The Secret’s Out: 17 Easy Dishes That Look Hard To Make

Some dishes look fancy and hard to make, but they’re actually easy. There are 17 of these kinds of recipes that can trick people into thinking you’re a great cook. They look nice and taste good, but don’t need a lot of hard work. So, this just goes to show you can whip up something special without all the fuss and hassle in the kitchen!

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Risotto might sound like a dish you’d order at a restaurant, not make at home. But our Asparagus and White Bean Risotto changes the game. It’s creamy, it’s filling, and it looks fancy. Plus, it’s not nearly as hard to make as you’d think.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Mushroom Lentil Stew

There’s something special about making a dish like our Mushroom Lentil Stew that looks so complex but is actually easy. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and perfect for those days when you want something comforting. Plus, it’s a great way to show off to friends and family without letting them know just how easy it was to make.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Lentil Stew

Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Here’s a dish that’s a total game-changer: our Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto. It sounds fancy, and it definitely looks the part, but it’s surprisingly straightforward to make. It’s all about letting the simple ingredients shine.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

Our Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew is a great example of a dish that looks like it took hours to make but didn’t. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any meal where you want to impress without too much effort. The sweet potatoes and chickpeas work together to create a wholesome dish that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

You might think making our Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta would be complicated, but it’s not. The sauce has a rich, nutty flavor that seems like it should be hard to achieve, but it’s actually quite simple. It’s a great dish for when you want something that looks and tastes sophisticated without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Easy Falafel Bowl

Want a dish that’s easy to make? Our Easy Falafel Bowl is a hit for anyone who wants to make something that looks gourmet without the hard work. It’s packed with flavors and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Plus, it’s a straightforward dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual get-together.
Get the Recipe: Easy Falafel Bowl

Wild Rice Casserole

This dish throws people off with its name, suggesting something complex. Yet, our Wild Rice Casserole is more about assembling than complex cooking. It’s hearty, looks great on a plate, and nobody has to know it didn’t take you all day to make it.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

Indulge in the delicious taste of our Easy Thai Peanut Curry, a dish that will make you appear as an expert in Thai cuisine without the complex steps. It’s rich and flavorful with just the right amount of kick, offering a perfect balance of taste. This dish is straightforward to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a delightful dinner at home, eliminating the need for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Don’t let the name fool you; our Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta is easy to make. It has a smooth, rich sauce that looks like you’ve spent much more time on it. It’s a fantastic dish to serve when you want to impress someone but don’t want to spend all day cooking. Plus, it’s vegan, making it a great option for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Easy Veggie Wrap

You might think an Easy Veggie Wrap is too simple, but when you put it all together, it looks pretty impressive. It’s a quick, nutritious meal that’s perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something that looks and tastes great. Plus, it’s versatile – you can fill it with whatever veggies you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Wrap

Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff

It might look like you need a lot of cooking skills to make Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff, but it’s surprisingly straightforward. This dish has a rich, comforting taste that everyone loves. It’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to a nice dinner after a long day. You get all the flavor without all the complicated steps!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff

Best Lemon Pasta

You might think you need a ton of ingredients and time to whip up something that tastes as fresh and tangy as this dish. But really, our Best Lemon Pasta is quite straightforward. It’s a favorite because it looks gourmet but is secretly a breeze to make. Perfect for when you want to impress without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Mixed Bean Chili

Making our Mixed Bean Chili is a breeze, and it’s a great way to impress people with your cooking. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that seems like it took a lot of time and effort to prepare, but it’s actually quite simple. It’s perfect for a casual dinner party or a cozy family meal.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Bean Chili

Eggplant Casserole

Ever wanted to serve something that looks like it took hours to make? Our Eggplant Casserole is your answer. It’s rich, delicious, and has that ‘wow’ factor, yet you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all day. It’s our little secret.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)

Think making Thai food is out of your league? Think again. Our Quick Thai Omelet, or Kai Jeow, is your ticket to a fast, tasty meal that looks more complicated than it really is. It’s all about the flavors here, and you’ll nail it in no time.
Get the Recipe: Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

If you’re after something that looks as if it came from a trendy restaurant, our Gochujang Cabbage Steaks are your go-to. They’re spicy, they’ve got that umami flavor, and they look fancy. But guess what? They’re pretty simple to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Vegan Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Garlicky Mushroom & Tomato Topping

When you find out how simple it is to make our Vegan Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Garlicky Mushroom & Tomato Topping, you’ll be surprised. It seems like a dish you’d order at a fancy restaurant, but it’s actually pretty easy to put together at home. It’s a great way to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Garlicky Mushroom & Tomato Topping