Step-by-Step NYT Cooking Recipes You Need to Try

Step-by-Step NYT Cooking Recipes You Need to Try

The New York Times (NYT) Cooking section has become a beloved go-to resource for anyone who loves food—whether you’re a home chef, a busy parent, or someone just starting out in the kitchen. With its carefully curated, thoroughly tested recipes, NYT Cooking offers foolproof meals that are as delicious as they are approachable.

In this blog, I’ve rounded up some of the best step-by-step NYT Cooking recipes you need to try. These recipes will take your cooking game to the next level while making the process fun and enjoyable. From quick dinners to decadent desserts, there’s something here for everyone!

Why NYT Cooking Is a Must-Try

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why NYT Cooking stands out:

1. Tested Recipes: Every recipe is rigorously tested to ensure it works for the average home cook.
2. Expert Advice: Recipes often include helpful notes and tips to make the process smoother.
3. Wide Variety: Whether you’re craving something quick, healthy, indulgent, or global-inspired, NYT has it all.
4. Step-by-Step Clarity: Their instructions are detailed but never overwhelming, making even complex dishes manageable.

Ready to get cooking? Let’s check out some must-try recipes!

1. Chicken Marbella

This classic recipe was originally made famous in the “Silver Palate” cookbook, but NYT Cooking’s modernized version is an absolute winner. It’s a perfect dish for entertaining, combining sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Prunes
• Capers
• Garlic
• Brown sugar
• White wine

How to Make It:

1. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, capers, prunes, and seasonings overnight.
2. The next day, place it in a baking dish, sprinkle with brown sugar, and pour white wine over the top.
3. Bake until golden and tender.
4. Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Pro Tip: This dish tastes even better if you make it a day ahead and reheat it before serving!

2. One-Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon

NYT Cooking’s take on a creamy, dreamy pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s light, zesty, and comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
• Ricotta cheese
• Lemon zest and juice
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese

How to Make It:

1. Cook your pasta until al dente, reserving about a cup of pasta water.
2. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, lemon zest, olive oil, and Parmesan.
3. Toss the cooked pasta into the bowl, adding a splash of pasta water to create a silky sauce.
4. Garnish with extra lemon zest and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Pro Tip: Add a handful of arugula or spinach for a fresh, peppery twist.

3. No-Knead Bread

This viral NYT Cooking recipe by Jim Lahey is a game-changer for anyone who dreams of making bakery-worthy bread at home. And guess what? You don’t need fancy equipment or skills—just patience!

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Instant yeast
• Salt
• Water

How to Make It:

1. Mix the flour, yeast, salt, and water in a large bowl until combined. Cover and let it rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
2. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape it, and let it rest again.
3. Bake in a preheated Dutch oven for a crusty, golden loaf that’s soft and airy on the inside.

Pro Tip: Experiment with mix-ins like rosemary, olives, or shredded cheese for extra flavor.

4. Caramelized Shallot Pasta

This quick and sophisticated pasta recipe will make you feel like a gourmet chef. It’s all about the shallots—they turn sweet and jammy, creating a rich sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

Ingredients:

• Shallots
• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Red pepper flakes
• Pasta of your choice

How to Make It:

1. Sauté the shallots in olive oil until caramelized, then add garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant.
2. Add your cooked pasta to the sauce, along with a splash of pasta water, and toss to coat.
3. Finish with grated Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.

Pro Tip: Double the sauce and save it for a quick, reheatable meal later in the week.

5. Salted Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies

These cookies, developed by Alison Roman for NYT Cooking, are nothing short of iconic. They’re buttery, slightly salty, and loaded with chunks of chocolate.

Ingredients:

• Salted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Flour
• Dark chocolate chunks
• Flaky sea salt

How to Make It:

1. Cream together butter and sugars, then mix in the dry ingredients and chocolate chunks.
2. Roll the dough into logs, chill, and slice into thick rounds.
3. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake until golden brown.

Pro Tip: Freeze extra dough for a batch of fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Bonus Recipe: Shakshuka

For a hearty and healthy breakfast (or dinner!), try the NYT Cooking Shakshuka recipe. This North African dish features poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce.

Ingredients:

• Canned tomatoes
• Red peppers
• Onion
• Garlic
• Eggs
• Spices (paprika, cumin, cayenne)

How to Make It:

1. Sauté onions, garlic, and peppers until softened, then add spices and tomatoes. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
2. Make small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each one. Cover and cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
3. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Pro Tip: Add crumbled feta or fresh cilantro for a flavorful garnish.

FAQs

Do I Need an NYT Cooking Subscription to Access These Recipes?

Most NYT Cooking recipes require a subscription. However, you can often find free versions of similar recipes online. That said, a subscription is worth it for the quality and variety offered!

Can I Customize These Recipes?

Of course! One of the joys of cooking is making recipes your own. Feel free to swap ingredients or experiment with different spices and techniques.

Are These Recipes Beginner-Friendly?

Absolutely. NYT Cooking’s step-by-step instructions are designed for cooks of all skill levels. Even complex dishes like No-Knead Bread become accessible with their clear guidance.

Wrap-Up

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or just whipping up something for yourself, NYT Cooking recipes are a treasure trove of inspiration. Their attention to detail and wide variety of options make them perfect for any occasion.

So, grab your apron and give these recipes a try! And hey, don’t forget to share your creations—you might just inspire someone else to get cooking, too.