Challenge Yourself in the Kitchen by Making These 17 Intermediate Recipes

Creme de la Crumb

Trying something new in the kitchen can seem scary, even if you're a pro at cooking. But there's no better time than right now to try some of those more challenging recipes that you've had bookmarked for forever but have never had the guts (or time) to actually make. Think of things like homemade pretzels, Chinese takeout from scratch, and decadent dessert rolls. We've rounded up 15+ recipes that range from a little complicated to very so you can challenge yourself on multiple levels in the kitchen. So, get out your pots, knives, and wooden spoons to create some of these dishes and see what you're really made of (spoiler alert: you got this). Keep reading to see them all now.

01
Triple-Berry Breakfast Bread
Fit Foodie Finds

Triple-Berry Breakfast Bread

This breakfast bread is perfect for a quick bite before work or as a side with a big breakfast on the weekend! You could even munch on it as a sweet treat right when it comes out of the oven.

Get the recipe: triple-berry breakfast bread

02
Salmon Wellington
Well Plated by Erin

Salmon Wellington

Perfectly cooked salmon enveloped in a flaky pastry sounds like a bit of a challenge, but one that you should be up for! The salmon Wellington is a restaurant-quality dish right in your own home.

Get the recipe: salmon Wellington

03
Pepper Steak
Chili Pepper Madness

Pepper Steak

Pepper steak is a classic Chinese takeout item. Make it at home with this recipe.

Get the recipe: pepper steak

04
Sweet and Salty Teddy Bear Snickerdoodles
Half Baked Harvest

Sweet and Salty Teddy Bear Snickerdoodles

Cookies just taste better when they're adorable, right? Making these is definitely a process, but the end result is just too cute!

Get the recipe: sweet and salty teddy bear snickerdoodles

05
30-Minute Caramelized Shallot Beef Ramen Noodles
Half Baked Harvest

30-Minute Caramelized Shallot Beef Ramen Noodles

Sit back on the couch and slurp up these ramen noodles that didn't come straight from the microwave. Just be sure to watch the shallots, because they can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt in just a few minutes.

Get the recipe: 30-minute caramelized shallot beef ramen noodles

06
Chicken Kofta Korma
Cooking the Globe

Chicken Kofta Korma

Bring a little Indian flair into the kitchen with these meatballs, which are dowsed in a creamy sauce for an indulgent dinner.

Get the recipe: chicken kofta korma

07
Arroz Con Pollo
A Cozy Kitchen

Arroz Con Pollo

Rice and chicken in one pot sounds like an easy dish to conquer at home, but this one requires a bit more effort. The final dish is so worth it, though.

Get the recipe: arroz con pollo

08
Italian-Style Pizza Dough
The Stay at Home Chef

Italian-Style Pizza Dough

Homemade pizza is a great way to get creative in the kitchen. Pizza dough can be a bit finicky, so be sure to read the directions carefully.

Get the recipe: Italian-style pizza dough

09
Old Danish Christmas Kringle
SprinkleBakes

Old Danish Christmas Kringle

Even though this recipe is typically made for Christmas, kringle is good any time of year! Have it for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Get the recipe: old Danish Christmas kringle

10
Margarita Sorbet
Homemade in the Kitchen

Margarita Sorbet

Have a cocktail and eat it too with this dessert! Just be careful boiling the sugar since it can go from perfect to burnt in just a few seconds.

Get the recipe: margarita sorbet

11
Spinach and Feta Empanadas
Neurotic Baker

Spinach and Feta Empanadas

Forming and frying these empanadas is the trickiest part of this recipe, but they make a great lunch or side with dinner.

Get the recipe: spinach and feta empanadas

12
Sweet Pretzels
Neurotic Baker

Sweet Pretzels

The idea of a breakfast pretzel is super intriguing. Cut these in half for a killer breakfast sandwich!

Get the recipe: sweet pretzels

13
Tom Yum Soup
A Spicy Perspective

Tom Yum Soup

An authentic hot-and-sour soup can hit the spot better than almost any other soup. Forget takeout and make this one instead.

Get the recipe: tom yum soup

14
Classic Flan
A Cozy Kitchen

Classic Flan

Flan is an ultratempting dessert that's made with a baked custard and caramel top. The whole thing is baked together then inverted so the caramel is on top.

Get the recipe: classic flan

15
Homemade Flour Tortillas
Cooking Classy

Homemade Flour Tortillas

These flour tortillas will bring taco night to a whole new level. Making them perfectly takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself.

Get the recipe: homemade flour tortillas

16
Shrimp Pad Thai With Peanut Sauce
Creme de la Crumb

Shrimp Pad Thai With Peanut Sauce

Pad thai is a fun dish with a lot of different flavors and textures. It can even be made with any sort of protein to fit your dietary needs.

Get the recipe: shrimp pad thai with peanut sauce

17
Vegetable Coconut Curry Soup With Rice Noodles
Cooking For Keeps

Vegetable Coconut Curry Soup With Rice Noodles

Try out this curry soup, which is sweet and spicy and filled with lots of vegetables. It's even better the next day for lunch.

Get the recipe: vegetable coconut curry soup with rice noodles