The Best Recipes Our Community Cooks Made Last Month

Ivis Estrada

By Ivis Estrada

Updated on Oct. 31, 2025

We asked our Community Cooks which recipes they've recently tried and loved. Here's what they recommend right now.

Collage of Community Cooks Recipes December 2023
TASTE OF HOME

When it comes to home cooking, our Community Cooks are the best of the best. Their recommendations are backed by a wealth of kitchen knowledge and experience, so if you’re wondering what your next Taste of Home recipe should be, make it one of these!

Learn more about joining our Community Cooks program.

1/10

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

From the Recipe Creator: I knew this ham soup recipe was a keeper when my mother-in-law asked for it! The hearty soup—chock-full of ham, veggies and cheese—is creamy and comforting. And even though the recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, don’t expect it to last more than one meal! —Marty Matthews, Clarksville, Tennessee

“This soup was yummy and quite easy to put together. I made it gluten-free by using 1:1 GF flour. I will certainly be making this again. It is a fairly thick, comforting soup.” —Wendy Masters

2/10

Pecan French Toast

Total Time:45 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Make-ahead convenience is a bonus with this yummy brunch dish. It couldn’t be easier to make, but it tastes like you worked all morning!—Cindy Fish, Summerfield, NC

“This is so easy, but looks a little fancy. It’s perfect for days when you want something a little special for breakfast. I also appreciate that this is the right amount for two people.” —Renee Page

3/10

Minestrone Soup

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:11 (2-3/4 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This minestrone soup recipe is special to me because it’s one of the few dinners my entire family loves. And I can feel good about serving it because it’s full of nutrition and low in fat. —Lauren Brennan, Hood River, Oregon

“I’m so glad I found this recipe—it made for a wonderful meal tonight! It was easy to throw together and hearty enough to fill our tummies. With all the veggies, I felt good serving it to my family. Will make again soon and often!” —Rachel Garcia

4/10

Favorite Jalapeno Corn Muffins

Total Time:35 min
Servings:8 muffins
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Honey butter tastes so yummy spread over these hot and snappy jalapeno cornbread muffins. They're delicious with soups, stews and chili. —Mary Thomas, Hugo, Minnesota

“Really good, especially with the honey butter. Seven diced slices of jarred jalapenos were used, and it was just the right amount of heat for us.” —Patty Crouse

5/10

Cream Cheese Candy

Total Time:15 min
Servings:about 6 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These homemade mints make a perfect last-minute addition to holiday treat trays. Pretty much everyone in my neighborhood has this recipe now! —Katie Koziolek, Hartland, Minnesota

“I have been enjoying eating these for years, as it is a favorite to serve at showers; however, I have never made them until now. Easy to stir up. I had silicone heart molds and made some of the mixture that way. Rolled in sugar after popping them out of the molds. So pretty.” —Marietta Slater

6/10

Apple Coffee Cake

Total Time:50 min
Servings:9
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I wish I could give credit where it's due, but I don't remember where this recipe originated. It seems as soon as this coffee cake is out of the oven, my family has it eaten!

“I loved this coffee cake! It’s especially perfect for fall. It’s nice and moist, thanks to the sour cream. It smelled heavenly while baking, and it was delicious.” —Lisa Varner

7/10

Meatballs Sausage Dinner

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: One day I was having trouble deciding what to make for dinner, so I combined whatever was in the refrigerator and freezer. To my surprise, everyone loved it! —Elizabeth Martz, Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania

“We loved this recipe, which is an entire dinner in a dish. Be sure the diced potatoes are in liquid when cooking in the oven. We loved this dinner and will have it again.” —Joan Hallford

8/10

Japanese Crab and Avocado Salad

Contest Winner
Total Time:20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: It can be a challenge to find winter holiday recipes that are suited to warmer climates. This luxurious Asian-inspired crab salad fills the bill with its festive colors and flavors. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California

“This salad is light, fresh and flavorful. Far from an ordinary salad, but simple to make. I love the avocado and crab combination, and the dressing is top-notch.” —Darla Andrews

9/10

Easy Banana Bread

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:1 loaf (12 pieces)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I watch several youngsters each day while their parents are at work. They come running when I announce it's time to cook. This easy banana bread is one of their favorite treats to help bake and eat. —Sharon Ward, King Ferry, New York

“I made loaves of this bread for a science experiment/cooking class I did with my fifth-grade science classes, and it was a hit! They loved it and rated it five stars all around! ” —Cyndy Gerken

10/10

Apple Dump Cake

Total Time:45 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved

“We love this recipe. The topping is my favorite part! I also love to use strawberry pie filling.” —Anna Miller