Your Top 10 Favorite Recipes of 2018: A Culinary Year in Review
Welcome to our annual tradition! Every year, as the calendar turns, we eagerly anticipate revealing the recipes that captured your hearts and taste buds throughout the past year. 2018 was a fantastic year for culinary adventures, and now it’s time to celebrate the dishes you, our wonderful readers, loved the most. Join us as we count down the Top Ten most popular recipes from “An Affair from the Heart!”
It’s always fascinating to look back and see which recipes resonated most with you. Some classics consistently appear on this list, proving their timeless appeal, while others burst onto the scene with a flash, quickly becoming new household staples. This countdown is more than just a list; it’s a reflection of the delicious moments we’ve shared, the meals you’ve prepared, and the joy you’ve found in cooking and baking. These are the recipes that truly defined “An Affair from the Heart” in 2018, chosen by YOU!
Your feedback means the world to me. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing that you’ve tried one of my recipes. Did you fall in love with it? Did it become a new family favorite? Perhaps you added your unique twist to make it your own? I’m always eager to hear about your experiences! Your comments, suggestions, or even a simple trick you discovered could be incredibly helpful to another reader. Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment here, share your thoughts on social media, or drop me an email. Your engagement fuels my passion, and I genuinely love connecting with each of you!
Remember to tag #AnAffairFromTheHeart whenever you whip up something from the blog. Let’s make 2019 even more delicious!
Number 10: Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Kicking off our delicious countdown at number 10, we have the incredibly comforting Salisbury Steak Meatballs. This dish perfectly embodies classic comfort food, reimagined in a delightful meatball format. Tender, generously seasoned meatballs are lovingly simmered in a luscious, savory gravy that will transport you straight back to a heartwarming, home-cooked meal. Traditionally served over a bed of creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes, this recipe offers a deeply satisfying and nostalgic experience. Its appeal lies in its familiar flavors and hearty nature, making it a perennial favorite for good reason. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create extraordinary taste experiences that bring families together around the dinner table.
Number 9: {No Knead} Crusty Dutch Oven Bread
At number nine, we celebrate the magic of homemade bread with our {No Knead} Crusty Dutch Oven Bread. This recipe has been a game-changer for so many home bakers, proving that you don’t need to be a professional to enjoy fresh, artisan-quality bread. With just four simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can achieve a beautifully crusted, perfectly textured loaf every time. The Dutch oven creates a steamy environment that gives the bread its characteristic crunchy crust and tender interior. It’s the ideal accompaniment to soups, stews, or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter, making it a versatile and beloved recipe that empowers everyone to bake their own delicious bread.
Number 8: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
Perfect appetizers – meatballs stacked with all of the ingredients for a deluxe bacon cheeseburger!
Landing at lucky number eight, it’s the Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs – a truly ingenious and utterly delicious creation! This recipe takes all the beloved flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger and transforms them into bite-sized meatballs, perfect for appetizers or a fun weeknight dinner. Imagine savory ground beef infused with crispy bacon and gooey cheese, seasoned to perfection. These meatballs are a crowd-pleaser, delivering that satisfying burger experience without the bun. Whether you’re serving them with toothpicks for a party snack or with a side of fries for a playful meal, these Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit, offering a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Number 7: Pumpkin Spiced CoffeeCake with Brown Butter Glaze
Making its comforting appearance at number seven is the irresistible Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze. This recipe truly captures the essence of autumn in every bite. It features a wonderfully moist and fragrant coffee cake, generously spiced with the warm flavors of fall, and often studded with crunchy walnuts for added texture. But the true star is the rich, nutty brown butter glaze, infused with additional spices, which cascades over the cake, adding a layer of exquisite sweetness and depth. This coffee cake is the quintessential treat for a cozy fall morning, a delightful brunch centerpiece, or a lovely accompaniment to your afternoon coffee. Its inviting aroma and comforting taste make it a cherished seasonal favorite.
Number 6: Stuffed Pepper Skillet
Coming in at number six is the incredibly convenient and flavorful Stuffed Pepper Skillet. This brilliant recipe takes all the beloved components of traditional stuffed peppers – savory ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and fluffy rice – and transforms them into a quick and easy one-pot meal. The beauty of this skillet dish is that it delivers all the classic flavors and satisfaction without the fuss and extensive prep time of individual stuffed peppers. Topped with a generous layer of melted cheese, it’s a hearty and complete meal that can be on your table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Stuffed Pepper Skillet is a testament to how comforting and delicious a simple, efficient recipe can be.
Number 5: Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches
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!
Reaching the halfway point in our countdown at number five, we have the sensationally popular Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches. These aren’t just any sloppy joes; they’re an elevated and uniquely flavored version that quickly shot to the top of your favorites list. The secret ingredient? Dorothy Lynch Dressing, which lends a distinctive tangy-sweet flavor profile that makes these sandwiches utterly irresistible. The rich, savory meat mixture, enhanced by this special dressing, creates a mouthwatering experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Served on toasted buns, these Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches promise a deliciously messy meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds and licking their fingers in pure satisfaction. They’re perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, offering a delightful twist on a beloved classic.
Number 4: Restaurant Style Refried Beans from a Can
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!
Cracking the top four is a brilliant culinary hack: Restaurant Style Refried Beans from a Can. This recipe proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen or make everything from scratch to achieve incredible flavor. With just a few simple, strategic additions, you can transform ordinary canned refried beans into a side dish so rich and flavorful, it tastes like it came straight from your favorite Mexican restaurant. This incredibly popular recipe is all about elevating convenience, offering a quick and easy way to enhance your weeknight tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. It’s a testament to how smart cooking techniques can yield impressive results, making it an indispensable secret for anyone craving authentic Mexican flavors at home without the fuss.
Number 3: {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 — It isn’t “award winning” for nothing!
Holding strong at number three is our legendary {Award Winning} Crack Dip! This dip lives up to its name – it’s deliciously addictive and consistently the first dish to disappear at any gathering. This creamy, flavorful dip boasts a delightful balance of savory goodness with a subtle kick from jalapeños, along with the vibrant freshness of MexiCorn and crisp green onions. Its complex yet harmonious flavors make it an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, holiday parties, or any occasion where you need a guaranteed hit. Served with your favorite chips, crackers, or veggie sticks, this dip is not “award-winning” for nothing; it truly delivers an unforgettable snacking experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Number 2: Texas Trash Dip (Warm Bean 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!
And now, for our runner-up at number two, we present the utterly magnificent Texas Trash Dip, also affectionately known as Warm Bean Dip! This irresistible creation is far from trashy; it’s a creamy, warm, and deeply flavorful bean dip that’s packed with layers of savory goodness. Baked to perfection with an abundance of ooey-gooey melted cheese on top, this dip is an absolute showstopper. Its rich texture and robust flavors make it incredibly satisfying, so much so that many readers confess they could easily make a meal out of it! Perfect for sharing at parties, enjoying during movie night, or simply whenever a craving for something warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious strikes, Texas Trash Dip is a guaranteed winner that truly captures the heart of comfort food.
Number 1: Dill Pickle Dip
Love those dill pickle wraps? The ones with the cream cheese and dried beef? Then this dip will have you grinning from ear to ear!
And finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Drumroll please… Your absolute favorite recipe of 2018, claiming the coveted number one spot, is the phenomenal Dill Pickle Dip! This dip is an instant sensation for anyone who adores the classic dill pickle wraps – you know, the ones with the tangy cream cheese and savory dried beef. This recipe captures all those beloved flavors in a creamy, scoopable dip form that is simply irresistible. It’s got that perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy that makes it utterly unique and incredibly addictive. Whether served with potato chips, pretzels, or fresh vegetables, this Dill Pickle Dip promises to bring a huge grin to your face and be the talk of any party. Its distinct flavor profile and undeniable appeal made it the clear winner and a true standout recipe of the year!
And there you have it! An Affair from the Heart’s Top 10 Recipes of 2018 – the very best of your chosen recipes that made the year incredibly delicious. Each of these dishes represents a moment of culinary joy and connection shared within our wonderful community.
^Pin it so you can easily find your favorites again!^
From the bottom of my heart, I extend my deepest gratitude for another incredible year. Thank you for visiting my blog, for engaging with me through comments and messages, and most importantly, for trying and enjoying my recipes and stories. Your love, support, and enthusiasm mean everything to me and make “An Affair from the Heart” truly special. I couldn’t do any of this without you! Here’s to a TASTY and adventurous 2019, filled with even more delicious recipes and shared culinary moments. Cheers, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
