Top 10 Recipes of 2021: A Culinary Year in Review
Let’s take a delicious trip down memory lane! Join us as we revisit the most popular recipes of 2021 on Just a Taste, and reflect on the year’s most memorable moments in the kitchen and beyond. It was another year filled with challenges, but also opportunities to connect through the power of food.
In many respects, 2021 echoed the sentiments of 2020. We continued to seek comfort in home-cooked meals and, whenever possible, cherished small gatherings that reminded us of a time before the world underwent such significant changes. The pandemic continued to shape our lives, influencing our food choices and dining habits. Staying home meant more cooking, baking, and experimenting in the kitchen.
Now that we’re entering year three (it’s surreal to think about), I wanted to reflect on the highlights of 2021 from a culinary perspective. If no-yeast bread defined 2020, then no-yeast cinnamon rolls undeniably reigned supreme in 2021. The craving for comforting, homemade treats persisted, and these cinnamon rolls perfectly satisfied that need, offering a sweet escape in uncertain times.
One of the most significant professional achievements of my career came to fruition in 2021: the publication of my debut cookbook, The Secret Ingredient Cookbook. Sharing a project I poured years of dedication into was a truly exhilarating experience. The cookbook features family-friendly recipes, each elevated with a surprising secret ingredient. Seeing it in print and hearing from readers who enjoyed the recipes was incredibly rewarding.
Other exciting moments included several appearances on shows like The Hallmark Channel, E! Daily Pop, and The Rachael Ray Show (with even more exciting appearances planned for 2022!). You can find highlights from those appearances on my sizzle reel on YouTube! Sharing my culinary passion with a wider audience was a dream come true, and I am grateful for the opportunity to inspire others through television and digital platforms.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the 15 million of you who shared a virtual seat at my table this year. Your countless comments, emails, and direct messages fuel my passion for creating easy yet impressive recipes that the entire family can enjoy. With your unwavering support, this community has grown to its largest size in the 13 years since I first clicked “publish” on Just a Taste. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey!
And now, without further ado, here are your Top 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2021:
10. Sticky Pineapple Chicken: Get the Recipe
This sweet and savory dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy pineapple, and a sticky glaze is irresistible. Serve it with white rice for a complete and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
9. 30-Minute Homemade Flour Tortillas: Get the Recipe
Skip the store-bought tortillas and make your own! This recipe is surprisingly simple and requires only a few basic ingredients. The result is soft, flavorful tortillas that are perfect for tacos, quesadillas, or simply enjoying with butter. Learn how to make them at home and never buy store bought tortillas again.
8. Monster Cookies: Get the Recipe
These cookies are a childhood favorite for a reason! They’re packed with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful candies. These chewy treats are fun to make and even more fun to eat. They’re also very easy to customize with whatever you want to add to it!
7. Beer-Battered Onion Rings: Get the Recipe
Crispy, golden, and incredibly addictive, these beer-battered onion rings are the perfect appetizer or side dish. The beer batter adds a unique flavor and texture that takes these onion rings to the next level. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a truly indulgent treat.
6. Quick and Crispy Vegetable Fritters: Get the Recipe
These fritters are a delicious way to use up leftover vegetables. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for a light lunch or snack. The crispy exterior and tender interior make them irresistible. Top them with sour cream and scallions for added flavor and freshness.
5. 5-Minute Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: Get the Recipe
Every baker needs a go-to chocolate buttercream frosting recipe, and this one is a winner. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, this frosting will satisfy any chocolate craving. Add a layer of sweetness to your baking with this quick and easy recipe.
4. 5-Ingredient Zucchini Fritters: Get the Recipe
Another fritter recipe made the list! These zucchini fritters are a simple and healthy way to enjoy this summer vegetable. With just five ingredients, they’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying snack or side dish. These are an excellent way to get your daily intake of vegetables. Don’t hesitate to try them!
3. Quick and Easy Corn Fritters: Get the Recipe
Clearly, fritters were a hit in 2021! These corn fritters are sweet, savory, and utterly delicious. They’re perfect for a summer barbecue or as a side dish to your favorite meal. The crispy edges and tender interior make them irresistible. They are a fun snack that can be enjoyed anytime of the day!
2. Baked Feta Pasta: Get the Recipe
This viral sensation took the internet by storm! Baked feta pasta is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta is simply divine. It’s a recipe that is easy to customize based on your liking.
1. Easy Beef and Broccoli: Get the Recipe
And the winner is… Easy Beef and Broccoli! This classic takeout dish is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. The tender beef and flavorful broccoli are coated in a delicious sauce that’s perfect with white rice. Skip the takeout and make this delicious meal at home!
These top 10 recipes truly reflect the trends and tastes of 2021. People were seeking comfort, convenience, and delicious flavors that could be enjoyed at home. From no-yeast cinnamon rolls to viral pasta dishes, the recipes that resonated most were those that brought joy and connection during a challenging year.
As we look ahead to the future, I’m excited to continue creating recipes that inspire and delight. I’m committed to providing easy-to-follow instructions and using accessible ingredients so that everyone can experience the joy of cooking. The kitchen is a place of creativity, experimentation, and connection, and I’m honored to be a part of your culinary journey.
I would love to hear from you! Which of these recipes did you try in 2021? What are your favorite recipes from Just a Taste? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Your feedback helps me create content that you’ll love and appreciate. I am also grateful for any new recipe suggestions. I’m always looking for feedback to improve and bring fun ideas to my audience!
Thank you again for your continued support. It means the world to me to have you as part of the Just a Taste community. Let’s continue to cook, bake, and create delicious memories together!
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, I hope that these recipes inspire you to get in the kitchen and create something amazing. Cooking is not just about nourishing your body; it’s also about nourishing your soul. Take the time to enjoy the process, experiment with flavors, and share your creations with loved ones. The memories you create in the kitchen will last a lifetime.
Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or try new things. The most important ingredient is always love. Cook with passion, share with generosity, and savor every moment. Your time spent in the kitchen is your time to connect with yourself. There are many different food options to choose from. Try a new cuisine this year, experiment with different styles and methods.
As the world continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the power of food to bring people together. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a quiet night at home, food has a way of creating connections and memories that last a lifetime. So, let’s continue to embrace the joy of cooking, share our creations with others, and savor every delicious moment along the way.
Here’s to another year of delicious adventures in the kitchen! Thank you for being a part of the Just a Taste community. Happy cooking!
This year, I hope to share new recipes and content that will continue to inspire and delight. I’m always working on new ideas and projects, and I can’t wait to share them with you. Be sure to stay tuned for exciting updates and announcements. I can’t wait to see what this year brings! Stay hungry and happy cooking!
The Just a Taste community is growing everyday, and I’m so grateful for the love and support I’ve received over the years. I love seeing all of the creations that people make with my recipes. I will continue to provide fun and useful content that the audience will enjoy. Feel free to let me know of any feedback or suggestions! Have a fun-filled year cooking!
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion, I’ve got you covered. My goal is to provide you with recipes that are both delicious and approachable. I want to empower you to feel confident and creative in the kitchen. Cooking doesn’t have to be difficult; with the right recipes and techniques, anyone can create amazing meals. This year, I hope to inspire even more people to get in the kitchen and discover the joy of cooking.
Thank you again for being a part of the Just a Taste family. I’m excited to continue this culinary journey with you. Stay tuned for more delicious recipes, cooking tips, and exciting updates! Happy cooking!
Remember to tag me in your social media posts when you make any of my recipes, I’d love to see them! Don’t forget to share your stories with me about any recipes you want me to explore!
It is amazing to think that this has grown from a simple blog to such a community! I look forward to continue cooking and sharing with all of you!
Cheers!
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