25 Unforgettable Recipes We Learned From Our Mothers-in-Law (2025)

Easy Vegetarian Kofta Curry

If you're looking for an easy weeknight vegetarian meal, we'll let you in on a secret from creator Diana Moustopolos' mother-in-law: The veggie balls from IKEA (or the vegetarian balls of your choice) make a great shortcut for meatless kofta curry. The whole dish comes together in half an hour. Serve with basmati rice for a well-rounded meal.

Mother-in-Law Eggs

Creator SHORECOOK passed down this deviled egg recipe, which uses sugar and hot mustard, to her daughter-in-law — the sweet-hot combo is downright irresistible. "Whenever my daughter-in-law throws a party, she is always asked, 'Are you having your mother-in-law's eggs?'" she says.

My Mother-in-Law's Plum Bread

This cross between a cake and a loaf is delightfully moist without being overly sweet and gets a nice zip of tartness from fresh plums. If you want to get adventurous, switch to a citrus-flavored yogurt or try using other drupes, such as berries or apricots.

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies II

Creator MJK's mother-in-law used this recipe for cut-out cookies, and now you can use it as your go-to for the holidays. The inclusion of lard makes this dough easy to work with and yields cookies that are soft without being crumbly. Community member Karen notes that this recipe works for filled cookies as well. Essentially, you'll never need another sugar cookie recipe with this in your pocket.

Sour Cream Coffee Cake I

This coffee cake recipe, courtesy of creator Eileen's mother-in-low, has just the right amount of sweetness and is flexible enough to work as muffins and mini loaves. If you don't care for sprinkles or just want to add a touch of elegance, try topping the glaze with chopped walnuts.

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Persian Kabob

This kabob recipe was passed between in-laws twice and is shockingly simple. The yogurt marinade leaves the sirloin tender and juicy, and the longer you let it sit, the more flavorful it'll get. You can also add other spices, such as turmeric, cayenne pepper, and garlic salt, to ramp up the flavor.

Harden Your Arteries Pie Crust

This pie crust recipe is tender, flaky, and astoundingly easy to work with. Don't be afraid to work with lard; it gives the crust a "wonderful oldtime taste" and rolls out beautifully. The egg and vinegar bring additional flavor and softness.

Fantastic Black Bean Chili

"I never knew what I was missing until my mother-in-law made this! Everyone begged her for the recipe," says creator Rebecca Slone. Luckily for you, this recipe comes together almost effortlessly — if you have a can opener, you can make this chili. Add in some cumin if you prefer a more flavorful chili.

Coconut Bread II

This easy coconut bread tastes more like a cake, and making it couldn't be simpler. The result is chewy and sweet and will even win over people who don't care for coconut. Several community members noted that this recipe yields enough batter for two loaves, so keep an extra pan or muffin tin handy.

Hoppin' John in the Summertime

Community member Kris Swiggum got this hoppin' john recipe from her Lowcountry mother-in-law, who tweaked the traditional side into a salad on an exceptionally hot day. It makes a great summer dinner, or just a great dinner in places that don't ever get cold.

Traditional Three Bean Salad

You can't go wrong with classic three bean salad, and this recipe by community member ccormia's mother-in-law is one you'll want to keep around. If you don't have a certain ingredient on hand, don't fret — this recipe is extremely adaptable.

Cauliflower Supreme

Whether you're looking for a holiday-worthy side dish or just need to use up some extra vegetables, this sauteed cauliflower comes together easily and delivers on taste. To lower the salt content, use low-sodium chicken stock instead of bouillon.

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Dale's Lamb

"This is one of the BEST lamb recipes I have ever [had] the pleasure of eating," says community member moroccantreasures.com. "Our picky 5 year old said it tastes like heaven! I feel like I am having a gourmet dinner in my own home and being a beginning cook the results make me feel like a professional cook and that I can now say 'Yes I am a great cook!'"

Spoon Cookies

These classic Italian cookies get their name because of their no-fuss structure: rather than being intricately shaped like other Italian cookies, these are simply dropped with a spoon. To amp up the flavor a little, try using anise or almond extract instead of vanilla.

Easy Lemon Cake

Looking for a new go-to potluck cake? Look no further. This easy cake is served right out of the pan, making it perfect for groups, and comes out super moist. If you want to up the lemon flavor, use lemon cake mix instead, or yellow cake mix and try adding some freshly grated lemon rind to the glaze.

Vernita's Broccoli Casserole

This casserole recipe from creator annette's mother-in-law is simple, fast, and cheesy — so everything you want in a side. Don't skip the crushed Ritz cracker topping, because that crunch on top takes this casserole to the next level.

Waldorf's Sour Cream Cheesecake

Allrecipes Allstar Christina calls this cheesecake "creamy, rich, and yummy ... everything a good cheesecake should be. This cheesecake was one of the firsts that I have made that did not crack at all and did not brown on top...it was PERFECT (and cut beautifully)!"

Easy Creamed Pearl Onions

This creamed pearl onion recipe creator Janie received from her mother-in-law only has one single review below five stars. Creamed pearl onions are a Thanksgiving classic, but truthfully this recipe is so easy you can enjoy it anytime.

Roasted Peppers in Oil (Peperoni Arrostiti Sotto Olio)

Creator Kim's Cooking Now learned this classic recipe from her Italian mother-in-law. They're simple, yet incredibly versatile. Serve them on their own as a side dish, use them as a topping for shared dishes like bruschetta or pizza, or puree them with cream for an easy, flavorful pasta sauce.

Sausage Mushroom Quiche with Heavy Cream

Your search for a decadent Sunday dish is over. This savory quiche fits the bill for a delectable brunch, lunch, or family dinner. This recipe will fill two regular-sized pie crusts or one deep-dish crust. If you don't have heavy whipping cream on hand, regular whipping cream will work just as well.

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Grandmas Bogie's Parmesan Chicken

The Allrecipes community agrees: This recipe is a foolproof method for getting moist, tasty chicken on the table in half an hour. Creator LDP5's mother-in-law raised her family on this chicken, and it's easy to see why.

Eggs Poached in Tomato Sauce

This old-school recipe is a wonderful and flavorful take on eggs. Simple yet herby, it's an easy way to add worldly flavor to your breakfast. Try it over pasta, toast, or even polenta.

Chicken Velvet Soup

"My mother-in-law used to make this often when her son and I first married," says creator SCHSmom. "It is simple, tasty, and quick to make." The velvety texture of this soup makes it a winner. To up its heartiness, add veggies like celery, carrots, and onions.

Stewed Cabbage

"If I could give this recipe 10 stars I would," says community member Cat Lady Cyndi. "I had made this twice, and it is absolutely delicious! I am a cabbage lover, and now this is my favorite way of preparing and eating it." Try adding sausage or mushrooms to up its heartiness, and serve over mashed potatoes or rice.

Ruby Drive Sloppy Joes

Ketchup and chunky salsa gives this sloppy joe recipe a dose of flavor and texture. This 35-minute dinner is made in a single pan for easy cleanup and is easily customizable.

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