Home » Recipe Collections » 17 Ugly Dishes I Promise Taste Better Than They Look

17 Ugly Dishes I Promise Taste Better Than They Look

Have you ever looked at a dish and thought it didn’t look like much but were blown away by how good it tasted? We’ve all been there. Sometimes, the best flavors are hidden in the most unexpected packages. This article is about dishes that might not win a beauty contest but will surely win your heart with their flavors.

It’s easy to judge a book by its cover, or in this case, a dish by its appearance. But trust us, the magic happens when you take that first bite. You’ll be surprised at how these unassuming dishes pack a punch in the taste department. So, let’s set aside our visual judgments and focus on what matters most: how incredibly these meals taste.

Remember, great taste doesn’t always come in perfect shapes or colors. These 17 dishes prove that what lacks visual appeal is more than made up for in deliciousness. Ready to give your taste buds a real adventure? Let’s explore these tasty yet not-so-pretty dishes that promise to surprise you with every bite

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

Baked Scotch Eggs

Ever bitten into something that made your day instantly better? That’s what happens with baked Scotch eggs. They might not win a beauty contest, but they’ll definitely make your hunger take a back seat. Wrapped in a savory coat, these eggs are like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered at your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Scotch Eggs

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Imagine pulling a dish out of the oven that smells like home and tastes like heaven. That’s Beefy John Wayne Casserole for you. It might not look fancy, but every forkful is a warm hug from the inside out. It combines simple elements in such a way that you’ll ask for seconds, maybe even thirds.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops on a baby blue serving dish.
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Picture coming home to the aroma of slow cooked Swiss pork chops after a long day. This dish makes the whole house smell amazing, and the chops themselves are so tender, they practically fall apart on your plate. It’s comfort food that asks for nothing more than for you to enjoy every bite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Save and Register Form


Save this recipe, and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, Chef Jenn will send you more great recipes every week!

Beef Bourguignon

If you ever wanted a dish that’s a hug in bowl form, Beef Bourguignon is it. Don’t be fooled by its humble looks; each spoonful is a trip to the heart of French cuisine. It’s the meal that makes a regular dinner feel like a special occasion, without all the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

A black plate with Brown Butter Apple Blondie squares with apples on the left and pumpkins on the right side of the table.
Brown Butter Apple Blondies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brown Butter Apple Blondies

When it’s time for dessert but you want something subtly sweet, brown butter apple blondies come to the rescue. They’re the underdogs of the dessert world, combining simple pleasures with a twist. And while they might not catch your eye like a layer cake, one bite will convince you they’re worth every crumb.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Over the Top Chili

Nothing beats the heartiness of Over the Top Chili on a cold day. While it might look like your typical bowl of chili, the taste is anything but ordinary. Each mouthful is a reminder of why, sometimes, the best dishes are the ones that keep things simple and focus on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Over the Top Chili

Sweet Potato Casserole.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet Potato Casserole

For a dish that brings back memories of family gatherings, sweet potato casserole is a front-runner. Its appearance is modest, but the flavors are rich and comforting. It walks the fine line between sweet and savory, making it a versatile player on any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Let’s talk about a sandwich that changes all the rules—our Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. It’s the meal you might overlook on a menu, but once you taste it, you’ll mark the day on your calendar. With each bite, the flavors stack up in a way that’ll have you planning your next one before you’re even finished.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

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

Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding

Ever thought about turning last night’s dinner into a brand-new masterpiece? Leftover roast beef Yorkshire pudding does just that. It’s proof that some things can indeed get better the second time around, turning leftovers into a dish that stands out on its own.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding

Mexican Black Beans

When you’re looking for a side dish that brings warmth to any meal, Mexican black beans are your go-to. They might blend into the background on the plate, but their flavor takes center stage. This dish is a humble reminder that sometimes, the simplest meals are the most satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

A plate of breakfast casserole on a black plate.
Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

Looking for a breakfast that breaks the mold? Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage has you covered. It’s a twist on the morning routine that leaves nobody out, packing a flavor punch that wakes you up better than any alarm clock. Even without eggs, it stands proud as the centerpiece of any breakfast table.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche

If you ever doubted the power of vegetables in a baked dish, Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche will make you a believer. It’s a magical blend of green goodness and cheesy delight, proving that the best dishes are sometimes the ones you least expect. Ideal for any meal where comfort is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche

Zucchini Cookies on a parchment-lined tray.
Zuccihini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Zuccihini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans

In the world of unconventional desserts, Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans are a revelation. They sneak in a bit of green under the radar, delivering a cookie experience that’s as nutritious as it is indulgent. These cookies are all the proof you need that sometimes, playing with your food is okay.
Get the Recipe: Zuccihini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Craving restaurant-quality chili but want the comfort of home? Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe has got your back. It recreates those signature flavors in your kitchen, making any night feel like a night out. It’s a bowl full of warmth, spice, and everything nice.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Two bowls of cream of caramelized onion & mushroom soup with garlic and thyme.
Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup

Sometimes, you only want a soup that feels like a warm blanket. Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup fits the bill perfectly. It takes two humble ingredients and elevates them into a simple and sophisticated soup. It’s a starter that often steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Cuban Sandwich Casserole is like a party in a pan, taking all the elements you love about the classic sandwich and turning it into something new. It’s the perfect balance of familiar and exciting, making it a hit for any meal where you want to impress without too much stress. It’s a dish that proves sometimes, experimenting in the kitchen pays off.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Corned Beef Hash Casserole in a square baking dish.
Corned Beef Hash Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Wake up to something different with Corned Beef Hash Casserole. It takes the best parts of breakfast and combines them in a surprising and utterly delicious way. Whether it’s morning, noon, or night, this casserole fits in perfectly, making any meal feel a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Casserole

By

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.