As 2015 draws to a close, my heart overflows with gratitude for the many blessings that have graced my life. My beloved family – my husband, children, and our cherished pets – are all thriving and healthy, and our home remains a sanctuary of comfort and joy. The children’s academic journeys are flourishing, my husband finds immense satisfaction in his career, and I am deeply passionate about the work I do here at Foodie with Family. A significant highlight this year has been the proud submission of the manuscript for my very first cookbook, a monumental step that adds another layer of joy to this wonderfully fulfilling year. Life has been abundantly kind, and for that, I am profoundly thankful.
In the spirit of celebrating a fantastic year and indulging my inner data enthusiast – because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good dive into analytics? – I embarked on a mission. I meticulously reviewed our website traffic to uncover which recipes captivated your attention the most throughout 2015. The result? A definitive list of the **Top 25 Most Popular Recipes of 2015** from Foodie with Family. This compilation is a testament to the diverse tastes and culinary interests of our amazing community, showcasing everything from comforting classics to innovative twists. To build anticipation, we’ll be counting down in reverse, starting from number 25 and culminating in the undisputed champion of 2015. Get ready to rediscover some old favorites and perhaps find a new culinary obsession!
Top 25 Recipes of 2015: Unveiling Your Favorites!
25: Jellied Cranberry Sauce {Canned or Refrigerated}
While this recipe for tangy, classic cranberry sauce undeniably soared in popularity around Thanksgiving, it impressively garnered a dedicated following throughout the entire year. It seems many of you share my love for enjoying the bright, sweet-tart flavors of cranberry sauce far beyond the holiday season. This homemade version offers a delightful alternative to store-bought varieties, allowing you to control the sweetness and freshness, and proving that classic flavors are always in style. It’s a versatile condiment that elevates any meal, making it a staple for those who appreciate year-round deliciousness.
24: Chickpea Tikka Masala
The widespread appeal of our Chickpea Tikka Masala is no mystery, making its spot on this Top 25 list entirely deserved. This recipe is a powerhouse combination of effortless preparation, vibrant health benefits, lightning-fast cooking (a perfect 30-minute meal!), budget-friendly ingredients, and absolutely delectable flavor. It effortlessly ticks all the boxes for a hearty, comforting meal that just happens to be meat-free, dairy-free, and often gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. Its rich, aromatic sauce and tender chickpeas create a truly habit-forming dish perfect for any weeknight.
23: Coffee Milkshakes
For those exhilarating moments when you crave both a luxurious indulgence and a much-needed caffeine boost, our Coffee Milkshakes deliver perfectly. This recipe encapsulates the ideal treat: a rich, creamy blend that satisfies your sweet tooth while simultaneously waking you up. It’s a delightful pick-me-up that feels like a decadent dessert, yet provides the energy you need. Simple to prepare and infinitely customizable with toppings like whipped cream or chocolate shavings, it’s no wonder this shake resonated with so many, embodying the perfect balance for any time of day.
22: Homemade Feta Cheese
Once you experience the sublime taste and texture of Homemade Feta Cheese, returning to store-bought varieties will be a challenge. This creamy, crumbly, salty, and wonderfully funky homemade rendition of the ubiquitous Greek cheese is an absolute revelation. While it requires a modest time commitment for culturing and brining, the actual hands-on process is surprisingly straightforward. The exceptional reward is a gourmet cheese with unparalleled flavor and texture, which can be conveniently stored in a jar of brine in your refrigerator for up to a year. It’s a rewarding project that elevates your culinary game and proves that homemade truly is best.
21: Black Olive Penguins
Who can resist the charm of cute food? Our Black Olive Penguins are a testament to how a little creativity can make healthy eating more appealing and fun. These adorable appetizers are not only a delightful addition to any party platter but also a brilliant way to encourage children (and adults!) to enjoy their vegetables and olives. Simple to assemble and visually captivating, they bring a whimsical touch to snacks and starters, proving that food can be both nutritious and incredibly charming. They’re perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply brightening up a lunchbox.
20: The Best Pan Pizza: How, Why, and What to Put on It!
If you’re wondering why our recipe for “The Best Pan Pizza” landed squarely in the Top 25, you’re in for a treat! This is more than just a recipe; it’s a comprehensive, start-to-finish tutorial designed to empower you to create a truly sensational pan pizza, one that far surpasses any chain pizza you could ever purchase. The magic lies in its ridiculous ease – you don’t even need to wrestle with the dough; it effortlessly spreads itself! This guide covers everything from the perfect crust to ideal toppings, ensuring a homemade pizza experience that is both unbelievably delicious and incredibly simple to achieve. It’s a game-changer for pizza nights!
19: Perfect, Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits Tutorial
The outpouring of enthusiastic comments on our Perfect, Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits Tutorial speaks volumes about its success. Readers rave about the “magical and easy recipe,” with one commenting, “I had given up on biscuits… Your tips and recipes are going to be in my family for generations…” This recipe demystifies the art of creating genuinely flaky, layered biscuits, delivering the kind of tender interior and golden-brown exterior that many only dream of achieving. It provides essential tips and techniques that ensure consistent success, transforming hesitant bakers into confident biscuit makers. This is more than a recipe; it’s a culinary legacy in the making.
18: Easy, Fast Kimchi {Mak Kimchi}
The popularity of this classic Korean side dish, Kimchi, is absolutely indisputable, offering a fantastic blend of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. Beyond its delicious taste, the health benefits of fermented foods like kimchi are widely acknowledged. Knowing that authentic kimchi can still be tricky to find in many rural areas, our “Easy, Fast Kimchi” recipe was designed to bring this vibrant, habit-forming condiment right into your kitchen. It provides a straightforward method to create homemade mak kimchi, allowing everyone to enjoy its unique flavor and probiotic goodness, whether as a side dish, an ingredient, or simply a delicious snack.
17: Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Sauce
This recipe is a brilliant culinary hack that clearly resonated with many! Our Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Sauce is a true game-changer: a luscious, rich sauce crafted almost entirely from vegetables, with minimal to no dairy, yet it possesses the indulgent taste and silky texture of something made with heavy cream. It’s an ingenious way to enjoy a decadent-tasting sauce while keeping it incredibly light and healthy. Perfect over pasta, as a base for casseroles, or as a versatile dip, this sauce proves that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and satisfying without compromise.
16: Homemade Ovaltine {Malted Milk Powder}
For countless individuals, the distinctive flavor of malted milk instantly evokes cherished memories of childhood. Our recipe for Homemade Ovaltine {Malted Milk Powder} offers a delightful journey back to those nostalgic tastes, with the added benefit of allowing you to prepare large quantities easily. By making it yourself, you gain complete control over the sweetness and ingredients, ensuring a wholesome and personalized product. This fun and straightforward pantry project provides a versatile staple that can be enjoyed in milkshakes, baked goods, or simply stirred into a warm glass of milk for a comforting treat.
15: Snickerdoodle Cake with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream
This magnificent Snickerdoodle Cake has been a beloved favorite on Foodie with Family since its debut in 2011, and its enduring popularity is easy to understand. It brilliantly transforms the perennially adored snickerdoodle cookie into an impressive cake form, crowned with a generous layer of rich brown sugar and cinnamon-flecked buttercream. The delicate sugar crunch in the frosting perfectly mimics the iconic coating of the classic cookie, delivering all the familiar, comforting flavors in an elegant new format. It’s the ultimate dessert for celebrations or simply indulging in a taste of pure joy.
14: Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher Clone {Starbucks Knockoff}
Our Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher Clone captured hearts with its vibrant magenta hue and an explosion of citrus and berry goodness. This Starbucks knockoff offers serious liquid refreshment without the premium price tag. It’s an ideal concoction for those hot summer days or any time you crave a bright, invigorating drink. Easy to make at home, this recipe allows you to enjoy the popular cafe drink for a mere fraction of the cost, proving that delicious and refreshing beverages are well within reach for the home barista. Customize it with your favorite fresh berries for an extra burst of flavor!
13: Strawberry Basil Infused Vodka
Creating something truly exquisite doesn’t always require complex techniques, as our Strawberry Basil Infused Vodka beautifully demonstrates. This dead-simple, fragrant, and visually stunning infusion elevates your home bar game effortlessly. With just two main ingredients, it transforms ordinary vodka into a sophisticated spirit with a unique flavor profile that you simply can’t purchase off the shelf. Perfect for crafting elevated cocktails, adding a subtle twist to baked goods, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe turns anyone into a master mixologist and impresses guests with minimal effort.
12: Slow-Cooker Peach Salsa Pork Roast with Sweet Potatoes
This Slow-Cooker Peach Salsa Pork Roast with Sweet Potatoes, while a mouthful to say, delivers an equally impressive and incredibly tasty experience. Ease is the fundamental principle here, offering a remarkable payoff for both the eyes and the palate with minimal effort. Tender pork roast, slow-cooked to perfection on a bed of sweet potatoes, is bathed in a delightful sweet and spicy peach salsa. This dish is not only delicious and visually appealing but also wonderfully nutritious, making it an ideal choice for a comforting, healthy, and easy weeknight meal that tastes like it took hours.
11: Easy Salted Caramel Fudge
Our Easy Salted Caramel Fudge quickly became a reader favorite for its sheer irresistible charm. This recipe perfectly combines the melt-in-your-mouth decadence of classic fudge with the luxurious swirl of salted caramel on top. The best part? It’s incredibly straightforward to make, proving that gourmet-tasting treats don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re looking for a quick indulgence, a delightful homemade gift, or a standout dessert for a gathering, this fudge is guaranteed to impress with its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy goodness. You simply cannot go wrong with this delightful combination.
10: Fire Cider Health Tonic and Homeopathic Remedy
Our Fire Cider Health Tonic proved to be a hot topic and a definite crowd-pleaser, securing its spot in the Top 10. While debates around its name and specific health benefits may have sparked lively discussions, there’s no denying the delicious and nutritious power of this spicy blend of infused raw apple cider vinegar and honey. We enthusiastically use it to boost our immune systems during flu season, taking it in shots, and even incorporate it as a zesty salad dressing. Its versatile nature and potent flavors, combined with a touch of controversy, propelled this homemade wellness remedy into the spotlight. It empowers you to take control of your health with a flavorful kick!
9: World’s Easiest Way to Cook a Butternut Squash
Who knew so many people shared the common struggle of safely and easily preparing a butternut squash? Our “World’s Easiest Way to Cook a Butternut Squash” provided the much-needed solution, eliminating the need for wrestling with knives or risking injury. This ingenious method, inspired by my brilliant little sister and approved by her family, allows you to enjoy tender, perfectly cooked butternut squash with minimal effort and maximum safety. It’s a culinary revelation for anyone intimidated by tough gourds, making it simple to incorporate this nutritious vegetable into countless recipes. Say goodbye to kitchen struggles and hello to effortlessly delicious squash!
8: Coffee Jelly
For coffee aficionados, our Coffee Jelly offers an exciting new way to savor your favorite brew, enhancing breakfast with an extra burst of coffee flavor. What’s better than coffee with toast? Coffee with coffee jelly on toast, doubling your morning delight! While some initially encountered challenges with setting, helpful updates and community tips are readily available to ensure success. For those who experienced a “jel fail,” rejoice! The resulting coffee syrup is absolutely wonderful over ice cream, in shakes, or even stirred into your morning coffee for an extra “coffee-y” kick. This unique, gourmet spread is a true conversation starter and an impressive hostess gift.
7: Homemade Claussen Knock-off Pickles
Another beloved classic has earned its well-deserved spot in the Top 25! It’s clear that many of you, like me, are absolutely crazy for the distinctive garlicky crunch of a Claussen-style pickle. What makes this recipe particularly appealing is that it requires absolutely no canning skills whatsoever, making it accessible to every home cook. The real secret to its widespread acclaim, however, lies in the pickles themselves – they are truly AWESOME. These homemade delights offer superior flavor and texture, transforming simple cucumbers into a crispy, tangy, and utterly addictive snack or accompaniment to any meal.
6. Conditioner Only Washing: No Shampoo
While admittedly not a recipe in the traditional culinary sense, this post on “Conditioner Only Washing: No Shampoo” soared to become the 6th most viewed article on my blog this year, proving its incredible relevance! It seems a significant number of people, just like me, have discovered a revolutionary solution to various hair issues by eliminating shampoo from their routine. The comments section is a testament to countless success stories, with readers enthusiastically sharing their newfound hair health and shine. This practical beauty tip offers a fresh perspective on hair care, delivering impressive results that resonate with a wide audience seeking natural and effective solutions. Prepare to toss your hair with confidence!
5. Homemade Gyro Meat and Gyros
What’s not to adore about the bold, aromatic flavors of Greek cuisine? Our “Homemade Gyro Meat and Gyros” recipe clearly struck a chord with many of you who, like me, love the idea of recreating this beloved takeout classic right in your own kitchen. This recipe offers an authentic and incredibly satisfying experience, from the savory, perfectly spiced gyro meat to the warm pita and fresh toppings. It’s a delightful way to bring the taste of Greece home, providing a fun and flavorful cooking project that culminates in an impressive and incredibly delicious meal. Let’s all revel in our shared love for garlic-infused goodness!
4. Candied Jalapenos
It would have been truly shocking if our Candied Jalapenos hadn’t made this prestigious list, given its legendary status on Foodie with Family! Ever since I perfected and first published this recipe in 2010, it has consistently remained one of the most enduringly popular posts on the blog. I’ve lost count of how many times it has been republished, featured in round-ups, or how many jars my husband has single-handedly devoured with a fork from his recliner. These sweet, spicy, and perfectly crunchy “cowboy candy” peppers are incredibly addictive and versatile, perfect for adding a kick to burgers, cheese boards, or simply enjoying straight from the jar.
3. Simple 6 Ingredient 6 Minute Tomato Soup from Scratch
Our “Simple 6 Ingredient 6 Minute Tomato Soup from Scratch” is a revelation in speedy, gourmet cooking. This incredible recipe, boasting fresh vegetables and canned tomatoes, is made entirely in a high-speed, power blender like a Blendtec or Vitamix. While such a blender is an investment, the ability to conjure up rich, creamy tomato soup from scratch in mere minutes makes its price tag a little easier to digest – almost as easy as swallowing a spoonful of this delicious soup! It’s the ultimate comfort food, elevated by its freshness and unparalleled convenience, offering a healthier and more flavorful alternative to store-bought options.
2. Easy Bacon Pea Salad
Landing at a solid number two, our Easy Bacon Pea Salad proves that classic, comforting flavors never go out of style. This recipe combines the irresistible smoky crunch of bacon with sweet peas, sharp Cheddar cheese, and a hint of red onion, all bound together by a wonderfully creamy, dreamy dressing. It’s a delightful throwback to retro potluck favorites, yet its deliciousness remains timeless. Simple to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser, this salad is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a vibrant side dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet notes with fantastic texture.
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The number one, Numero Uno, most popular post on Foodie with Family for the entirety of 2015 is…
1. Guaranteed Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
It appears that many of you share my ardent appreciation for perfectly crispy, crunchy sweet potato fries, along with a healthy dose of culinary science to achieve them! This recipe soared to the top spot because it solves a universal problem: the frustration of limp, sad, oven-baked sweet potato fries. We’ve meticulously figured out the scientific secrets to achieving that coveted exterior crispness and tender interior every single time. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthier, yet utterly delicious alternative to traditional fries. Grab your favorite dipping sauce, like chipotle mayo, and join me in celebrating this ultimate, guaranteed crispy snack!
What an incredible year it has been, filled with culinary adventures, shared meals, and the joy of creating delicious food together. This “Top 25 Recipes of 2015” list truly reflects the vibrant and diverse interests of the Foodie with Family community, from savory main courses and health-conscious remedies to indulgent desserts and practical kitchen hacks. It’s truly inspiring to see which recipes resonated most with all of you.
As we eagerly step into 2016, I’m already buzzing with ideas for new recipes and culinary explorations. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future content here at Foodie with Family. What kinds of flavors are you craving? Are there specific techniques you’d like to master, or dietary needs you’re trying to accommodate? Please share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below. I’m always listening, and incredibly excited to see what delicious creations we’ll embark on next! In the meantime, I might just be enjoying another batch of those perfectly crispy sweet potato fries – join me in the culinary journey ahead!