30 Recipes We Learned from Teachers (2024)

Home Recipes

You can learn a lot more from teachers than math and science. Try some tasty recipes courtesy of these hard-working educators.

1/27

Meatballs in Barbecue Sauce

This recipe came from my home ec teacher in high school. I enjoy making it because you can throw it in the oven and still have time to do other things.—Yvonne Nave, Lyons, Kansas

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2/27

Cherry Icebox Cookies

The maraschino cherries add colorful flecks to these cookies. As a home economics teacher, I often supplied treats for school functions. These delectable cookies were always popular.—Patty Courtney, Jonesboro, Texas

3/27

Slow-Cooker Flank Steak Fajitas

As a busy teacher, I think it’s so nice to come home to a warm meal after a day in the classroom. I’m not the only one who thinks so: These beefy fajitas go fast at potlucks, too. —Mary Holmgren, Mackinaw, Illinois

4/27

Fruity Orange Dream

I learned this recipe from a fellow teacher when I was living in West Virginia. It’s a standout for a morning party, since it’s even better when made the night before, so the flavors have time to mix. Plus, kids love it—it tastes like a Creamsicle in a bowl! —Georgeanna Wellings, Dacula, Georgia

5/27

Snickers Cookies

Though you wouldn’t know by looking, you’ll find a sweet surprise inside these cookies. My mother got this Snickers cookie recipe from a fellow teacher at her school. It’s a terrific way to dress up refrigerated cookie dough. —Kari Pease, Conconully, Washington

Psst! If you like this, you might also appreciate this healthy Snickers recipe.

6/27

Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

I received the recipe for this unstuffed cabbage casserole from a teacher at the preschool where I work. It’s a nutritious and economical meal for busy families. —Judy Thorn, Mars, Pennsylvania

7/27

Homemade Chocolate Easter Eggs

I roll out these chocolate Easter eggs when the weather gets warm. The recipe is over 35 years old; my high school economics teacher had us make it as a class project. Sometimes I substitute butterscotch or vanilla pudding for the chocolate. —Julie Warren, Conyers, Georgia

8/27

Bacon-Sausage Quiche Tarts

As a teacher, I attend many meetings and also have special celebrations with rest of the staff. The other teachers are very fond of this treat and often request that I bring it to our functions. —Jackie Milliken, Pittsboro, North Carolina

9/27

Blueberry Cornbread

My husband is a fourth-grade teacher, and he incorporates monthly baking projects into the curriculum. His recipe for blueberry cornbread is a class favorite. —Jennifer Martin, Martinez, California

10/27

Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken with Potatoes

This is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

11/27

Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

When I place a pan of these bars in the teachers' lounge and come back after the last bell, the pan is always empty. I'd say that's a good thing. White chocolate chips and cranberries make them extra special. —Mirella Hackett, Chandler, Arizona

12/27

Cinnamon Pecan Bars

I’m a special education teacher and we bake these bars in my life skills class. It ‘s an easy recipe that my special-needs students have fun preparing. —Jennifer Peters, Adams Center, New York

13/27

Hot Cheese Dip

When a colleague brought this cheesy dip to school for a teachers potluck, I immediately gave it an A+. I had to have the recipe for this irresistibly creamy recipe to make for my family! —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin

14/27

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

I’m a busy schoolteacher and pastor’s wife and I wouldn’t dare show my face at a church dinner or bake sale without some of these tempting peanut butter treats. They’re quick and easy to make and always a hit. —Kristi Tackett, Banner, Kentucky

15/27

Tomato Hamburger Soup

As a full-time teacher, I only have time to cook from scratch a few nights each week. This slow-cooker soup recipe makes a big enough batch to feed my family for two nights. —Julie Kruger, St. Cloud, Minnesota

16/27

Orange Dreams

A fellow teacher shared this recipe with me. We have several great cooks on our teaching staff, and each of us takes turns bringing special treats to the lounge. These moist, chewy cookies with a pleasant orange flavor are a favorite.—Susan Warren, North Manchester, Indiana

17/27

Spanakopita Pinwheels

I'm enthralled with spanakopita, and this spinach and feta pinwheel recipe was a quick and easy way to enjoy the pie. I have used it for get-togethers and family events with great success. —Ryan Palmer, Windham, Maine

18/27

Cheese Crispies

For years I’ve taken these crispy, crunchy snacks to work. They get high marks from everybody in the teachers lounge. —Eileen Ball, Cornelius, North Carolina

19/27

Quick Carbonara

Carbonara is a dinnertime classic, but my version cuts down on the time it takes to make. Loaded with ham, bacon, olives, garlic and Parmesan, it certainly doesn't skimp on flavor. —Carole Martin, Tallahassee, Florida

20/27

Mediterranean Turkey Panini

The word panini refers to sandwiches that are pressed and toasted. I make panini for my fellow teachers and friends. For potlucks, make several and cut them into fourths. —Martha Muellenberg, Vermillion, South Dakota

21/27

Rich Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

When I was a teacher, this recipe was recommended by one of my student's parents. I've made it so many times, I can't imagine hosting a brunch without it. Chocolate chips add sweet bursts of flavor to the rich and tender coffee cake. —Michelle Krzmarzick Torrance, California

22/27

Slow-Cooker Creamed Corn

I’m a teacher, and this is one of my go-to recipes for faculty potlucks. It’s perfect for holidays, too, when you’re looking for an easy, comforting dish that has just a little bit of bite. —Shelby Winters, Bonner Springs, Kansas

23/27

Hearty Sausage Minestrone

As a teacher, I appreciate quick and easy recipes. If I make this for just my husband and me, we have leftovers for lunches. But when there are more people at the table, every bit is eaten. —Tami Stoudt, Evans, Colorado

24/27

Apricot-Filled Sandwich Cookies

I bake these delightful cookies every year for Christmas and when I share a tray of my homemade treats with the faculty at school, these are always the first to disappear! I've even had requests to make them for wedding receptions.—Deb Lyon, Bangor, Pennsylvania

25/27

Veggie Sausage Strata

As a retired home economics teacher, I've made quite a few recipes through the years. This hearty casserole is a favorite in my family. —Dorothy Erickson, Blue Eye, Missouri

26/27

Turkey Salsa Bowls with Tortilla Wedges

Delicious and nutritious, this dish was a favorite ofthe kids who participated in the junior chef classes I taught at my church.The recipe encouraged creativity and healthy eatingas students designed their own salsa bowls using whole grains, vegetables and lean protein.—Jean Gottfried, Upper Sandusky, Ohio

27/27

Crunchy Apple Mixed Greens Salad

Whenever our staff celebrates a birthday or a special occasion, "Mary's Apple Salad" is always at the top of the wish list! The ingredients can also be prepared the day before and put together in a flash for our teachers' 20 minute lunch time.—Mary Robertson, Louisville, Kentucky

Having a passion for writing her whole life, Laurie joined the Taste of Home team to bring together her two favorite things—creative writing and food. She spends most of her time playing with her dog, drafting up short stories and, of course, trying out new recipes.