Let’s be real: when it comes to New Year’s resolutions, food goals often get a bad rap for being all about the new supergreen or the death of the sweet treat. Sure, I’m all for health and the “best version of you” in the new year, but 2025 shouldn’t be defined by fad diets and exercising for aesthetic purposes. What if, instead of focusing on limitations, you approach food resolutions as a way to reconnect with and celebrate food? Whether mastering a new skill in the kitchen, trying a cuisine you’ve never had, or finding joy in making your coffee, these resolutions celebrate food as an experience to savor, not a problem to fix.
Master a signature dish.
There’s something inherently classy and grown-up about having that one recipe you can rely on to impress– a decadent appetizer, a sophisticated entrée, or a complicated dessert.
Yet the beauty of a perfected recipe lies in its versatility– whether it’s a casual gathering or a more formal dinner party, you can confidently serve it, knowing it will always be delicious and leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Wondering which dish to begin with? Learning how to make pizza dough from scratch can be a great way to start. It’s a fool-proof way to experiment with flavors, textures, and toppings while honing your kitchen skills. Plus, a well-made dough fits perfectly into that versatile category– think flatbreads, calzones, or even breadsticks on the savory side, or sweet apple turnovers reminiscent of nostalgic Pillsbury goodies. Once you’ve nailed it, you’ll have a reliable recipe in your repertoire that’s guaranteed to impress.
Expand your palate .
Expanding your palate is more than just trying new foods– it’s about food as a global language. Each new flavor and dish is an opportunity to learn more about different cultures, traditions, and histories.
Challenge yourself to explore new cuisines and ingredients, from Ethiopian dishes with rich, earthy flavors and vibrant spices to Filipino food with hard-to-find and bold combinations. Whether you eat out, order takeout, or attempt to prepare the dishes yourself, you can dive into new spices, textures, and cooking methods that make each of these foods unique.
If you’re not quite ready to tackle an unfamiliar cuisine, there are still ways to expand your palette and your community. Supporting local, family-owned restaurants, cafes, and bakeries is a great way to build your local economy while also fostering a vibrant and strong food community.
Level up your skills.
Technical skills are the foundation of every great cook. An easy place to start is refurbishing your elementary knife skills– learn the proper techniques like the claw grip and rocking motion for precision cuts. Once you build upon the basics, meal prep becomes faster, easier, and more enjoyable.
Plus, mastering knife skills gives you all the confidence to tackle all kinds of recipes and start experimenting with more complex dishes. Every time you step into the kitchen, you’ll feel more like a pro– and trust us, the results are so satisfying. You’ll not only look like you know what you’re doing but also feel like it.
Sip smarter.
This year, try brewing on a budget or cutting down the number of times you mobile order your go-to coffee to one special “treat yourself day” per work week. Get fancy from the comfort of your own counter with pour-overs, lattes, or cold brews– basically just pretend you’re the barista who knows your name by now. Cold brew at 8 a.m.? Absolutely. Fancy oat milk latte with a dash of cinnamon? You bet. It’s the kind of self-care that’s practical, delicious, and basically an art form.
First off, saving money on coffee means you can afford that cute scarf you’ve been eyeing (or, you know, other life necessities.) But honestly, it’s not just about the cash– it’s about taking action in your passion for caffeine. You’ll go from your Keurig, long overdue for its descaling, to “Watch out, Starbucks” real quick.
Grow your own ingredients.
Say it with us: “The plants I overwatered during the pandemic don’t make me a doomed plant parent.” After all, 2025 is the year to develop a green thumb. No more wilting, expensive herbs that are long expired in the cabinet, wilted and rotting in the fridge, or accumulating freezer burn– homegrown herbs are always fresh (hopefully not dead) and ready to go.
This resolution doesn’t need to be complicated at all. Start off with an herb garden featuring the basics– basil, parsley, and cilantro. You don’t even need a backyard to get started, a windowsill or even a few pots on your kitchen counter will work wonders.
Not to mention, growing your own ingredients gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling of accomplishment. There’s something incredibly satisfying about cultivating food yourself or for the guests you host, as homegrown herbs are a pretty solid conversation starter at dinner parties.
Bake more often.
The rise of sourdough starter is inescapable on TikTok, so why not make baking your creative outlet this year? Whether it’s naming your starter and turning it into a loaf of bread, experimenting with pastries, or baking birthday cakes for friends, baking is more than just the end result– it’s the job of getting your hands dirty and transforming ingredients into something extraordinary. There’s a pleasure like no other in seeing your dough rise, perfecting that delicate crumb, or baking a gorgeous cake that’s almost too pretty to eat. Plus, there’s no better way to say “I love you” than with something from your oven.
And hey, let’s not forget that baking is an instant ticket to TikTok stardom (or at least a few new followers.) Documenting your sourdough journey, from creating your starter to baking it into everything, is a fun and inspiring way to get creative with food.
Reduce food waste.
Food waste is out this year, and turning yesterday’s leftovers into today’s delicious meal is in. Whether repurposing roasted vegetables into a hearty soup, transforming stale bread into savory croutons, or using leftover rice to create a fried rice masterpiece, there are endless ways to give your leftovers a second life. With just a bit of thought, you can whip up cost-effective, no-waste meals that taste just as good (if not better) than the first time.
Plus, mastering the art of leftovers gives you more control over what’s in your fridge and reduces your trips to the grocery store. You’ll feel like a budget-friendly food wizard as you create tasty meals from what you already have. And let’s face it– sometimes those leftovers just hit differently the second time around.
If you’re ready to make 2025 the year you become a more confident, creative, and resourceful foodie, take these resolutions to heart. You’ll be treating yourself and giving the gift of delicious, thoughtful meals to those around you.