There’s just something fun about having a secret ingredient. Maybe you want to tease friends who are dying to know the recipe by never telling them. Maybe you want to drop that secret ingredient into the conversation at the perfect time. Whatever the case, having an unexpected ingredient in reserve is always fun. Try these 15 recipes with a surprising secret ingredient to find something to serve at your next gathering.
Carrot Cake Waffles
These carrot cake waffles taste like carrot cake and are sure to be a popular favorite. What diners won’t know is that they are getting a load of extra veggies due to the baby food in the mix.
Get the recipe: Carrot Cake Waffles
Cherry Cheesecake Smoothie
This cherry cheesecake smoothie is loaded with sweet flavors to please the palate. They also cover up the cauliflower, which gives a full serving of veggies with each smoothie.
Get the recipe: Cherry Cheesecake Smoothie
Apple Cider Scones
These apple cider scones just bottle up the taste of fall so perfectly it’s hard to believe. But the secret behind them is lime juice, which gives a much more tart flavor than apples can manage on their own.
Get the recipe: Apple Cider Scones
7 Up Biscuits
Sure, Grandma would call it heresy, but there is a very easy way to make scratch biscuits. Any lemon/lime soda will make light, fluffy biscuits that are easy to make and taste great.
Get the recipe: 7 Up Biscuits
Loaded Burger Salad Bowl with Special Sauce
Instead of hopping in the car to grab a takeout burger, try this loaded burger salad bowl. The cashews in the special sauce let you cut out the mayo for a healthier option.
Get the recipe: Loaded Burger Salad Bowl with Special Sauce
Eggless Carrot Cake
Have you ever gotten halfway through a baking recipe only to realize you are out of eggs? Applesauce is actually a great substitute for eggs, as in this eggless carrot cake recipe, for example.
Get the recipe: Eggless Carrot Cake
Thai Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing
Thai dishes have a certain flavor profile that most people will recognize, with things like peanut dressing always making an appearance. What people won’t be expecting is for fresh peaches to make an appearance.
Get the recipe: Thai Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing
Sun Dried Tomato Quiche with Spinach and Goat Cheese
This quiche recipe features classic flavors like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and mayonnaise. Yes, mayo appears here, keeping things light and fluffy.
Get the recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Quiche with Spinach and Goat Cheese
Gluten Free Apple Crisp
Nothing is more comforting on a fall day than a good apple crisp. But to really elevate the flavor, add orange juice.
Get the recipe: Gluten Free Apple Crisp
One-Pot Mac ‘n Cheese
This good old mac ‘n cheese recipe is hiding two secrets. It’s gluten-free, and the hidden carrots provide a whole serving of veggies.
Get the recipe: One-Pot Mac ‘n Cheese
Vegan Cotija Cheese
Vegan cheese, as a concept, is already pretty surprising. But this one jumps the shark by adding pickle juice for a flavor like no other.
Get the recipe: Vegan Cotija Cheese
Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Nothing is like a good, cheesy broccoli casserole on a cold night. This recipe mixes things up just a little by adding Dijon mustard for a flavorful kick.
Get the recipe: Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Lemon Blueberry Yellow Squash Muffins
Okay, the secret to this one is right there in the name, but it’s still pretty surprising. One doesn’t usually think of squash alongside lemon blueberry muffins.
Get the recipe: Lemon Blueberry Yellow Squash Muffins
Homemade Genovese Pesto
Call me crazy, but most people don’t think about spinach when picking up ingredients for homemade pesto. It helps keep things green and hearty without corrupting the flavor.
Get the recipe: Homemade Genovese Pesto
Apple Cider Breakfast Doughnuts
Apple cider doughnuts are a delicious and comforting breakfast option. But adding in butternut squash makes them healthier and moister, too.
Get the recipe: Apple Cider Breakfast Doughnuts
15 Gluten-Free Desserts That’ll Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Whether you follow a gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, or any other type of diet, these recipes offer a scrumptious solution for every craving. Let’s embark on a culinary journey full of flavor, creativity, and wholesome ingredients.
15 Gluten-Free Desserts That’ll Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
15 Potluck Desserts to Feed a Crowd
Everyone secretly wants to have the “star” dish of the potluck. Well, help improve those odds by bringing a dessert. Desserts automatically are worth a few more points, and these 15 best potluck desserts will surely wow people.
15 Potluck Desserts to Feed a Crowd
15 Easy Italian Desserts That’ll Impress Even Nonna
From moist cakes to creamy cheesecakes and tangy cookies, each dish offers a burst of sunshine in every bite. These Italian recipes are sure to brighten your day and satisfy your sweet tooth.
