Turn off that overused microwave: 25 real, delicious food ahead!

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Sometimes, we all need a break from the microwave routine, right? Well, you’re in for a treat because we’ve got 25 dishes that’ll make you forget about those quick heat-ups. These options will reintroduce you to the joy of real, flavorful food. From comforting classics to international delights, our selection includes a wide variety of dishes that will satisfy your cravings and elevate your dining experience. Imagine tender, succulent delights, aromatic creations, and hearty meals that are sure to put a smile on your face. So, why stick with the microwave when you can savor the goodness of these tasty options?

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy hash browns are the star of this delightful dish, blending seamlessly with real, melted cheese and a rich, creamy sauce. Baked to perfection, it’s the kind of comfort food that makes you want to turn off that overused microwave and savor the goodness, enjoying a real and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A flavorful, cheesy dish with tender cauliflower. The kind of side dish that makes you wonder why you ever used the microwave. Enjoy the real, comforting flavors of this cheesy casserole.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of tender pasta, a delicious mix of real vegetables, and savory tomato sauce come together in this vegetarian delight. Topped with melted cheese, it’s a mouthwatering dish that deserves a place on your table instead of the microwave.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Lasagna

Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast potatoes with parsley on a wooden cutting board.
Breakfast Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hearty breakfast potatoes, seasoned and fried to perfection. A delicious way to start the day, these potatoes are far better than anything microwavable, offering you a real and satisfying breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Potatoes

Pumpkin Cheesecake

A person holding a piece of pumpkin cheesecake on a fork.
Pumpkin Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy and rich, our pumpkin cheesecake is a delightful dessert that screams fall. With a graham cracker crust and a velvety pumpkin filling, it’s a slice of heaven that will make you forget all about your microwave and indulge in a real, sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Comfort food that’s worth the extra effort, leaving your microwave untouched. Enjoy real, cheesy scalloped potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Freshly made jalapeño poppers on a plate.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These spicy jalapeños stuffed with oozing cheese are perfect for those who want a little kick in their appetizers. Crispy and flavorful, they are worth every bit of the extra effort, and you’ll never go back to the microwave version for real, spicy delights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Hash Browns

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Golden, crispy hash browns that are the perfect side for your breakfast. These are the real deal, far more satisfying and flavorful than the microwave variety, offering a hearty start to your day.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

French Toast Casserole

A person taking a portion of French toast casserole.
French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A delightful twist on your classic breakfast. This casserole is baked with love, turning breakfast into a special occasion with its layers of bread soaked in a sweet custard. Say goodbye to the microwave and savor this homemade goodness.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Epic Chili

Two bowls of chili with onions and sour cream.
Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A hearty stew filled with beans and veggie goodness. This chili is worth the extra time, and you’ll never settle for canned microwave stuff again. Savor the real taste of a homemade, hearty vegetarian chili.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Chili

Air Fryer Maple Roasted Carrots

Roasted carrots on a white plate with a fork.
Air Fryer Maple Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These tender, sweet carrots with a hint of maple are the ultimate side dish. Roasted to perfection in the air fryer, these carrots are worth every minute of cooking time, and you’ll never look at microwave veggies the same way again. Enjoy real flavor and a satisfying side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Maple Roasted Carrots

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of perfectly cooked potatoes and creamy sauce – a real comfort dish that’s just like homemade. Say goodbye to the microwave and savor this real food goodness, rich and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza

A tortilla pizza in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Quick, crispy pizza made on tortillas in the air fryer. It’s a game-changer when it comes to taste and texture, leaving microwave pizza in the dust. Enjoy a real pizza experience with this crispy delight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza

Baked Sweet Potato

Three roasted sweet potatoes on a plate with chives.
Baked Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A simple, nutritious side dish baked to perfection, with its tender, caramelized skin and fluffy interior. Real food that’s worth the wait, and definitely better than a microwave. Enjoy the natural sweetness of a perfectly baked sweet potato.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

Pumpkin Pie

A slice of pumpkin pie on a plate with cranberries.
Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A classic, velvety pumpkin filling in a flaky crust. A timeless dessert that beats any microwave sweet treat. The taste of a real pumpkin pie is worth every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A French classic – thinly sliced potatoes baked with cream, garlic, and Gruyère cheese. These layers of indulgence make for a rich, comforting side dish that deserves to be in the spotlight, far better than anything you could ever microwave. Enjoy the real, creamy goodness of Dauphinoise Potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Vegetarian Buffalo Fries

Buffalo Fries with ranch dressing on top in a casserole dish.
Vegetarian Buffalo Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These spicy, tangy fries come with a vegetarian twist. Real flavor that will make you wonder why you ever microwaved your snacks. The extra effort is worth it for this flavorful, spicy treat.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Buffalo Fries

Veggie Burger

A homemade veggie burger in a bun, on a wooden plate, ready to eat.
Veggie Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A plant-based patty packed with veggies and flavor. It’s a burger that will make you forget all about those frozen microwave versions. Savor the real, hearty goodness of this veggie burger.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger

Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A classic side dish, baked to fluffy perfection with a crispy skin. The microwave won’t even cross your mind once you’ve tried one of these. Enjoy a real baked potato with all the right textures.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pasta in a creamy, tomato-based vodka sauce. A real Italian classic that’s far more satisfying than microwaved dishes. Enjoy the rich and indulgent flavors of real Penne Alla Vodka.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Baked Brie

A baked brie with walnuts and thyme, with a jar of honey next to it.
Baked Brie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A delightful baked cheese served with crackers. A fancy treat that makes your microwave feel left out. Savor the real, melty deliciousness of baked brie.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy, cheesy bites cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Real cheesy satisfaction that’s miles ahead of the microwave version. Enjoy the real, gooey deliciousness of mozzarella sticks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Halloumi Stroganoff

Two skillets filled with curry and peas.
Halloumi Stroganoff. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A unique twist on the classic stroganoff with halloumi, a cheese with a unique texture and taste. A delightful, different kind of meal that’s worth every bite. Savor the real, unique flavors of halloumi in this stroganoff.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Stroganoff

Four Cheese Lasagna

A casserole dish with a slice of cheese on it.
Four Cheese Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of pasta with a blend of four delicious cheeses. A hearty, cheesy delight that outshines any microwave dinner. Savor the real, layered goodness of this four cheese lasagna.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Lasagna

Dirty Fries

Dirty fries in an ovenproof dish.
Dirty Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Loaded fries with a variety of tasty toppings. A guilty pleasure that’ll make you forget all about the microwave. Savor the real, loaded goodness of these fries.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Fries

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