mad spatula

Mad Spatula

Mad Spatula is a recipe site for home cooks who want food that's actually worth making. From quick weeknight dinners to appetizers and desserts, every recipe is developed and tested in a real home kitchen.

Close-up of a plate of baked pizza pinwheels served with containers of marinara sauce and hot honey.
Appetizers

Easy Homemade Pizza Rolls

Soft, golden pizza rolls filled with marinara sauce, salami, and cheese. Perfect for sharing, snacking, or serving as an appetizer.

45 min4
MilkWheat/Gluten
Hands holding a white plate topped with roasted butternut squash wedges, whipped feta sauce, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts.
Dinner

Roasted Butternut Squash with Whipped Feta & Pomegranate

Roasted butternut squash and onions with warm spices, served with creamy whipped feta and finished with toasted walnuts, fresh herbs and juicy pomegranate seeds.

1h 20m4
MilkTree nuts
Top-down view of cooked harissa quinoa dish garnished with lemon slices, whole almonds, green olives, and fresh parsley in a skillet.
Dinner

Spicy Harissa Quinoa with Roasted Peppers

Quinoa doesn't have to be bland. This one-pan version builds layers of flavor with harissa, roasted peppers, caramelized lemon, toasted almonds, and green olives.

35 min4
MilkTree nuts
A fork taking a bite from a slice of potato moussaka on a blue plate.
Dinner

Delicious moussaka recipe - not your regular Greek moussaka!

Thinly sliced potatoes and juicy meat simmered in a rich red wine sauce, finished with a silky cream topping and a golden Parmesan crust.

1h 20m6
Milk
A close-up of bread breaking a runny egg yolk in a skillet of shakshuka.
Breakfast

Easy Shakshuka Recipe

This easy shakshuka recipe combines fresh tomatoes, sweet pepper, eggs, feta, and warm spices in one skillet. It's simple, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an easy dinner.

30 min2
MilkEggs
A bowl of wide pappardelle pasta with shrimp, capers, and cherry tomatoes on a wooden table.
Dinner

Garlic Tomato & Caper Shrimp Pasta

A quick and flavorful shrimp pasta made with garlic, cherry tomatoes, capers, anchovies, and chili. An easy weeknight dinner ready in under 20 minutes.

20 min2
CrustaceansFish+2

Small Plates

Appetizers

Cheesy Beef Nachos

Seasoned beef, kidney beans, and melted Gouda come together in this easy, cheesy nacho recipe that's ready in under 30 minutes.

25 min6
Milk
Snacks

Crispy Air Fryer Croutons

These air fryer croutons are golden, crispy, and ready in minutes. A quick and easy way to upgrade any salad or soup.

10 min1
Wheat/Gluten
Appetizers

We Tested the Viral Onion Boil Recipe

Tender, buttery, and perfectly seasoned, this onion is cooked in foil to lock in deeper flavor. Bold Cajun spices and aromatic fennel meet a bright hit of lemon for a savory, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

45 min1
Milk
Breakfast

Creamy Scrambled Eggs

Soft scrambled eggs made extra creamy with Greek yogurt and finished with fresh chives. A quick, reliable method for smooth, rich eggs.

10 min1
MilkEggs
A four-panel grid showing mushroom duxelles, Greek yogurt, a mixed cream spread, and a crepe topped with the mixture.
Dips & Spreads

Creamy Mushroom Filling

Classic duxelles meets a fruity twist. Earthy mushrooms and shallots are concentrated to perfection, then elevated with sour cherry liqueur for an aromatic, velvety filling with serious depth.

40 min1
Milk
Snacks

Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas with Sriracha Honey Glaze

These air fryer chickpeas are crispy, spicy, and lightly sweet. Made from canned chickpeas, they ready fast and finished with a sticky sriracha honey glaze.

27 min5
Creamy hummus in a bowl topped with olive oil and chili flakes, olive oil bottle in background
Dips & Spreads

Better-Than-Store-Bought Homemade Hummus

Stop buying pre-made tubs. This easy canned chickpea hummus is creamy, fresh, and takes minutes to whip up. The perfect foolproof recipe for everyday snacking.

25 min8
Sesame

Bread & Pastries

Simple, cozy recipes for homemade bread and pastries. Easy-to-follow steps for baking delicious treats right in your own kitchen.

Freshly baked whole wheat loaf of bread, partially sliced on a round wooden cutting board.
Bread

No-Knead Whole Wheat Bread

This easy no-knead whole wheat bread uses just four simple ingredients and an overnight cold fermentation. The result is a hearty loaf with a soft interior and beautifully golden crust.

1h 20m12
Wheat/Gluten
Spoon scooping creamy mac and cheese with bacon from a pan
Dinner

The Best Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe (Better Than Boxed!)

Learn how to make the creamiest, cheesiest homemade mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted. This easy recipe is rich, loaded with bacon, and ready in under 30 minutes - perfect comfort food that beats anything from a box.

1h4
MilkWheat/Gluten
A close-up of a person holding a single round, golden-baked pão de queijo.
Snacks

Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

These Brazilian cheese bread puffs, also known as Pão de Queijo, are crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside, and packed with delicious cheesy flavor. Made with tapioca starch, Gouda, and Parmesan, they are naturally gluten-free and easy to prepare.

1h 10m10
MilkEggs
Close-up of hands holding two slices of flaxseed and sesame bread, showing the soft interior crumb texture.
Bread

Gluten-Free Sesame Flax Bread (High Protein & Fiber)

Looking for a simple homemade bread without flour? This sesame flax bread is naturally gluten-free, rich in protein and fiber, and surprisingly easy to make.

1h 10m12
MilkEggs+1
Bread

Quick No-Knead Focaccia (Soft, Airy & Crispy in 2 Hours)

This quick no-knead focaccia is soft, airy, and perfectly crispy on the outside. Made with simple ingredients and ready in about 2 hours, it’s an easy homemade bread anyone can master.

2h 40m1
Wheat/Gluten

Dinner Favorites

Assembled carnitas taco with pulled pork, white cheese, and salsa verde on a dark blue corn tortilla.
Dinner

Carnitas Tacos - Tender Pulled Pork

Tender pork shoulder slowly cooked with orange, garlic, onion, and Mexican oregano, then coated in a rich citrus glaze and served in warm corn tortillas.

2h 40m6
A bowl of wide pappardelle pasta with shrimp, capers, and cherry tomatoes on a wooden table.
Dinner

Garlic Tomato & Caper Shrimp Pasta

A quick and flavorful shrimp pasta made with garlic, cherry tomatoes, capers, anchovies, and chili. An easy weeknight dinner ready in under 20 minutes.

20 min2
CrustaceansFish+2
Medium-rare ribeye steak slices on a bed of arugula with gorgonzola cheese in a black bowl on a wooden tabletop.
Dinner

Ribeye Steak with Arugula and Gorgonzola Salad

This ribeye steak with peppery arugula and creamy Gorgonzola is a simple meal that feels like something you'd order at a steakhouse. Perfectly seared steak paired with a fresh salad makes an easy yet impressive dinner.

10 min2
MilkSulphites
Fork lifting creamy tagliatelle pasta and mushroom from a white bowl plated on a wooden block.
Dinner

Creamy Roasted Zucchini & Mushroom Tagliatelle

Turn humble kitchen staples into a luxury dinner. This creamy roasted zucchini and mushroom pasta features a rich, velvety sauce made with Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. Perfect for quick weeknight comfort food!

50 min2
MilkEggs+1
A spoon scoops bright yellow saffron risotto and a juicy shrimp over a white plate on a wooden surface.
Dinner

Golden Shrimp Risotto

Creamy Golden Shrimp Risotto made with arborio rice, saffron, shrimp, and parmesan. A rich, elegant dinner that’s easy enough for home cooking.

40 min2
CrustaceansMilk
Dinner

Oven Baked Pork and Potatoes

Tender pork shoulder roasted over potatoes and vegetables in a simple mustard-herb marinade. A rustic one-pan meal that practically cooks itself.

1h 45m6
Mustard
Salad

Classic Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken

Classic Caesar salad with juicy chicken, crispy croutons, and a creamy dressing. A simple and delicious meal ready in minutes.

20 min2
FishMilk+3
Four seared pork medallions sizzle in a hot black skillet on an induction hob, showing nice browning.
Dinner

Pork Medallions with Plum Sauce

Juicy pork medallions seared to perfection and served with a rich, glossy plum sauce infused with shallots, thyme, and Merlot.

35 min4
Milk
Breakfast

Easy Polenta with Parmigiano Reggiano

Creamy and comforting instant polenta cooked in beef broth, enriched with Parmigiano Reggiano and butter - ready in just 10 minutes.

10 min4
Milk
Rolled ham and mushroom duxelles crepes arranged on a plate next to a small bowl of white sauce.
Appetizers

Savory crepes with Creamy Mushroom Filling and Smoked Ham

This easy recipe features a rich, creamy mushroom filling paired with salty smoked ham. Perfect for a gourmet brunch or dinner.

20 min8
MilkEggs+1

Soups

Soup

Cucumber Gazpacho

This creamy cucumber gazpacho is refreshing, healthy, and made entirely in a blender. A simple no-cook recipe that's perfect for hot summer days.

10 min6
Sesame
Soup

Creamy Potato Leek Soup

This potato leek soup is creamy, comforting, and packed with mellow leek flavor. Finished with Greek yogurt and lemon juice, it’s rich without being too heavy.

1h 10m4
Milk

Sauces & Dressings

A clear plastic squeeze bottle containing dark hot honey labeled "HOT HONEY" standing on a wooden counter.
Sauces

Hot Honey

Sweet, spicy, and ready to take your pizza and favorite savory dishes to the next level.

5 min12
A glass jar filled with smooth homemade marinara sauce labeled "MARINARA" resting on a wooden table.
Sauces

Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce

A rich, homemade tomato sauce with white wine and fresh basil that deserves a spot in your kitchen.

50 min6
Sulphites
Homemade lemon herb dressing in a glass jar made with olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon.
Dressings

5-Minute Lemon Herb Dressing for Seafood & Salads

Brighten up baked fish, chicken, and salads with this easy 5-minute lemon herb dressing.

5 min10
Mustard
Dressings

Classic Caesar Dressing

This classic Caesar dressing is rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavor. Made with simple ingredients, it comes together in minutes and tastes better than store-bought.

10 min2
FishMilk+2
Sauces

Creamy Mayo (No Eggs, Ready in 1 Minute)

This mayo is rich, creamy, and made without eggs. It’s quick to make and perfect for sandwiches, salads, and everyday use.

5 min2
Mustard
Dressings

Salad Dressing with Tahini

Creamy and flavorful tahini salad dressing made with lemon, honey, and smoked paprika - ready in seconds.

5 min2
Sesame
A glass bowl of smooth homemade tomato ketchup surrounded by crispy French fries.
Sauces

Homemade Tomato Ketchup

Why settle for store-bought ketchup loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and thickeners? This homemade ketchup recipe uses real ingredients to create a deep, balanced flavor.

35 min20
Mustard
Dressings

Simple Dressing for Fresh Salads

This simple dressing for fresh salads is quick to make, perfectly balanced, and made with everyday ingredients. A fresh, homemade salad dressing ready in minutes.

10 min2
Mustard

Simply Sweet

Stack of golden-brown, heart-shaped waffle sections served on a round white plate, showing a grid pattern and crisp edges.
Breakfast

Norwegian Waffles - A Classic Scandinavian Waffle Recipe

These Norwegian waffles are thin, soft, and lightly crisp, with a simple homemade batter and classic toppings like sour cream, jam, and cheese.

25 min10
MilkEggs+1
Close-up of baked berry cobbler with a melting scoop of vanilla ice cream, golden crust, and mint garnish.
Desserts

Mixed Berry Cobbler

Juicy mixed berries topped with a flaky biscuit crust, baked until golden and bubbling. An easy, no-fuss fruit dessert that works with fresh or frozen fruit any time of year.

45 min6
MilkWheat/Gluten
Overhead view of a white ceramic plate piled high with golden-baked blueberry muffins topped with a crunchy pecan streusel crumble.
Desserts

Blueberry Muffins with Crunchy Pecan Streusel

These blueberry muffins with crunchy pecan streusel are fluffy, moist, and bursting with juicy berries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.

45 min12
MilkEggs+2
Desserts

Ricotta with Strawberries, Honey, and Balsamic Crema

A simple Mediterranean-style dessert balancing creamy ricotta, sweet honeyed strawberries, and a touch of tangy balsamic glaze. Elegant and easy.

30 min2
MilkSulphites
Desserts

Just a really good brownie

Indulge in these thick, dark, and ultra-fudgy brownies. Featuring a dense, chewy texture and deep cocoa flavor, they are the ultimate chocolate treat. Perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries for a romantic Valentine’s Day dessert or a decadent any-day craving.

21 min3
MilkEggs+1

Quick Pickled

A glass jar filled with thinly sliced bright pink pickled red onions in vibrant magenta brine on a wooden surface.
Quick Pickled

Quick Pickled Red Onion

These quick pickled red onions are sharp, crisp, and ready after chilling. Made without sugar using vinegar, water, and salt, they’re easy to prepare and store in the fridge.

20 min1
Appetizers

Quick Pickled Mushrooms – Ready in Minutes

Learn how to make quick pickled mushrooms in just minutes. A simple and flavorful recipe perfect for salads, sandwiches, or appetizers.

25 min1

Useful Tips

Close-up of an open, empty glass jar lying on its side next to its lid on a surface.
Guides

My Jar Didn't Seal - What Do I Do Now?

You followed every step, but one of your jars hasn't sealed. Don't panic - here is exactly what to check, whether you can save it, and how to prevent it happening again.

Close-up of glass Weck canning jars with orange rubber rings and metal clamps.
Guides

Can You Reuse Canning Lids?

Wondering if canning lids can be reused? Here's what you need to know about two-piece lids, twist-off lids, reusable options, and safe food preservation practices.

Angled close-up of foamy, golden-brown melted butter inside a large metal mixing bowl.
Guides

How to Make Brown Butter (Step-by-Step Guide)

Learn how to make brown butter in just minutes. This simple step-by-step guide shows you how to get a rich, nutty flavor without burning it.

Guides

Jar Sterilization 101: Everything You Need to Know for Perfect Preserves

Don't let bacteria spoil your hard work! Follow our ultimate guide to jar sterilization to keep your homemade jams, pickles, and sauces safe and delicious.