it on muffins. Also works well as a gift.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Lemon Sugar

How To Make Mashed Cauliflower

A bowl of mashed cauliflower and parsley leaves on the side.
How To Make Mashed Cauliflower. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Creamy and smooth with just a hint of garlic or herbs, this dish mimics mashed potatoes with less weight. It blends up light and fluffy if drained well. Butter and cream round it out. Serve hot with sauces or roasted meats.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Mashed Cauliflower

How To Make Mushroom Powder

Mushroom powder inside a dark bowl.
How To Make Mushroom Powder. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Earthy and packed with umami, this fine powder adds depth to soups, sauces, and rubs. It’s easy to mix into dry seasonings or sprinkle over cooked vegetables. A little goes a long way. Keep it sealed and dry for lasting flavor.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Mushroom Powder

How to Make Pita Bread at Home

How to Make Pita Bread at Home. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Soft and puffy with a slight chew, these bake quickly in a hot oven or skillet. The pocket forms naturally as steam builds inside. Perfect for stuffing or tearing into dips. Best enjoyed warm right after cooking.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Pita Bread at Home

How to Make Queso at Home

Chip dipped in the queso bowl.
How to Make Queso at Home. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Creamy and gooey with just enough spice, this dip coats chips without clumping. Real cheese gives it stretch while tomatoes and peppers add zip. Serve it warm in a bowl or pour it over nachos. Keeps well on low heat during parties.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Queso at Home

How To Make Stevia Powder Using Stevia Leaves

Stevia powder in a bowl on a table.
How To Make Stevia Powder Using Stevia Leaves. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

The sweetness is strong and clean with no added ingredients. Grinding dried leaves into a fine powder makes for a simple pantry boost. Use sparingly in tea, baking, or homemade syrups. It stores best in a cool, dark spot.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Stevia Powder Using Stevia Leaves

How To Make Sugar Free Maple Syrup

Sugar Free Maple Syrup in a glass jar.
How To Make Sugar Free Maple Syrup. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Thick and glossy with a strong maple flavor, this syrup holds up on pancakes and waffles. It doesn’t crystalize like some store-bought versions. Add to coffee or oatmeal for sweetness without sugar. The consistency is smooth and pourable.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Sugar Free Maple Syrup

How To Make Sweeteners at Home

How To Make Sweeteners at Home. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Blending natural ingredients creates sugar substitutes with fewer fillers. You can tailor them to taste for baking or drinks. Some work better cold, others hold up to heat. Experiment in small batches to find your favorite.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Sweeteners at Home

How to Make Taco Bell Baja Sauce

A jar of homemade Taco Bell Baja Sauce with a tangy and creamy texture.
How to Make Taco Bell Baja Sauce. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Creamy, tangy, and a little zesty, this sauce brings bold flavor to tacos and wraps. It mixes up fast in a blender with pantry staples. Drizzle it on everything from burgers to breakfast burritos. It keeps well chilled in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Taco Bell Baja Sauce

How to Make the Best Negroni

How to Make the Best Negroni. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

This cocktail blends gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari for a balanced bitter-sweet sip. A twist of orange finishes it off with just the right aroma. Stirred over ice and served cold, it’s classic and bold. Sip slowly—it’s stronger than it looks.
Get the Recipe: How to Make the Best Negroni

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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