During her nearly two-decade-long tenure on TODAY, Hoda Kotb has effortlessly transitioned from co-anchor to cook. In the TODAY kitchen, Hoda and her mother, Sami, have shared some of their family’s favorite recipes with viewers. After Kotb announced in late September 2024 that she is leaving TODAY early next year, we wanted to celebrate the show’s co-anchor with a look back on her best recipes.

New Orleans has always held a special place in Hoda’s heart. She started her broadcast journalism career at WWL-TV, where she also met her best friend, Karen Swensen. Hoda would, of course, go on to join the TODAY family, first as co-host with Kathie Lee Gifford and later as a co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie.

In a nod to her early days, Hoda created a muffuletta sandwich that’s also inspired by the viral chopped sandwich. It appears on the menu at the TODAY Cafe at Universal Studios Florida, but if a trip to Orlando isn’t in the cards, you can make it at home with Hoda’s recipe.

Craving something sweet? Hoda has also shared recipes for easy blender ricotta ice cream and her mom’s go-to baklava recipe. After all, what better way to celebrate the next chapter in Hoda’s incredible career with a delicious meal and a cold cocktail in hand? TODAY Cafe / Universal Orlando

Created for the TODAY Cafe at Universal Studios Florida, Hoda’s New Orleans-inspired muffuletta sandwich features salami, ham, mortadella and provolone cheese. The ingredients are chopped into bite-sized pieces for a viral version of this Southern staple.

(Universal Orlando Resort is part of our parent company, NBCUniversal.) Nathan Congleton / TODAY

Flaky, buttery baklava is a layered dessert made with phyllo dough, walnuts and homemade honey syrup. “My mom, Sami, always made flaky, nutty, syrupy baklava for special occasions and it remains one of my all-time favorite indulgences,” says Hoda. TODAY

Cool off with Hoda’s sweet summer treat, which may just be the easiest homemade ice cream recipe ever. Simply blend ricotta cheese, heavy cream, pure maple syrup and ice together until smooth and creamy. Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

All-beef burgers get a light and bright topping in the form of a cucumber and cumin yogurt relish. A combination of parsley, mint, coriander, cumin and cayenne offer a fresh bite with a hint of heat. Zach Pagano / TODAY

No one knows how to have a good time like Hoda! Instead of the usual puff pastry, Hoda likes to make her party-ready pigs in a blanket with refrigerated croissant dough. The result is a buttery, flaky appetizer for game day. TODAY

The TODAY co-anchor knows a thing or two about early mornings, which is why it’s so important for her to have a quick and energizing breakfast ready to go. This two-ingredient recipe features eggs and jarred salsa (plus salt and pepper) for a flavorful dish that comes together in no time at all. Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Store-bought pesto is the star of the show in this quick and easy weeknight dinner. Layer the pesto, sliced tomatoes and shredded mozzarella cheese over chicken breasts, then baked until cooked through and ooey-gooey. Nathan Congleton / TODAY

The ultimate weekend meal is a low-and-slow pot roast that’s loaded with flavor. This approachable recipe, shared by Hoda’s mom, includes potatoes, onions and carrots for a true one-pot dinner. Nathan Congleton / TODAY

For a more nourishing side dish that’s just as satisfying as mashed potatoes, try this cauliflower mash. It gets a hint of sweetness from canned coconut milk and a savory bite from 10 cloves of garlic. Nathan Congleton / TODAY

Let your little ones help out with this easy and festive holiday dessert, which are made with a base of crushed Oreo cookies and cream cheese. They’re rolled in more cookie crumbs, then adorned with Red Hots and pretzel sticks to resemble Santa’s eight reindeer. Nathan Congleton / TODAY

It’s five o’clock somewhere. Invite your friends over for a taste of Hoda’s favorite cocktail, which is made with diet ginger ale for a lightly spiced twist on the Cuban classic.