Exciting cheat meal ideas for those special treat days! These indulgent meals are perfect for breaking your routine – so you’ll savor every bite!
Eating healthy is great, but sometimes, you just need a cheat meal.
Something that breaks the monotony of salads and lean proteins.
And let’s be honest, there’s something incredibly satisfying about indulging in a meal that’s a bit naughty.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the most mouth-watering cheat meal ideas!
These tantalizing treats are perfect for those days when you just want to indulge and enjoy.
These cheat meal ideas include:
- Decadent pizzas with all your favorite toppings
- Rich and creamy pasta dishes
- Sizzling, juicy burgers and fries
- Sweet and savory brunch recipes
- Gourmet sandwiches and subs
- Exotic international cuisine treats
- Homemade desserts and sweet treats
What’s fantastic is that there’s a broad spectrum of choices, ensuring you won’t feel limited even on your cheat day!
(They also make great ideas for gatherings or special occasions.)
Table of Contents
1
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders – Once Upon a Chef
TESTED & PERFECTED RECIPE – These chicken tenders are marinated in seasoned buttermilk and pan-fried to crispy, crunchy perfection.
2
The Best Homemade Mac and Cheese – Once Upon a Chef
TESTED & PERFECTED RECIPE – Topped with crispy panko and herbs, this ultra-creamy homemade mac and cheese is a real crowd-pleaser.
3
Chocolate Cream Pie – Once Upon a Chef
TESTED & PERFECTED RECIPE – With a cookie crust, silky chocolate pudding center & pillowy whipped cream topping, this pie is a chocolate lover’s dream.
4
Gail Simmons’ Epic Spaghetti Pie – Once Upon a Chef
From Bringing It Home by Gail Simmons, this Spaghetti Pie made with Italian sausage and broccoli is one of the best things I’ve ever made.
5
Honey’s Coconut Cupcakes – Once Upon a Chef
(TESTED & PERFECTED RECIPE) Named for my great-grandmother “Honey,” these old-fashioned cupcakes and super tender and coconut-y.
6
Chicken Nachos – Once Upon a Chef
(TESTED & PERFECTED RECIPE) Topped with pulled chicken in a spicy sauce and gooey cheese, these chicken nachos are hearty, delicious, and satisfying.
7
Chicken Pot Pie – Once Upon a Chef
(TESTED & PERFECTED RECIPE) Rotisserie chicken and store-bought puff pastry make this chicken pot pie as simple as it is delicious!
8
Baileys Chocolate Truffles – Once Upon a Chef
(TESTED & PERFECTED RECIPE) Rich, creamy, and intensely bittersweet, these Baileys chocolate truffles are pure, all-encompassing chocolate bliss.
9
Brookies (Brownie and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars) – Once Upon a Chef
Made of layers of brownie batter & cookie dough, brookies are not only super delicious, but also more festive than plain brownies or choclate chip cookies!
10
Classic French Quiche Lorraine – Once Upon a Chef
TESTED & PERFECTED RECIPE — With smoky bacon, Gruyère and shallots, quiche Lorraine is one of the most satisfying dishes imaginable.
11
Chocolate Mousse – Once Upon a Chef
TESTED & PERFECTED RECIPE — This classic chocolate mousse is easy to make — and it will rival your favorite French restaurant’s version.
12
Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats – Once Upon a Chef
(TESTED & PERFECTED RECIPE) Toasty, golden, caramel-y, salty Rice Krispie Treats made with Golden Grahams and Rice Krispies.
Flourless Banana Pancakes Recipe
A nut-free, flourless Paleo pancake recipe to enjoy for a special breakfast or brunch.
14
Paleo Banana Bread Recipe
Give your daily breakfast a day off and choose a slice of this grain-free, gluten-free banana bread instead! It’s even great to give as a gift!
15
Loaded Sweet Potato Skins Recipe
Loaded sweet potato skins could possibly be the ultimate Paleo comfort food. Spiced chicken stuffed inside a crisp baked potato, tempting guacamole on top.
16
Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
These mouthwatering stuffed jalapeno peppers will have you reaching back to the plate again…and again…and again…!
17
Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
This is a simple sweet potato fry recipe for those times when you have a craving for carbohydrates on Paleo.
18
Ribs with BBQ Apple Sauce Recipe
Treat yourself to a Paleo feast with these savory ribs: they take a little time and effort, but they’re completely worth it.
19
Paleo Pizza: The Meatza
Paleo pizza called “The Meatza” has a pre-baked meat crust & your choice of toppings like bacon, sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, and more!
20
Keto Mini Cheeseburger Meatloaves Recipe
Most muffins are certainly not Keto, unless you make them yourself, with wholesome ingredients, obviously including bacon. Mini cheeseburger meatloaves, anyone?
21
Chorizo Burgers with Fried Eggs and Onions
Juicy chorizo burgers topped with a fried egg and caramelized onions. Perfectly balanced, paleo and keto friendly meal that will satisfy your cravings
22
Paleo Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Who said ice cream was off limit on Paleo? Ice cream is made out of eggs and a rich liquid. Coconut milk is perfect for a coconut paleo ice cream.
23
One Pan Chicken and Veggies Bake for an Easy Meal
For a great weeknight dinner, give this one pan chicken and veggies bake a try. It’s even easier if you use pre-cut vegetables!
24
Pan-fried Salmon Patties – Food Meanderings
Made with canned salmon, healthy, easy and quick!
25
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
The most delicious easy slow cooker chicken yet! Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken requires just a few ingredients: your favorite salsa, spices, and chicken!
