14 Top Cooking Trends During the Coronavirus Pandemic
COVID-19 has changed the way most of us live. We're spending more time at home, and in our kitchens. What are we all making? The cooking and baking trends we've seen range from simple meal ideas to time-consuming baking projects. People are looking to turn affordable pantry staples into delicious, healthy meals. See what we're all making during quarantine and get inspired with our healthy recipes.
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Bread
Now that more people are spending time at home and in the kitchen, homemade bread has become a go-to baking project. Bread is perfect because it's interactive and yields delicious results. If you're a first-time bread baker, try banana bread or no-knead bread. If you're up for a bit of a challenge, sourdough is a great option. And if your store is out of flour or eggs, don't worry because there are easy baking substitutions you can use instead.
Recipes to Try:
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Whipped Coffee
Whipped coffee, or Dalgona coffee, has taken the Internet by storm and we totally understand why. The recipe is easy to make and only requires four ingredients. The frothy topping makes the drink feel like a treat, but without the hefty price tag of barista-made beverages. Making coffee at home is an easy, cost-effective activity and can easily become part of your morning routine.
Recipes to Try:
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Cocktails
Happy hour has become virtual as bars and restaurants remain closed to in-person dining. Now is the perfect time to try out new flavor combinations or craft a fancy cocktail using your common kitchen tools in place of the ones a bartender might use. So whether you're celebrating the arrival of the weekend or just want a drink after trying to teach your kids math, pour yourself a drink that feels special.
Recipes to Try:
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All the Carbs
When people are stressed, they often turn to feel-good foods. And nothing says comfort like a big bowl of mac and cheese or crispy french fries. People have been cooking more pasta, potatoes and rice than ever before because they're delicious, but also cost-effective and pantry-friendly.
Recipes to Try:
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Hot Breakfast
With many people working from home, there's no more hectic morning scramble to get out the door. Instead, people have more time to make a delicious, hot breakfast for themselves. Eggs are a great choice—try a frittata or muffin-tin eggs customized with everyone's favorite fillings. Pancakes and waffles are also excellent options, and can make your kitchen feel like your favorite brunch spot. Whatever you choose to make, a filling hot breakfast is a great way to start your day.
Recipes to Try:
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Comfort Food
It makes sense that people have been turning to comfort foods in the middle of a pandemic. While the definition of comfort food varies from person to person, it's usually dishes that make you feel good and are associated with happy memories. So whether you try to recreate your grandmother's lasagna or eat ice cream for dinner (hey, it happens!), it's the perfect time for comforting, familiar foods.
Recipes to Try:
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Baked Desserts
From chocolate chip cookies or brownies to layer cakes and lemon bars, bakers are satisfying their sweet tooth with homemade goodies. This trend is a great kitchen activity to do solo or try and get your kids involved with mixing and decorating. Either way, you'll have a delicious after-dinner treat.
Recipes to Try:
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Convenience Cooking
Although more people are spending time at home, some people have even more responsibilities than they did before. Many parents have become teachers—in addition to working their regular jobs—which leaves them even less time to get meals on the table. That's why recipes that are easy to make, require few ingredients or can be thrown in the oven or slow-cooker are so handy. So utilize those air fryers, Instant Pots or even microwaves to make a delicious and easy meal.
Recipes to Try:
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Frozen Vegetables
As people try to limit their trips to the grocery store, frozen vegetables are a great alternative to fresh produce. You'll still get the healthy nutrients—fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants— but won't need to make unnecessary trips out. Whether you're looking for an easy side dish or a veggie packed main, this trend is affordable and convenient.
Recipes to Try:
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Pantry Staples
Pantry staples range from pasta to canned fish to beans and anything in between. These common ingredients are budget-friendly and have a long shelf life. You can easily make a well-rounded, nutritious meal with just 3-ingredients from your pantry. Items in your freezer also count as pantry-friendly, since they last a long time, so get creative with your dishes.
Recipes to Try:
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Canned Food
Canned foods are affordable and shelf stable—making them perfect for quarantine cooking. You can get plenty of nutrients from canned vegetables, fruits, beans and fish. Try adding your canned goods to pasta dishes, casseroles, soups and more. Learn more about how to store canned food properly here.
Recipes to Try:
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Ground Beef
Ground beef is an affordable and tasty protein to add to your meals. Its versatility lends itself to dozens of recipes, from meatballs to taco filling and more. Make your ground beef last twice as long with this simple trick. And learn how to properly freeze it to save yourself time and money.
Recipes to Try:
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Lots of Snacking
Many of us are now within feet of our kitchen throughout the day and have been snacking more than we usually do. Whether you prefer salty or sweet snacks, try and choose foods that will help you stay energized. Look for snacks that deliver some satisfying protein and fiber. Pair fruit with nuts or yogurt or whole grain crackers with peanut butter or cheese. Keep on snacking—with healthier options in mind.
Recipes to Try:
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DIY Dough
Making dough is the first step in making homemade breads, pretzels and bagels. Take the easy way out with our two-ingredient dough recipe (no yeast required!). With this dough, you can make your own bagels or have a pizza party at home. Either way, this dough will become a new go-to of yours when you need a homemade meal that is delicious, simple and impressive.
Recipes to Try: