From gluten-free skillet dinners to salads and scrumptious desserts, these are the top 17 reader favorite recipes on Iowa Girl Eats from 2017!

From gluten-free skillet dinners to salads and scrumptious desserts, these are the top 17 reader favorite recipes on Iowa Girl Eats from 2017! | iowagirleats.com

I know it’s such a cheeseball thing to say, but I cannot believe Christmas is just a few days away! I swear it was just last week that I was shooing Ben and Lincoln out the door in his little batman costume for trick or treating – it never ceases to amaze me how the holidays seem to go by faster and faster each year.

We’ve been trying to make the most of this month, especially. Whipping up puppy chow, baking cookies, making ornaments, flipping between Amy Grant and Mannheim Steamroller on Pandora (Lincoln is desperate to listen to Disney music again – need to fill up on my OG Amy while I can!) watching Christmas movies, attending festivals, and shopping in my PJs. Still think you don’t need Amazon Prime in 2018? Trust me, YOU DO.

Anyway, I usually wait until after Christmas to start sharing these yearly recaps but despite all the fun this month has brought, it’s also been a hard and busy one. Every one of us has been sick at least once, a dear friend recently lost her Mom, and having both little boys home for Christmas break has left me well, in need of a break! I’m looking forward to disconnecting through Christmas to spend QT with my guys, and recharge physically and emotionally. I know the holidays are stressful for many so I invite you to do the same – after you read this post, of course. ;)

Afterall, this post is all about YOU! The top 17 reader favorite recipes from 2017. The recipes you made, craved, and loved. I adore compiling this list and seeing what resonated with you and your families over the course of an entire year. Truly it’s a pleasure and honor to be in your kitchen, and although I don’t say it enough – thank you for allowing me to do what I do. Thank you for sharing the recipes you love, telling your friends, and for your feedback, especially. I want to make Iowa Girl Eats as YOU-friendly as possible!

With that said, I hope you have a wonderful, magical, and very merry Christmas if you celebrate (who’s making Christmas Eve Shrimp?!) and I’ll catch you on the flip side with my personal favorite recipes from 2017. Be well and talk very soon!

Top Recipes from Previous Years

grilled pork tenderloin sliced on a platter

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

4.9 from 93 votes
Grilled pork tenderloin cooks in just 15 minutes! This easy, healthy grilling recipe is fork-tender, full of sizzling flavor, and fool proof.
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Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

4.6 from 27 votes
Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are a bowl of oatmeal in bar form. Keep these healthy, gluten free bars on hand for easy meals and snacks.
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maple cinnamon oatmeal breakfast bars stacked on a plate

Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

4.8 from 30 votes
Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are naturally sweetened and gluten free. Enjoy as a healthy snack or easy, on-the-go breakfast!
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Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers with Parmesan-Garlic Cauliflower Rice is simple and packed with healthy vegetables. This gluten-free dinner recipe is absolutely delicious! | iowagirleats.com

Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers with Parmesan-Garlic Cauliflower Rice

5 from 4 votes
Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers with Parmesan-Garlic Cauliflower Rice is a simple, delicious, and low-carb gluten-free dinner recipe!
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big scoop of cheesy chicken and rice on a plate topped with green onions

Cheesy Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice

4.7 from 12 votes
Cheesy Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice is a one pan, 20 minute, 5 ingredient gluten-free dinner recipe that is lick your plate delicious! Cheesy and satisfying.
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a plate of coconut chicken curry with white rice

Easy Coconut Chicken Curry

4.5 from 13 votes
Coconut Chicken Curry is so good you'll lick your plate clean! This easy, flavor-packed chicken dinner recipe will be on the table in just 30 minutes.
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bowl of lemon whip fruit dip with fresh fruit dippers

Lemon Whip Fruit Dip

5 from 1 vote
Lemon Fruit Dip is light and mousse-like in texture, and made with just 2 main ingredients. This gluten free, dairy free dip is a must-try!
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Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps

4.7 from 23 votes
Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps are ready in just 15 minutes. This easy, gluten free dinner recipe is made from fridge and pantry staples. So easy!
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Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a healthy, 1 skillet, gluten-free dinner recipe that my entire family (including my 4 year old!) described as "really, REALLY good!" | iowagirleats.com

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chicken Enchilada Skillet

4.8 from 23 votes
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a healthy, gluten-free dinner recipe that your entire family will love!
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Sweet Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts in a cast iron skillet

Sweet Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

4.7 from 7 votes
Sweet Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a simple yet scrumptious side dish. The sizzling combination of sweet-heat plus perfectly roasted sprouts will liven up any meal.
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restaurant style salsa in a bowl with chips

Restaurant Style Salsa

4.9 from 33 votes
Restaurant Style Salsa is inexpensive and a cinch to make at home. Learn the ingredient I use to make it taste just like a restaurant's!
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saucey chicken thighs over cooked mashed potatoes on a plate

Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken

4.9 from 18 votes
Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is light yet luscious — you will lick your plate clean! This 1-skillet, gluten-free dinner recipe is ready in just 20 minutes.
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low carb chicken bacon ranch spaghetti squash casserole in a baking dish

Chicken Bacon Ranch Spaghetti Squash Casserole

4.8 from 15 votes
Chicken Bacon Ranch Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a flavor packed, low-carb casserole recipe that even squash haters will devour!
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No-Bake S'mores Icebox Cake is a gluten-free and dairy-free, summer-friendly dessert recipe that will be a hit with kids and adults alike!  | iowagirleats.com

S’mores Icebox Cake

4.7 from 3 votes
S'mores Icebox Cake is a gluten and dairy free dessert recipe that's a hit with kids and adults alike. Sticky and sweet — no campfire needed!
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overhead photo of a serving bowl of italian chickpea salad

Italian Chickpea Salad

5 from 1 vote
Italian Chickpea Salad is a simple vegetarian salad recipe that's full of fresh and healthy ingredients. Perfect for snacks and lunches!
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Steak and Potato Bowls

4.8 from 4 votes
Steak and Potato Bowls are a hearty yet healthy grilled dinner recipe. Plus I'm sharing my favorite method for grilling juicy, tender steaks!
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cheesy vegetable sausage rice casserole

Cheesy Vegetable, Turkey Sausage and Rice Casserole

4.7 from 12 votes
Cheesy Vegetable, Turkey Sausage and Rice Casserole is cozy, satisfying and comforting, yet packed with healthy veggies!
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Thank you again for making my IGE dreams come true for another year – I couldn’t do any of this without you!

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26 Comments

  1. Kelli @ Hungry HObby says:

    I love reading these posts! so interesting to see how reader favorites vary so much from blog to blog!

    Reply
  2. Mandy says:

    Love, love, love the steak and potato bowls. So simple, but so good! I have to order the Ranch dressing online, but it’s worth it!!

    Reply
  3. Sabrina says:

    wow, thanks for putting this together, missed Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken among others, so glad to have another shot at it and these other recipes, thank you!

    Reply
  4. KimW says:

    A huge thank you for all the recipes you put out!! My son was diagnosed with celiac disease a little over a year ago and I found your blog to be so helpful and have recommended it to others many times! You made the transition to a GF life much easier!!

    Reply
  5. Melissa says:

    I just wanted to say Happy Holidays and to thank you for all of the hard work you put into your blog and recipes. In general, I do a lot more looking than cooking (hey, I’m-a rhymin haha) but I’ve made several of yours and they were great. I trust your recipes. So, thanks! :)

    Reply
  6. Kristin P says:

    Christmas Eve Shrimp being served here! Making ham for the rest of the crew but it’s not my favorite so I decided to make the shrimp as a treat for myself (and anyone else that wants some). Merry Christmas from California!

    Reply
    1. Kristin says:

      Awesome!! We downed two giant pie plates of shrimp and an entire casserole dish of party potatoes deluxe on Christmas Eve. We. Were. STUFFED.

      Reply
  7. Kenzi says:

    great recipes… ive been eating that thai crunch salad the past 2 days and even went and got another bag of cabbage today to make more.. like you said in that recipe article my body has been like where are the vegetables lol all this christmas junk

    Reply
    1. Kristin says:

      SO glad to hear it, Kenzi! And glad I’m not the only ones who needed just a minute away from all the Christmas goodies!

      Reply
  8. Michelle says:

    Your blog is such a breath of fresh air! Thank you Kristin for being, well, you. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    Reply
    1. Kristin says:

      Oh my goodness, you are too kind, Michelle! Thanks for the nice words, I hope you had a wonderful and very merry Christmas!

      Reply
  9. Kristi says:

    Thanks for the list. It was fun to see all of the ones that I have made or pinned. I was eating leftovers of #9 while it read it!

    Reply
    1. Kristin says:

      HA! Oh my gosh, too funny. ;) Hope they were yummy!

      Reply
  10. Katie says:

    Thanks so much for always giving me dinner (and beyond!) ideas! So many I’ve made again and again (salsa turkey meatloaves, soups, salsa verde chicken and rice). Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    1. Kristin says:

      Love to hear what your favorites are, Katie! Merry Christmas and thank you so much for reading IGE!!

      Reply
  11. Melissa says:

    Merry Christmas to you and your family. LOVE the blog and scrolling through this list just gave me some great ideas to try…not sure how I haven’t made the salsa yet!!! Going to get on that immediately!!

    Reply
    1. Kristin says:

      Merry Christmas to you too, Melissa!! I hope you love the salsa!

      Reply
  12. Rebecca says:

    I made that restaurant-style salsa and I swear, people would not stop talking about it. Cannot wait to make ita again!

    Reply
    1. Kristin says:

      Oh that makes me so, so happy – I can’t get enough of it!

      Reply
  13. Ann says:

    I just want to say how much I love IGE. Yours is the best blog out there. Keep up the great work. Merry Christmas.

    Reply
    1. Donna says:

      I agree with Ann!! Best blog and my favorite for YEARSSSSS!!

      And give me allllll the sheet pan sausage! I made that a zillion times this year!

      Reply
      1. Kristin says:

        Yeah!! So glad the dish was one of your favorites this year – thanks so much for the feedback!

    2. Kristin says:

      Thank you so, so much, Ann!! Your kind words mean so much – Merry Christmas to you too!

      Reply