Embracing the New Year: Reflections, Gratitude, and Fresh Culinary Adventures
As we approach the culmination of another incredible year, a wave of gratitude washes over us. From the bottom of our hearts, Barclay and I want to extend an enormous thank you for the overwhelming love and excitement you shared regarding our wonderful news yesterday. Your support means the absolute world to us, fueling our excitement for the adventures that lie ahead, including a springtime or early summer wedding that we’re eagerly planning. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey!
The turn of the year often inspires a fresh start, and in the spirit of renewal, we’re thrilled to unveil a lineup of brand new, unequivocally healthy recipes hitting the blog this January. After the indulgence of the holiday season, many of us seek to restore balance and nourish our bodies with wholesome, delicious meals. Get ready to kick off 2017 with culinary creations that you’ll feel fantastic about – be sure to check back on Monday for all the exciting details!
A Look Back: Celebrating a Year of Delicious Creations
Here at Gimme Some Oven, it’s a cherished tradition to round out December by reflecting on the year’s most beloved recipes. 2016 was an incredibly productive year, with 129 new recipes added to our growing collection. We pride ourselves on creating dishes that are not only easy to make but also burst with flavor, and your enthusiastic feedback consistently guides us.
Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing my personal top picks from the past year. But today, the spotlight is entirely on YOU, our amazing community! We’ve compiled a list of your absolute favorite recipes from 2016 – the dishes you cooked, shared, and raved about the most. These are the recipes that truly resonated, becoming staples in kitchens worldwide. So, without further delay, let’s dive into the most popular recipes, as chosen by you!
Your Top-Rated Recipes of 2016: A Culinary Showcase
The Perfect Baked Potato
Who knew such a simple dish could be elevated to perfection? This recipe guides you through the process of achieving an irresistibly fluffy interior and a wonderfully crispy skin, transforming a humble potato into a satisfying meal or a versatile side dish. It’s a testament to how small tweaks can make a huge difference in everyday cooking.
“This is the first time I’ve ever wrote a recipe review.. these were that good! Simple tips but they took the average baked potato to a whole other level. I added a little butter, s&p & parsley.. perfect indeed. Thanks y’all!” –Emily
Baked Lemon Chicken
Experience the ultimate in tender, juicy chicken with this fail-proof baked lemon chicken recipe. Infused with bright citrus and aromatic herbs, it’s a flavorful and healthy main course that’s simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining. The secret lies in a clever brining technique that locks in moisture and maximizes taste.
“This was an awesome recipe!! Fail-proof, really. I definitely recommend it. I love the idea of the salt water brine, as it adds such an amazing taste to the chicken. The lemon and thyme work perfectly to compliment each other, and the taste is sublime. I have never had such a tasty chicken breast!! Thank you so much for sharing!!” –Laura
Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Carnitas
Revolutionize your taco nights with these incredible slow cooker crispy chicken carnitas. Simmered to perfection in a crockpot, then given a brief broil for that irresistible crispiness, this recipe delivers tender, juicy, and profoundly flavorful chicken. It’s perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or any dish where you crave that authentic carnitas taste with minimal effort.
“One of the best crockpot meals EVER! We have taco night every week and I wanted something different so I tried this. It was so easy and so delicious! It tastes even better the next day. I am making it this week for my Taco Friday Game Night. Thank you for this deliciousness!” –Sha
Tortellini Minestrone
Warm your soul with this delightful tortellini minestrone, a hearty soup overflowing with colorful vegetables and made extra special with the addition of cheesy tortellini. It’s a comforting and easy-to-customize recipe that’s perfect for chilly days, allowing you to incorporate whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand for a fresh, healthy meal.
“I thought this sounded perfect for a chilly autumn day and it was! It was delicious – warm & comforting – and very easy. I can see that it will also be a recipe that can be changed up easily to use whatever veggies you have available. Thank you!” –Bev
Moo Shu Pork (or Chicken)
Craving takeout but want something homemade and quick? This 20-minute Moo Shu Pork (or Chicken) recipe is your answer. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, bursting with authentic Asian flavors, and makes for a satisfying meal that rivals your favorite restaurant dish. Serve it in traditional pancakes or simply over rice for a delicious weeknight dinner.
“I just have to tell you–this looked so good that I faithfully made a double batch last night so it would last us for a bit. HOLY YUM. You are a genius and we have some very happy full bellies. Thanks for sharing and for your great recipes!” –Meredith
Cucumber Quinoa Salad
Light, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this cucumber quinoa salad is a must-try for healthy eating. Featuring crisp cucumbers, fragrant basil, tangy feta, and a bright lemony vinaigrette, it’s a naturally gluten-free and quick-to-make dish that’s perfect as a side, a light lunch, or a refreshing addition to any meal. It’s a family favorite that even picky eaters will enjoy.
“I’m becoming obsessed with your site! Everything I make of yours turns out great, and is a hit with the fam. Very healthy, too! Made this cucumber quinoa salad a week or so ago and loved it. Kept the feta in, even though I have one son who dislikes it, and even he gobbled it up. I work and tend to start cooking too late so had to put the quinoa in the freezer to cool, as suggested, but that worked out fine; everything still came together quickly. Love the light, fresh vinaigrette! Made a little extra and used it to dress our tossed salad the next night. Thanks for another keeper recipe!” –Sheila
Garlic Lovers Salmon
For a truly effortless and incredibly delicious meal, look no further than this Garlic Lovers Salmon. Prepped in minutes and cooked to perfection in foil, this recipe features a decadent lemon garlic butter sauce that infuses the salmon with incredible flavor. Whether you grill it or bake it in the oven, it’s a consistently crowd-pleasing dish that makes healthy eating enjoyable.
“I made this for dinner tonight, and it was so good! Very easy and very tasty!” –Suzanne
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Discover your new go-to pasta salad with this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired recipe. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s loaded with fresh ingredients and tossed in a perfectly balanced lemon-herb vinaigrette. This salad is ideal for potlucks, picnics, or simply as a refreshing side dish at home, offering a burst of zesty, herbaceous flavor in every bite.
“This was awesome! I’ve tried a million pasta salad recipes trying to find a solid go-to recipe, and I’ve finally found it! The flavor of the vinaigrette is perfect. Happy day!” –Joanna
Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Indulge in comfort food without the guilt with this remarkably creamy cauliflower soup. Made with healthier ingredients, this quick and easy recipe delivers a bowl of comforting deliciousness that’s also naturally vegan and gluten-free. It’s perfect for a cozy rainy day or whenever you crave a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious meal.
“Mmmmm! Just made this for lunch with a little pink Himalayan salt!!! Yummmmmmy! Thanks for the quick/easy tasty recipe! Perfect for the cozy rainy day!” –Jenna
Easy Quinoa Pizza Bowls
Enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a wholesome, gluten-free bowl with these easy quinoa pizza bowls. Completely customizable with your favorite toppings, these bowls are a delicious and creative way to satisfy pizza cravings while enjoying a healthier meal. They’re quick to assemble and perfect for a fun, family-friendly dinner.
“MADE IT! Didn’t have ramekins so used a cupcake tin and actually turned out really great! My boyfriend loved it! Pinterest post for the win! Thanks for the great recipe :)” –Anna
Beef & Broccoli
Say goodbye to takeout with this incredible Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe, ready in just about 30 minutes. Featuring tender beef and crisp broccoli florets in a savory, authentic sauce, this dish is so flavorful you’ll swear it’s better than any restaurant version. It’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for a busy weeknight.
“On a whim, I searched for broccoli supper ideas (to get rid of a giant Costco bag of florets) and this popped up. The “this is BETTER than a restaurant” line is what convinced me to try it. We JUST finished it off and it didn’t disappoint!!! I have you bookmarked and will be returning for more. Nothing says success like having to turn a forlorn looking adult male away from the kitchen because there isn’t any food left for a 3rd helping! Hah! Thank you so much for posting!” –Rebecca
Jambalaya Soup
Warm up with a bowl of this hearty and delicious Jambalaya Soup, a rich and flavorful twist on the classic Creole dish. Easily customizable with shrimp, chicken, Andouille sausage, or a combination of all three, this soup is simple to prepare and delivers a satisfying punch of authentic flavor. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on a chilly evening.
“This jambalaya was fabulous!!!!! I’ve tried several of your other recipes, and loved them all. We made this the other night, and it was definitely a hit! Everyone loved it!” –Kelly
Post-Workout Green Smoothie
Recharge and re-energize with this unbelievably refreshing post-workout green smoothie. Packed with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s designed to boost your energy and aid recovery after a good workout (or even as a nutritious pre-workout fuel). This smoothie is not only good for you but also incredibly tasty, making healthy habits easy to maintain.
“I just wanted to let you know I found this recipe last week and I can’t stop making it. 🙂 It is so unbelievably refreshing! Thank you!” –Chris
30-Minute Sesame Chicken Noodle Stir-Fry
When time is of the essence but flavor is non-negotiable, this 30-minute sesame chicken noodle stir-fry comes to the rescue. Super easy to make, this recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying meal packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and savory noodles, all coated in a rich sesame sauce. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights.
“I just started following and love the diversity of recipes! I made this recipe tonight and my husband said it is a keeper. Please keep making recipes of food you eat. We try to mix up our meals and keep it interesting.” –Janessa
Creamy Ham & Potato Soup
Transform your leftover ham into an incredibly flavorful and creamy meal with this easy-to-make Ham & Potato Soup. Ready in just about 30 minutes, this recipe achieves a wonderfully rich and velvety texture without the need for heavy cream, offering a healthier yet equally delicious option. It’s a hearty and comforting soup that the whole family will adore.
“Made this soup last night and seriously was one of my favorite soups I have made. Used the leftover ham from thanksgiving. My family LOVED it. I liked that it didnt need heavy cream. I used skim milk to keep it on the lower calorie side and it was so great! Thanks for the souper great recipe:)” –Kelly
Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Convert even the pickiest eaters with this recipe for perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts. Simple yet incredibly effective, this method creates tender-crisp sprouts with a deliciously caramelized exterior. While adaptable to various seasonings, the classic approach truly lets the natural, earthy flavor shine, making them an irresistible side dish that will disappear quickly.
“Absolutely awesome! My picky son actually ate these and asked for more!” –Linda
Honey Beer Bread
Discover the magic of homemade bread with this unbelievably easy Honey Beer Bread recipe. Requiring just six simple ingredients, this loaf bakes up with a fantastic texture, a perfect golden crust, and a delightfully dense yet moist interior. The subtle hint of beer adds a unique depth of flavor, making it an instant favorite for any occasion – from casual dinners to holiday gatherings.
“Just made this – insanely easy. Had all of the ingredients on hand anyway. Great texture, perfect crust, nice and dense (in a good way), while being soft and moist. Will definitely make again. I used an IPA and you can really smell it and taste it in there.” –Suzanne
We hope you’ve enjoyed this delicious recap of 2016’s most-loved recipes, as chosen by our incredible community. It’s truly inspiring to see which dishes resonated most with you. Get ready for more fantastic recipes in the coming year, and thank you for being such an integral part of the Gimme Some Oven family!