Your Most Loved Recipes of 2018: A Culinary Journey Through Our Community Favorites
Discover the delicious dishes that captured hearts and kitchens – a curated collection of our readers’ favorite recipes from 2018!
Happy Almost-New Year, everyone! As another year gracefully draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible flavors, shared meals, and culinary adventures that have filled our kitchens. It’s an annual tradition here, one we eagerly anticipate: diving into the analytics to uncover which recipes resonated most deeply with you, our amazing readers. We’re thrilled to present your ultimate top picks from 2018 – a true testament to the diverse tastes and shared passion for delicious, home-cooked food that defines our vibrant community.
This collection isn’t just a list; it’s a celebration of the dishes you embraced, adapted, and made your own. From comforting weeknight dinners to innovative sips that brightened mornings, these recipes collectively tell a story of a truly delicious year. While I also have my personal favorites (and I’ll be sharing those soon!), there’s an undeniable joy in seeing so many of these beloved creations overlap with what you cherished the most. Your enthusiasm for these particular recipes warms our hearts and fuels our inspiration for future culinary creations.
Unveiling 2018’s Culinary Highlights
The past year was a whirlwind of culinary exploration, covering everything from fundamental cooking techniques to exotic international flavors. We saw a remarkable interest in mastering the basics, particularly when it came to cooking proteins to perfection. Our comprehensive series on oven-baked proteins became a runaway hit, providing invaluable tips and tricks for baking everything from succulent chicken breasts and tender steak to juicy pork chops, delicate shrimp, flaky salmon, and perfectly crispy tofu. These guides empowered countless home cooks to achieve restaurant-quality results right in their own kitchens.
A Symphony of Soups and Comfort Foods
As the seasons changed, so did our cravings for comforting, soul-nourishing dishes. The “Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup” swept through Pinterest, becoming an instant classic for its hearty texture and rich flavors. But it wasn’t the only soup to capture your attention; healthy lentil soups also made a significant mark, proving that wholesome can also be incredibly delicious. Beyond soups, our community also savored hearty casseroles and embraced the simplicity and elegance of classic pasta dishes like Cacio e Pepe, confirming that comfort food in all its forms truly rules the roost for easy, satisfying meals.
From Morning Sips to Everyday Feasts
Beyond main courses, 2018 introduced us to life-changing beverages and indispensable everyday essentials. The “Mint Mojito Iced Coffee” wasn’t just a drink; it became a morning ritual for many, adding a refreshing twist to daily routines. And for those seeking consistent, healthy meal options, the “Everyday Salad” emerged as a household staple. These recipes highlight a collective desire for both exciting new culinary experiences and reliable, wholesome dishes that fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles. We also celebrated healthy muffins for guilt-free indulgence and explored the delights of roasted artichokes and homemade tamales, showcasing a broad spectrum of your culinary interests and demonstrating a passion for both innovation and tradition.
Shape Our Culinary Future: Your Feedback Matters!
As we eagerly prepare for a fresh wave of new, healthy, and exciting recipes to usher in the new year, your input remains our most valuable ingredient. We are committed to crafting the kinds of recipes that you truly want to make and enjoy in 2019 and beyond. To ensure we’re always cooking up exactly what you’re looking for, please take a moment to fill out our quick 1-minute recipe survey. Whether you have specific recipe requests, innovative blog suggestions, or exciting cooking goals in mind for the coming year, we are all ears. Your insights directly help us tailor our content to serve you better and continue fostering this wonderful community of food lovers.
Cheers to another fantastic year ahead, filled with even more delicious discoveries and shared moments around the table! Without further ado, let’s revisit the exceptional recipes that you, our wonderful community, cooked and cherished the most throughout 2018.
Your Top 2018 Recipe Favorites
Mint Mojito Iced Coffee: This incredibly refreshing and unexpectedly delicious iced coffee recipe took the blog by storm, becoming a daily essential for many of you. It masterfully blends the cool, vibrant essence of fresh mint with a hint of zesty lime, creating a unique and invigorating coffee experience that’s far from ordinary. Readers loved how this simple twist transformed their morning routine, making it a perfect pick-me-up any time of year. As reader Abbi perfectly put it, “I’ve been making this every morning since you first posted the recipe and am in LOVE! It’s perfection!” Discover why this Mint Mojito Iced Coffee became a true game-changer for so many. Its easy preparation and unforgettable flavor profile make it a must-try for any coffee enthusiast looking for a refreshing twist. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a home brewer, this recipe promises to elevate your daily cup with its bright and cooling notes, offering a sophisticated yet simple indulgence.
How To Cook Steak In The Oven: Demystifying the art of cooking the perfect steak at home, this recipe became an instant hit for its foolproof method and incredible results. Forget the grill or stovetop sizzle; our guide to oven-baked steak offers a surprisingly simple approach to achieving tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked beef every time. It’s ideal for home cooks of all skill levels, providing comprehensive instructions on seasoning, temperature, and achieving your desired doneness, all within the comfort of your kitchen. Aaron, a first-timer, raved, “Just tried this for my first time cooking steak ever, and they turned out perfect!” This method truly simplifies gourmet cooking, making it accessible and enjoyable, transforming even novice chefs into confident steak masters. Learn the secrets to a perfectly roasted steak that rivals any restaurant dish, showcasing that the oven can be your best friend for a spectacular beef dinner with minimal fuss.
Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup: A true embodiment of comfort in a bowl, this rich and creamy wild rice soup captured the hearts of many, especially as the cooler months arrived. Packed with wholesome vegetables like sweet potato, kale, and mushrooms, alongside hearty wild rice, it’s a wonderfully flavorful and satisfying meal. This versatile recipe can be easily adapted to be gluten-free or vegan, catering to various dietary needs without compromising on taste. Its popularity soared on Pinterest, becoming a seasonal favorite for family dinners and gatherings. Claudia’s enthusiastic feedback sums it up perfectly: “This soup is absolutely fantastic! I made it for company and everyone had seconds and even thirds. It was so good that I made it again the same week. This recipe is a keeper!” This wild rice soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth and deliciousness that will keep you coming back for more, proving that healthy comfort food can be incredibly appealing.
Baked Pork Chops: Say goodbye to dry, tough pork chops with this incredibly simple yet effective baking method that promises perfectly tender and juicy results every time. This recipe emphasizes minimal ingredients – often just salt, pepper, and garlic powder – to let the natural flavors of the pork shine through. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner solution, offering a hands-off approach to cooking that frees up time while delivering a delicious meal. Linda enthusiastically shared, “Best pork chops I’ve ever made! Only seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder and they were wonderful. Best part was the tenderness…yummy! Thanks, Ali!” If you’re looking for a reliable way to prepare succulent pork chops that your entire family will love, this tried-and-true recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a testament to how simple techniques can yield extraordinary culinary outcomes, proving that baked pork chops can indeed be both flavorful and incredibly moist and tender.
How To Make Tamales: Embark on a culinary journey to master the art of homemade tamales with our comprehensive and reader-friendly guide. Often perceived as intimidating, this recipe breaks down the process into manageable steps, making the beloved Mexican delicacy accessible to home cooks. Whether you’re filling them with savory meats, cheeses, or vegetables, the result is a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for celebrations or a comforting family meal. Amy’s success story highlights its clarity: “These turned out amazing!!! Thank you for all of the great tips. I used a rotisserie chicken and salsa verde and they are delicious!” Unlock the secrets to creating authentic, mouth-watering tamales that will impress everyone at your table, showcasing that traditional recipes can be wonderfully achievable at home with the right guidance. Enjoy the rich cultural heritage and incredible taste that comes with preparing these delightful corn husk-wrapped parcels.
Healthy Pumpkin Muffins: These delightful and wholesome pumpkin muffins became a standout favorite, especially for those seeking a nutritious yet indulgent treat. Naturally gluten-free and sweetened with maple syrup, they strike the perfect balance between healthy and utterly delicious. Easy to prepare, they’re ideal for breakfast on the go, a satisfying snack, or a lighter dessert. Cristina’s testimonial perfectly captures their appeal: “These were easy to make and are DELICIOUS! I love that they are gluten free (for me) and are just sweet enough for my kids to like also. I had some batter left so I made some mini muffins which will be going in school lunches all week. THANK YOU for making something GF using simple ingredients.” This recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or convenience, making them a pantry staple for many families. Enjoy the warm spices and moist texture of these guilt-free pumpkin delights that truly deliver on both taste and nutrition.
Cacio e Pepe: A Roman classic revered for its deceptive simplicity and profound flavor, our Cacio e Pepe recipe quickly rose to the top of your pasta favorites. Meaning “cheese and pepper,” this dish relies on a few high-quality ingredients – pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper – to create an incredibly creamy and intensely satisfying sauce. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest recipes yield the most spectacular results. Leah’s glowing review, “I’ve made other cacio e pepe recipes before, but this one was the absolute best. Such a simple meal, but SO flavorful. Thanks for posting this after your IG story, Ali!” speaks volumes about its authentic taste and perfect execution. Master the art of this elegant and minimalistic pasta dish that delivers maximum impact with minimal effort, making it a perfect quick dinner or impressive meal for guests who appreciate true Italian flavors.
Everyday Salad: Proving that salads can be exciting, satisfying, and far from boring, our Everyday Salad became a beloved go-to for countless readers seeking fresh, healthy, and easy meal options. The magic lies in its versatile combination of crisp greens, vibrant vegetables, and a truly irresistible homemade dressing that elevates every bite. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or even the base for adding your favorite protein. Katie, a busy mom, found her new staple: “I just tried this salad today and I have made it twice! My dad also LOVED it! I have been looking for an easy homemade salad dressing and this is perfect. I’m a busy mom of two toddler boys and am always look for healthy, quick, and easy meals. This is definitely a new favorite. Thanks!” This recipe champions the idea of fresh, flavorful eating that seamlessly integrates into even the busiest lifestyles, making it a cornerstone for healthy meal planning and a testament to the power of a great dressing.
Verde Chicken Enchilada Casserole: This incredibly satisfying and easy-to-make Verde Chicken Enchilada Casserole quickly became a family favorite, earning its spot as a go-to weeknight dinner. Layered with tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and your choice of veggies and beans, all bathed in a rich, homemade green enchilada sauce, it’s a fiesta of flavors in every bite. It’s also conveniently gluten-free and wonderfully customizable, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Tammy raved, “Delicious! This dish was a snap to prepare, and it was loved by the whole family (including 3 kids)! I followed the recipe exactly, just used Trader Joe’s Fresh Tomatillo Sauce instead of homemade. I also used your “Baked Chicken Breasts” recipe for the delicious chicken recipe. This yummy recipe is now added to my favs, thanks!!!” Experience the joy of a hearty, flavorful Mexican casserole that’s both simple to assemble and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering warmth and spice to your dinner table with ease and making meal times a breeze.
The Most Amazing Roasted Artichokes: For many, artichokes can seem daunting to prepare, but this recipe demystified the process, opening up a world of deliciousness. Our guide to crafting “The Most Amazing Roasted Artichokes” transforms a seemingly complex vegetable into an unbelievably tender and flavorful delicacy. Roasting brings out their inherent sweetness and creates perfectly charred edges, making them an irresistible appetizer or side dish. Jen, who once felt intimidated, exclaimed, “This was my first time attempting to make artichokes (I was so intimidated by them), and they were so much easier than I thought they’d be & turned out perfectly! I alternated dipping them in lemon butter and also into sriracha mayo. Will definitely make again! Thank you for the recipe!” Discover how easy it is to prepare these gourmet delights at home and savor the unique taste and texture of perfectly roasted artichokes, becoming a culinary adventure worth repeating and a staple for impressive entertaining.
Baked Tofu: Revolutionizing the way many perceive and prepare tofu, this recipe quickly earned its place as a top favorite for its ability to create perfectly crispy and flavorful baked tofu every time. Ideal for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking for a healthy protein boost, this method ensures a delightful texture that’s anything but bland. It’s incredibly versatile, ready to be incorporated into stir-fries, curries, salads, or enjoyed on its own. Tamar’s enthusiastic review confirms its success: “This recipe is amazing! The tofu really did crisp up nicely and was the tastiest tofu I’ve ever had/made!!!” Say goodbye to soggy tofu and hello to a golden, satisfying crunch that will make this baked tofu a regular in your meal rotation. Explore the endless possibilities of incorporating this delicious and healthy plant-based protein into your culinary repertoire, proving that tofu can be truly exciting.
Lemony Lentil Soup: This vibrant and incredibly flavorful Lemony Lentil Soup proved to be a heartwarming and healthy sensation among our readers. Bursting with bright lemon notes that beautifully complement the earthy lentils and aromatic vegetables, it’s a nourishing and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed year-round. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, this soup is as wholesome as it is delicious, with convenient instructions for both Instant Pot and slow cooker methods, making it adaptable to any schedule. Lacey praised its unique flavor profile: “I made this today and it was delicious. I did the IP version and used saffron because I had some threads on hand, but no cayenne. The lemon flavor really comes through without being overpowering. Would definitely make this again.” Discover your new favorite go-to healthy soup, perfect for a light lunch or a comforting dinner, packed with nutrition and an unforgettable zest that brightens every spoonful, offering a delightful and simple way to enjoy plant-based goodness.