Another chapter explores all the culinary wonders of each alphabet; this time, the dazzling letter D is in focus. Even the words delicious and drool-worthy aren’t enough to express the diversity of flavors the letter D offers. Prepare to encounter savory classics like “Dumplings” and “Duck Confit,” as well as exotic finds such as “Dragon Fruit” and “Devil’s Food Cake.” From side dishes to desserts, breakfast to dinner, and everything in between, these 25 Foods That Start With D have something for every mealtime craving. And who knows, you might discover your new favorite dish along the way!
1. Double Chocolate Banana Donuts
What could be more inspiring than kicking off a culinary adventure of D foods with these delicious donuts? The sweetness of ripe bananas pairs beautifully with fruity, floral notes of cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips. Plus, they satisfy your sweet cravings with the ‘just right’ amount of sweetness without overwhelming your taste buds. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you’re craving something sweet but still want it wholesome.
2. Danish Dough
Crafting homemade dough might seem daunting, but this Danish dough recipe proves anyone can do it. With its foolproof technique and exceptional taste, you can achieve that signature flakiness that defines authentic Danish pastries. Adding milk, eggs, and vanilla extract will elevate the dough’s richness and depth of flavor. Mastering this homemade Danish dough will earn you a round of applause at your gatherings or brunches.
3. Dark Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt
Nothing curbs chocolate cravings better than these Dark Chocolate Caramel Truffles. Imagine biting into a smooth, creamy caramel filling wrapped in a decadent layer of dark chocolate and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s a taste sensation that will have you coming back for more. These truffles are perfect for wowing your guests with homemade treats that are not only delicious but also visually stunning.
4. Duck Confit
Don’t look so surprised; this duck confit recipe is a testament that ducks are the perfect choice for confit. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor profile, this duck confit will leave your guest in awe. In this recipe, perfectly seasoned duck legs with skin on are gently simmered in their own fat until tender and juicy, and then the skin is crisped to get a nice golden hue. Serve with mashed potatoes on the side.
5. Dumplings
With their delicate wrappers and savory filling of ground pork, shrimp, and aromatic seasonings, these steamed dumplings are a healthier alternative to their fried counterparts. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these miniature parcels of deliciousness never fail to impress with their exquisite flavor and texture. Feel free to customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. Swap the meat and seafood filling with your favorite vegetables like cabbage or mushrooms for a vegan variation.
6. Dewberry Lemonade
Summer heat calls for a refreshing drink to cool off, and this 4-ingredient dewberry lemonade is the best answer. Packed with sweet and tart flavors, this refreshing beverage can also be made using blueberries, or blackberries. Serve chilled with lemon slices and fresh mint springs.
7. Dill Pickle Dip
This fantastic dip is made by stirring cream cheese, diced sweet onion, and high in minerals dill pickles until smooth. It comes together in 10 minutes but tastes so addictively delicious. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best flavor. It serves as a great spread for sandwiches and hamburgers. Serve with crackers to treat those pickle lovers.
8. Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl
Looking for a healthy and filling breakfast bowl to kickstart your day? This smoothie combines pitaya (dragon fruit), giving this smoothie bowl a pink hue, tropical fruits, and plant milk. It is ridiculously easy to make but tastes like a million bucks. Get creative with toppings; add nuts/seeds to make it extra nutritious. Dragon fruit is high in vitamins and fiber, and this smoothie bowl is the best way to make the most of this tropical fruit.
9. Dijon Mustard Sauce
Looking for an easy steak sauce that you can whip up in no time? Treat yourself to the tantalizing Dijon mustard sauce flavors that combine easy-to-find ingredients. Instead of white wine and shallots, this recipe uses dried bacon, rosemary, and garlic cooked in cream and mustard until thickened. This recipe requires minimal cleaning and tastes divine. Perfect to serve with fried chicken and steak.
10. Damson Plum Pie
Treat yourself to the sweet flavors of Damson plum pie, a decadent dessert perfect for fall months. It features a tangy yet sweet filling made with antioxidant-rich Damson plums, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice nestled inside a double pie crust. Baked to golden perfection, this comfort food not only tastes divine but is also packed with good-for-health ingredients.
11. Dulce De Leche Mousse
Are you ready to indulge in the most delicious Dulce de Leche Mousse ever? With only four simple ingredients, you can create a heavenly dessert that is light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. Imagine silky whipped cream mixed with rich dulce de leche and stiff egg whites, all blended to perfection. In just 20 minutes, this mouth-watering mousse is ready to chill in your fridge.
12. Danish Pastry
Originating from Denmark, this delicious and multi-layer Danish pastry is made with yeasty dough loaded with butter. It has a crispy and flaky exterior surrounding a soft, creamy, and moist center when baked to perfection. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack to satiate your sweet cravings in the most delicious way possible. Although it’s not easy to make, the results genuinely reward the efforts.
13. Dahi Vada
This popular Indian street food features fried lentil dumplings soaked in water until softened and served with yogurt, spices, and chutneys/sauces. This traditional side dish is a true delight. Get creative with the toppings and adjust the spices to your liking. Add pomegranate seeds before serving for an extra pop of color. You can store fried vada in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
14. Deep Dish Pizza
As the name suggests, this Chicago-style pizza is stuffed and baked perfectly in a springform pan. It features an out-of-the-box cornmeal base for the crust, but what makes it stand out is the way the toppings are layered on. First comes the cheese, then your favorite pizza toppings, and finally, a generous helping of sauce to tie it all together. With just one bite, you’ll feel like you’re in Chicago.
15. Divinity Candy
This candy recipe combines granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water cooked over medium heat. Combined with egg whites and vanilla extract, this divinity candy has a texture that resembles marshmallows and taffy, making it perfect for holidays. Fold in pecans to the mix for a crunchy twist. Don’t plan to make these on humid days; otherwise, they won’t set up correctly. Store them at room temperature in an airtight container by placing parchment paper between layers.
16. Dandelion Green Soup
This delicious and hearty dandelion soup offers many benefits and is made with young dandelion leaves, chicken/vegetable stock, veggies, and mushrooms. The yogurt gives this soup a creamy texture, and simple salt and pepper seasoning helps bring out the flavors of the ingredients. A flavorful way to add bitter greens to your diet that’s super high in nutrients. Enjoy it for lunch; it’s super satisfying! Dandelion greens never tasted so good.
17. Doner Kebab
Satisfy your savory cravings with this popular Turkish doner kebab recipe packed with juicy and tender marinated meat grilled to perfection on a vertical rotisserie. Served with pita or flatbread with fresh veggies and sauces, it is packed with Mediterranean flavors and is extremely easy to make. Perfect for a dinner date and can be customized to your liking. Experiment with sauces and seasonings of your choice to make this recipe uniquely yours.
18. Devil’s Food Cake
When it comes to Devil’s Food cake, you know it’s a real treat! This cake is easy to make but also moist and delicious, thanks to buttermilk and oil. Coffee enhances flavor and gives cake extra flavor and depth. And let’s not forget about the frosting – a rich and creamy chocolate buttercream that perfectly complements the cake. Top it off with some chocolate sprinkles, and you have a dessert that’s sure to impress!
19. Dan Dan Noodles
These flavor-packed noodles feature thin wheat noodles for a chewy texture coated in spicy dan dan sauce sesame chili sauce and served with savory ground pork meat, fermented veggies, and peanuts for a crunchy twist. Add fresh green onion for a burst of freshness. This recipe requires less preparation and will be ready in less than 30 minutes. Can’t handle the heat? Don’t fret! You can adjust the heat to your liking.
20. Durum Wheat Pasta
While store-bought pasta is the epitome of convenience, there’s something exceptional about creating it from scratch. Made with just durum wheat flour, egg yolks, and a touch of water, this Durum wheat pasta is known for its firm texture and ability to hold sauces beautifully. Make it in any shape and stuff it to make delicious pasta dishes, including lasagna, tortellini, etc. Once dried, it stays good for 4 days.
21. Dark Rum Mojito
Are you a fan of traditional Mojitos but crave a more complex flavor profile? Say no more! This Dark Rum Mojito is the perfect blend of zesty lime, aromatic mint, and rich dark rum – a combination sure to delight even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, lounging by the pool, or simply needing a soothing elixir after a long day, this refreshing cocktail is the answer.
22. Dal Makhani
This is the easiest and most delicious dal makhani you’ve ever had. This Indian curry combines black lentils and kidney beans, slowly cooked in butter and aromatics and seasoned with herbs and spices, and tastes better than takeout. Serve this luscious creamy curry with naan or rice. Garnish fresh cilantro for a refreshing twist. Gluten-free and meal prep friendly!
23. Dump Cake
With just 4 simple ingredients, this easy dump cake recipe is a show-stopper last-minute dessert whenever you’re in a pinch. All you need to do is dump the canned fruit, cake mix, and butter slices into a pan and let the oven do the heavy work. Feel free to customize it to your liking with your favorite canned fruit and cake mix flavors. Serve it with a scoop of ice-cream for a dreamy duo.
24. Deviled Eggs
Looking for a healthy snack or appetizer that is easy to make using a handful of ingredients? These deviled eggs feature perfectly boiled eggs, mayo, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, or sprinkle paprika over yolk and mayo mix for a spicy kick. It is best for holidays, potlucks, and other occasions.
25. Dolma (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
This Mediterranean classic is healthy and made using wholesome ingredients for a nutrient-packed dish perfect for vegans. Grape leaves stuffed with a perfectly seasoned vegetarian filling made with rice, tomato paste, pinenuts, and seasonings for a flavor-packed meal that will impress. Meal prep and freezer-friendly, this stuffed grape leaves recipe is perfect for busy weeknight meals. The best part: can be made using meat filling.
