ADVERTISEMENT

"Simple, attractive, and visual." That's how this 4-million-member food subreddit describes its content. The only correction I'd make is to add the word "addicting." From pink cake pops that look like something Wes Anderson's characters would eat to comically oversized mozzarella sticks just waiting to take a marinara bath, it's impossible to stop scrolling!

A few months ago, my colleague Jonas wrote a piece about this online community. Drooling. And I read it. Also drooling. But since it's so big, you can only imagine how many more pics of delicious-looking dishes have appeared on it during that time. Enough for Bored Panda to make a follow-up publication, I'll tell you that.

Mind you, going through this list on an empty stomach is quite the challenge. It might start howling out of jealousy.

To learn more about the connection between aesthetics and eating, we contacted Helen Best-Shaw, the creator of Fuss Free Flavours, a comprehensive food blog centered around achievable and affordable meals for busy people on a budget who don't want to compromise on flavor.

"Some of the greatest dishes are the simplest, but they use top quality ingredients," Best-Shaw told Bored Panda. "I think that the more simple the dish is then the better the ingredients need to be – think about a cheese board – if you get a couple of good cheeses which are perfectly ripe and serve with good bread and some interesting crackers, you have everything you need, but cheap cheese and crackers are just boring."

Another thing that makes a difference to both taste and looks is texture. "[It's] something that many people don't think about. A great dish will often have a variety of textures, crunch and crisp you can both hear and feel, silky smooth sauces, unctuous fall apart cuts of meat."

Best-Shaw said that she also likes a contrast of temperatures: "One of my favorite desserts is simple homemade ice cream, with a hot chocolate sauce poured over, just bliss!"

#2

I Made Rainbow Cupcakes… Couldn’t Be Happier With The Result!

I Made Rainbow Cupcakes… Couldn’t Be Happier With The Result!

EngineeredGal Report

Add photo comments
POST
aamna_shah avatar
Aamna Shah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They look like paintings. Such bright and beautiful colours!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

My Girlfriend Made Cookies For Our Upcoming Camping Trip To Glacier National Park

My Girlfriend Made Cookies For Our Upcoming Camping Trip To Glacier National Park

phillypharm Report

ADVERTISEMENT

All of the work you see in the pictures isn't just for Instagram. "We eat with our eyes as much as our taste buds and most people will enjoy a dish more if it looks appetizing," the food writer explained.

"Just a little bit of effort in presentation can make all the difference – all you need to do is serve it carefully, think about color (would carrots or broccoli look better with a main, for example) and add some garnish. I always have a bunch of fresh parsley in a jug in the fridge – it keeps for at least 2 weeks – and snip some up for garnish when I serve."

"Pretty plates and tableware help," Best-Shaw added. "Classic white plates work with almost everything – keep it simple."

But if you want to see what happens when people try too hard and the presentation gets out of hand, check out our publication on We Want Plates, a project founded by Ross McGinnes that calls a "global crusade against serving food on bits of wood and roof slates."

#4

My Boreal Strawberry Oreo Cheesecake Chocolate Bars

My Boreal Strawberry Oreo Cheesecake Chocolate Bars

Ctrl_Alt_3lite Report

#5

My Grandma Held My Hand Through My First Attempt At Baklava

My Grandma Held My Hand Through My First Attempt At Baklava

Chartreuse_17 Report

#6

Croissant I Did This Morning For The So

Croissant I Did This Morning For The So

input36 Report

ADVERTISEMENT

However, these "perfect" pictures shouldn't discourage you from experimenting in the kitchen. "Firstly, it is meant to be fun, so enjoy your cooking," Best-Shaw said.

For everyone who wants to take their skills to another level, the blogger suggests making it a habit. "Cook every day, buy a good knife, read the recipe from start to finish before you start to cook, and check you have all the ingredients."

"There is a reason that professional chefs focus on mis en place, or the set up before cooking. Get your equipment out and ingredients measured and prepared before you start to cook; especially if it is a new recipe or technique, so you can focus on the cooking."

#7

I’m 15 And I Just Cooked My First Batch Of French Fries And They Were Delicious

I’m 15 And I Just Cooked My First Batch Of French Fries And They Were Delicious

Renrost Report

#8

A Fall Themed Charcuterie Board My Mom And I Made!

A Fall Themed Charcuterie Board My Mom And I Made!

arithrowaway1129 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Assorted Bonbons I Made In Pastry School Last Week!

Assorted Bonbons I Made In Pastry School Last Week!

uniqueartist97 Report

But with that being said, remember that cooking is not a race. "Don't try and take too much on at once. I have tried to make three complicated dishes I'd never made for a dinner party before and it was a disaster. Once I'd practiced each dish separately, I can pull the same menu off with ease," Best-Shaw shared her experience.

ADVERTISEMENT

Lastly, make sure that you have enough time on your hands to go through a recipe with your undivided attention. "Many recipes underestimate the time it takes for the average home cook to prepare ingredients, ovens and stove tops to heat up," Best-Shaw said. "Unless you have made it before, add an extra 50% on to the time taken."

The chef highlighted that food is one of the great pleasures of life, and there are no rules. So whatever you do, just enjoy preparing and eating it.

#10

Made A Snickers Cake For My Father In Law's 70th Birthday

Made A Snickers Cake For My Father In Law's 70th Birthday

SugarHighBakedGoods Report

Add photo comments
POST
vickyz avatar
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

After this I'm not gonna be myself when i have just a plain snickers!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

I Make Sushi Once A Week, This Week I Bought A Train!

I Make Sushi Once A Week, This Week I Bought A Train!

yellowjacquet Report

#12

Chocolatine I Made

Chocolatine I Made

input36 Report

Add photo comments
POST
anselin-cecile avatar
theswallowii
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's bring that old French fight over BP! That's a "pain au chocolat" not a "chocolatine", you Southerner you! xD She's a beauty though! I'm drooling all over! :-b

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

I Take Care Of My Elderly Father And Try To Make Him Good Meals. Tonight Was Shepherd's Pie And Strawberries And Cream

I Take Care Of My Elderly Father And Try To Make Him Good Meals. Tonight Was Shepherd's Pie And Strawberries And Cream

Nickel6661 Report

#14

Made An Extra Pretty Apple Pie Because They’re In Season And I Wanted To Try Out My New Pie Pan

Made An Extra Pretty Apple Pie Because They’re In Season And I Wanted To Try Out My New Pie Pan

GlitteringInitiative Report

#15

My Experiments With Cake Pops , It Turned Out Very Cool

My Experiments With Cake Pops , It Turned Out Very Cool

avogrampp Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#16

This Nutella Bread Thing Me And My Mum Made

This Nutella Bread Thing Me And My Mum Made

Marshmallow267 Report

Add photo comments
POST
vickyz avatar
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would ask for the recipe if i could pretend that i don't eat my Nutella straight from the little vase! Wouldn't last to make a bread

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

I Drank Very Pretty Coffee

I Drank Very Pretty Coffee

spintimes Report

Add photo comments
POST
happyhirts avatar
Mad Dragon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would feel bad the moment I took the first sip and messed up the design.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Choux Au Craquelin (Vanilla Bean Cream Puffs)

Choux Au Craquelin (Vanilla Bean Cream Puffs)

stelcreates Report

Add photo comments
POST
robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Was watching these being made on Masterchef. The textured crust was actually a separate disc (in this case cocoa) placed on top of the choux bun before it is cooked.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Here’s A Strawberry And Cherry Mixed Cake! What You Think Guys?

Here’s A Strawberry And Cherry Mixed Cake! What You Think Guys?

AstrumDee Report

#20

Spooky Croissant!

Spooky Croissant!

input36 Report

#21

Chef Friend Invited Me For Dinner

Chef Friend Invited Me For Dinner

GooglyEyedMoose Report

#22

My Night Sky Chocolates: Hazelnut, Salted Caramel & Hazelnut Brown Butter Ganache

My Night Sky Chocolates: Hazelnut, Salted Caramel & Hazelnut Brown Butter Ganache

Ctrl_Alt_3lite Report

#23

My Korean School Lunch Of Crab Soup, Braised Chicken And Potatoes, And Various Banchan!

My Korean School Lunch Of Crab Soup, Braised Chicken And Potatoes, And Various Banchan!

darkrealm190 Report

#24

Late Night Ratatouille - Before Baking

Late Night Ratatouille - Before Baking

ruthogre Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#26

Went Camping. Found Berries. Made Pancakes

Went Camping. Found Berries. Made Pancakes

Yashemski Report

Add photo comments
POST
peitschen331 avatar
Gaby Almodovar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I'm also going canmping carrying with me, flour, eggs, milk and a pancake pan, just in case I find some berries.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

My Stepmum Makes Thai Sweets To Sell To Friends And I Think They Look Stunning. (Thai Layered Jelly Dessert)

My Stepmum Makes Thai Sweets To Sell To Friends And I Think They Look Stunning. (Thai Layered Jelly Dessert)

theheartlessnerd Report

#28

Girlfriend Made Mocha Chocolate Cake!

Girlfriend Made Mocha Chocolate Cake!

Toxiqqq Report

#29

Birthday Breakfast For My Wife. Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast

Birthday Breakfast For My Wife. Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast

steev7 Report

#31

A Charcuterie Board

A Charcuterie Board

livinglifelarge Report

Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

Girlfriend Made Vanilla Cupcakes!

Girlfriend Made Vanilla Cupcakes!

Toxiqqq Report

#33

Hopefully This Chicken Pot Pie Tastes As Good As It Looks!

Hopefully This Chicken Pot Pie Tastes As Good As It Looks!

Flat_Accountant6869 Report

#34

This Naan Bread I Had In The UK

This Naan Bread I Had In The UK

123hamed Report

Add photo comments
POST
yaolilylu avatar
Lily Lu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like you and the bread had a date. I hope you buttered it up

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

“Grilled”cheese

“Grilled”cheese

Left_Chair_4907 Report

Add photo comments
POST
jodiflatt avatar
Walking On Sunshine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you have never tried it, spread your bread with mayonnaise instead of butter before you grill it. You can thank me later.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#38

Meet Bruce, Inspired By The Cake Bruce Bogtrotter Eats In Matilda

Meet Bruce, Inspired By The Cake Bruce Bogtrotter Eats In Matilda

Glurt Report

#39

Bread Pudding With Caramel Shell ( Made By My Sister )

Bread Pudding With Caramel Shell ( Made By My Sister )

Sachin_Nanayakkara Report

Add photo comments
POST
redrockinlobster avatar
Red rockin lobster
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Impressive. I kinda reminds me of a sponge which fell in an hot oily pan. Maybe even that was the point

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

Comically Oversized Mozzarella Stick With Tub Of Marinara

Comically Oversized Mozzarella Stick With Tub Of Marinara

cherylcanning Report

#43

A Fruit, Cheese, Meat With Cookies On Top Platter- How Did I Do?

A Fruit, Cheese, Meat With Cookies On Top Platter- How Did I Do?

United-Management958 Report

#44

I Made "La Bombe", The Gargantuan, Deadly Eclair From The Simpsons

I Made "La Bombe", The Gargantuan, Deadly Eclair From The Simpsons

Fluffy_Munchkin Report

Add photo comments
POST
liamtranum avatar
Liam Tranum
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ohhhhhhh does any body else know what this is!! It’s the episode were homer becomes a food critic (I think) but he gets too picky about it so they make this to give him a heart attack because they can’t have more bad reviews!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#45

A Blueberry Cheesecake I Made A Few Months Back. Big Hit With My Boyfriend

A Blueberry Cheesecake I Made A Few Months Back. Big Hit With My Boyfriend

sexianboo Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#47

I Prepared Cake Pops, I'm Very Happy With The Result!

I Prepared Cake Pops, I'm Very Happy With The Result!

avogrampp Report

#48

Vanilla/Chocolate Twist From A Local Shop!

Vanilla/Chocolate Twist From A Local Shop!

Tunashavetoes Report

#49

Wagyu, Rice Cake, Quail Egg, Miso Soy

Wagyu, Rice Cake, Quail Egg, Miso Soy

tigerinhouston Report

#50

Carolina Reapers I Harvested Yesterday From One Plant

Carolina Reapers I Harvested Yesterday From One Plant

DoctorStephenPoop Report

Note: this post originally had 105 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.