This list includes 87 Recipes that start with M, from “Macaroni Salad” to “Mutabal”. Many entries are comfort dishes and regional classics across Western, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines.
Recipes that start with M are dishes and preparations whose names begin with the letter M. They include global favorites such as moussaka, mole, and macaroni-based dishes with deep cultural histories.
Below you’ll find the table with cuisine, difficulty, and preparation time (minutes).
Cuisine: Shows the regional or cultural origin so you can filter dishes by flavor profiles and culinary traditions.
Difficulty: Indicates overall effort as Easy, Medium, or Hard so you can pick recipes that match your cooking skill and time.
Preparation time: Lists typical prep and cook minutes so you can plan meals and compare recipes by total time required.
Recipes that start with M
| Recipe | Cuisine | Difficulty | Prep Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macaroni and Cheese | American | Easy | 30 |
| Macaroni Salad | American | Easy | 20 |
| Macarons | French | Hard | 90 |
| Macaroons | International | Easy | 25 |
| Machaca | Mexican | Medium | 180 |
| Machboos | Middle Eastern | Medium | 90 |
| Madras Curry | Indian | Medium | 60 |
| Madeleines | French | Medium | 45 |
| Mafe | West African | Medium | 90 |
| Mahi-Mahi Tacos | Mexican-American | Easy | 30 |
| Mai Tai | Polynesian-style | Easy | 5 |
| Malai Kofta | Indian | Medium | 75 |
| Malasadas | Portuguese | Medium | 120 |
| Malva Pudding | South African | Easy | 60 |
| Manhattan | American | Easy | 5 |
| Manhattan Clam Chowder | American | Easy | 50 |
| Manicotti | Italian-American | Medium | 75 |
| Mango Lassi | Indian | Easy | 5 |
| Mango Sticky Rice | Thai | Medium | 45 |
| Manti | Turkish | Medium | 90 |
| Mapo Tofu | Chinese (Sichuan) | Medium | 30 |
| Maple Taffy | Canadian | Easy | 20 |
| Marble Cake | German | Easy | 60 |
| Margarita | Mexican | Easy | 5 |
| Margherita Pizza | Italian | Medium | 90 |
| Marinara Sauce | Italian | Easy | 45 |
| Marry Me Chicken | Modern American | Easy | 35 |
| Martini | American | Easy | 5 |
| Marzipan | German | Medium | 30 |
| Masala Chai | Indian | Easy | 15 |
| Masala Dosa | Indian (South) | Medium | 60 |
| Mashed Potatoes | European | Easy | 30 |
| Massaman Curry | Thai | Medium | 50 |
| Matar Paneer | Indian (North) | Medium | 40 |
| Matbucha | North African | Easy | 50 |
| Matcha Latte | Japanese | Easy | 5 |
| Matzo Ball Soup | Jewish (Ashkenazi) | Medium | 90 |
| Mayonnaise | French | Medium | 10 |
| Meatballs | International | Easy | 40 |
| Meatloaf | American | Easy | 75 |
| Mee Goreng | Southeast Asian | Easy | 25 |
| Melktert | South African | Medium | 60 |
| Melon and Prosciutto | Italian | Easy | 10 |
| Menemen | Turkish | Easy | 20 |
| Menudo | Mexican | Medium | 240 |
| Merguez | North African | Easy | 20 |
| Meringue | European | Medium | 90 |
| Mexican Hot Chocolate | Mexican | Easy | 10 |
| Mezze Platter | Middle Eastern | Easy | 30 |
| Michelada | Mexican | Easy | 5 |
| Mignonette Sauce | French | Easy | 10 |
| Migas | Mexican | Easy | 15 |
| Mille-Feuille | French | Hard | 120 |
| Mince Pies | British | Medium | 60 |
| Minced Beef and Onions | British | Easy | 30 |
| Minestrone | Italian | Easy | 60 |
| Mint Julep | American | Easy | 5 |
| Mirza Ghasemi | Iranian | Easy | 45 |
| Miso Soup | Japanese | Easy | 15 |
| Mississippi Mud Pie | American (Southern) | Medium | 60 |
| Mochi | Japanese | Medium | 50 |
| Mofongo | Puerto Rican | Medium | 45 |
| Mojito | Cuban | Easy | 5 |
| Mojo Sauce | Cuban | Easy | 15 |
| Mole Poblano | Mexican | Hard | 240 |
| Molasses Cookies | American | Easy | 25 |
| Molten Chocolate Cake | American | Medium | 30 |
| Mongolian Beef | Chinese-American | Easy | 25 |
| Monkey Bread | American | Medium | 120 |
| Monte Cristo Sandwich | American | Easy | 20 |
| Moo Goo Gai Pan | Chinese-American | Easy | 20 |
| Moo Shu Pork | Chinese | Medium | 45 |
| Mornay Sauce | French | Easy | 20 |
| Moscow Mule | American | Easy | 5 |
| Moussaka | Greek | Medium | 120 |
| Mozzarella Sticks | American | Easy | 25 |
| Muffins | American | Easy | 30 |
| Muhammara | Middle Eastern | Easy | 20 |
| Mujadara | Middle Eastern | Easy | 50 |
| Mulligatawny Soup | Anglo-Indian | Medium | 60 |
| Murgh Makhani | Indian | Medium | 60 |
| Mushroom Gravy | International | Easy | 20 |
| Mushroom Risotto | Italian | Medium | 45 |
| Mushroom Soup, Cream of | International | Easy | 30 |
| Mushroom Stroganoff | Russian (adapted) | Easy | 30 |
| Mussels Marinière | French | Easy | 25 |
| Mutabal | Middle Eastern | Easy | 45 |
Descriptions
Macaroni and Cheese
A comforting dish of cooked macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce. Also known as mac and cheese, it’s a staple of home cooking and a beloved classic for all ages.
Macaroni Salad
A cold pasta salad with cooked macaroni, mayonnaise, and chopped vegetables like celery and bell pepper. A popular side dish for picnics and barbecues.
Macarons
Delicate almond meringue cookies sandwiched with a flavorful filling like ganache or buttercream. Not to be confused with coconut macaroons.
Macaroons
Chewy mounds of shredded coconut, egg whites, and sugar, often dipped in chocolate. These are much simpler to make than their French counterparts, macarons.
Machaca
A traditional northern Mexican dish of spiced, dried, and shredded beef or pork. It’s often scrambled with eggs or used as a filling for tacos and burritos.
Machboos
A flavorful one-pot dish of spiced rice and meat (usually chicken or lamb). Considered a national dish in several Gulf countries.
Madras Curry
A fairly hot curry from southern India known for its deep red color, which comes from chili powder. It features a rich, aromatic blend of spices.
Madeleines
Small, shell-shaped sponge cakes with a distinctive hump on one side. They have a delicate, buttery flavor and a light, tender texture.
Mafe
A rich and savory peanut stew, also known as Maafe or groundnut stew. Typically made with a protein like chicken or beef and served with rice.
Mahi-Mahi Tacos
Fish tacos featuring grilled or fried mahi-mahi fillets, often served in corn tortillas with a zesty slaw and a creamy sauce.
Mai Tai
A classic tiki cocktail made with rum, curaçao liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. Known for its tropical, refreshing, and potent flavor.
Malai Kofta
A rich vegetarian dish consisting of deep-fried potato and paneer dumplings (kofta) served in a creamy, spiced tomato and cashew sauce.
Malasadas
A type of Portuguese doughnut, essentially a small ball of yeast dough that is deep-fried and coated in sugar. Especially popular in Hawaii.
Malva Pudding
A sweet and spongy apricot pudding of Dutch origin. After baking, a warm, creamy sauce is poured over it, making it exceptionally moist.
Manhattan
A classic cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s a sophisticated, spirit-forward drink typically garnished with a brandied cherry.
Manhattan Clam Chowder
A tomato-based clam soup, distinguishing it from the creamy New England version. It’s typically thinner and includes vegetables like carrots and celery.
Manicotti
Large tubes of pasta stuffed with a creamy ricotta cheese filling, then baked in a savory tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella.
Mango Lassi
A popular and refreshing drink made from yogurt, milk, and mango pulp. It’s a sweet, creamy, and cooling beverage perfect for a hot day.
Mango Sticky Rice
A traditional Thai dessert made with glutinous rice, fresh mango, and a sweet coconut milk sauce. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and slightly salty.
Manti
Small dumplings typically filled with seasoned ground meat and onions, then boiled or steamed. They are often served with a yogurt and garlic sauce.
Mapo Tofu
A famous dish from China’s Sichuan province featuring soft tofu set in a spicy, savory sauce with fermented black beans and ground pork.
Maple Taffy
A simple winter treat made by pouring boiling maple syrup over fresh, clean snow. The syrup hardens instantly into a soft, chewy candy.
Marble Cake
A cake with a streaked or mottled appearance achieved by lightly blending light and dark batter. A classic choice for birthdays and simple gatherings.
Margarita
A world-famous cocktail consisting of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice, often served with salt on the rim of the glass.
Margherita Pizza
A classic Neapolitan pizza topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil.
Marinara Sauce
A simple tomato sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions. It’s a versatile base for pasta dishes, pizza, and many Italian-American recipes.
Marry Me Chicken
A viral recipe for creamy chicken breasts cooked in a sun-dried tomato and herb sauce. So named because it’s considered delicious enough to inspire a marriage proposal.
Martini
An iconic cocktail made with gin and vermouth, and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. It can be served “shaken or stirred.”
Marzipan
A sweet confection made from ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites. It can be eaten as a candy or used to create intricate cake decorations.
Masala Chai
A popular spiced tea beverage made by brewing black tea with a mixture of aromatic Indian spices, milk, and a sweetener.
Masala Dosa
A South Indian breakfast dish resembling a crepe, made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils, served with a spiced potato filling.
Mashed Potatoes
A simple and beloved side dish made by mashing boiled potatoes. Milk, butter, and seasonings are often added for a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Massaman Curry
A rich yet relatively mild Thai curry that is a fusion of Indian and Malay influences. It contains coconut milk and a variety of aromatic spices.
Matar Paneer
A vegetarian North Indian dish consisting of paneer (Indian cheese) and peas in a creamy tomato-based sauce, spiced with garam masala.
Matbucha
A flavorful cooked salad of tomatoes and roasted bell peppers seasoned with garlic and chili. It is often served as an appetizer or side dish.
Matcha Latte
A creamy, frothy beverage made with matcha green tea powder, hot water or milk, and a sweetener. Known for its vibrant green color and earthy taste.
Matzo Ball Soup
A traditional Ashkenazi Jewish soup with dumplings made from matzo meal, eggs, and fat. It is a staple dish during the Passover holiday.
Mayonnaise
A thick, creamy dressing or sauce made by emulsifying egg yolk, oil, and an acidic ingredient like vinegar or lemon juice. A staple condiment.
Meatballs
A versatile dish of ground meat rolled into small balls, often with breadcrumbs and seasonings, then fried, baked, or simmered in sauce.
Meatloaf
A hearty dish of seasoned ground meat mixed with other ingredients, formed into a loaf shape, and then baked. Often topped with a glaze.
Mee Goreng
A flavorful and spicy stir-fried noodle dish common in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. It features a savory, sweet, and tangy sauce.
Melktert
A dessert, also known as “milk tart,” with a sweet pastry crust and a creamy filling made from milk, flour, sugar, and eggs.
Melon and Prosciutto
A classic Italian appetizer, or antipasto, featuring sweet cantaloupe or honeydew melon wrapped in salty, savory prosciutto ham.
Menemen
A traditional Turkish dish of eggs scrambled with tomatoes, green peppers, and spices. A popular and savory breakfast option.
Menudo
A traditional Mexican soup made with cow’s stomach (tripe) in a broth with a red chili pepper base. It is known as a folk remedy for hangovers.
Merguez
A spicy, fresh sausage made with lamb or beef, heavily flavored with cumin, chili pepper, and harissa. A staple of North African cuisine.
Meringue
A light, airy dessert made by whipping egg whites with sugar. It can be soft, as in a pie topping, or baked until crisp to make cookies.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
A rich, warm beverage made with chocolate, milk, and spices like cinnamon and a hint of chili for a gentle, warming heat.
Mezze Platter
An assortment of small dishes served as appetizers, including items like hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, olives, and pita bread.
Michelada
A spicy beer cocktail made with beer, lime juice, and assorted sauces, spices, and peppers. Served in a chilled, salt-rimmed glass.
Mignonette Sauce
A classic condiment for raw oysters, made with simple ingredients: minced shallots, cracked pepper, and vinegar.
Migas
A traditional breakfast dish consisting of scrambled eggs mixed with crispy strips of fried corn tortillas, onions, and peppers.
Mille-Feuille
A classic French pastry meaning “a thousand sheets.” It’s made of several layers of puff pastry alternating with layers of pastry cream.
Mince Pies
A small, sweet pie traditionally served during the Christmas season. Filled with mincemeat, a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and suet.
Minced Beef and Onions
A simple, savory dish of ground beef cooked with onions, often in a rich gravy. A comforting and versatile base for cottage pie or served with potatoes.
Minestrone
A hearty Italian vegetable soup, often with the addition of pasta or rice. There is no set recipe; it’s usually made with whatever vegetables are in season.
Mint Julep
A refreshing cocktail closely associated with the Kentucky Derby. Made with bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, and crushed ice.
Mirza Ghasemi
A smoky and savory Northern Iranian appetizer. It features grilled or smoked eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and egg, all mashed together.
Miso Soup
A traditional Japanese soup made from a dashi stock into which softened miso paste is mixed. It often contains tofu, seaweed, and scallions.
Mississippi Mud Pie
A decadent chocolate dessert pie with a cookie crust, a rich chocolate filling, and often topped with whipped cream or ice cream.
Mochi
A Japanese rice cake made of mochigome, a short-grain glutinous rice. The rice is pounded into paste and molded into the desired shape.
Mofongo
A beloved Puerto Rican dish made with fried green plantains that are mashed with garlic and pork cracklings (chicharrones).
Mojito
A traditional Cuban highball cocktail. It consists of five ingredients: white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint.
Mojo Sauce
A zesty and garlicky sauce from the Canary Islands and Cuba, typically made with olive oil, garlic, citrus juice, and cumin. Used as a marinade or dipping sauce.
Mole Poblano
One of Mexico’s most famous dishes, a rich, dark sauce made from dozens of ingredients, including chili peppers and chocolate. Often served over turkey.
Molasses Cookies
Soft, chewy cookies flavored with molasses, ginger, and other warm spices. They are known for their distinctive cracked tops and rich flavor.
Molten Chocolate Cake
A small, individual chocolate cake with a gooey, liquid chocolate center. Also known as a lava cake, it’s a popular restaurant dessert.
Mongolian Beef
A stir-fry dish of sliced beef, typically flank steak, cooked with scallions in a savory and slightly sweet soy-based sauce.
Monkey Bread
A soft, sweet, sticky pastry served for breakfast or as a treat. It consists of pieces of soft baked dough pulled apart and dipped in melted butter and cinnamon sugar.
Monte Cristo Sandwich
A ham and cheese sandwich that is dipped in an egg batter and then pan-fried or deep-fried. A sweet and savory diner classic.
Moo Goo Gai Pan
An Americanized Cantonese stir-fry dish. It features sliced chicken and button mushrooms as its primary ingredients, along with other vegetables.
Moo Shu Pork
A stir-fried dish of shredded pork, scrambled egg, and vegetables wrapped in a thin pancake, similar to a soft taco. Often served with hoisin sauce.
Mornay Sauce
A classic Béchamel sauce that has been enriched with grated cheese, typically Gruyère, Emmental, or white Cheddar. A key component in many casseroles.
Moscow Mule
A refreshing cocktail made with vodka, spicy ginger beer, and lime juice, traditionally served in a copper mug.
Moussaka
A classic layered casserole dish made with sautéed eggplant, minced meat (usually lamb), and a rich, creamy Béchamel sauce topping.
Mozzarella Sticks
Sticks of mozzarella cheese that are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. A popular appetizer.
Muffins
Individual-sized, cupcake-like quick breads. They can be sweet or savory and come in countless variations, such as blueberry, chocolate chip, or corn.
Muhammara
A spicy dip made from red bell peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and pomegranate molasses. It originates from Aleppo, Syria and is both savory and slightly sweet.
Mujadara
A simple, comforting, and ancient dish made with lentils and rice, garnished with crispy fried onions. It is a staple food throughout the Levant.
Mulligatawny Soup
A curry-flavored soup that originated from British India. The name means “pepper-water” and it can be made with chicken, lamb, or just vegetables.
Murgh Makhani
Also known as Butter Chicken, this is one of the most popular Indian dishes worldwide. It features chicken in a mildly spiced, creamy tomato sauce.
Mushroom Gravy
A simple and flavorful gravy made with sautéed mushrooms, stock, and a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch. Perfect for meats and mashed potatoes.
Mushroom Risotto
A creamy, savory Italian rice dish cooked slowly in broth until it reaches a velvety consistency. Flavored with mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and herbs.
Mushroom Soup, Cream of
A classic, velvety soup made with a basic roux, milk or cream, and finely chopped or puréed mushrooms. A comforting and simple meal.
Mushroom Stroganoff
A vegetarian take on the classic Beef Stroganoff, this dish uses hearty mushrooms in a creamy sour cream sauce, served over noodles or rice.
Mussels Marinière
A classic and simple French dish of mussels cooked in a broth of white wine, garlic, parsley, and butter. Often served with French fries (moules-frites).
Mutabal
A smoky eggplant dip made with roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It is similar to baba ghanoush but often creamier and smokier.