The Top 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2016: Discover Your Next Favorite Dish!
Want to see if YOUR favorite recipe made the top 10 in 2016? Take a look and see my most beloved and popular recipes of the year!
Happy New Year, friends! As we gracefully transition into a new year, it’s the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the culinary highlights that truly made 2016 special. While I initially hoped to unveil this much-anticipated collection of recipes before the festive season concluded, the joyous whirlwind of the holidays brought its own delightful chaos, and time, as it often does, simply flew by. But I promise you, the wait is absolutely worth it!
Have you ever found yourself curious about which recipes resonated most deeply with my wonderful community of readers? Or perhaps wondered which dishes were savored, shared, and searched for more than any others on An Affair from the Heart? While I frequently share glimpses of trending recipes on social media throughout the year, there’s an extraordinary joy in compiling an annual list based on hard data. This isn’t just a list of my personal preferences; it’s a vibrant testament to *your* collective tastes – the ultimate rundown of the top 10 most popular recipes of 2016 that captivated the most attention. These are the tried-and-true, reader-approved dishes that delighted countless kitchens. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey down memory lane, discover new family favorites, or perhaps rediscover an old cherished recipe. Let the delicious countdown begin!
Drum roll, please…..
Number 10.
Kick off our countdown with a recipe that perfectly marries the rich, comforting flavors of a classic dish with modern-day convenience. This ingenious skillet meal delivers all the deliciousness of traditional cabbage rolls without any of the time-consuming fuss, making it an absolute hero for busy weeknights.
Tastes just like traditional cabbage rolls, but this unstuffed cabbage roll skillet is done in no time and is absolutely perfect for quick weeknight meals! This incredibly popular recipe truly simplifies a beloved classic, delivering hearty, savory flavors in a fraction of the time typically required for rolling. It’s an ideal solution for those seeking comforting, home-cooked meals without dedicating hours to kitchen prep. Featuring seasoned ground meat, tender rice, and fresh cabbage simmering together in a rich, tangy tomato sauce, it provides all the deliciousness and warmth of its more elaborate counterpart. Its clever, streamlined approach to a classic makes it no surprise that this dish earned its spot among the most clicked-on recipes of 2016, proving that ultimate convenience and exceptional taste can indeed go hand-in-hand for satisfying family dinners. Perfect for a cozy evening.
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Number 9.
Next up, we have a brilliant culinary innovation that takes a beloved sandwich and reimagines it as a delightfully satisfying, low-carb meal. These ingenious stuffed peppers offer all the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic Philly Cheesesteak in a fresh, vibrant format. It’s comfort food, thoughtfully redefined!
If you love a good Philly cheesesteak, you’re absolutely going to adore these Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers! This popular recipe brilliantly transforms the iconic combination of thinly sliced, tender steak, sweet caramelized onions, sautéed bell peppers, and luscious melted cheese, by lovingly stuffing it all into vibrant bell pepper halves. It’s a genius twist that captures all the robust, savory flavors of the classic sandwich without the bread, making it a fantastic and lighter option for those seeking a satisfying yet health-conscious meal. The juicy, well-seasoned steak and gooey, melted cheese perfectly encased in a crisp-tender pepper creates a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. It’s abundantly clear why this inventive dish quickly became one of the most clicked and shared recipes of 2016, embodying a perfect balance of indulgent flavor and mindful eating for a family-friendly dinner.
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Number 8.
For anyone whose culinary dreams are filled with the sweet, tropical essence of coconut, prepare to be enchanted. This exquisite cake is an absolute revelation – a remarkably moist and tender creation generously infused with rich coconut flavor, then taken over the top with a dreamy, creamy frosting and an extra scattering of sweet coconut. It’s pure tropical bliss in every single bite!
This coconut cream poke cake is incredibly moist, and it’s gloriously topped with coconut cream whipped cream frosting and sweetened coconut. A Coconut Lover’s DREAM come true! This dessert sensation quickly climbed the ranks in 2016, enchanting all who tried it with its tender crumb and intensely satisfying coconut flavor. The clever “poke” method ensures that every single bite is bursting with creamy coconut pudding, creating an unbelievably moist and luxurious texture that simply melts in your mouth. Garnished with a light and fluffy coconut whipped cream and a generous sprinkling of sweetened coconut flakes, it’s a true showstopper that tastes like a slice of paradise. It’s the perfect treat for potlucks, celebratory gatherings, or simply when you crave an extraordinary dessert that truly delivers on its promise of an indulgent, coconut-infused experience. This recipe defines a top dessert favorite.
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Number 7.
Prepare for effortless deliciousness with this recipe! These remarkable ribs combine the magical tenderizing power of the slow cooker with a surprising, yet perfectly complementary, secret ingredient. The result? Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with an irresistible caramelized glaze that are guaranteed to impress with minimal fuss. A foolproof way to achieve BBQ perfection!
Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs, slow cooked in Dr. Pepper, then baked to caramelize the Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce. Only 3 ingredients! This incredible recipe stands as a testament to how minimal effort can truly lead to maximum flavor, securing its well-deserved spot as one of the top recipes of 2016. The unique addition of Dr. Pepper acts as a fantastic tenderizer, imparting a subtle sweetness and remarkable depth to the BBQ sauce, resulting in incredibly succulent ribs that practically melt in your mouth. Finishing them with a quick bake in the oven crisps up the edges beautifully and intensifies that delicious, sticky, and deeply flavorful glaze. It’s a truly stress-free meal that tastes like it took all day to prepare, making it a perfect candidate for relaxing Sunday dinners, casual gatherings, or any occasion where you desire impressive, mouth-watering results with very little fuss. A true reader favorite!
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Number 6.
Next, we delve into a delightful transformation of a classic diner dish into a fun, bite-sized format. These Salisbury steak meatballs are the epitome of comfort food, reimagined. Bathed in a rich, savory gravy, they are perfectly designed to be served over creamy mashed potatoes, delivering pure, nostalgic bliss and a warm hug in every single mouthful.
Love Salisbury steak? How about making it in meatball form? Serve over mashed potatoes, this is comfort food at its absolute best! This innovative take on the traditional Salisbury steak proved to be a huge hit, cementing its place as one of the most popular recipes of 2016. The tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs are simmered in a rich, umami-packed mushroom and onion gravy, creating a deeply satisfying meal that feels both wonderfully familiar and excitingly new. Serving them generously spooned over fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes allows every bite to be thoroughly coated in that incredible, hearty sauce. It’s a warming, wholesome dish that evokes fond memories of classic home-cooked meals, and its widespread popularity is a testament to its irresistible deliciousness and the sheer joy it brings to the dinner table. An easy dinner for a cozy night in, it’s a true family favorite.
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Number 5.
Imagine all the irresistible components of a deluxe bacon cheeseburger, but ingeniously condensed into a miniature, perfectly shareable format! These delectable meatballs are packed with smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and wonderfully melty cheese, making them an instant party favorite and an absolutely perfect appetizer for any gathering, from casual game nights to elegant celebrations.
Perfect appetizers – meatballs stacked with all of the ingredients for a deluxe bacon cheeseburger! These incredibly addictive Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs soared in popularity, securing their well-deserved place among the top recipes of 2016. Each bite-sized meatball is a miniature flavor explosion, expertly combining perfectly seasoned ground beef with crispy, smoky bacon bits and luscious gooey cheese, often served beautifully with classic burger accompaniments like tangy pickles and a special dipping sauce. They are remarkably versatile, working brilliantly as a fun and engaging appetizer for game day, a much-loved potluck contribution, or even a unique and satisfying main course alongside some crispy fries. Their irresistible combination of familiar, comforting flavors presented in a convenient, crowd-pleasing package makes them a consistent favorite and a truly smart choice for any menu. A definite hit for any gathering.
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Number 4.
Who could have imagined that a simple can of humble refried beans could be transformed into something so utterly extraordinary? This clever and incredibly popular kitchen trick elevates basic pantry staples into a side dish that truly rivals the authentic flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant, delivering incredible taste and texture in mere minutes. A complete game-changer for your next taco night!
Turn a can of refried beans into restaurant quality in a matter of minutes! This hugely popular kitchen hack captured the immediate attention of countless readers, making it one of the top recipes of 2016 for its sheer brilliance, simplicity, and transformative power. With just a few simple extra ingredients, such as a bit of onion, garlic, spices, and a touch of broth, along with a couple of minutes on the stove, you can effortlessly transform plain canned refried beans into a rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful side dish that tastes profoundly homemade. It’s the perfect, authentic accompaniment to your tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or any Tex-Mex feast you desire. This ingenious tip not only saves valuable time but also dramatically elevates your entire meal, proving that even the simplest pantry ingredients can be elevated to extraordinary heights with just a little bit of culinary magic. It’s truly a secret weapon every home cook needs in their arsenal for quick and delicious meals!
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Number 3.
Behold, the ultimate warm bean dip experience! This incredibly flavorful creation is generously loaded with tantalizing layers of creamy goodness, perfectly spiced kicks, and an abundance of rich, gooey, melted cheese, all baked to a golden, bubbly perfection. It’s so unbelievably good, you might just find yourself wanting to make an entire meal out of this irresistible dip!
Creamy 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! This “Texas Trash Dip” soared to the impressive third spot in our 2016 countdown, and for incredibly good reason – it’s a truly sensational appetizer that brings together the robust flavors of refried beans, the tang of sour cream, the richness of cream cheese, zesty taco seasoning, and a generous amount of shredded cheese. All these ingredients are baked until hot, bubbly, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for lively game nights, festive parties, or simply a cozy evening in, this warm bean dip is both incredibly satisfying and dangerously addictive. Serve it generously with your favorite sturdy tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks, and watch it disappear in mere minutes. Its rich, savory profile and comforting warmth make it an unforgettable addition to any spread, firmly securing its status as a consistent reader favorite and a top recipe for easy entertaining.
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Number 2.
Prepare to become utterly obsessed! This phenomenal “Crack Dip” lives up to its playful name by being unbelievably addictive and utterly irresistible. With a perfect, harmonious balance of creamy texture, deeply savory flavors, and just a delightful hint of warmth, it’s virtually impossible to stop at just one chip-full. A true award-winner in every delectable sense, this dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This “Crack Dip” gets its name from the fact that it is seriously addicting. You can’t possibly eat just one chipful! It’s got a creamy texture, with just a little bit of heat. This recipe wasn’t just popular; it was an absolute phenomenon, earning its well-deserved place as the second most-viewed recipe of 2016! Made with a delectable combination of velvety cream cheese, tangy sour cream, crispy bacon pieces, zesty ranch seasoning, and rich cheddar cheese, this dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Its rich, tangy, and deeply savory profile, punctuated by that undeniable hint of smoky bacon, makes it utterly irresistible and unforgettable. Perfect for lively parties, thrilling game days, or simply as a well-deserved treat for yourself, this dip guarantees empty bowls, satisfied guests, and endless compliments. It’s a recipe that gets requested again and again, and once you try it, you’ll immediately understand exactly why it earned its award-winning reputation and legendary status among countless readers. A truly memorable appetizer!
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Number 1.
And now, for the grand finale! Calling all pickle enthusiasts! If you adore the tangy, savory, and wonderfully briny flavors of classic dill pickle wraps but dread the often time-consuming assembly, then this incredible dip is about to become your new culinary best friend. It masterfully captures all that iconic taste in an easy, spoon-and-chip-friendly format, promising pure delight, effortless convenience, and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Love those dill pickle wraps? Hate how time-consuming they are? This dip will have you grinning from ear to ear! This dip was viewed almost a million times in 2016! Did you try it? And here we are, at the absolute pinnacle! The extraordinary Dill Pickle Dip triumphantly claimed the coveted #1 spot as the most popular recipe of 2016, a resounding testament to its truly unique flavor profile and sheer addictiveness. With an astounding nearly one million views in that year alone, this dip clearly struck a chord with an enormous and enthusiastic audience. It perfectly encapsulates the tangy, savory, slightly salty, and wonderfully briny goodness of fresh dill pickles, expertly combined with a rich, creamy base, creating a snack that’s incredibly satisfying, surprisingly refreshing, and utterly irresistible. It’s the ultimate shortcut to enjoying all the beloved flavors of traditional dill pickle roll-ups without any of the meticulous rolling effort. Whether you’re serving it with crisp crackers, crunchy chips, or a vibrant assortment of fresh vegetables, this dip is absolutely guaranteed to be a sensational hit and leave everyone eagerly asking for the recipe. Its viral success unequivocally proves that sometimes, the simplest, most distinct, and innovative flavors are the ones that capture the most widespread attention and quickly become lasting, cherished favorites!
So there you have it – the definitive and delicious list of the top 10 most popular recipes of 2016 from An Affair from the Heart! What an incredible and flavorful year it was for these beloved culinary creations, spanning everything from comforting main dishes and easy weeknight meals to irresistible appetizers and decadent desserts.
We’re genuinely curious to hear from you, our wonderful readers! Have you had the pleasure of trying any of these reader favorites already? Which one captured your imagination and made it onto your “must-make” list, or perhaps became a cherished staple in your own kitchen? I always absolutely love hearing about your culinary adventures and discovering what delicious dishes you’re cooking up at home. Please feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, and favorites in the comments section below!
Thank you once again for being such an amazing and supportive community of food lovers. Your clicks, shares, comments, and enthusiasm are truly what make these annual lists possible and so incredibly rewarding to compile. Here’s to many more delicious discoveries, exciting cooking adventures, and new favorite recipes in the new year ahead!