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The First Mess

4.9· 551 reviews
Average ratingExcellent
4.9/ 5

Based on 551 reviews

597%
42%
31%
20%
10%
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What reviewers say about The First Mess

Generated with AI from 551 reviews on Trustburn · updated 4 days ago

Customers generally praise the convenience, rich savory taste, and wholesome flavor of the soups and salads, noting that the meals are quick to prepare and suitable for various dietary needs.
What does The First Mess do?

The First Mess provides recipes and meal kits, including soups, salads, and other dishes, that customers prepare at home.

Are there any complaints about The First Mess?

The critical reviewers wrote that some dishes can be bland or require extra seasoning, the texture of ground spices felt off in one creation, and portion sizes were surprisingly small.

What do people say about The First Mess outside Trustburn?

Outside Trustburn, people describe the cream of mushroom soup as smooth and silky and mention a French lentil, mushroom, and kale recipe.

AI-generated from reviews on this page. Verify anything important with the company directly.

Dana Morgan
Reviews 1

I really enjoyed this dish from The First Mess. It’s packed with flavorful vegetables, and the broth strikes a perfect balance—just a hint of spice that’s incredibly comforting. It’s best served with a thick slice of bread for soaking up every drop of that delicious soup.

Larissa
Reviews 1

Laura’s The First Mess recipe made for a surprisingly effortless weeknight meal. I was amazed at how fast it came together with minimal prep and cleanup. It was a huge hit with my husband, and even the kids finished their plates! Although I had to sub broccoli for the kids since they aren't fans of the usual vegetable, it still worked out great. Thanks for the solid weekday dinner idea!

Sarah
Reviews 1

Just tried the recipe from The First Mess and it’s a keeper! It’s super easy to whip up and packed with flavor. I followed the advice of others and cut back on the maple syrup, adding a bit over a tablespoon of sambal oelek for that kick—the sauce came out perfectly. But honestly, the rice stole the show. I’m making it this way from now on. Thanks for another great dish!

Wilma B
Reviews 1

I was really tempted by The First Mess, but I need to tailor my meals to fit the whole family’s dietary needs. Since my son avoids cashews and my daughter is on a low FODMAP diet, I’m focusing on recipes that work for both of us to avoid waste and save money. Do you have any alternative options for the cashews?

Celia
Reviews 1

The flavor profile in this lentil dish is absolutely incredible. I appreciated how straightforward it was to assemble, especially since I prepped the lentils the day before. It’s perfect for solo dining too—I’ve got enough left to last me all week, and I’m totally okay with that!

TexJDGal
Reviews 1

I gave The First Mess a shot because the concept really appealed to me, but I had to tweak the recipe twice to get good results. First off, I swapped baking for flash frying; it creates that perfect crispy coating like fried chicken and avoids the soggy "flour puddle" issue I hit with the original method. If you do bake, just do one round and toss immediately, as my second bake turned into a mess. I also used cornstarch instead of cassava flour to keep things crisp. For the sauce, I cut the soy sauce back to 2 tablespoons (max 1/4 cup) to avoid it being too salty, added some vegan oyster sauce, and swapped the maple syrup for Thai sweet chili sauce to keep the Asian flavor profile consistent. A touch of corn syrup helped create that desirable crackly glaze. The adjustments made a huge difference, and the second attempt turned out great!

Emily
Reviews 1

I loved this meal from The First Mess! It was a breeze to throw together and the flavor really shines through. I swapped in Kroger-brand soy chorizo instead of Beyond Meat to keep costs down, and even though it’s not quite as tasty, the dish still turned out amazing. Laura’s recipes usually take a bit of time to get that depth of flavor, but this one is a win—it’s both quick and delicious.

Laura
Reviews 1

I was pleasantly surprised by how effortless this dish was to whip up at The First Mess, given that the main prep is just handling the pesto, broccoli, onions, and garlic. Even before mixing in the pesto, the flavor profile had me genuinely impressed—I found myself exclaiming "WOW" repeatedly with every bite. A definite must-try!

Cam
Reviews 1

Stumbling upon The First Mess was a happy accident, especially since this dish was completely new to my culinary experience. The combination of gnocchi and greens is fantastic, and the sauce hits the spot with its rich, herbal depth. I was genuinely surprised by how fast such a hearty, comforting meal came together, making it a perfect addition to my weekly rotation.

Caitríona
Reviews 1

I was actually planning to make a similar dish myself in a couple of days! I tend to go the extra mile, though—I bake the gnocchi in the oven with a dash of olive oil. For the sauce, I use my Vitamix to blend pine nuts, cashews, basil, lemon, nutritional yeast, roasted garlic, and the starchy water from both cannellini beans and broccoli. It’s a bit more labor-intensive than your method, but I’ll definitely be trying The First Mess’s version next time around. Sorry about clicking the stars early out of excitement—I just know this recipe is excellent!

SLJ
Reviews 1

The First Mess has truly nailed it with this technique! It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I love experimenting with various spice blends on it. The best part is skipping the heavy lifting of the oven or frying pan. The result is absolutely incredible—perfectly chewy on the inside with a crispy exterior. It’s such a refreshing twist compared to standard tofu dishes. Thanks for the great recipe!

Madison
Reviews 1

I’ve made the tempeh dish from The First Mess my absolute go-to, and it truly delivers on flavor. I swapped the recommended brown rice for white basmati just because that’s what I had in the pantry, but otherwise stuck to the instructions perfectly, using sriracha for heat. The result is an incredible burst of taste. Thanks for the great recipe!

NBMaggie
Reviews 1

As a fan of The First Mess, I tweaked this recipe to cut down on the oil by roasting the eggplant instead of frying it. I salted, dried, and tossed the cubes in just a tablespoon of olive oil, then roasted them at 425°F for about 25 minutes, turning them halfway through. I doubled the batch and increased the spices for a hearty meal that freezes well. I served it over oven-baked brown basmati rice for extra nutrition, though I know couscous is the traditional choice.

Courtney
Reviews 1

The First Mess recipe was a total hit! I sped up the process by air-frying the cauliflower for just ten minutes. Since I didn’t have fenugreek or fennel seeds on hand, I swapped them out for garam masala. The only tweak I made was reducing the liquid because three cups of broth felt a bit overwhelming. Regardless, the flavor was outstanding. It’s definitely going into my regular rotation of go-to dishes.

Sarah
Reviews 1

I made the soup from The First Mess and it was incredibly tasty and easy to whip up. I decided to go heavy on the flavor, using three times the usual amount of shallots, adding extra herbs, and some red pepper flakes. It turned out amazing. I also used a hand blender to puree it, which was perfect since my regular blender can’t handle hot liquids.

Josephine
Reviews 1

Just wanted to share a quick update on my order from The First Mess. The tapioca flour performed really well, though I did notice the sauce thickened and started to caramelize much faster than usual—almost immediately, rather than waiting the expected five minutes.

Teresa
Reviews 1

As someone who just went vegan, I was really impressed with The First Mess. I swapped the milk for a plant-based cream and used only mashed potatoes, and the result was richer and more satisfying than what you get with traditional dairy. I’m still getting used to lentils, but I absolutely love these mashed potatoes.

Martina
Reviews 1

The First Mess delivered exactly what they promised. I adapted the recipe slightly by using red lentils instead of the recommended beans and simmered it with four cups of broth for twenty minutes to get the right consistency. Sticking to the instructions otherwise paid off—this is a fantastic dish that justifies the time spent in the kitchen. I’m already planning to cook it again!

Carron
Reviews 1

The First Mess nailed it with this one. It’s easily the standout dish we’ve tried, scoring a perfect five plus. The flavor profile is outstanding. I even thickened the sauce slightly with a bit of cornflour for the right consistency, but even without that tweak, it was incredible. This has officially become a weekly staple in our house.

S&P
Reviews 1

I really enjoyed the recipe from The First Mess. I made a few small tweaks, swapping the cashew cream for some cashew milk I had on hand and using kale that had been dehydrated earlier in the week. It turned out great, and I’ll definitely be making it again. Thanks!

Kim H
Reviews 1

I’ll admit, I stared at the picture of those golden, crispy bits for a long time before trying this. I was genuinely surprised it would actually work, especially since I’m using a Breville Air Fryer Pro (which feels more like a glorified toaster oven to me) and was already skeptical about the results. But wow, the tofu turned out incredibly delicious and perfectly browned. I actually cooked mine for a few minutes longer than the suggested 15 to get that perfect crunch. Thanks as always, Laura!

Karolyn
Reviews 1

The result was delicious! I left out the miso and skipped the pasta entirely, but it didn’t matter because the dish was so flavorful that I didn’t miss it. I even shared the recipe with my sister, and her family absolutely loved it. I’ve officially made it my go-to minestrone recipe. Thanks!

Andrea Anoka
Reviews 1

I’ve been craving this dish for ages and usually test new recipes on my clients first, but this time I decided to taste it myself first—and I knew immediately it was a hit. I just didn’t expect it to be this incredible! My partner and I absolutely loved every bite. The coconut rice was a standout; it was so unique and delicious that it’s quickly becoming my new favorite way to prepare rice. I made a few personal tweaks and I highly recommend others do the same. Since I was out of hot sauce, I swapped in some leftover red curry paste, and instead of coconut sugar, I used raw cane sugar. The result was absolutely finger-licking good! I also cut the tempeh into triangles and kept them whole while simmering in the sauce. Tomorrow, I’m trying the crumbled version for a client and I’m eager to see which texture I prefer. I also steamed some broccoli and cauliflower to go with the meal. I used the leftover sauce to finish off the veggies, topped it all with furikake, and felt like I was in heaven. Thanks again for another fantastic recipe from The First Mess!

Grace C
Reviews 1

The First Mess really nailed it with this dish. It was my first time cooking with eggplant and harissa, and the jarred paste worked perfectly for it. It’s a lovely way to explore those flavors if you’re new to them. It’s generous in portion, so I ended up with plenty of leftovers for meals on my own. Definitely freezing the extras for later!

Shelly
Reviews 1

Loved this recipe! I usually reach for smoked paprika, rosemary, and miso separately, but I’d never thought to mix them together. The trio worked perfectly, and we’ll definitely be making this soup again. I used red miso instead of white since that’s what I had on hand, and it turned out great. Also, since my husband is not a fan of celery, I swapped it out for carrots, red pepper, corn, green beans, and a potato. It was delicious! Thanks for sharing.

Kim
Reviews 1

This is a fantastic soup recipe. I substituted onions for the shallots and left out the tarragon and capers since I don't always stock those, but I've now made it four times. Both my dad and husband absolutely loved it. On the most recent attempt, I even threw in some kale. It's truly a keeper.

Julie
Reviews 1

The First Mess nailed it with this recipe. As a minestrone fan who hadn’t cooked it from scratch before, I found the flavor spot-on and incredibly flexible based on what’s left in your fridge. The soup yields a huge amount, so I’m grateful I picked up a new six-quart Dutch oven over the holidays to handle the volume. I loved seeing cabbage included—it’s a veggie I’m always trying to incorporate more of, and now I have some frozen portions ready for whenever I need a cozy, warm meal. A truly excellent recipe that I’ll definitely be repeating.

Sarah
Reviews 1

I’m a regular fan of The First Mess and this dish really hit the spot. I skipped the bell peppers, but the flavor was outstanding. It’s rare to find good corn in the winter, but I managed to grab some organic bi-color sweet corn at Whole Foods. It added a lovely crunch that balanced perfectly with the soft vegetables and vibrant tastes in the soup. My family and I absolutely loved it.

Barb
Reviews 1

The First Mess nailed it with this tofu recipe! The texture was spot on and the flavor really came through. We’ve already added it to our regular rotation and can’t wait to experiment with different spice blends. It’s an excellent addition to grain bowls or just a tasty snack on its own. Thanks for sharing such a great find!

Lauren
Reviews 1

The First Mess really delivered on the promise of an unforgettable meal. The quality was so good that my husband couldn’t stop himself from going back for thirds and even fourths. It’s easily one of the best dishes I’ve had in a long time, and I’d recommend it without hesitation.

Petra
Reviews 1

As a huge fan of Laura’s cookbook and a newly minted air fryer owner, I knew I had to try The First Mess, and it turned out to be exactly what I was hoping for. Even my husband, who isn’t usually a fan, gave it his stamp of approval. We’re already looking forward to experimenting with the various flavor profiles.

Susan
Reviews 1

The First Mess never fails to deliver! I improvised with the ingredients—skipping the mushrooms and using up leftover seasoned lentils from a salad—but the result was still a quick, tasty meal. It’s great to find reliable vegan recipes as I’ve been on this path for about five years now.

Latesha A
Reviews 1

As a vegan for nearly 18 years, I can honestly say The First Mess serves the absolute best tofu and veg*an snacks on the market. I’ve always found tofu to be a bit of a gamble, but their approach just works. I decided to test their facon in the air fryer and it was a success, even though I had to improvise with regular flour instead of cornstarch since I was out. It was incredibly easy to prepare, and I’m already planning to stop by the store for a few more blocks after church tomorrow.

Karishma
Reviews 1

Just discovered The First Mess and I’m obsessed! As someone who was skeptical about overnight oats, this recipe completely won me over. The texture is spot-on—creamy and rich with a great crunch. It looks as delicious as it tastes and is definitely going into my weekly meal prep rotation. Thanks, Laura!

Cristal
Reviews 1

I am completely obsessed with this recipe from The First Mess! I just had my first bite and immediately started a fresh pot of golden garlic rice. Hands down the best brown rice I’ve ever tasted. The tofu and broccoli were delicious paired with that sweet glaze—I skipped the broccolini but it didn't matter. While I might try air frying next time for the sake of convenience, the skillet-fried texture was truly perfect and something I don't think an air fryer could replicate. Even my picky partner loved it, so this is definitely staying in our weekly rotation. Honestly, it feels like half the meals I make these days are already inspired by your site!

Meghan
Reviews 1

If you’re looking for a truly satisfying meal, give this soup a try. I stuck to the instructions to the letter, and the result was pure comfort—especially when finished with a drizzle of good olive oil and some crusty bread on the side. I’ve always been a fan of canned chickpeas for the sake of convenience, but using the Instant Pot for dry chickpeas really elevated the flavor profile. It’s now on my repeat list. Thanks for sharing, Laura!

Claudia
Reviews 1

Nothing beats a warm bowl of minestrone from The First Mess on a cold New England evening. I topped it with some nice toasted bread and a good dusting of vegan parmesan, and it was absolute perfection. It’s the kind of hearty dish that makes you excited to have leftovers for lunch the next day. Truly a crowd-pleaser!

Julie
Reviews 1

The First Mess delivered a soup that was an instant hit with our entire family. I really appreciated the rich, velvety consistency. Since I didn't have kale on hand, I swapped it out for broccoli and the result was absolutely delicious. We’re wondering if this recipe freezes well for meal prep? Thanks for the great idea!

Mary G
Reviews 1

The First Mess delivers seriously delicious food. I was practically counting down the hours until I could eat the leftovers from my lunch order today. I customized my dish with extra sunflower cheese, a dash more nutritional yeast and lime, and swapped in chipotle powder for a bit of smoky heat. While the recipe clearly takes some time and care, the flavor payoff is totally worth it. I’ll definitely be ordering again!

Claudia
Reviews 1

We served the butternut squash two-ways as a delicious kickoff to our New Year’s Day game day feast. It was the perfect appetizer for our afternoon vegan spread, leading into the Baked Pearl Couscous & Butsenut Squash with Basil Tahini. The First Mess recipes consistently add a wonderful touch of joy and quality to our family dinners.

Jennifer McMahon
Reviews 1

The First Mess delivered exactly what I needed on a chilly winter day. Even though I substituted with canned cannellini beans, the result was incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Paired it with organic crescent rolls for a perfect cozy meal. Thanks for the great recipe!

satpreet
Reviews 1

I am so glad I found The First Mess! I’m working on recovering from disordered eating, which means I struggle to chew in the mornings, so I rely heavily on shakes. However, my usual go-to felt too icy during the winter months. Deciding to take a leap of faith with this recipe turned out to be a great choice. The combination of fruit and spices makes it incredibly warming, and drinking it is just a pure joy. Thank you for sharing this!

Jill
Reviews 1

I actually printed the recipe for this dish after my friend made it for me as a Christmas gift, and I was eager to recreate it at home. The orange zest really does fill the kitchen with an incredible aroma, making the whole experience feel festive and cozy. It really captures that holiday spirit in a bowl!

Keli
Reviews 1

Laura’s golden rice recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights! I’ve been using my rice cooker to whip it up, and it’s a huge step up from our usual plain white rice. I’ve made it a few times now, and I found that reducing the maple syrup to 3 tablespoons works perfectly for my taste. A solid, easy go-to meal!

Jesseline G
Reviews 1

Laura, this dish turned out absolutely delicious! I swapped in Field Roast spicy chorizo sausages, and the sweet and spicy flavor combination was spot on. It’s become a weekly staple in my kitchen—I’m constantly flipping through your blog or cookbook for fresh inspiration. Thanks for making wholesome, flavorful cooking so accessible and easy.

Jordan
Reviews 1

I stumbled upon this recipe from The First Mess and knew it was a must-try. I baked them on Saturday, and they were a huge hit with my husband and me. Usually, I’m not a fan of white chocolate or orange-flavored baked goods, but the sharp tang of the fresh cranberries perfectly balances the sweetness of the white chocolate and clementine zest. Since I ran out of spelt flour, I substituted with 3/4 cup dark rye and 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, and the result was beautiful. I was planning to make cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning, but I’m swapping that out for these instead. Thanks for another great addition to your recipe collection!

Marianne
Reviews 1

The soup at The First Mess was a real hit. I did tweak the recipe a bit to suit my taste—specifically, I boosted the citrus by using three teaspoons of lemon juice instead of the usual one. I also threw in some extra chickpeas at the end to give it a heartier texture after blending just half of the pot. It turned out delicious! Thanks for the great meal.

Kathleen
Reviews 1

The First Mess delivers another winner! As an omnivore cooking with a partner who eats differently, finding a recipe that satisfies everyone is key, and this one did the trick perfectly. I took a few shortcuts to make life easier, using my food processor to chop the onions and sun-dried tomatoes. I debated adding canned beans for extra heartiness but decided to stick with the original instructions, and I’m glad I did—it was rich and flavorful. To replace the fresh parsley, I used thinly sliced scallions and dill, which blended in beautifully. Simple, tasty, and effective.

Ira
Reviews 1

While the eggplant base for the meatballs at The First Mess was a bit soft and tricky to shape, broiling them for six minutes after baking really improved the texture. The pesto was outstanding—I added almonds and cashews to the mix—and the final flavor was absolutely delicious.

Emily
Reviews 1

The First Mess cookies are a real find—perfectly balanced and not overly sweet, which is hard to find in breakfast cookies. I tweaked the recipe slightly by swapping in chia seeds, millet flour, and pecans, and they turned out delicious. A solid choice for a healthy start to the day.

Sara
Reviews 1

The flavors and steamed texture are spot on, Laura. I’m thinking of cutting back on the milk slightly to get a richer, creamier consistency. Since I’ve been having issues with milk curdling in my coffee and local shops don’t stock liquid sunflower lecithin, would powdered work just as well at The First Mess?

Julie Burge
Reviews 1

The First Mess recipe for this salad was a massive hit at my Thanksgiving dinner! The vibrant colors, satisfying crunch, and diverse textures were truly impressive, and everyone at the table loved it. I swapped the pumpkin seeds for slivered almonds since I prefer them, and it turned out just as delicious. It’s a bit of prep work, but absolutely worth it for such a showstopper dish. I’m looking forward to enjoying the leftovers tomorrow. Highly recommend trying this one!

Sasha
Reviews 1

Huge success for a first-time risotto attempt! I went with acorn squash since it was what I had on hand, and it turned out delicious, even if peeling it was a bit of a hassle. My cooking time ran a little longer than The First Mess’s suggested 25-30 minutes, so I might have needed a bit more heat. I paired it with homemade cashew parmesan and topped it off with crispy sage. Thanks for the great recipe!

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About The First Mess