Top 10 Recipes of 2025: A Year in Review and Reader Favorites
Reflecting on the past year and sharing my favorite recipes is always a cherished tradition here at An Affair from the Heart. It’s a joy to look back and see which recipes you return to again and again – the ones that become staples in weekly meal plans, holiday gatherings, and everyday moments shared around the table.
In 2025, the Top 10 recipes remained largely consistent, which speaks volumes. These are dependable, tried-and-true favorites that have stood the test of time, proving that simple, comforting recipes made with familiar ingredients never go out of style. This consistency highlights the enduring appeal of classic dishes and the trust you, my readers, place in these recipes.
Welcome to my annual year in review! As I reflect on 2025, I am filled with gratitude for another year of cooking alongside you and for the recipes that continue to earn a special place in your kitchens and hearts. Your engagement and enthusiasm inspire me every day, and I’m so thankful for this community we’ve built together.
2025: A Personal and Professional Journey
This year presented a slightly different landscape compared to previous ones. Travel became more manageable, highlighted by a meaningful retreat in Mexico, along with cherished moments spent at our lake home in Okoboji. The year seemed to offer a chance for slower moments, familiar places, and deeper reflection. It was precisely what this season called for – a balance of adventure and tranquility.
From a professional perspective, 2025 was a year I’ll never forget. It was a year filled with exciting opportunities, significant milestones, and moments of profound gratitude. It was also a year that tested my resilience and pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined.
After years of dreaming and months of dedicated behind-the-scenes work, my cookbook, Savor It, officially launched on Valentine’s Day – my favorite holiday and the perfect day to share it with the world. Seeing it available on my website, on Amazon, and now in several retail stores (with more continuing to add it!) has been both humbling and surreal. This cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a culmination of my passion for cooking, a celebration of shared meals, and a testament to the power of food to bring people together.
This year also presented incredible opportunities for which I am deeply grateful. These experiences allowed me to connect with a wider audience, share my story, and further solidify my commitment to creating and sharing approachable, delicious recipes.
I was honored to be interviewed by KETV Newswatch 7 Omaha with Waverle Monroe, where I had the opportunity to share my story, my love of home cooking, and offer a glimpse behind the scenes of An Affair from the Heart. The interview came together quickly, and even though I wasn’t feeling my best that day (thanks to a lingering sinus infection!), I was incredibly grateful for the chance to cook alongside Waverle and make a no-bake cherry dessert from my cookbook, Savor It, while sharing this work with a wider audience. It was a wonderful experience to connect with viewers on a local level and share my passion for food.
I also had the opportunity to sit down with Allison Evans Coaching for an online interview. Having the space to talk about my journey, the heart behind my recipes, and the work that goes into building this community was both encouraging and affirming. Allison’s insightful questions helped me to articulate my vision for An Affair from the Heart and to reflect on the importance of connection and community in the world of food blogging.
I was also deeply honored to be included in a local holiday gift guide for Milford Magazine. Seeing Savor It highlighted as a gift idea within my own community was a moment I won’t forget. This recognition felt particularly special because it came from the place I call home.
Each of these experiences served as a powerful reminder of how grateful I am to do what I love and to share it with all of you. Your support fuels my passion and motivates me to continue creating and sharing recipes that bring joy and comfort to your lives.
Our Family in 2025
On a personal note, February brought a difficult goodbye when we lost our sweet Theo. Navigating that loss hasn’t been easy, but Libby has remained my constant companion, and together we’re finding our new normal. The love and support of my family and friends has been invaluable during this challenging time. Theo will always hold a special place in our hearts.
September brought a beautiful new beginning when our first granddaughter joined our three grandsons. Watching our family grow and gathering everyone around the table whenever we can continues to be one of my greatest joys. Family is at the heart of everything I do, and I cherish every moment we spend together.
Those big Sunday night family dinners keep getting bigger, with my two youngest finding their forever people this year, this mama’s heart is very full. #PartyOfFourteen
An Affair from the Heart in 2025
In 2025, I published 90 new recipes here on the site, along with continued updates to older favorites to keep them fresh, helpful, and easy to follow. With more than 1,200 recipes now available on An Affair from the Heart, my hope is that this space always feels like a welcoming place to come when you’re looking for something comforting, celebratory, or simple for a busy weeknight. I strive to provide a diverse collection of recipes to suit every taste and occasion.
This year also brought significant growth on social media, including the launch of my TikTok page. I’d love for you to join me there, follow along, leave comments, and be part of the conversation. It truly feels like an extension of this wonderful community. On TikTok, I share quick recipe demos, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and fun food-related content. It’s another way for us to connect and share our love of food.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for or have a recipe you’d love to see in the coming year, please reach out. Your messages and notes inspire so much of what I create. I am always open to suggestions and feedback, and I value your input in shaping the content of An Affair from the Heart.
Top 10 Recipes of 2025 – Readers’ Favorites
And now… onto the moment you’ve all been waiting for! Let’s delve into the recipes that resonated most with you, the dishes you recreated, shared, and celebrated throughout the year.
Each year, I eagerly anticipate seeing which dishes rise to the top. These are the recipes you cooked, saved, shared, and came back to again and again. Your collective choices paint a vivid picture of your culinary preferences and the types of meals that bring you the most joy.
Are you ready to see if your favorite made the list? Get ready to rediscover some old favorites and perhaps even find a new go-to recipe for your repertoire!
If you’re looking for something new to try, this list is a great place to start. I’d love to hear which ones you’ve made, which are staples in your home, and which you’ll be adding to your menu next. Sharing your cooking experiences is one of the best parts of this community!
Let’s Count Down An Affair from the Heart’s Top 10 Recipes of 2025!
Are you ready to see if your favorite made the list? I can’t wait to hear which of these you have tried, and which ones you will be making soon! Let’s get started!
Number 10:
Coming in at number 10 is comfort food from my childhood – My Mom’s recipe for Beef & Noodles. Tender chunks of beef with thick egg noodles in a rich beef gravy. There is so much nostalgia in this one! This recipe is a warm hug in a bowl, reminiscent of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent around the dinner table. It’s a classic for a reason!
Number 9:
Landing at number 9 is a copycat recipe – McDonald’s Filet ‘o Fish Sandwich. If you love the fish sandwiches at McDonald’s, you have to try these! Soft buns, piping hot fish filet, melty cheese, and the best tartar sauce ever! Now you can skip the drive-thru and make them at home! This recipe allows you to enjoy a beloved fast-food classic in the comfort of your own kitchen, using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Number 8:
Securing the number 8 spot is Classic Oyster Stew with tender oysters simmered in a rich, buttery milk-based broth. This classic recipe spotlights the sweet saltiness of fresh oysters with just a few simple ingredients. Enjoy a warm bowl of this hearty stew all winter long or for special occasions like Christmas Eve. Oyster stew is a timeless dish that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and tradition.
Number 7:
Taking the number 7 position, we have my Texas Trash Dip! What’s Texas Trash Dip? It’s a creamy, warm bean dip packed with flavor and topped with all sorts of ooey-gooey cheese, baked to dipping perfection. I could make a meal out of this dip! Seriously, what more do you need?? This dip is the perfect appetizer for any party or gathering, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Number 6:
At number 6, this one isn’t “award-winning” for nothin’! Award-Winning Crack Dip This dip is deliciously addictive! Creamy dip with a little bit of heat from the jalapeños, bursting with flavor from the MexiCorn and the green onions. This is a hit and the first thing gone at every party! The name says it all – this dip is undeniably addictive and sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Number 5:
Reaching the halfway mark at number 5, we have this iconic Dill Pickle Dip recipe! if you can’t get enough of those dill pickle wraps, the ones with cream cheese and dried beef, then this dip will have you grinning from ear to ear! This recipe has been in my top 10 ever since the first year I posted it! Want to know something funny? Twice, this recipe got so much traffic at one time that it broke my website! This unique and flavorful dip is a pickle lover’s dream come true, and its enduring popularity speaks for itself!
Number 4:
Just missing the top 3 at number 4, these Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Ribs aren’t just delicious – they’re a viral sensation! With over 300,000 shares, this 3-ingredient wonder is about to revolutionize your BBQ game. Country Style Pork Ribs are slow-cooked in Dr. Pepper, then baked or grilled to caramelize the Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce. This recipe is quick and easy for anyone to enjoy! These ribs are a testament to the power of simple ingredients and easy cooking methods to create a truly unforgettable dish.
Number 3:
Making it to the top 3 at number 3, Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball shows how to make this popular cold-fighter super tea. A tremendously soothing tea for cold and flu season. Skip the drive-thru and the crazy prices and make this Starbucks favorite at home! This comforting and healing tea is the perfect remedy for those under-the-weather days.
Note: The teas used in Starbucks’ Medicine Ball have been hard to find since 2023. So, I updated this post to include other teas that allow you to continue to make this healing tea at home!
Number 2:
Almost taking the top spot at number 2 is The Sloppy Dorothy! Move over, Joe – there is a new and improved version of your classic. These Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches are made with Dorothy Lynch Dressing and will have you licking your fingers in pure satisfaction! This unique twist on a classic sloppy joe is a crowd-pleasing and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Drum Roll Please…
And now it’s time for the number one recipe of 2025 …
Number 1:
And the winner is How to Make a Can of Refried Beans Taste Like a Restaurant’s -Turn a can of refried beans into restaurant quality in a matter of minutes! Only two simple add-ins and it’ll feel like you’re eating at your favorite Mexican restaurant, right at home! This simple yet transformative recipe proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to achieve restaurant-quality flavor.
Pin the most popular, Top 10 Recipes of 2025, before you go!
I’d love it if you’d pin these 10 recipes, try some of them, and let me know what you think! Shoot me a message or tag me on social media! I love seeing photos of what you made! Sharing your culinary creations is a wonderful way to connect with other food enthusiasts and inspire others to try new recipes.
A Note on Supporting An Affair from the Heart
One thing I want you to know is that my recipes here on An Affair from the Heart will always remain free. From quick weeknight dinners to holiday favorites and everything in between, my goal has always been to make approachable, dependable recipes available to anyone who needs them. Access to delicious and nutritious food should be available to all, and I am committed to keeping my recipes accessible.
If you’ve ever wondered how you can support the work I do here, the answer is simple, and it never costs a thing.
Leaving a comment or a star rating on a recipe helps others find it and lets me know what you loved. Following along on social media, liking, sharing, saving, and commenting on posts helps get these recipes seen by more home cooks.