PART OF Golden Noms

The 54 Top Recipes from The Golden Noms Recipe Contest

From destination-inspired dishes to your favorite party cocktails, you submitted your top-notch, tastiest recipes to our recipe contest. Discover the best of the best below!

GENIUS NOMS: SAVORY

Meet the ideal dishes for any time of day, from breakfast to dinner to late-night snacks.

WINNER: Savory Breakfast Tart

"A savory French onion tart with tomato balsamic jam."

-katiemajewski3

Northern-Style Jambalaya Stuffed Peppers

"I wanted to create a fun, spicy, appetizer for a party I was having in the middle of winter. These little gems were a huge hit."

-noellejane

Creamy Ham & Gnocchi Bake

"This dish is the perfect comfort food for a weeknight family dinner. It stores great for leftovers too!"

-emilyrrg

Vegetarian French Onion Soup

"This recipe for French onion soup is vegetarian, but the flavors are just as bold as the original. You won't miss the meat."

-jaclyniicole

One-Pot Chicken Bacon Spinach Parmesan Pasta

“The flavors of this pasta dish work together so nicely. And it couldn't get much easier since you cook everything together in one pot.”

-Andrea P.

BEENZEN BUZZARD STEW

“I created this recipe when I needed to use up leftover fresh green beans and zucchini. The butter beans are an absolute must, as they add a unique flavor.”

-trudywschuett

Nopal Breakfast

"A yummy treat from Mexico."

-Sibel L.

Bacon Wrapped Coconut Quiche & Coconut Popcorn Shrimp

“Coconut-flavored quiche with fresh corn—which further enhances the sweet flavor—gets wrapped with bacon and topped with shrimp for a great sweet-and-salty taste.”

-Hidemi

Bacon & Egg Breakfast Stromboli

“Delicious bacon, cheddar cheese and scrambled eggs are rolled up in puff pastry for a breakfast-time spin on an Italian classic.”

-Stephanie J.

Garlic & Basil Chicken Pasta With Alfredo Sauce

“This is probably one of the best pasta recipes I have!”

-Miranda L.

GENIUS NOMS: SWEET

Whether you're a chocoholic or a fruit fiend, this category has everything to satisfy your sweet tooth.

WINNER: Banana Coffee Cake

"It's moist and tender like a banana bread, but also has that signature tanginess of a coffee cake. And of course, it's crowned with a butter-and-brown-sugar streusel on top, which is obviously the best part.”

-ally.tringali

Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies

“Rich chocolate chip brownies in cookie form, with a hint of espresso.”

-Andrea P.

Piña Colada Cake Bites

"A juicy recipe reminiscent of sipping cocktails by the beach, but booze-free."

-Maanita S.

Vanilla Dream Mille Crêpe Cake

"This cake is as beautiful and decadent as it looks. It's easy enough to make it for weekend afternoon tea and fancy enough for a celebration!”

-Amy T.

Blackberry Bakewell Tarts

"Scrumptious cupcake-size tarts made out of an anise biscuit base, layered with a homemade blackberry jam, almond sponge, and topped off with an oat-and-biscuit crumble.”

-Maritza.Jimenez

Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies

"This is one of my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipes. You can’t taste the chickpeas but they provide a nice fluffiness and lend themselves to a more filling cookie along with oats."

-Katie M.

Creamy Avocado, Coconut, Lime Ginger Pops

"A healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth that cools you off! If you want to make an adult version, add the coconut rum for yummier eats!"

-Rita1652

Chamomile Cake With Honey Buttercream

“A delightfully light and flavorful cake infused with Chamomile tea and perfectly topped with honey buttercream. Like drinking a cup of your favorite tea!”

-Wendy B.

Matcha Red Bean Cake

"This is a matcha green tea cake with red bean frosting and garnished with chocolate garnish. We wanted to use ingredients that were Asia-centric because we wanted to show how awesome the inclusion of these ingredients could be."

-thestarvingasian

Blueberry Lemon Oreo Cheesecake Bars

“Decadent smooth cheesecake with flavor that explodes in your mouth. ”

-aanderson4486

THE NEXT BIG VIRAL HIT

Prepare yourself for a host of amazing mash-ups that are guaranteed to break the internet.

WINNER: Chicken Parmesan Waffle Sandwich

“The combination of two crowd favorites — chicken parmesan plus fried chicken and waffles — into one delicious sandwich.”

-Chanel L.

Peanut Butter & Tomato Toast

"This is my favorite treat after a long run, and maybe one of my favorite ways to enjoy in-season heirloom varieties of tomato.”

-allisonstew

General Tso's Chicken Pizza

“This pizza is inspired by the New York City melting pot. This genius mashup is sure to be the next viral hit!”

-kac539

Spicy Salmon Poké Taco

"These will definitely take your Taco Tuesday tradition to a whole new level!"

-Amy T.

Chips & Salsa Salad

“Everybody loves chips and salsa! Here’s an upgraded version that you don’t have to feel guilty about having for dinner.”

-scotula138

Inverted Cheesecake Bites

“A unique way to serve delicious cheesecake in beautiful shapes and small portions. Your friends and guests will be impressed."

-Maanita S.

Trixy Treat

“Bringing back two of my favorite desserts, with a cake doughnut on the outside and a Trix-and-marshmallow center.”

-Rachel A.

Buffalo Cucumber Tempeh Sandwich

"I love both tempeh and buffalo cucumber so much that I decided to throw them together in a sandwich. The result? Some serious umami oomph!”

-leahfranklin

Apple Bombs

“Candied bacon wrapped around apple wedges.”

-sullivan.tim.65

Southwest Scotch Egg Rellenos

"I have created a collision of flavors by wrapping a hard-boiled egg with cheddar, spicy cream cheese, a whole green chili and spicy sausage. An explosion of flavors and textures that leaves you craving more.”

-robynleewade

TV & Movie Classics

Inspired by iconic scenes from the silver screen, these dishes are all worthy of the spotlight.

WINNER: Kimchi Pimento Cheese

"A classic Southern favorite and a Korean staple go hand in hand. For something extra special, use homemade kimchi. I was inspired for this recipe by Mind of a Chef."

-leahfranklin

Award Winning Meatballs in Peanut Sauce

"Marvel over these meatballs while watching Black Panther. The movie takes place in a fictional African country, and I came up with these tasty morsels using spices from the regions."

-Rita1652

Double R Diner Cherry Pie

"This recipe is inspired by the cult classic, Twin Peaks, that makes you want to curl up with a slice of pie and a cup of coffee.”

-gjohnson

Ron Ron Juice

“Take a trip to the Jersey Shore with Ron Ron Juice! Made famous by Ronnie on the TV show, Jersey Shore.”

-viviansli

Whatever, I'm Getting Cheese Fries

“This recipe is inspired by Regina George's famous line in Mean Girls.”

-kac539

Tropical Tilapia

“A simple tropical meal that is inspired by the food available to contestants on many of the destinations of the hit show Survivor.”

-hannahsallysolomon

Spicy & Soulful Five Cheese & Mac

“This recipe is inspired by the Sunday evening meals depicted in the movie Soul Food. Mac and cheese is comfort food at its best, and this rich and creamy version is no exception!”

-mshivers60

PARTY COCKTAILS

Raise a glass to these big-batch cocktails that are sure to please at your next shindig.

WINNER: Pink Grapefruit Frosé

“If you’re hosting summer parties, this will be the perfect cocktail or dessert to make, because you can—and should—prepare it ahead of time!"

-Amy T.

Cherry Creamsicle Dream

“A surprisingly tasty twist on a classic Creamsicle.”

-tmlhrn

Watermelon Herb Cooler

"This refreshing watermelon, mint and basil margarita is the perfect warm weather companion, whether you’re relaxing on a rooftop in Brooklyn or on a beach in Mexico."

-samanthaleahscott

Bloody Marrow

“A beefy twist on the classic Bloody Mary. If possible, ask the butcher to slice your marrow bone lengthwise (into quarters) so you can use it for garnish!”

-leahfranklin

Summer Elderberry Cocktail

“A refreshingly perfect drink to survive any summer heat.”

-Jessica H.

Lavender Gin & Tonic Pitcher

“Sit back and enjoy these after a long hard day. I'm a gin lover, but a good vodka works just as well!”

-Rita1652

Orange Dreamsicle Heaven

“Blended Heaven."

-Heather P.

DESTINATION-INSPIRED DISHES

These are the dishes that remind you of home... or transport you on an epic edible vacation.

WINNER: Cauliflower Ceviche

“A healthy ceviche is a perfect appetizer for parties and gatherings. And guests won't even know it's vegan!”

-Selina P.

Zuppa Di Salsiccia Italiana

“A hearty, spiced meatball soup with potatoes and kale in a chicken broth perfected with a splash of cream.”

-DL K.

Mega Twinkannoli

"This is a mash-up of my two cultures' most popular desserts—a Twinkie and a cannoli—and it's big enough to share with the whole famiglia!”

-Bianca

Turkish Breakfast

"Wishing you could escape to a faraway destination before your work day? You can with this traditional Turkish breakfast. It is easy to put together, healthy, and perfect for a hot summer morning."

-Sibel L.

Smoky Kentucky Chili

"A uniquely Kentucky take on what is, in my opinion, the best winter recipe."

-ena820

Mini Strawberry Falooda

"Falooda is an Indian dessert that incorporates many flavors and textures. This would make a great dessert for a small gathering."

-allisonstew

Poutine

“A classic Montreal dish made with French fries, cheese curds and brown gravy.”

-viviansli

Pirate Pasta

"Sea shell-shaped pasta transported us to this tropical place Grandpa passionately adored, creating a multitude of mealtime memories."

-Party_Pirate

Mama Roy's Daughter's Chicken Curry

“The hardest part about moving out on your own is missing your mom's home cooking. Any Bengali household you visit will have some version of this curry, and everyone thinks their own mom's version is the best."

-Soma R.

Pumpkin Risotto With Prosciutto

“Inspired by a dish from a small Trattoria in Florence, Italy."

-Paula

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