September 2021 Better Homes & Gardens Recipes

Farro Salad-Stuffed Avocados
Photo: Carson Downing

Food trends are constantly coming and going. Some, like eating more plant-forward meals, hang on for a long time. Others (remember dalgona coffee in early 2020?) make a big splash and quickly fade. Either way, we like to taste each trend and maybe even give a food trend our own spin. The recipes from our September 2021 issue of Better Homes & Gardens® dive into some of the food trends we've seen taking the fast-food world by storm and on social media platforms. We also created family dinners starring produce with just a bit of meat, because the trend of eating less meat isn't going anywhere. Try them all to see if you're a fan of each trend.

01 of 11

Buffalo-Style Spicy Chicken Sandwiches

Buffalo-Style Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Carson Downing

If you love a good chicken sandwich, chances are you've seen most of the contenders in the fast-food chicken sandwich competition. Now you can get in the battle yourself with this spicy take on a fried chicken sandwich. Tangy and saucy, this sandwich marries the technique of Southern-style buttermilk-brined and skillet-fried chicken with the well-loved flavor of Buffalo wings.

02 of 11

Crispy Dill Pickle Chicken Sandwiches

Crispy Dill Pickle Chicken Sandwiches
Carson Downing

A classic chicken sandwich is double-dipped and deep-fried. (Remember, you don't need a deep-fat fryer to deep-fry; a large pot or Dutch oven will work.) We're bonkers for this one with simple toppings of lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a copycat sauce. A zesty pickle brine adds more pickle flavor and also helps tenderize the chicken.

Buy It: Crock-Pot Dutch Oven ($84, Bed Bath & Beyond)

03 of 11

Air-Fryer Chicken Katsu Sandwiches

Air-Fryer Chicken Katsu Sandwiches
Carson Downing

We love panko bread crumbs for their flaky crunch whether air-fried, pan-fried, or baked. Though it's not traditional, mixing sesame seeds into this katsu breading adds dynamic speckles and subtle toasted sesame flavor.

Buy It: Instant Vortex Air Fryer ($120, Target)

04 of 11

Chicken Laab Cabbage Rolls

Chicken Laab Cabbage Rolls
Carson Downing

The only resemblance these bear to the Eastern European tomato-sauced version of cabbage rolls is the leafy green that envelops the filling. In contrast, our spicy soy and herb chicken filling was inspired by the flavor of laab, a minced meat salad considered the national dish of Laos. (On Thai menus, you will see the dish referred to as larb.) Serve them finger-food style as an appetizer or as a fork-and-knife main dish

05 of 11

Stuffed Eggplant Caponata

Stuffed Eggplant Caponata
Carson Downing

If you think you like eggplant only in its Parmesan form, this recipe may convince you to enjoy it the way they do in Southern Italy. The tangy filling is caponata, a Sicilian appetizer made by simmering eggplant, bell pepper, onion, and tomatoes with vinegar, capers, and raisins. Melted burrata and crisped prosciutto on top turn on the charm to the point you won't miss the breading.

06 of 11

Farro Salad-Stuffed Avocados

Farro Salad-Stuffed Avocados
Carson Downing

Everything about this ancient grain, cucumber, and tomato salad contrasts the mellow avocado—the chewy farro, crunchy veggies, and smoky hot harissa vinaigrette. Eat from the top down, making sure to get a bit of salad and avocado with each bite to balance both the flavors and textures.

Buy It: Bob's Red Mill Farro ($10, Walmart)

07 of 11

Poblanos with Late-Summer Vegetables and Shrimp

Poblanos with Late-Summer Vegetables and Shrimp
Carson Downing

Roasting brings out the earthy sweetness of poblano peppers and softens them so they're easier to stuff with late-season superstars: corn, tomatoes, and zucchini. Latin American flavors shine in a few elements—shrimp seared with cumin and chili powder, fresh radishes, crunchy tortilla strips, and a drizzle of serrano-lime dressing.

08 of 11

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes with Herbs

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes with Herbs
Carson Downing

When your garden tomatoes are at their best, slide this recipe into your summer meal rotation. It's as simple as a salad, but so much more substantial. You need only a handful of ingredients—tomatoes, toasted bread, nuts, sautéed mushrooms, a few sprigs of herbs—plus 20 minutes in the oven or on the grill and dinner's done.

09 of 11

Chocolate-Hazelnut and Berry Folded Crepe

Chocolate-Hazelnut and Berry Folded Crepe
Carson Downing

How the trend started: All of TikTok was arranging quesadilla ingredients in quadrants on a tortilla. How it's going: We use purchased (or homemade) crepes and four sweet fillings. Of course, you can customize your crepe with any of your favorite fillings, either sweet or savory.

10 of 11

Stuffed Mini Chaffles

Stuffed Mini Chaffles
Jason Donnelly

A chaffle is a waffle made from a batter of shredded cheese and eggs (cheese + waffle = chaffle). How the trend started: Low-carb waffles from a two-ingredient batter of eggs and cheese. How it's going: Stuffed mini chaffles finished with toppers inspired by trendy toasts.

Buy It: Dash Mini Waffle Maker ($13, Target)

11 of 11

Baked Hummingbird Oatmeal

Baked Hummingbird Oatmeal
Carson Downing

How the trend started: A blended, baked oatmeal. How it's going: Baked oatmeal with the flavors of hummingbird cake—banana, pineapple, pecans—and the texture of a spoonable banana bread.

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