The 27 Easy From Scratch Recipes That I Know Grandma Would Be Proud of Me for Making

Some recipes just feel right, like they’ve been passed down through generations, even if you just learned them last week. These are the easy from-scratch dishes I turn to when I want a little comfort, a little pride, and a whole lot of flavor without the overwhelm. They help me slow down, feed my people well, and honestly, I think Grandma would totally approve.

Impossible Quiche

Impossible quiche lives up to its name, there’s no crust to roll, no fancy steps, just mix and bake. With eggs, bacon, cheese, and onions baked into a fluffy, golden finish, it’s one of the easiest from-scratch meals I’ve got. And yet, it looks like something way fancier, a kitchen win that I know Grandma would’ve added to her rotation.
Get the Recipe: Impossible Quiche

Potato Fritters

Potato fritters like these would’ve totally gotten Grandma’s nod of approval. They’re made from scratch with shredded potatoes, onion, and garlic, then fried until golden and crispy outside while staying tender inside. I usually top them with a little yogurt and chives for the full diner-style effect, and one of those easy recipes that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Potato Fritters

Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets

These puff pastry apple pie pockets give me that same cozy feeling as a slice of Grandma’s apple pie, just with way less work. Juicy apples and warm spices are tucked inside flaky pastry, and they bake up golden and crisp in no time. They’re perfect for a grab-and-go treat or a little something extra at brunch.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are the real deal, made completely from scratch and packed with rich flavor. They’re ultra-creamy, perfectly garlicky, and always remind me of how Grandma made them, simple but unforgettable. I love serving them with Sunday roasts or holiday dinners, but honestly, they’re just as good on a weeknight with whatever’s on hand.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Cheese Danish

There’s something so good about making a cheese Danish from scratch, and this recipe always makes me think Grandma would be grinning ear to ear. The layers are buttery and flaky, and the cream cheese filling has just the right amount of sweetness to feel indulgent without going overboard. It’s my favorite treat with coffee on slow mornings.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Danish

Peach Cobbler

This easy peach cobbler brings back all the warm and fuzzy memories of homemade desserts straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Just four ingredients turn into something so comforting, with sweet peaches bubbling under a crisp, golden topping that tastes like summer in a dish. Every bite makes me feel like I’ve kept an old-fashioned tradition alive.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler

Avocado Salad

Making this avocado salad always feels like one of those simple wins Grandma would quietly nod in approval over. It’s fresh, colorful, and tossed with a homemade dressing that takes barely a minute to mix up. I love how it feels light yet filling without a ton of effort, making it one of those “real food” dishes that checks every box.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Cheese and Onion Quiche

Cheese and onion quiche is one of those brunch recipes that looks fancy but is secretly super simple, definitely something Grandma would’ve had in her back pocket. The flaky crust and the creamy, cheesy egg filling just feel like comfort food done right. I love how it works for any meal, from weekend brunch to lunch leftovers, a solid classic that never lets me down.
Get the Recipe: Cheese and Onion Quiche

Stuffed Chicken Breast

This stuffed chicken breast recipe always makes me feel like I’ve really got it together. It’s packed with a creamy mix of cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, then baked until golden and bubbling. It’s one of those meals that looks impressive, but it’s actually easy enough for a weeknight and definitely something Grandma would’ve been proud to serve on a Sunday.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Breast

Rump Roast

There’s nothing more classic than a tender, slow-cooked rump roast, and this one reminds me of the kind of meal Grandma would plan the whole day around. It’s juicy, loaded with herb flavor, and comes out fork-tender every time. Serve it with roasted vegetables and you’ve got a meal that feels special, but takes way less effort than it looks.
Get the Recipe: Rump Roast

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This parmesan crusted chicken is one of those go-to dinners that always hits the spot. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and has that perfect cheesy flavor that makes even plain chicken exciting. It’s fast, foolproof, and feels like something Grandma would love for how simple and tasty it is.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Salsa Ranchera

I always feel a little extra proud making this salsa ranchera from scratch because it’s bursting with flavor and couldn’t be easier. Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and jalapeños come together in one bold, bright sauce that adds life to everything it touches. It’s great on eggs, tacos, or just scooped up with chips, the kind of homemade staple I know Grandma would appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Ranchera

Apricot Tart

Apricot tart feels like a dessert straight from Grandma’s retro cookbook, but in the best way. The creamy filling, soft fruit, and buttery graham cracker crust all come together for a showstopper that’s shockingly easy to make. I love how it tastes chilled straight from the fridge, sweet, pretty, and always makes me think of old-school summer desserts.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Tart

Stuffed Meatloaf

Cheese-stuffed meatloaf is the kind of meal that makes me feel like I really know what I’m doing in the kitchen. It’s juicy, comforting, and full of that sweet-savory BBQ flavor that everyone goes wild for. It’s one of those old-school dinners that fills the house with good smells and makes everyone happy; Grandma would definitely approve.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Meatloaf

Italian Chopped Salad

This Italian chopped salad is my no-fuss answer to homemade meals that still feel intentional. It’s crunchy, creamy, salty, and fresh, all in one bowl. With simple, real ingredients and a quick homemade dressing, it’s the kind of back-pocket recipe Grandma would’ve loved to whip up on a warm afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

Green Bean Hamburger Casserole

I know Grandma would’ve been proud of this green bean hamburger casserole. It’s comforting, hearty, and doesn’t cost much to pull off, which makes it a solid win in my book. The creamy base, gooey cheese, and classic combo of beef and green beans come together in one pan and bake up into something seriously good.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Hamburger Casserole

Lemon Loaf Cake

This lemon loaf cake is one of those cheerful from-scratch bakes that just makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. It’s buttery, moist, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, topped with a simple glaze that pulls everything together. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m channeling Grandma’s no-fail baking energy.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake

Strawberry Lemonade

This strawberry lemonade is everything I love in a homemade drink: bright, refreshing, and ridiculously easy. Just five ingredients and a quick stir, and suddenly the afternoon feels a lot more fun. I know Grandma would’ve had a pitcher of this ready before anyone even asked, it’s one of those small, from-scratch touches that just make the day better.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade

Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls make me feel like I’ve truly earned my homemaker badge. They’re pillowy soft, loaded with gooey cinnamon-sugar swirls, and topped with a silky glaze that melts into every bite. It’s a classic, from-scratch recipe, the kind Grandma would’ve proudly passed down.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls

Avocado Deviled Eggs

Avocado deviled eggs might not have been in Grandma’s original playbook, but I think she’d love this fresh spin. They’re creamy, tangy, and way lighter without the mayo, but still full of rich flavor from the avocado and sour cream. I love how they look fancy but take no time to make, a perfect example of updating a classic the right way.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Deviled Eggs

Apricot Chicken

Apricot chicken is one of those meals that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort. The sweet and savory glaze, thanks to apricot preserves, gives the chicken a rich, glossy finish that’s full of flavor. It bakes up tender every time, the kind of dish even Grandma would’ve proudly served.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Chicken

Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chocolate chip cookies are the kind of from-scratch treat that disappear before they even cool. Even without brown sugar, they turn out perfectly soft in the middle with just the right crispy edges. They’re easy, no-fuss, and taste like the cookies I grew up eating, warm, gooey, and full of comfort; Grandma would’ve called them “just right.”
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Bread Machine Zucchini Bread

This bread machine zucchini bread is my little shortcut to something that still tastes homemade through and through. It’s got that perfect crusty outside and moist, flavorful inside that always reminds me of what Grandma would pull from the oven on a Saturday morning. It only takes about 15 minutes of actual work before the machine takes over.
Get the Recipe: Bread Machine Zucchini Bread

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is one of those deceptively simple recipes that turns heads at the table. The smoky, crispy bacon and fresh asparagus combo feels old-school but always gets rave reviews. I can just imagine Grandma smiling with approval as I pull them from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Lemon Blueberry Loaf

This lemon blueberry loaf is the kind of dessert that just feels nostalgic from the first bite. The sweet blueberries and bright lemon balance each other perfectly in a soft, buttery loaf. I love how easy it is to pull together, but it still feels like something special; it’s the sort of baked good I know Grandma would’ve made and served with pride.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Loaf

Quick Pickled Fruits and Veggies

Quick pickled fruits and veggies are one of those little homemade things that make meals pop. With just vinegar, sugar, and spices, I can transform plain produce into something tangy, bright, and delicious in minutes. It’s the kind of kitchen magic I think Grandma would’ve done without a second thought.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Fruits and Veggies

Italian Beef

Slow cooker Italian beef is one of those hearty, from-scratch dinners that makes me feel like I’m doing things the way Grandma would have. It’s rich, cozy, and loaded with tender chuck roast and peppers simmered in broth and herbs until everything just falls apart. I love how hands-off it is, but it still tastes like I spent all day on it.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef