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Create Food Passport Magic With 31 International Recipes Your Family Will Choose Over a Vacation

Family vacations come with schedules, stress, and someone forgetting their toothbrush. Create food passport magic with 31 international recipes and skip the chaos while still experiencing something new. These meals bring international flavors home, making dinnertime the best kind of adventure—one that doesn’t require packing or planning. If the family starts asking for seconds instead of souvenirs, it’s working.

A plate of Mexican rice garnished with chopped green onions and herbs served with a spoon.
Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s a reason Pasta e Fagioli Soup has been a staple for generations. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with everything that makes a meal feel like home. Each spoonful delivers just the right mix of flavors and textures, making it more than just another soup night. It’s the kind of dish that keeps people coming back for seconds. Who needs a plane ticket when a bowl of this is waiting at the table?
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy outside, melty inside—Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu takes a classic and makes it easier. No need for fancy restaurant reservations when this comes together with minimal effort. The perfect balance of flavors and textures makes it a go-to for a family dinner that feels special without being complicated. Serve it with a simple side, and it’s an instant favorite. If a vacation meal could be this good at home, why leave?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Round black dish filled with seasoned roasted potato wedges, placed on a white wooden surface alongside a white and yellow striped cloth napkin.
Greek Lemon Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Side dishes rarely steal the spotlight, but Greek Lemon Potatoes make a strong case. They come out with a perfect mix of crispy edges and soft centers, packed with bold flavors in every bite. These aren’t just any potatoes—they’re the ones that get finished first. They work with just about any main dish, but they don’t need one to be the highlight. If dinner feels a little too routine, this is the upgrade that fixes it.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

A close-up of a hand holding a copycat Taco Bell Cantina chicken burrito.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Skip the drive-thru and make Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito at home. It’s packed with everything that makes a burrito great—flavor, texture, and just the right amount of kick. Each bite delivers a little crunch, a little spice, and a whole lot of satisfaction. It’s easy to customize, but it’s already a winner as-is. Once this hits the table, fast food won’t seem so tempting.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding pie in a white glass dish.
Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turning leftovers into something worth looking forward to is what Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding does best. The pudding is crispy on the outside, soft inside, and soaks up every bit of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a tradition, even if it’s the first time making it. Perfect for bringing new life to last night’s roast without extra effort. If every leftover meal tasted this good, no one would complain about repeats.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken served on a white plate.
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A slow roast means maximum flavor, and Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken proves it. Each bite is packed with deep, rich taste that makes it hard to stop at one serving. The best part? It works with anything—tacos, rice, or straight off the plate. No complicated techniques, just bold flavors that make dinner exciting. If a trip south of the border isn’t in the plans, this might be the next best thing.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Busy nights call for big flavors, and Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe delivers. It’s the perfect mix of rich, hearty, and just enough bite to keep things interesting. The gnocchi soaks up every bit of flavor, making sure nothing goes to waste. Everything cooks together in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy dinner. It’s the kind of meal that makes takeout seem unnecessary.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Polenta with Mascarpone

Polenta with mascarpone in a white bowl.
Polenta with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy, smooth, and packed with just the right amount of richness, Polenta with Mascarpone is a side dish that could easily be the star. It’s simple enough for any night but fancy enough to impress. It works alongside a variety of dishes, but it’s just as satisfying on its own. The mascarpone adds a velvety texture that makes each bite better than the last. If comfort food had a global passport, this would be stamped all over it.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone

Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

Corn on the cob with garlic parmesan on a black plate.
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Corn on the cob is good, but Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs make it better. These curved bites pack flavor into every kernel, with just the right amount of crunch. They’re easy to eat, fun to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether it’s a side dish or a snack, they’re impossible to resist. If corn ever needed a glow-up, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwich served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Forget basic sandwiches—Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches bring a mix of bold flavors wrapped in soft, warm pita. Each bite is packed with a perfect balance of textures and just enough seasoning to keep things interesting. They’re easy to customize and even easier to eat, making them great for quick meals. Whether served with a fresh side or just enjoyed on their own, they don’t disappoint. If dinner needs a break from the usual, this is a solid choice.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Classic, flavorful, and just the right balance of rich and bright, Chicken Piccata makes any meal feel like a restaurant experience. The sauce is packed with bold flavors, keeping every bite interesting. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to serve to guests. Pair it with a simple side, and it’s a meal that always works. If dinner needs a little upgrade, this is an easy way to do it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)

Greek Green Beans served in a white bowl.
Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans). Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Side dishes don’t always get the attention they deserve, but Fasolakia Lathera changes that. These Greek-style green beans are packed with flavor, cooked just right, and perfect alongside any meal. They soak up every bit of seasoning, making them anything but ordinary. Serve them as a side, or let them steal the show on their own. If vegetables always tasted this good, no one would complain about eating them.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Originally fit for royalty, Coronation Chicken Salad brings a balance of flavors that works for any meal. It’s rich, slightly sweet, and just bold enough to keep things interesting. Whether in a sandwich or on a plate, it delivers layers of taste in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy without the extra work. If lunchtime has been feeling uninspired, this fixes that instantly.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

A platter of pork carnitas board on a wooden table.
Slow Cooker Carnitas Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tender, flavorful, and built for sharing, Slow Cooker Carnitas Board makes any meal feel like a feast. The slow cooking brings out deep, rich flavors, making every bite worth the wait. It’s perfect for tacos, bowls, or just piling onto a plate with a few sides. The best part? Everyone gets to build their own, making it fun and customizable. If dinner needs an upgrade, this is an easy win.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

Ukrainian Potatoes

Ukrainian Potatoes on a white plate.
Ukrainian Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple ingredients, big results—that’s what makes Ukrainian Potatoes stand out. These aren’t just boiled or roasted; they’re packed with flavor in a way that makes them unforgettable. Soft inside, just enough crisp outside, and seasoned perfectly, they’re the kind of side dish that steals attention. They work with just about any meal, but they don’t need anything else to shine. If potatoes had a best-of list, this would be on it.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

A piece of Cuban sandwich casserole on a plate with potato chips.
Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

All the best parts of a Cuban sandwich, packed into one dish—Cuban Sandwich Casserole makes dinner easy. It’s layered with bold flavors, the perfect mix of crunchy and melty, and just enough bite to keep things interesting. No need to grill each sandwich individually when the whole thing bakes together. Whether for a crowd or just an easy dinner, this one does the job. If sandwiches could be reinvented, this is how it’s done.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Mediterranean Salmon

A plate of Greek salmon with grape tomatoes and olives.
Mediterranean Salmon. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Light but packed with bold flavors, Mediterranean Salmon proves that simple ingredients can do big things. Each bite balances richness with bright, fresh notes, making it a meal that feels restaurant-worthy. It pairs well with just about any side, but it’s more than enough on its own. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or something a little special, it delivers every time. If seafood had a go-to passport stamp, this would be it.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon

Horiatiki Salad

Horiatiki Salad with feta cheese on top served on a plate.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fresh, crisp, and packed with bold flavors, Horiatiki Salad keeps things simple but never boring. It’s a mix of classic ingredients that work together perfectly, making it a staple at any meal. No heavy dressings or unnecessary extras—just fresh flavors that do all the work. Whether served on its own or alongside a main dish, it never disappoints. If salads could book a one-way ticket to perfection, this one already has.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

A closeup of Jason's Deli Irish Potato Soup.`
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Rich, creamy, and loaded with comforting flavors, Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup brings the deli favorite home. It’s the kind of soup that makes cold days better and regular days feel like a treat. Every spoonful is packed with just the right balance of smooth and hearty textures. Whether served as a starter or the main event, it always hits the spot. If soup could be a meal on its own, this one makes a strong case.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Korean Galbi Ribs

Two Korean galbi ribs on a black slate plate with red chopsticks placed beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sweet, savory, and packed with deep, rich flavors, Korean Galbi Ribs take dinner to another level. The marinade works its magic, making every bite tender and full of flavor. They cook up beautifully, caramelizing just enough to lock in all the goodness. Serve them with a simple side, and they’re an instant crowd-pleaser. If ribs had a global fan favorite, these would take the top spot.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce with pita dipped in a black bowl.
Authentic Tzatziki Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Cool, creamy, and packed with fresh flavors, Authentic Tzatziki Sauce is the perfect companion to almost anything. It’s smooth with just the right amount of texture, balancing richness with a fresh bite. Use it as a dip, a topping, or even a dressing—it works every time. It’s simple to make but adds a big impact to any meal. If sauces could be refreshing, this one would lead the pack.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

Classic Pork Souvlaki

Three pieces of Pork Souvlaki with a bowl of white sauce and pieces of flatbread on a black slate serving board.
Classic Pork Souvlaki. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Bold flavors and perfect char make Classic Pork Souvlaki a dish worth making again and again. Each bite delivers just the right balance of smoky, seasoned goodness. It works great on its own, wrapped in a pita, or paired with a fresh side. Quick to cook and easy to love, it’s a meal that never gets old. If grilling had a greatest hits list, this would be on it.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pork Souvlaki

German Yellow Beans

A bowl of German yellow beans on a wooden table.
German Yellow Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A simple dish that delivers a big flavor, German Yellow Beans prove that vegetables don’t have to be boring. These beans are cooked just right, soaking up every bit of seasoning for a perfect bite every time. They work as a side, but they’re just as good as a main dish for a lighter meal. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they fit into any menu. If dinner needs a fresh, flavorful addition, this is it.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Light, refreshing, and packed with bold flavors, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp makes for an easy win at any meal. The orzo adds just the right texture, while the shrimp bring in a perfect balance of flavor. Whether served warm or chilled, it works as a side or a meal on its own. It’s quick to put together and even better the next day. If pasta salad had a world-class upgrade, this would be it.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate.
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Soft, pillowy gnocchi meets a rich, bright sauce in Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. The balance of flavors makes every bite interesting, keeping things creamy without being too heavy. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to feel like something special. Whether served as a main or a side, it always works. If pasta had a comfort food champion, this would be on the podium.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Pastitsio

A square piece of pastitsio dish served on a stack of black plates.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Layers of rich, bold flavors make Pastitsio a dish that stands out. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with everything that makes a baked pasta dish great. The mix of textures and flavors makes it a meal that’s hard to stop eating. Whether served for a big gathering or just a regular dinner, it always impresses. If baked pasta had a leader, this one would run the show.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore on a serving platter.
Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bold, rich flavors make Chicken Cacciatore a meal that’s worth coming to the table for. The sauce brings everything together, coating every bite in just the right amount of seasoning. It’s a dish that feels rustic yet full of depth, making it perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a simple side, and it’s a dinner that works every time. If classic comfort food needed a representative, this would be it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes.
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Light, fresh, and full of bold flavors, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is anything but basic. The smoked tomatoes bring a rich depth that makes every bite interesting. It works as a side, a light meal, or even a topping for something heartier. The mix of textures keeps it exciting without being overwhelming. If salads could have a twist that made them unforgettable, this one has it covered.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Cullen Skink

Cullen Skink in two bowls with crusty bread in the background.
Cullen Skink. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Traditional and full of bold flavors, Cullen Skink is a soup that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with just the right balance of textures. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, it always delivers. Every spoonful brings deep, layered flavors that make it more than just another soup. If comfort food had a Scottish representative, this would be it.
Get the Recipe: Cullen Skink

Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone

Two bowls of soup on the counter.
Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy, rich, and just the right amount of smoky, Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone takes comfort food to the next level. The mascarpone adds a smooth texture that blends perfectly with the deep flavors. It’s great on its own or paired with a crispy side for dipping. Each spoonful brings warmth and just enough richness to make it satisfying. If tomato soup ever had a gourmet upgrade, this would be it.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone

Mexican Rice

A plate of Mexican rice garnished with chopped green onions and herbs served with a spoon.
Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

More than just a side, Mexican Rice brings bold flavors to the table. It’s light, fluffy, and seasoned just right, making it the perfect companion to any dish. Each grain soaks up the flavor, keeping every bite interesting. Serve it with tacos, and grilled meats, or enjoy it on its own. If rice ever needed a personality, this one would have plenty.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

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