American

Thick-cut bacon grills much better than thin strips, which have a tendency to get burnt and overly crisp.

Moist and rich, the true secret ingredient here is the soy sauce in the frosting. FOR REAL. It adds just a little salty note that really pulls the cake together.

Cooked in a pan on the grill, this double-decker smash burger won’t smoke out your kitchen, blanket your stove with grease, or force you to spend even one more minute of the sweet summer nights indoors.

This picnic-ready sandwich is basically a salad between two slices of bread. With an herby yogurt smear, tons of feel-good sprouts, and buttery avocado, it has major California vibes.

Turmeric, chiles, and chewy-nutty cooked grains balance the sweetness of fresh corn in this loose vegan riff on creamed corn.

Nothing says “Southern” like the smell of okra frying in a cast-iron skillet atop an angry flame.

Keep the fat rendered from good bacon in a crock in your fridge. It’ll make this the tastiest cornbread you’ve ever had.

Poke—the Hawaiian dish of marinated fish served over rice—goes veggie-centric in this bowl of marinated beets, popular at José Andrés's Beefsteak restaurant.

Pile this creamy seafood salad into hot dog buns for an easy summer sandwich or serve over greens for lunch.

We KonMari'd the classic wedge, got rid of all the extraneous ingredients, and ended up with a salad that sparks joy: crunchy iceberg and a rich, tangy dressing.

Think: bacon and cheddar sandwich, but on a crouton. These bite-sized snacks with crispy crusts will leave all the other hors d'oeuvres in the dust.

Sweet peas, pea shoots, and lemon zest give this bright, lightly creamy chowder a dose of freshness.

This go-to meal, ready in less than 20 minutes, has all the elements of a classic chicken Caesar salad—but instead of tossing them together, we celebrate each on its own.

Skip the bread and simply toss your favorite sandwich ingredients into a big bowl for a refreshing lunch with a savory, bacon-y crunch.

Served alongside boozy martinis, this is the classic cheese ball of yesteryear. A few updates make it perfect for family get-togethers and retro-chic parties alike.

Cream of chicken soup bring this dish together fast and saves the extra step of making a sauce for this dish. Use the remaining chicken poaching liquid just like you would stock in any of your favorite dishes. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month until ready to use.