By admin
Every now and then, I have a huge craving for SpaghettiOs. They’re not exactly a delicacy, but they were often a source of comfort for me as a kid and still can be when the going gets tough. The thing is, whenever I do dig into a bowl of them these days, I find they’re never quite as satisfying as I remember. The stuff from the can, while still warm and cozy (and a quick, affordable meal option that I appreciate more now as an adult), is relatively flavorless, and best doctored up with a palmful of Parmesan and a glug of olive oil. It may have been the most flavorful dish in the world to my 8-year-old self, but it just isn’t enough to please my adult palate all on its own.
Yet SpaghettiOs, and most of my other childhood favorites, totally have the potential for greatness, which is why I’ve started making my own homemade versions of these familiar comfort foods. With just a few herbs and veggies, that bowl of O-shaped noodles and tomato sauce gets upgraded from after-school treat to fancy pasta dinner. Other nostalgic favorites, like grilled cheese, bagel bites, and chicken tenders, can benefit from similar simple tweaks, too. Whoever said these things only belong on the kids menu is sorely mistaken.
The 15 recipes below will bring you back to your youth. Enjoy PB and J sandwiches with a bit of melted brie, or Old Bay seasoning to homemade fish sticks to make the flavors more complex. You’ll also find that DIY versions of on-the-go staples, like Pop-Tarts and Hot Pockets, actually make really great meal prep ideas.
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https://pinchofyum.com/1 Mac and Cheese From Pinch of Yum
This mac gets its bright orange hue from puréed butternut squash, which adds a sweet and creamy texture to the whole dish. Get the recipe here.
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https://foxeslovelemons.com/2 Chipotle-Steak Hot Pockets From Foxes Love Lemons
This recipe saves time by relying on a premade frozen puff pastry for the dough, which you can find in the freezer section at most grocery stores. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.epicurious.com3 Old-Bay Spiced Fish Sticks From Epicurious
You won’t be able to get enough of these crispy, spicy fish sticks once they’re coated in cornmeal and Old Bay seasoning and served with a side of an herby Greek yogurt-mustard dipping sauce. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.recipetineats.com4 Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders From Recipe Tin Eats
You only need a handful of pantry staples to make these chicken tenders, so they’re a great last-minute meal to have in your back pocket. Get the recipe here.
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https://healthynibblesandbits.com/5 Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich With Brie From Healthy Nibbles and Bits
Sweet, savory, ooey, gooey, nutty—this next-level PB and J really has it all. Get the recipe here.
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Andrew Purcell; Carrie Purcell6 Turkey, Apple, and Cheddar Sandwich From SELFstarter
This simple sandwich proves that a perfect school lunch also makes a perfect work lunch. Get the recipe here.
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https://cafedelites.com7 Chicken Noodle Soup From Cafe Delites
Yes, people of all ages enjoy chicken noodle soup, but it’s just one of those comfort foods that always reminds me of childhood. Crispy corn, tender leafy greens, and spaghetti noodles give this version a variety of textures. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.acouplecooks.com/8 Baked Tater Tots From A Couple Cooks
Once you start making tater tots from scratch, the frozen ones will never taste as good. Get the recipe here.
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https://spicysouthernkitchen.com9 Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket From Spicy Southern Kitchen
These little piggies are super spicy and cheesy thanks to jalapeños and cream cheese. Get the recipe here.
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https://minimalistbaker.com10 Vegan Cheez-Its From Minimalist Baker
These crackers use a bit of nutritional yeast—a vegan favorite—to taste like the real deal without using any dairy. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.howsweeteats.com11 Homemade SpagehttiOs With Crunchy Manchego From How Sweet Eats
If you can’t find circle-shaped noodles at your local supermarket, you can substitute another small pasta for equally great results. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.thelittleepicurean.com/12 Homemade Bagel Bites From The Little Epicurean
You can easily use a bagel as a vehicle for whatever pizza toppings you like. This recipe uses pancetta and salami, but you could totally add anything else. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.cookingclassy.com13 Roasted Tomato Basil Soup With Grilled Cheese Croutons From Cooking Classy
To make the grilled cheese croutons for this soup, all you have to do is make a grilled cheese sandwich like you normally would, and then cut it into cubes. Get the recipe here.
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https://lexiscleankitchen.com14 Homemade Pop Tarts From Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
These treats are packed with fresh jam, topped with a pink icing made from freeze-dried strawberries, and best enjoyed straight from the oven. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com15 Spaghetti and Meatballs From Two Peas and Their Pod
This foolproof recipe will taste great whether you’re using store-bought tomato sauce or making your own. Get the recipe here.
