Flashback to Flavor: Just a Taste’s Top 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2018 Revealed!
As another year draws to a close, a wave of excitement always washes over me when it’s time to compile our annual recap. There’s a distinct joy in reflecting on a full year’s worth of culinary adventures and creations. In 2018 alone, we proudly introduced an impressive 81 brand-new recipes to the Just a Taste family, each one crafted with passion and designed to delight your taste buds. It’s incredibly rewarding to sift through the data and discover which of these, alongside our timeless classics, resonated most profoundly with you, our amazing community of home cooks and food enthusiasts.
A Year of Milestones and Culinary Triumphs at Just a Taste
The past twelve months have been truly transformative, marking some of the most significant accomplishments in Just a Taste’s journey. Among these, the most heartwarming was undoubtedly the addition of our newest taste-tester to the family – a little one who brings even more joy and inspiration to our kitchen. This personal milestone complemented a monumental year for the blog itself, as we celebrated our 10-year anniversary. A decade of sharing delicious, accessible recipes with the world is a remarkable achievement, underscored by the incredible fact that Just a Taste has welcomed over 60 million visitors since its launch in 2008. These figures aren’t just numbers; they represent millions of shared meals, successful dinners, and happy moments created in kitchens around the globe, all thanks to your continued support and enthusiasm.
Just a Taste in Numbers: Key Statistics from 2018
Beyond the personal and historical milestones, 2018 was a year of impressive growth and engagement across our platforms. Let’s dive into some of the notable numbers and fun facts that highlight our collective journey and showcase the power of community-driven recipe discovery:
- More than 8.8 million people explored the pages of Just a Taste in 2018, seeking inspiration for everything from quick weeknight meals to impressive holiday spreads. This vast audience underscores the widespread appeal of easy-to-follow, delicious recipes that don’t compromise on flavor or quality.
- Our vibrant community on social media continued to thrive, with Pinterest leading the charge as our top social media referrer. Its highly visual nature makes it the perfect platform for discovering new recipes and planning meals, acting as a dynamic digital cookbook for millions. Following closely were Facebook, a hub for engaging discussions, recipe sharing, and real-time community interaction, and Instagram, where beautiful food photography inspires daily culinary adventures and captures the artistry of home cooking.
- For the second consecutive year, the #1 most popular recipe was a savory dish. This consistent preference for savory options demonstrates a strong demand for comforting, satisfying main courses that are both flavorful and approachable for home cooks, reinforcing our commitment to providing delicious dinner solutions. You might even recall last year’s reigning champion!
These statistics speak volumes about the collective craving for approachable, delicious food that fits into busy lives. And now, without further ado, it’s time to reveal the culinary champions of 2018! Prepare to discover the dishes that captured the hearts and palates of millions.
Unveiling Just a Taste’s Top 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2018
10. Easy Churro Bites: A Sweet & Simple Indulgence
10. Easy Churro Bites: Get the Recipe
Kicking off our list at number 10 are the irresistible Easy Churro Bites. Who can resist these delightful golden-fried dough pieces, generously coated in cinnamon sugar? This recipe quickly became a favorite for its simplicity and incredible flavor, bringing the joy of a fairground treat right into your home kitchen. Perfect for parties, dessert cravings, or simply a fun baking project with the family, these churro bites are designed to be hassle-free, allowing you to enjoy a taste of Spanish-inspired sweetness without any fuss. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce – chocolate, caramel, or even a simple dulce de leche – for an unforgettable dessert experience that’s sure to impress everyone with minimal effort.
9. The Best Broccoli Salad: A Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish Sensation
9. The Best Broccoli Salad: Get the Recipe
Securing the ninth spot is our recipe for The Best Broccoli Salad, a dish that truly lives up to its name. This isn’t just any broccoli salad; it’s a vibrant symphony of textures and flavors that makes it an absolute showstopper at any potluck or family gathering. Crisp broccoli florets are combined with savory crumbled bacon, crunchy sliced almonds, sweet red grapes, creamy shredded mozzarella, and a hint of zesty red onion, all tossed in a perfectly balanced, tangy, and creamy dressing. It’s the ideal side dish that manages to be both refreshing and incredibly satisfying, offering a delightful contrast to richer main courses. Its ease of preparation and universal appeal make it a recurring hit among our readers, proving that healthy can indeed be hearty, craveable, and incredibly delicious.
8. Cheesy Hash Brown Cups: The Ultimate Breakfast or Brunch Prep
8. Cheesy Hash Brown Cups: Get the Recipe
Coming in at number eight, the Cheesy Hash Brown Cups captured the hearts of breakfast and brunch lovers everywhere. These individual servings of golden-brown hash browns, infused with gooey melted cheese and often baked with an egg nestled inside, offer a convenient and incredibly tasty way to start your day. They’re perfect for meal prepping, allowing you to whip up a batch on Sunday and enjoy quick, satisfying breakfasts throughout the week with minimal fuss. The versatility of this recipe is what truly makes it shine; you can customize them endlessly with your favorite additions like chopped ham, bell peppers, spinach, or a sprinkle of hot sauce. They are not only delicious but also incredibly photogenic, making them a fantastic addition to any breakfast spread or a delightful grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
7. The Best Avocado Chicken Salad: A Fresh and Healthy Twist on a Classic
7. The Best Avocado Chicken Salad: Get the Recipe
Holding the seventh position is The Best Avocado Chicken Salad, a recipe that proves healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. This innovative twist on a classic chicken salad swaps traditional mayonnaise for creamy, nutrient-rich avocado, creating a lighter yet equally decadent texture and a boost of healthy fats. The combination of tender chicken, fresh avocado, and crisp vegetables like celery and red onion, often brightened with a squeeze of lime juice, makes for a refreshing and hearty meal. It’s a fantastic option for lunch, served in lettuce cups, scooped onto crackers, or even elegantly presented in hollowed-out avocado halves, as pictured, for a sophisticated touch. This recipe quickly became a go-to for those seeking a protein-packed meal that’s both delicious and health-conscious, demonstrating our community’s love for fresh, wholesome ingredients.
6. Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars: Zesty Sweetness in Every Bite
6. Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars: Get the Recipe
At number six, we have the Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars, a testament to the fact that you don’t need complicated techniques to create an utterly delightful dessert. These bars strike the perfect balance between tangy, bright lemon and rich, creamy cheesecake, all nestled on a simple, buttery graham cracker crust. They offer all the beloved flavors of a classic cheesecake but in a more approachable, sliceable bar form, making them ideal for sharing at parties, packing for picnics, or enjoying as an everyday treat. The vibrant, zesty notes of lemon provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cream cheese filling, making these bars particularly popular during warmer months or whenever a burst of sunshine is needed. Their straightforward preparation and irresistible taste made them a sweet success story of 2018.
5. Easy Homemade Garlic Knots: The Ultimate Side for Any Meal
5. Easy Homemade Garlic Knots: Get the Recipe
Breaking into the top five, we celebrate the Easy Homemade Garlic Knots. There’s something undeniably comforting and utterly delicious about fresh-baked bread, and these garlic knots deliver that experience with remarkable ease. Each knot is a fluffy, golden-brown marvel, generously brushed with a fragrant garlic-butter sauce and often sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an extra layer of flavor. They are the perfect accompaniment to Italian dinners, hearty soups, or crisp salads, and frankly, they’re so good, they often steal the show as a standalone snack! The recipe’s popularity stems from its ability to recreate a beloved restaurant favorite in a homemade, accessible way, proving that making impressive bread from scratch doesn’t have to be intimidating. Get ready for an explosion of garlicky goodness with every bite.
4. Baked Oatmeal Cups (Freezer-Friendly): Smart Breakfast Prep for Busy Mornings
4. Baked Oatmeal Cups (Freezer-Friendly): Get the Recipe
Grabbing the fourth spot are the incredibly practical and delicious Baked Oatmeal Cups. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthy, convenient, and freezer-friendly breakfast solution that saves precious time during busy weekdays. These individually portioned oatmeal cups are bursting with wholesome ingredients, often featuring fresh fruits like raspberries and blueberries, nuts, or seeds, all baked into a satisfying grab-and-go meal. They offer the comforting warmth of oatmeal without the morning rush, as they can be prepared in advance, stored in the freezer, and simply reheated as needed. Their customizable nature means endless possibilities for flavor combinations, catering to every palate and dietary preference. The popularity of these oatmeal cups highlights our readers’ appreciation for smart meal prep and nutritious options that simplify hectic morning routines without sacrificing taste or quality.
3. Easy Homemade Holiday Lollipops: Festive Fun for All Ages
3. Easy Homemade Holiday Lollipops: Get the Recipe
Taking the third spot on our countdown are the enchanting Easy Homemade Holiday Lollipops. This recipe captured the festive spirit and the joy of crafting edible gifts, proving that homemade treats add an extra layer of magic to any celebration. These vibrant lollipops, often adorned with colorful sprinkles and customized flavors, are surprisingly simple to make, offering a fun activity for families and a delightful sweet for holiday parties, gift baskets, or stocking stuffers. The appeal lies not just in their delicious hard candy crunch but also in their charming presentation and the endless creative possibilities for colors and flavors, making them adaptable for various holidays throughout the year. They are a nostalgic nod to simpler times and a wonderful way to spread cheer, making them a standout favorite among our readers, especially during seasonal celebrations.
2. Homemade Candy Apples: A Nostalgic Treat that Never Fades
2. Homemade Candy Apples: Get the Recipe
Just missing the top spot but holding strong at number two are the iconic Homemade Candy Apples. This classic confection evokes a sense of nostalgia and childhood wonder, particularly popular during the autumn months and around Halloween. Crisp, fresh apples are enveloped in a glossy, vibrant candy coating that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite, creating a delightful contrast between the sweet, hard shell and the juicy fruit inside. While they might seem intimidating to make at home, our recipe simplifies the process, making this beloved fairground treat accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. The allure of these candy apples lies in their festive appearance, delightful texture contrast, and the sheer joy of biting into a perfectly coated apple. They represent a tradition that continues to captivate generations, solidifying their place as a perennial favorite on Just a Taste.
1. Easy Beef and Broccoli: Reigning Champion for a Second Year!
1. Easy Beef and Broccoli: Get the Recipe
And finally, taking the coveted number one spot for the second year in a row, is our phenomenal Easy Beef and Broccoli! This savory masterpiece has once again proven to be the absolute fan favorite, a testament to its incredible flavor, satisfying textures, and unparalleled ease of preparation. This recipe transforms a beloved takeout classic into a wholesome, homemade meal that comes together faster than delivery, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Tender strips of beef are quickly stir-fried with crisp, vibrant broccoli florets and coated in a rich, savory, and perfectly balanced sauce that’s bursting with umami. Served typically over fluffy white rice and garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, it’s a complete and incredibly satisfying meal that’s both comforting and fresh. Its consistent popularity underscores the universal appeal of delicious, quick, and easy weeknight dinners that satisfy the whole family. It’s truly a recipe that deserves its reigning champion status!
Stay Connected for More Delicious Inspiration!
Thank you for making 2018 such an extraordinary year at Just a Taste. Your enthusiasm for our recipes, your engagement with our community, and your trust in our kitchen adventures truly fuel our passion for creating even more delicious content. We’re excited to continue this culinary journey with you and bring you fresh ideas, cherished classics, and innovative twists for years to come!
Craving more amazing recipes and meal ideas that are easy, delicious, and perfect for every occasion? Subscribe to Just a Taste today to ensure you receive new recipes, expertly crafted meal plans, and our exclusive newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. And don’t miss out on any of the latest updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, cooking tips, and engaging discussions by staying in touch with us on social media:
- Facebook: Join our community for daily recipe inspiration and lively discussions.
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- Instagram: Feast your eyes on stunning food photography and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
We look forward to cooking with you through many more delicious years and creating countless new culinary memories together!