Most-Loved Recipes of 2018

As we step into 2019, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the top recipes of 2018. Every recipe on the site is special, but some resonated more with readers than others. Below are the dishes and drinks you visited, saved, and prepared most often this past year.

Each year I review which recipes connected most with readers — the ones that made it into your weekly meal plans, holiday menus, and dinner-party lineups. These top recipes of 2018 reflect hours of testing, many kitchen memories, and a range of flavors from comforting stews to bright, fresh seafood and inventive cocktails.

On this list you’ll find dinners, sides, drinks, and even a dip. There are comforting classics, celebration-worthy mains, and simple everyday dishes. No desserts made the list this year, but the selection still showcases a wide cross-section of approachable, reliable recipes you can cook with confidence.

Our favorites of the year

While it’s hard to pick a single favorite, the three of us here each chose one recipe that stood out personally. These picks are a mix of sentimental, everyday, and celebratory choices — a quick snapshot of what we loved cooking and eating this year.

• My favorite – Classic Iceberg Wedge Salad
• Husband’s favorite – Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashioned
• Daughter’s favorite – Moist and Tender Orange Pound Cake

Your favorites of the year

1 – Pan Seared Cod with Caper, Parsley, Lemon Sauce

This pan-seared cod delivers tender, flaky fish with a golden crust and a bright sauce of lemon, parsley, and capers. It’s fast to prepare, kid-friendly, and full of flavor — a simple, healthy weeknight meal when paired with a vegetable and rice or crusty bread.

Thick-cut cod pan-seared in olive oil and butter develops a crisp, golden exterior and is finished with a bright caper-parsley-lemon sauce for a quick, elegant dinner.

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2 – Super Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls

No-knead bread lovers answered this one loud and clear. These super-soft, pillowy dinner rolls are easy to make and perfect for gatherings, holiday meals, or any time you want fresh bread without a lot of fuss. They were a Thanksgiving standout for many readers.

Fresh, fluffy dinner rolls made with a no-knead method — mix, let rise, shape, and bake. Ideal for holiday tables and family dinners.

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3 – Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb with Red Wine Sauce

This herb-crusted rack of lamb is a showstopper: marinate, coat with a flavorful breadcrumb crust, roast to perfection, and serve with a silky red wine sauce. It’s ideal for date nights, anniversaries, or intimate dinner parties when you want an elegant centerpiece.

An elegant rack of lamb, marinated and crusted with herbs and breadcrumbs, roasted and served with a rich red wine sauce — perfect for special occasions.

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4 – Greek Chicken Stifado

This comforting, quick Greek chicken stew features marinated chicken thighs with tomatoes, artichokes, and plenty of onions. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that pairs especially well with those no-knead dinner rolls or a scoop of orzo, mashed potatoes, or noodles.

A comforting Greek chicken stew that cooks quickly: marinated thighs are browned and simmered with artichokes, tomatoes, and lots of onions for a satisfying, healthy meal.

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5 – Pasta Frolla

This classic Italian sweet pastry dough — pasta frolla — earned attention from readers who appreciate reliable, foolproof pastry techniques. If you enjoy making tarts, cookies, or simple fruit-filled desserts, this versatile dough will make pastry work feel approachable.

A step-by-step pasta frolla method with photos to help you make classic Italian sweet pastry dough — perfect for cookies, tart shells, and small desserts.

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6 – Blood Orange Moscow Mule

The Moscow mule continues to be a popular, versatile cocktail. This blood orange variation combines ginger beer, lime, vodka, and blood orange — a bright, seasonal twist that’s husband-approved and easy to make for entertaining or a relaxed evening at home.

A seasonal twist on the classic: ginger beer, lime, vodka, blood orange juice and a touch of pomegranate make a bright, refreshing mule.

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7 – Easy Sauteed Butternut Squash with Swiss Chard

The lone vegetable on the list, this sautéed butternut squash and Swiss chard side is visually beautiful and simple to prepare. Caramelized squash and tender chard make it a versatile accompaniment for weeknights and holiday dinners alike.

A quick, healthy side of caramelized butternut squash and tender Swiss chard — ideal for fall and winter meals.

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8 – Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

Comfort food fans loved this slow cooker beef burgundy. It’s a hearty French-style stew made with tender beef, bacon, onions, and carrots in a rich red wine sauce. Set it in the morning and come home to a deeply flavored dinner in the evening.

Classic French comfort in a slow cooker: tender beef, bacon, onions, and carrots simmered in red wine for a cozy, flavorful stew.

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9 – Homemade Hot Spiced Bourbon Eggnog

Homemade hot spiced bourbon eggnog is a warming, comforting drink for cold days. If you’re used to store-bought eggnog, try making it from scratch — then add a generous splash of bourbon for extra warmth and flavor.

A cozy hot eggnog spiced and finished with bourbon — ideal for fireside evenings and holiday gatherings.

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10 – Zahav’s Silky Smooth Israeli Hummus

Michael Solomonov’s classic hummus recipe became a game-changer for many readers. It’s silky, light, and incredibly smooth — the kind of hummus that sets a new standard and becomes the benchmark for homemade versions.

Zahav’s hummus bi tahini is velvety and addictive — a homemade classic that elevates any snack or meal.

Check out the Recipe!

– Happy Eating, Annemarie