The 28 Best Things to Cook This February

published Feb 1, 2022

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devils food cake slice on a plate — Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Duncan Fitzpatrick
Devil's Food Cake

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I happen to love these cold, dark mid-winter days. Perhaps you’re shaking your head or scoffing in disbelief, but hear me out: Right now is the perfect time for hunkering down in the kitchen. Maybe that means a cooking or baking project, a hearty slow-cooked braise, or a big pot of extra-cozy soup. The slower pace that comes with winter weekends is perfect for setting up a leisurely brunch. How about kicking off the weekend with French toast or a skillet pancake that can feed the whole table? A lot of Kitchn editors have also been gushing over our newly published Persian eggs, so if a savory breakfast is more your style, this is one to try.

Even if football isn’t your thing or your team isn’t going to the Super Bowl, it’s fun to still get behind game-day snacks. And, I mean, with a lineup of nacho fries (yes, a copycat of the Taco Bell ones), wings, cheesy dip, and pull-apart bubble bread, how could you not get at least a little bit excited?

At Kitchn, we’ve always been strong believers that Valentine’s Day is more fun celebrated at home. Embrace the day by cooking something special for yourself, your partner, a friend, or your family. Steak is a classic, although brown butter Parmesan pasta is a fast and fancy dinner that’s likely to be a surefire hit. A little something sweet — say, brownies, pudding cakes, or red velvet cupcakes — is definitely a good idea, too.

February is a month to cozy up with meals that’ll warm you from the inside out and make something like feels like a treat to yourself. Here are 28 our favorite ideas to inspire your cooking (and baking!) all month long, because we want you to have a positively delicious month ahead.

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Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

These muffins happen to be naturally gluten-free, thanks to almond and oat flour, but what you really need to know about them is that they're just plain delicious. They're most wonderful way to add some sunshine into this blustery month.

2 / 28

The Best Instant Pot Chicken Wings

The best thing about Instant Pot wings is how incredibly juicy and tender they are. Plus, they're ready in a fraction of the time as oven-baked wings.

3 / 28

Better-than-Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

After editing a few stories about people's grocery tips for soup season, Lifestyle Editor Mara got the itch herself! "Broccoli cheddar is one of my top three favorite soups — in all it's cheesy, creamy, green glory — and this one is calling my name."

4 / 28

Challah French Toast

There's no better way to start a winter weekend (or a snow day!).

5 / 28

Sugar Cookie Bark

Senior Contributing Food Editor Kelli is excited about making this large-format cookie with her toddler. "My son is going to love shaking on the sprinkles to help decorate, and we'll pack some up in cute bags as a Valentine's treat for family members."

6 / 28

Executive Editor, Adriana, is a firm believer in nachos for dinner, and you'll find this Taco Bell copycat in her meal plan this month.

7 / 28

Harissa Olive Oil-Braised Chickpeas and Fennel

This simple recipe transforms a couple of cans of chickpeas into a warm, saucy, and flavor-packed dinner.

8 / 28

As soon as this recipe published, Senior Food Editor, Megan, knew she had to make it — a sentiment echoed by most of the Kitchn team. "It's perfect for lazy weekend brunches!"

9 / 28

Associate Food Editor Cory has had spaetzle on his mind ever since seeing Molly Yeh make some on her show. He's excited to try Amelia's version, along with some kielbasa or schnitzel.

10 / 28

This velvety cheese dip pairs perfectly with soft pretzel bites. And it's guaranteed to score you big points on game day.

11 / 28

Instant Pot Bò Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew)

"I have not stopped thinking about Thao Thai's Instant Pot Bo Kho recipe since we published it," Studio Food Editor Amelia tells me. "It sounds like everything I love and perfect for deep winter."

12 / 28

The Easiest Chocolate Pudding Cakes

If you're looking for a super-chocolaty dessert that also happens to be super easy, these gooey, decadent cakes are the perfect solution.

13 / 28

Creamy, Satisfying Mushroom Soup

Executive Lifestyle Director, Lisa, just made this last night and has big plans for cozying up with this creamy soup all month long.

14 / 28

Barak (Fried or Boiled Dumplings)

Executive Food Director, Nina, is game for a cooking project this month. "I've got my eye on Damira Inatullaeva's Uzbek dumplings, which I think I'll try both boiled and fried."

15 / 28

If your Valentine's plans include a steak dinner at home, you simply cannot go wring with this simple three-step method. It will give you a perfect stovetop steak — cooked just the way you like it, every time.

16 / 28

The Ultimate 5-Minute Steak Sauce

And don't forget the steak sauce.

17 / 28

Fluffy Oven-Baked Skillet Pancake

Deputy Food Director, Grace, can't believe that she still hasn't made Patty's oven-baked skillet pancake, a recipe that's loved by many on our staff. But that all changes this month! "I've been getting into a routine of making blueberry pancakes every Sunday, and this would simplify my life and be way more fun!"

18 / 28

Devil's Food Cake

Copy Chief, Lauren, has plans to make this rich and decadent cake for Valentine's Day. "It looks like just the chocolatly treat I need this time of year. And I'm planning on using my favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour."

19 / 28

Drunken Noodles

Senior Contributing Food Editor Sheela has been eyeing this homemade version of one of her favorite Thai restaurant dishes ever since it was published.

20 / 28

Rosemary Braised Lamb Shanks with Creamy Polenta

The next time you're in the mood for a cozy, warming dinner, this is the one to make.

21 / 28

Cheesy Garlic Butter Bubble Bread

Production Editor, Tracey's, favorite football team is nowhere near the Super Bowl this year, but that's not stopping her family from digging into their favorite game-day foods! "I think if we make this Cheesy Garlic Butter Bubble Bread that day we’ll still feel like winners!"

22 / 28

Pantry Cocoa Brownies

After trying them for the first time, Executive Editor, Adriana, already has the ingredients (including the special addition of walnuts) for these brownies on her grocery list, so she can make another batch this month.

23 / 28

Red Velvet Cupcakes

This quick and easy cupcake recipe will make a believer out of any red-velvet skeptic.

24 / 28

Vegetarian Mushroom Stew

Make a big batch of this stew because the leftovers are amazing. Serve it in a bowl with crusty bread or atop polenta. Once the coconut-tomato broth thickens, you can also try it in an open-faced sandwich melt for an entirely different dinner.

25 / 28

Nothing feels cozier to Associate Food Editor Nicole right now than this shredded beef dish.

26 / 28

Brown Butter Parmesan Pasta

Toss warm strands of spaghetti with brown butter, panko, and a sprinkle of Parm and you've got an ultra-comforting meal that comes together in minutes.

27 / 28

Four-Can Pantry Salad

This Italian-style pantry salad is incredibly adaptable to whatever ingredients you have.

28 / 28

For Food Editor-at-Large, Christine, it's all about celebrating Chinese New Year, and she can't wait to make lots of dumplings!

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