HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I hope 2020 is treating you well so far and that your holidays were just the merriest!
We spent Christmas sitting around a fire in my parent’s backyard as it reached 61 degrees on the 25th. Insanity! The park and trail behind their house were filled with pick up soccer games, kids riding new bikes from Santa, and lots of dogs and walkers. A few people were even out mowing their lawns – ha! The Midwest likes to keep us on our toes. ;) We spent the rest of the week hosting Ben’s family, seeing old friends, and in general taking a vacation from our vacation. I’m still not quite sure what day of the week it is.
What I DO know is that I’m so excited for 2020 and all that’s to come. I feel like we’re out of the baby fog of 2018-19 and speaking of baby, one of the highlights of this past year has been watching Gwen, especially, grow and change. Of course it’s an absolute pleasure to see our boys evolve as little men, and lately grow to really enjoy playing together (#finally!), but it’s always an incredible thing to watch your “baby” start talking, running, and insisting on wearing her blanket like the queen of England’s cape. ;)
I sure have a lot to be grateful for!
Anyway! Before we dive into January and some fresh and healthy recipes (if I never see a red meat roast of some kind again it will be too soon,) I wanted to recap the best of the best recipes from 2019 as decided by your clicks, views, and shares. Spoiler alert: you loved all things one pan, comforting, and dippy! I’m also including a few of my personal favorite recipes that didn’t quite crack the Top 10 list.
Thank you as ALWAYS for your loyal readership. I have the best readers in the entire world and your support, kind words, encouragement, and sharing of my content are what keep this little corner of the Internet afloat day after day, year after year. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I really, really love my job. Wishing you the absolute best in 2020, but first…!
Top Recipes from Previous Years
- Top 10 in 2023
- Top 10 in 2022
- Top 10 in 2021
- Top 10 in 2020
- Top 10 in 2018
- Top 10 in 2017
- Top 10 in 2016
- Top 10 in 2015
2019 Top 10 Reader Favorite Recipes
#10 30 One Pan Recipes
The number 10 spot doesn’t go to just one recipe – it goes to 30! You guys loved one pan recipes this year, so it’s no surprise that my 30 One Pan Recipes round up claimed the number 10 spot.
#9 Cheesy Gnocchi Florentine
Cheesy Gnocchi Florentine is suuuper decadent but actually has a ton of vegetables. This 30 minute recipe is another one-skillet-wonder and easy to whip up any night of the week. Oh my gosh it’s so good!
#8 Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Break out your air fryer for these crispy, juicy Air Fryer Chicken Wings! This recipe comes from Ben and oh my lord, they are so addicting. Plan for a double batch.
#7 Copycat Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Dip
My Copycat Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Dip is a cinch to make at home. This was a big hit with you guys over the holidays, especially.
#6 Homemade Ranch Dressing
I created the recipe for Homemade Ranch Dressing after needing an egg and dairy free ranch dressing on account of me nursing an egg and dairy allergic Gwendolyn! This easy recipe is made with fridge and pantry staples and I’ve had so many readers tell me they’ve tried a ton of homemade ranch dressing recipes before settling firmly on this one, which thrills me!
#5 Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
I shared the recipe for Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad a month and a half ago and it still claimed the fifth most popular recipe spot for the entire year. That should tell you something about how good it is! This is another super popular recipe for the holidays but delicious any time of year.
#4 Italian Rice Ball Skillet
Italian Rice Ball Skillet is another one skillet recipe that – wait for it – requires ZERO chopping. Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables. Dinner doesn’t get easier than this.
#3 Mozzarella Bruschetta Chicken
Juicy, cheesy, fresh, and filling, Mozzarella Bruschetta Chicken is another one skillet recipe (should I just start only sharing one skillet recipes?!) that’s as much fun to eat as it is to look at. This is a great recipe to entertain with as it looks impressive but is quick and easy to make.
#2 Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
Say it with me – ANOTHER ONE SKILLET RECIPE!!! Skillet Shepherd’s Pie is one of the coziest dishes I know and we make it all the time. You guys loved the simpleness and comfort factor of this recipe!
#1 One Pot Chicken and Rice
I almost didn’t post the recipe for One Pot Chicken and Rice because, well, you’ll just have to see what my family actually calls it! This is another super comforting dish that’s made with just a few kitchen staples. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me every time I read a review of how much you love cooking and eating it!
5 More of My Favorites!
Green Smoothie Muffins
Green Smoothie Muffins get my personal most valuable recipe award for 2019. Gwen hates vegetables but even she cannot get enough of these healthy muffins that are packed with spinach. I make them every single week. I promise, you cannot taste the greens. These were a huge hit with you and your kids too!
Ham and Gnocchi Mac and Cheese
The cheese sauce in my Ham and Gnocchi Mac and Cheese is one of the best things to come out of my kitchen this year. I ADORE this decadent recipe!!! I’ve already made the cheese sauce to pair with elbows for Cam (Lincoln’s back off dairy,) AND for dipping into with tortilla chips. It’s just the best. Like velvet.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
I feel like I hit the jackpot with the recipe for Gluten Free Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. The reviews left by readers who have made them will tell you all you need to know about how fabulous they are!!
Italian Sausage Cheeseburgers
We eat Italian Sausage Cheeseburgers at least twice a month. They’re made with my Homemade Ground Italian Sausage and sometimes I switch up the peppers for seared mushrooms and shallots. So good. All five of us love these burgers!
Lemon Blueberry Icebox Cake
It is no exaggeration to say that Lemon Blueberry Icebox Cake is one of my favorite dessert recipes I’ve ever shared here on IGE. It’s made with just FOUR ingredients, is gluten free, super easy to make vegan if you need it, and holy moly, it’s just the lightest, freshest, zippiest, little no bake cake you’ll ever try. Perfect for any special occasion or get together. Did I mention you only need four ingredients?
Gloria 02.01.2020
I’m making you cinnamon buns. I was wondering if I can use becel margarine instead of butter?
Celeste B 01.02.2020
Look at how big those kiddos are. I’ve been following your blog since long before they were born. Thanks for all the great recipes.
Katie 01.02.2020
I LOVE your tater tot skillet casserole! Made it this week!
Steph 01.02.2020
Happy New Year! I’ve never disliked a recipe from you! Next up are green smoothie muffins because my 14 month old LOVES throwing her veggies on the floor.
Julie Binger 01.02.2020
That shephard’s pie has been one of my favorite recipes to make recently! Going to give the Italian Rice Ball Skillet meal a try next. Your recipes never disappoint! Thanks for creating and sharing as always! :)
Heather Lawlor 01.02.2020
I love your recipes and your blog. Many blessings for the new year. Every time someone asks me about my gluten free journey I refer them here to read your book and your blog. It’s where I started, even though I followed you before your journey began. Keep inspiring others. ❤️
Melissa 01.01.2020
So many incredible recipes this year! I’ve been a reader for many years and each of your recipes I’ve tried have always turned out great! I’m definitely looking forward to trying out more in the coming year.
Kristin 01.01.2020
Thank you for your support and readership, Melissa! It’s always great to hear from you on a post! :)
Melony 01.01.2020
Happy New Year Kristin! We love your recipes and more often than not they find their way into our holiday celebrations. Your party potatoes deluxe are on the menu today for New Years Dinner. Love your blog and your stories, looking forward to 2020!
Kristin 01.01.2020
I am thrilled to heat that, Melony!! Enjoy those potatoes – they made many appearances on our holiday dinner tables too!
Anita 01.01.2020
Thanks for all your hard work, Kristin, so many of your recipes are my go-tos, I’m making cheesy chicken and rice soup for the Michigan game this afternoon. It’s fun to watch your family grow on the blog, too. Thanks!
Kristin 01.01.2020
Sounds perfect, Anita!! Thank you for such a kind message!
Paige Cassandra Flamm 01.01.2020
I need to try that everything bagel dip!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Kristin 01.01.2020
I’m a sucker for a good sour cream dip – it really is incredible!
Sharon 01.01.2020
Your family is adorable. The fall shredded Brussels sprouts salad has been on my New Year’s Day menu every year since you first posted it. We’ve also shared the recipe (with a link to your site) with many family and coworkers. Happy New Year!
Kristin 01.01.2020
Thank you so much, Sharon!! I appreciate it more than you know!!
Donna 01.01.2020
I’m always so so sooooo thankful for THE EASE & PEACE OF ALL OF YOUR RECIPES! I’ve been a reader since almost day 1 and I’m so thankful you’re here and to watch your blog, and esp your family!, evolve and grow❤️
❤️ from NJ❤️
Kristin 01.01.2020
So thrilled to have you along for the ride after all these years, Donna! I so appreciate your readership all the way from NJ! Happy new year!
Mona Willis 01.01.2020
You missed MY favorite recipe of yours. The marinaded olives are a huge hit in our family! I personally, can’t get enough of them. I’m making my 3rd batch since Thanksgiving. This one is for me! Thank you for this recipe, you nailed it!
Kristin 01.01.2020
Ahhh, I am thrilled to hear that Mona! Now I’m craving olives ?
Greg Hankins 01.01.2020
I made the sausage gravy and tater tot casserole for Thanksgiving morning, and it was a hit. One daughter is gluten sensitive and her two sons dairy free – it’s become a staple at her house.
Kristin 01.01.2020
So happy to hear that Greg! The gluten + dairy free combo can be a real tough one. I’m glad she’s found a recipe that works for the entire family! :)
Beth 01.01.2020
My favorite recipe of yours is the Sweet Corn, Potato and Kielbasa soup!
Kristin 01.01.2020
Huge favorite of mine too, Beth! I need to make that one again ASAP!