Your Culinary Journey Through 2018: The Most Loved Recipes

Discover the mouth-watering collection of our readers’ absolute favorite recipes that graced our blog in 2018! From comforting classics to innovative new dishes, these are the culinary highlights you couldn’t get enough of.

As we bid farewell to another incredible year and eagerly anticipate the new beginnings that lie ahead, it’s time for one of our cherished annual traditions. We’re looking back at the vibrant tapestry of flavors and recipes that defined our kitchens in 2018. This week, we’re unveiling not one, but two exciting culinary roundups to share with our incredible community: today, we celebrate your most beloved recipes from the past year, and soon, we’ll reveal some of my personal favorites. While there’s a delightful overlap between our picks, it brings me immense joy to see that these particular dishes resonated so deeply with you all. Your enthusiasm and passion for these recipes truly made 2018 a year filled with delicious moments.

The culinary landscape of 2018 on our blog was as diverse as it was delicious, reflecting a wide range of tastes and cooking aspirations. From our highly popular series on mastering oven-baked proteins—a guide that transformed weeknight dinners by offering simple yet effective techniques for baking perfect chicken breasts, tender steak, juicy pork chops, succulent shrimp, flaky salmon, and crispy tofu—to the heartwarming wild rice soup that swept across Pinterest, and the revolutionary iced coffee recipe that elevated morning routines, your favorites spanned the spectrum of everyday meals and special treats. We also saw immense love for the simple yet irresistible everyday salad that Barclay and I can’t stop making, comforting tamales, healthy pumpkin muffins, perfectly roasted artichokes, rich casseroles, and the minimalist marvel that is cacio e pepe. It truly warms my heart to know these recipes became staples in your homes, just as they have in ours. It has been an undeniably flavorful year!

As we prepare to dive into 2019, I’m already bustling in the kitchen, crafting a fresh batch of new and healthy recipes designed to inspire your culinary adventures in the new year. I’m confident you’ll adore what’s coming! But before we officially embark on this new chapter, I would be incredibly grateful if you could spare just a minute to complete our quick recipe survey. More than anything, my goal is to create the exact kinds of recipes that *you* are eager to make in 2019. Whether you have specific recipe requests, brilliant blog suggestions, or exciting cooking goals in mind for the year ahead, please know that I am all ears and eager to hear your thoughts. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our kitchen endeavors together.

Here’s to another fantastic year filled with delicious food, shared meals, and countless happy memories, everyone! And now, without further ado, let’s unveil the sensational recipes that you, our wonderful readers, embraced and cooked the most in 2018… Get ready to revisit some old favorites and perhaps discover a new must-try!

Your Top Recipes of 2018: A Culinary Countdown

1. Mint Mojito Iced Coffee: Your Refreshing Morning Fix

Kicking off our list of reader favorites is a beverage that truly took the blog by storm: the Mint Mojito Iced Coffee. This isn’t just any iced coffee; it’s a refreshing, invigorating twist on your daily caffeine fix, combining the cool zest of mint with the rich depth of coffee. Perfect for a warm afternoon or as a vibrant start to your day, this unique recipe proves that a little creativity can transform a simple drink into an unforgettable experience. Its distinct flavor profile and surprisingly easy preparation made it an instant classic for many, offering a gourmet coffee shop experience right in the comfort of your kitchen.

Mint Mojito Iced Coffee: “I’ve been making this every morning since you first posted the recipe and am in LOVE! It’s perfection!” -Abbi

2. How To Cook Steak In The Oven: Master the Perfect Steak, Every Time

Who knew cooking steak could be so simple and consistently perfect? This guide on how to cook steak in the oven demystified what many consider an intimidating dish, turning it into an achievable weeknight luxury. Our readers embraced this technique for its foolproof method, promising a tender, perfectly cooked steak without the fuss of grilling or pan-searing. Whether you prefer your steak rare or well-done, this oven method allows for precise control, delivering restaurant-quality results that will impress even the most discerning palates. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy delicious steak at home with minimal effort.

How To Cook Steak In The Oven: “Just tried this for my first time cooking steak ever, and they turned out perfect!” -Aaron

3. Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Bowl

When the chill of autumn sets in, nothing quite satisfies like a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Our Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup captured the hearts and palates of countless readers, becoming a definitive comfort food hit of 2018. Brimming with wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, kale, and mushrooms, this soup offers both nourishment and incredibly rich flavor. Its versatility, with options for Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop preparation, along with easy modifications for gluten-free and vegan diets, made it an accessible and beloved recipe for everyone seeking warmth and deliciousness during the colder months.

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup: “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!” -Claudia

4. Baked Pork Chops: Simply Tender and Delicious

Another triumph from our oven-baked protein series, these Baked Pork Chops proved that simple ingredients and a reliable method can yield extraordinary results. This recipe quickly became a favorite for its ability to produce incredibly tender and flavorful pork chops every single time. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it requires minimal prep and delivers maximum satisfaction. The ease of preparation, combined with the juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, made these baked pork chops a constant winner in reader kitchens, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated.

Baked Pork Chops: “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!” -Linda

5. How To Make Tamales: Bringing Authentic Flavor Home

Embarking on the journey of making tamales can seem daunting, but our comprehensive guide on “How To Make Tamales” empowered countless home cooks to tackle this traditional dish with confidence. This recipe brought the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine into kitchens worldwide, proving that with the right tips and techniques, homemade tamales are not only achievable but incredibly rewarding. The process, though meticulous, results in wonderfully tender masa filled with savory fillings, a true labor of love that is absolutely worth every moment. This recipe celebrates the joy of creating authentic, flavorful food from scratch.

How To Make Tamales: “These turned out amazing!!! Thank you for all of the great tips. I used a rotisserie chicken and salsa verde and they are delicious!” -Amy

6. Healthy Pumpkin Muffins: Guilt-Free Indulgence

Who says healthy can’t be incredibly delicious? Our Healthy Pumpkin Muffins proved otherwise, becoming a beloved breakfast and snack option for many. These muffins are a dream for anyone seeking a wholesome treat, being naturally gluten-free and sweetened with maple syrup, making them a perfect guilt-free indulgence. Easy to prepare and bursting with the cozy flavors of fall, they’re ideal for meal prep, school lunches, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. Their simplicity, combined with their incredible taste and dietary-friendly nature, cemented their status as a top reader favorite.

Healthy Pumpkin Muffins: “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.” -Cristina

7. Cacio e Pepe: The Quintessential Roman Pasta Dish

Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most profound. Cacio e Pepe, a Roman classic, exemplifies this perfectly. This elegant pasta dish, featuring only cheese and black pepper, captured the imagination of our readers with its minimalist approach and surprisingly complex flavor profile. Our recipe highlights the essential techniques to achieve a creamy, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, transforming humble ingredients into a truly unforgettable meal. Its quick preparation and incredible depth of flavor made it a go-to for many seeking an authentic Italian experience at home without fuss.

Cacio e Pepe: “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!” -Leah

8. Everyday Salad: Your Go-To Freshness

Finding an everyday salad that is both exciting and easy to prepare can be a challenge, but our Everyday Salad recipe cracked the code for many of our readers (and for Barclay and me!). This salad became a beloved staple for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and especially its perfectly balanced homemade dressing. It’s the ideal accompaniment to any meal or a light, satisfying lunch on its own. Its adaptability and the sheer ease of whipping it up made it an instant favorite for busy families and individuals looking to incorporate more healthy, delicious greens into their diet.

Everyday Salad: “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!” -Katie

9. Verde Chicken Enchilada Casserole: A Hearty Mexican Delight

For a family-friendly meal that delivers big on flavor and comfort, our Verde Chicken Enchilada Casserole was an undeniable hit. This recipe streamlines the traditional enchilada process into a convenient casserole format, layering succulent chicken, cheese, and tortillas with a vibrant homemade green enchilada sauce. It’s a naturally gluten-free dish that’s incredibly satisfying and customizable, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as delicious leftovers. The ease of assembly and its incredible taste made this Mexican casserole a beloved addition to many dinner rotations.

Verde Chicken Enchilada Casserole: “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!!!” -Tammy

10. The Most Amazing Roasted Artichokes: Unlocking a Culinary Gem

Artichokes, with their unique structure and delicate flavor, can sometimes intimidate home cooks. However, “The Most Amazing Roasted Artichokes” recipe demystified this beautiful vegetable, turning it into an incredibly approachable and utterly delicious side dish. This recipe showcases how simple roasting can bring out the best in artichokes, resulting in tender, flavorful leaves and a tender heart. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a sophisticated vegetable with minimal effort, making it a surprising but much-loved addition to our readers’ repertoire for its elegant simplicity and incredible taste.

The Most Amazing Roasted Artichokes: “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!” -Jen

11. Baked Tofu: Crispy, Flavorful, and Versatile

Tofu often gets a bad rap for being bland, but our Baked Tofu recipe completely transforms it into a crispy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile protein. This recipe, another standout from our oven-baked series, became a go-to for vegetarians, vegans, and even meat-eaters looking for a healthy and delicious plant-based option. It teaches you how to achieve that coveted crispy exterior and tender interior, making it perfect for adding to stir-fries, salads, curries, or simply enjoying on its own. Its ease of customization with different seasonings made it a highly popular and repeatable dish.

Baked Tofu: “This recipe is amazing! The tofu really did crisp up nicely and was the tastiest tofu I’ve ever had/made!!!” -Tamar

12. Lemony Lentil Soup: A Bright and Healthy Classic

The Lemony Lentil Soup proved that healthy eating can be incredibly vibrant and satisfying. This soup captivated our readers with its amazing lemony flavor, offering a bright and refreshing twist on a classic comfort food. Naturally healthy, vegan, and gluten-free, it’s a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a deeply flavorful and nourishing meal. Quick and easy to make, with options for Instant Pot and slow cooker preparation, this lentil soup quickly became a staple for those seeking a delicious, plant-based meal that truly hits the spot.

Lemony Lentil Soup: “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.” -Lacey