From crispy spanakopita and juicy chicken souvlaki to flaky baklava, these authentic Greek recipes bring fresh Mediterranean flavors to your table.

My first introduction to authentic Greek food came during a late-night college craving. It was a gyro with soft pita, tender meat, crisp vegetables, cool tzatziki and a drizzle of hot sauce, and it instantly won me over. That balance of fresh, zesty and comforting tastes makes Greek recipes memorable, and our list of traditional Greek dishes celebrates these defining flavors.

This collection includes handheld street food favorites, like chicken souvlaki, lamb pitas and spanakopita, as well as hearty mains such as Greek chicken and potatoes, moussaka and kofta meatballs. These Greek cooking recipes are built on a few essentials, like the best olive oil, garlic, lemon and Mediterranean herbs and spices, such as oregano, dill and mint. Paired with tangy feta or creamy yogurt, these ingredients bring every dish to life.

Many of these dishes can also be adapted to dietary preferences. Replace grilled meat with falafel or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian pita filling, or use vegan yogurt in sauces to keep them dairy-free. From a quick tomato feta salad to a carefully assembled dish of flaky baklava, these recipes capture the warmth and richness of the Mediterranean for a truly unforgettable Greek feast.

Taste of Home

Classic homemade macaroni and cheese is always a huge hit with the entire family. In most cases, however, mac and cheese requires using a saucepan, a pasta pot and baking a dish. Not to mention the fact that rounding out the meal with a vegetable or protein option means preparing an additional dish. That’s a lot of work and cleanup for a weeknight dinner.

This Mexican mac and cheese is the answer to all that prepping and scrubbing. Plus, this Mexican-inspired macaroni and cheese’s savory, zesty flavors make for a more refined version of the traditional pasta dish. Next time you’re scrambling to fit in a home-cooked family dinner, this Mexican mac and cheese won’t disappoint.

Ingredients for Mexican Mac and Cheese

• Ground beef: Ground beef that’s 95% lean is perfect for this skillet recipe since the fat is drained and the flavor of the leaner meat doesn’t overpower the flavors of the other ingredients and spices.
• Onion: Sharp and pungent chopped onions are a staple ingredient in Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes. Use any onion you prefer, but white onions are most commonly used in Mexican dishes.
• Chili powder: Chili powder is a blend of ground chili pepper, cumin and other spices, and provides the smoky, zesty profile of this Mexi-mac skillet. You can choose a good store-bought brand or make your own chili powder for more flavor control
• Oregano: If you’re able to find Mexican oregano (which is different from true oregano), give it a try. Mexican oregano is in the same family as lemon verbena, and has a brighter, more citrusy flavor with notes of anise. It pairs well with chilies, spices and southwestern flavors.
• Diced tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds tangy, sweetness and texture to the Mexican mac and cheese. You can substitute the canned tomatoes for fresh if you prefer.
• Tomato sauce: Not to be confused with marinara sauce, basic canned tomato sauce is simply cooked and pureed tomatoes.
• Corn: Whether fresh or frozen, corn adds a crip texture that balances out the soft pasta and brings a sweet, nutty flavor to the dish.
• Elbow macaroni: Add dry pasta directly to the skillet in this Mexican mac and cheese recipe. The macaroni will cook in the skillet and absorb the flavors of the meat, tomatoes and spices, and the starches of the pasta will help thicken the sauce.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar is the go-to when making macaroni and cheese, and we don’t disagree. You can choose a lower fat option if you prefer, or try a different variety altogether. Buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself for the best results when it comes to melting. Bagged shredded cheese often includes anti-caking agents that can affect how well it melts.

Taste of Home

Leftovers for dinner—again? Eating up what’s in the fridge might be easy, but it’s always not the most exciting. Follow our leftover chicken recipes for a fresh take on yesterday’s dinner!

Let’s admit it: we eat a lot of chicken dinners. We have good reasons. Chicken’s mild flavor suits many cuisines and seasonings, and it’s a lean protein that even the kids will eat. But it’s easy to get tired of the same ol’ leftovers, especially the second (or third) night in a row.

Our favorite leftover chicken recipes make exciting meals from the scraps in your fridge. A roast chicken, for example, can turn into any number of meals, from cozy soups to stacked sandwiches to big dinner salads. Sliced or ground chicken can top pizzas or stuff ooey-gooey enchiladas. You can even use up leftover chicken bones in savory broth (which then becomes soups, risotto and so on). Ah, the places your chicken will go!

Taste of Home