Featured image for top 10 recipes from 2019 on Iowa Girl Eats

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

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.

Photo Collage of gluten free One Pan Recipes

 

#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!

Close up of a bowl of Cheesy Gnocchi Florentine

 

#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.

Plate of Air Fryer Chicken Wings

 

#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.

Chip dipping into a bowl of Copycat Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel Dip

 

#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!

Jar of Homemade Ranch Dressing that's gluten-free and vegan too.

 

#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.

Large bowl of Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad

 

#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.

Cheesy scoop of Italian Rice Ball Skillet

 

#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.

Plate of Mozzarella Bruschetta Chicken | iowagirleats.com

 

#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!

Close up photo of Skillet Shepherd's Pie.

 

#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!

Bowl of One-Pot Chicken and Rice | iowagirleats.com

 

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!

Stack of Green Smoothie Muffins

 

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.

Large bowl of Ham and Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

 

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!!

Gluten Free Pumpkin Cupcake on a plate

 

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!

Italian Sausage and Peppers Cheeseburger on a plate

 

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?

Photo of gluten free Lemon-Blueberry Icebox Cake sliced in half