This compilation showcases a range of culinary creations favored by the editors at Bon Appétit, demonstrating their passion for cooking both professionally and in their personal lives. The selected recipes span diverse meal types, from quick weeknight solutions to impressive dishes for social gatherings, emphasizing the use of fresh ingredients and innovative techniques. These editor-approved selections offer readers a glimpse into the delicious and practical cooking habits of culinary experts, providing inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions alike.
Among the highlighted dishes, a crispy gnocchi caprese stands out as a vibrant and flavorful option. This particular recipe, featured in Alexis deBoschnek's cookbook Nights and Weekends, transforms shelf-stable gnocchi into a delightful side dish. It incorporates the pleasant heat of roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella, and a burst of summery flavors, making it a perfect addition to family dinners. The gnocchi's crisp texture, achieved through pan-frying or sheet-pan preparation, provides a satisfying contrast to its simple, often acidic sauces.
Another popular choice is the audibly crispy zucchini fries. As zucchini becomes abundant, this recipe offers a delicious alternative to traditional preparations. Crafted by Nina Moskowitz and enhanced with air fryer instructions by Shilpa Uskokovic, these fries achieve an impressive crunch. The addition of finely grated Parmesan to the breading creates a sturdy, flavorful crust as it melts and binds, making these fries a savory and irresistible snack or side dish, even without the accompanying yogurt dip.
For pasta enthusiasts, the restaurant-worthy Sun Gold tomato pasta with pistachio gremolata is a true gem. Jesse Szewczyk's creation, part of Bon Appétit's Tomato Week, celebrates the sweetness of Sun Gold tomatoes in a rich, yellow sauce. Complemented by sliced garlic and topped with a visually striking pistachio gremolata, this dish delivers a complex profile of creamy, crunchy, acidic, bright, and deeply savory notes, rivaling the quality of fine dining. It's a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can be elevated into an extraordinary meal.
When comfort food is desired during warmer months without excessive cooking, the sheet-pan pierogies and beets offer a perfect solution. This low-effort recipe, also from Shilpa Uskokovic, utilizes store-bought frozen pierogies and pre-cooked beets. Both components achieve a desirable crispness and color on a single sheet pan, especially when cooked in a toaster oven to minimize heat in the kitchen. Served with a simple poppy seed and mustard dressing and a dollop of sour cream, it provides a comforting yet elevated meal with minimal fuss.
Finally, a lemon-marinated zucchini with sour cream and dill presents a refreshing way to utilize excess produce. This recipe transforms pan-seared yellow zucchini, ensuring it remains crispy rather than soggy, and pairs it with a cooling, garlicky sour cream base. Generously garnished with fresh dill, this dish encapsulates the essence of summer with its bright, herbaceous flavors, making it a simple yet elegant preparation for abundant garden harvests.
These curated selections from Bon Appétit editors underscore the joy and versatility of home cooking, proving that delicious and inspiring meals are within reach. Whether it's maximizing seasonal produce, streamlining meal preparation, or simply indulging in a beloved comfort food, these recipes offer diverse culinary experiences that are both accessible and deeply satisfying.