Celebrate National Cooking Day: Easy, Intermediate, and Advanced Recipes to Try at Home

National Cooking Day was established to encourage people to embrace the art of home cooking. Celebrated annually on September 25th, this holiday was created to inspire individuals to step away from takeout and fast food, and rediscover the joy and benefits of preparing meals at home. The initiative behind National Cooking Day is to promote healthier eating habits, cost-effective meal solutions, and the communal experience of sharing home-cooked dishes with the loved ones.

In a world of drive-throughs and food delivery, National Cooking Day reminds us to get back in the kitchen and give it a little DIY love. After all, cooking at home is healthy, affordable, and helps bring people together! So to celebrate the holiday, try your hand at these decadent dishes. They're easy and delicious, and you're sure to impress all your dinner guests with your command of the kitchen, even if it's been a while.

If you're a novice in the kitchen or short on time, these easy recipes are perfect for you. Simple yet tasty, these dishes require minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills. From a classic spaghetti aglio e olio to a refreshing Caprese salad, these recipes will help you build confidence in your cooking abilities. Don’t worry about making mistakes; the key is to have fun and enjoy the process.

This recipe is perfect for a cold winter night. It's packed with flavor and protein from chicken and beans, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that takes about 30 minutes to prepare.

A great way to use up extra zucchini, this dish is light on calories but full of flavor. It takes about 50 minutes to prepare and is a healthy, vegetarian option that’s sure to please.

Ideal for busy families, this recipe is not only quick and easy but also healthy and delicious. It takes just 30 minutes and requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

This dish is ready in 30 minutes and costs around $1.14 per serving. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for a quick meal​.

Another quick recipe, this stir fry is ready in 30 minutes and combines beef with broccoli for a nutritious and tasty meal. It’s a great option for a healthy dinner that's easy to prepare.

Ready to take your cooking to the next level? These intermediate recipes will challenge you just enough to make your kitchen experience more exciting. Dishes like creamy risotto or chicken marsala offer a perfect blend of complexity and satisfaction. With a bit more time and effort, you’ll create meals that are not only delicious but also impressive. This is your chance to experiment with new ingredients and techniques, broadening your culinary repertoire.

This nutritious dish combines roasted sweet potatoes, spiced quinoa, and wilted kale, topped with a perfectly cooked egg and optional lime yogurt dressing. It's a healthy and hearty meal that packs a punch in both flavor and nutrition.

These stuffed shells are filled with a creamy chicken and broccoli mixture and topped with a smoky cheddar white sauce. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner.

This recipe features grilled red snapper fillets seasoned with Cajun spices and served with a rich Cajun cream sauce. It's a delightful dish that's perfect for those who love seafood with a bit of a kick.

A twist on the classic, this white lasagna skips the tomatoes and ricotta for a creamy Alfredo sauce, chicken, and mushrooms, layered with no-boil lasagna noodles and a blend of cheeses. It's a rich and satisfying meal that's sure to impress.

This Grilled BBQ Shrimp Po’Boy recipe takes New Orleans inspired BBQ Shrimp and turns it into one delicious Po’Boy sandwich with a BBQ Remoulade Sauce.

For those who are seasoned in the kitchen and looking to push their limits, these advanced recipes are ideal. Crafting a perfect beef Wellington or mastering the art of homemade pasta can be incredibly rewarding. These recipes require precision, patience, and a bit of practice, but the results are well worth the effort. Impress your guests with these gourmet dishes that showcase your culinary prowess.

This dish combines roasted portabella mushrooms with a flavorful okra and chickpea salad. The sumac-based spice blend adds an earthy fragrance, making it a sophisticated and delicious option for dinner.

A twist on the classic pesto, this recipe incorporates kale for added taste and texture, creating a more substantial pesto sauce. It’s perfect for mixing through pasta, spreading on bruschetta, or adding to an antipasto board.

This spicy twist on a spaghetti casserole features savory smoked sausage, bright bell peppers, and a Cajun flair. It’s a flavorful and hearty dish that brings a bit of Southern charm to the table.

These chicken enchiladas are made with a homemade red sauce, taking you step by step through the process to achieve restaurant-quality results. It’s a satisfying and flavorful dish perfect for those who enjoy Mexican cuisine.

Savory slices of roast duck over noodles bathed in an Asian- style sauce.

National Cooking Day is the perfect opportunity to explore the joys of home cooking. Whether you're just starting out or you’re a seasoned chef, there’s always something new to learn and enjoy in the kitchen. By trying out these recipes, you’ll not only improve your cooking skills but also create memorable meals that bring family and friends together. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and celebrate the art of cooking at home.