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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    37 Gourmet Creations That Will Surprise Your Loved Ones

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 31, 2024, updated October 29, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking can be a wonderful way to show your love and appreciation for those special people in your life. With a little creativity and some unique ingredients, you can whip up dishes that are not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. Here are some gourmet creations that will impress your loved ones and make any meal feel extra special.

    Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken

    Honey mustard chicken.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This creamy chicken dish is delicious and can be made in just 30 minutes. With its rich flavors and one-pan preparation, it's a simple yet impressive meal that pairs well with rice, potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is super cheesy and easy to make, all in one dish without any fuss. Just mix everything together, bake it, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal packed with mozzarella and gorgonzola.

    Get the recipe

    One Pan Fish & Broccoli in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

    Fish and broccoli with sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A delicious lemon butter caper sauce pairs wonderfully with fish and broccoli, making for a simple yet impressive meal. Everything comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a simple and flavorful dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. With tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce, it's sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon Risotto

    Smoked salmon risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This lemon asparagus risotto with cold smoked salmon is a simple yet impressive dish that will wow your family and friends. It comes together in just 30 minutes and is full of fresh, vibrant flavors.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Brie

    A baked brie with bread.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked brie is a simple yet impressive appetizer that you can whip up in under 25 minutes with just a few basic ingredients. It goes perfectly with bread or crackers, making it a great choice for family gatherings or special events.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Asparagus Risotto

    A spoonful of shrimp risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy risotto combines zesty lemon, fresh basil, and savory parmesan for a delightful meal. It's quick to make, taking only 40 minutes, making it ideal for a special night in.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Mushroom Gnocchi

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pan-fried gnocchi offers a fun take on a classic favorite. With the addition of bacon and mushrooms, this dish becomes a flavorful and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Apple Risotto with Marcona Almonds

    Apple risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Apple Risotto combines the sweet and savory flavors of apples for a delightful dish. In just 35 minutes, it makes for a great side or a filling meal, especially when topped with crunchy Marcona almonds for added texture.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Tartare

    A salmon tartare on green arugula.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is an impressive appetizer you can prepare in advance. It combines delicious flavors from French Dijon mustard and a hint of rum, topped with crispy fried capers for an extra crunch.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dinner features a tasty combination of spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese that your family will love. It's a simple yet impressive meal that brings everyone together.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Flautas

    Ground beef flautas.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These crispy flautas are packed with ground beef and gooey cheese, making for a satisfying meal. They come with a cool avocado cilantro sauce that adds a nice touch, and you can have them ready in just 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon Fish Cakes

    Fish cakes.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These crispy salmon fish cakes are quick and easy to make, taking only 20 minutes with simple ingredients. Fry them up for a crunchy exterior and a soft, flavorful center.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Vodka Pasta combines a rich, creamy sauce with a hint of spice, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. It's sure to impress your family and show off your cooking skills.

    Get the recipe

    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Cast iron skillet pork chops.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These tasty pork chops are perfect for any meal, from a casual dinner to a festive gathering. They’re sure to impress everyone at the table!

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos

    Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos bring all the delicious flavors of buffalo sauce into a tasty taco. Packed with buffalo cauliflower, creamy avocado, blue cheese sauce, and fresh cilantro, this dish is sure to impress and can be made in just 40 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Mushroom Truffle Risotto

    mushroom truffle risotto in a skillet
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy mushroom risotto comes together in under 40 minutes and is loaded with rich flavors from mushrooms, white truffle oil, and white wine. It's an impressive dish for a cozy evening at home that will delight your loved one while being surprisingly easy to make.

    Get the recipe

    Orange Chicken

    Air fryer orange chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Enjoy a tasty orange chicken dish that captures the flavors of your favorite takeout, but is healthier and easier on the wallet. This juicy air-fried chicken is smothered in a zesty orange sauce and can be made in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Carbonara is a delicious twist on the traditional Italian dish. It combines creamy pasta with tender shrimp for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This vegetarian halloumi pasta with veggies comes together in just 20 minutes, including prep time.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Tacos

    Shrimp tacos.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    These air fryer shrimp tacos are simple to prepare and packed with flavor. The shrimp is well-seasoned and tender, making a perfect match with a fresh lime coleslaw.

    Get the recipe

    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta with bacon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features a flavorful tomato sauce with a bit of spice, paired perfectly with crispy bacon. It's a combination that everyone will enjoy!

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Curry

    Shrimp curry in a skillet.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This shrimp curry is packed with flavor and comes together in just 20 minutes. Made with Thai red curry paste and creamy coconut milk, it’s a quick meal that’s sure to impress.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Mahi Mahi

    Air fried mahi mahi.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    Mahi mahi cooked in the air fryer makes for a delicious and easy meal. Pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

    Buffalo chicken quesadillas.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These cheesy quesadillas are filled with a kick of spice, making them a great choice for a satisfying meal. Pair them with blue cheese sauce for an extra layer of flavor!

    Get the recipe

    Fish Tacos

    Fish tacos.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    These air fryer fish tacos are a fun and flavorful meal, topped with a refreshing lime coleslaw and sweet mango salsa. They’re sure to impress everyone at the dinner table.

    Get the recipe

    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara is quick and easy, using everyday ingredients you can find at any grocery store. It's a delicious twist on a classic dish that will impress your family and friends.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Baked Salmon

    Spicy Baked Salmon.
    Photo credit: Sims Home Kitchen.

    This is a tasty and simple dish to prepare. Just mix up a quick marinade and dry rub for the salmon, bake it for under 30 minutes, and pair it with potatoes, veggies, or salad for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew with Lemon & Rosemary

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This stew is simple to make with rotisserie chicken from the store, providing a delicious and hassle-free dinner option. It's a great way to surprise your family with a comforting meal that doesn't take much time to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is simple to make and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for family meals. It's sure to become a favorite that you'll want to prepare time and time again.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer French Onion Pork Chops

    French onion pork chops.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Air frying pork chops makes for a quick and easy dinner, and a simple stovetop sauce adds a nice touch. This combination is sure to impress your family and friends.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is full of flavor and works well as a main course over pasta or as a tasty appetizer with some bread. It's sure to impress anyone you share it with.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Gnocchi

    Grogonzola gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is creamy, zesty, and crunchy, making it a real treat. Your family will be impressed by your new-found cooking skills!

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Risotto with Leeks & Lemon

    A spoonful of salmon risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This lemony salmon risotto is full of flavor from leeks and parsley. It's an easy dish that feels elegant, making it great for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal.

    Get the recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta with Roasted Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to make and packed with fresh vegetables and great flavor. You can either grab some pesto from the store or whip up a simple homemade version.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon fillets are transformed into a delicious dish by stuffing them with garlic butter and wrapping them in bacon. This simple yet flavorful meal is sure to impress your family.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot French Onion Soup

    Instant Pot French Onion Soup.
    Photo credit: The Foreign Fork.

    This version of French Onion Soup is simple and fast to make in the Instant Pot. It features a delicious topping of French Baguette and gooey gruyere cheese.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN  and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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