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    Home / Collections

    13 Foods That Taste Better Homemade

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Oct 2, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Homemade food often has a fresher taste, fewer additives, and can be tailored to your preferences. Plus, it can be fun to create your favorite dishes from scratch. These foods that are much better when made at home.

    A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a sprig of parsley. Red potatoes and a grater are in the background on a beige cloth.
    Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Bread

    Loaf of bread sliced open with a pat of butter on one slice.
    No Knead Italian Artisan Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Nothing beats the taste and smell of freshly baked bread. Store-bought loaves often have preservatives, but homemade bread is fresher, softer, and more flavorful. Related recipe: Artisan Italian Bread

    Salsa

    A bowl of tomato salsa garnished with cilantro is surrounded by tortilla chips on a plate.
    Photo credit: Pixabay

    Fresh salsa made at home bursts with flavor. You control the spice level and freshness, making it far superior to the jarred version that can taste overly processed. Related recipe: Mango salsa

    Hummus

    A bowl of hummus garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, mixed seeds, and a sprig of fresh basil.
    Photo credit: Pixabay

    Homemade hummus is creamier, tastier, and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like roasted garlic or red peppers. Store-bought options just don’t compare.

    Salad Dressing

    A glass jar filled with a light brown salad dressing is placed on a wooden surface. In the background, there is a white bowl containing green leafy vegetables.
    Photo credit: Depositphotos

    Bottled salad dressings are often loaded with sugar and preservatives. Homemade vinaigrettes or creamy dressings are easy to whip up and taste way fresher. Related recipe: Salmon Salad

    Tomato Sauce

    A spoonful of chunky red tomato sauce with herbs held above a pot, showcasing one of those foods that taste better homemade.
    Photo credit: Pixabay

    A pot of homemade tomato sauce simmering on the stove is so much better than anything you'd buy in a jar. You control the ingredients, making it richer, fresher, and more customizable than store-bought. Related recipe: No Cook Pizza Sauce

    Cookies

    A stack of crisp brown cookies on a white plate with a glass of milk in the background.
    Brown Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Homemade cookies, fresh from the oven, offer an irresistible combination of warm, gooey centers and slightly crisp edges that store-bought versions can't replicate. The ability to control ingredients also allows for endless variety and personalization. Related recipe: Brown Sugar Cookies

    Granola

    A jar filled with granola containing oats, dried cranberries, nuts, and coconut flakes sits on a white surface next to a red and white checkered cloth.
    Air Fryer Granola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

    Store-bought granola often contains unnecessary sugar and oils. By making your own, you can control the sweetness and choose your favorite mix-ins like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. It's healthier, fresher, and more delicious.

    Pancakes

    A stack of three pancakes with a pat of butter on top is being drizzled with syrup on a white plate.
    Photo credit: Pexels

    Boxed pancake mix can’t compare to the light, fluffy pancakes you make from scratch. With just a few pantry staples, homemade pancakes come together quickly. Using fresh ingredients results in a richer flavor and fluffier texture. Related recipe: Apple Pancakes

    Guacamole

    A bowl of guacamole with leafy greens on the side, surrounded by yellow tortilla chips on a white plate.
    Photo credit: Pixabay

    Freshly mashed avocados, lime, and a few spices make homemade guacamole unbeatable. Skip the store versions and make it fresh in minutes. Related recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

    Mashed Potatoes

    A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a sprig of parsley. Red potatoes and a grater are in the background on a beige cloth.
    Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Homemade mashed potatoes allow you to achieve the perfect texture by controlling the amount of butter, milk, and seasoning. Unlike instant or pre-made versions, the natural flavor of fresh potatoes can be customized with add-ins like roasted garlic, herbs, or cheese. Related recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

    Pasta

    Close-up of uncooked spaghetti submerged in water.
    Photo credit: Little Bit Recipe

    Dry pasta is convenient, but making your own from scratch results in the best flavor and texture. Homemade pasta is soft and pillowy, with a depth of flavor that boxed pasta lacks. Whether you're rolling it out by hand or using a pasta maker, the extra effort pays off with unbeatable texture and freshness. Related recipe: Crab Pasta

    Pickles

    A close-up shot of cucumbers pickled in brine, shown through a glass jar on a white background.
    Photo credit: Pexels

    Homemade pickles have a crisp bite and a fresh flavor that you just don’t get from jarred versions. You can also experiment with brines for unique flavors. Related recipe: Pickled Red Onions

    Chicken Soup

    A bowl of chicken and vegetable soup with pieces of chicken, broccoli, corn, and red peppers, placed on a cloth napkin with a spoon on the side. Croutons, parsley, and spices are visible in the background.
    Photo credit: Yayimages

    Homemade chicken soup offers a depth of flavor that store-bought versions can't match. The slow simmering of a chicken with fresh vegetables creates rich, complex flavors. You also have control over the quality of ingredients and can adjust seasonings to your personal taste. Related recipe: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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