Top 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2017: A Culinary Journey Through Our Kitchen Favorites
As we often reflect on the passage of time, it’s truly remarkable how quickly a year can fly by. It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in 2017, and now, here we are, looking back at a year filled with incredible culinary adventures and countless delicious moments. This past year was particularly special, as I had the pleasure of sharing nearly 100 unique recipes with you, our wonderful community of home cooks and food enthusiasts. That’s a significant amount of butter, sugar, fresh produce, and, most importantly, downright deliciousness that graced our kitchens and tables.
Today, we’re taking a nostalgic and mouth-watering trip down memory lane to celebrate the dishes that truly resonated with you. We’re counting down the top 10 most popular recipes on the blog from 2017 – those recipes that were clicked, shared, baked, and cooked the most. These aren’t just numbers; they represent the collective taste of our readers, a testament to what truly captured imaginations and delighted palates throughout the year. Get ready to rediscover some old favorites and perhaps find new inspiration among these beloved culinary creations!
10. Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars
Kicking off our delicious countdown at number ten are these absolutely delightful Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars. Imagine all the beloved flavors of a classic strawberry rhubarb pie, but reimagined in an irresistibly convenient and utterly scrumptious bar format. These bars perfectly capture the essence of spring and early summer with their vibrant, juicy strawberry and tart rhubarb filling. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures: a buttery, golden crumb topping provides a satisfying crispness, while the fruit-filled center remains wonderfully soft and bursting with flavor. The balance of sweet and tangy notes is simply divine, making these crumb bars an ideal treat for picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. They embody the joy of seasonal baking and the simplicity of turning fresh produce into a truly memorable dessert, proving that delicious doesn’t always have to mean complicated.
9. Pan-Fried Zucchini Chips
Coming in at number nine, we have a fantastic and incredibly versatile way to enjoy one of summer’s most abundant vegetables: Pan-Fried Zucchini Chips. This recipe quickly became a personal favorite for utilizing fresh zucchini from the garden or farmer’s market. Unlike deep-fried versions, these chips are lightly pan-fried to a tender-crisp perfection, seasoned simply to let the natural flavor of the zucchini shine through. They’re wonderfully light and savory, making them an excellent healthy alternative to traditional potato chips. Serve them as a vibrant and easy side dish alongside your favorite main course, enjoy them as a satisfying afternoon snack, or even pile them high for a light and refreshing lunch. Their simplicity and deliciousness are what made them a standout among our readers.
8. Princess Cake
A truly elegant and deeply meaningful bake graces our list at number eight: the stunning Princess Cake. This beautiful and unique cake holds a special place in my heart, as it was one of my Mom’s absolute favorites – a cherished memory brought to life in the kitchen. This Swedish classic is a masterpiece of delicate flavors and textures. It features layers of light and airy sponge cake, generously filled with a rich, creamy vanilla custard and bright, fruity raspberry jam. All these delightful elements are then lovingly enrobed in a smooth, vibrant green marzipan, giving it its iconic fairytale appearance. It’s a cake that impresses both visually and gastronomically, perfect for celebrations or when you want to create something truly special and memorable for your loved ones.
7. Challah Rolls
Securing the seventh spot are these exquisite Challah Rolls. Challah bread is renowned for its incredible softness, delicate texture, and rich, slightly sweet flavor, often attributed to eggs and a touch of honey or sugar. This recipe takes that beloved challah dough and transforms it into charming little knots, perfect for individual servings. These rolls are more than just bread; they are an experience – wonderfully light, airy, and exceptionally flavorful. They provide the perfect accompaniment for virtually any meal, whether you’re serving a hearty stew, a light salad, or simply want a comforting roll to sop up delicious sauces. They’re also fantastic for making sliders or enjoying on their own with a smear of butter. Their versatility and irresistible texture made them a huge hit with our readers.
6. Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
A true testament to the power of comfort food, our Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas earned their well-deserved spot at number six. This recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s a cherished family tradition. These are exactly the kind of enchiladas my Mom made for us throughout my childhood, and their comforting deliciousness is something I continue to recreate in my own kitchen time and time again. Each enchilada is packed with tender, seasoned chicken, wrapped in soft tortillas, and smothered in a creamy, tangy sour cream sauce before being baked to golden perfection. They are incredibly satisfying, full of flavor, and bring a warmth that only homemade comfort food can. This recipe is a proven crowd-pleaser and a staple for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd.
5. Berry Poke Cake
Making a vibrant splash at number five is our delightful Berry Poke Cake. While poke cakes are a popular genre, this particular recipe stands out because it’s made entirely from scratch, elevating a beloved concept to new heights. Instead of using boxed mixes or artificial flavorings, this cake features a tender, homemade vanilla cake base that’s lovingly “poked” to absorb a luscious, vibrant berry puree made from fresh, seasonal fruits. The entire creation is then crowned with real, airy whipped cream, making for an incredibly fresh and natural taste. It’s the perfect dessert for summer celebrations, backyard barbecues, or any occasion where you want a light, fruity, and utterly refreshing treat that tastes like sunshine in every bite.
4. Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Who can resist a classic cookie, especially when it’s done so incredibly well? Our Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies land proudly at number four, a testament to their enduring appeal. These aren’t just any oatmeal chocolate chip cookies; they are extra-large, chewy, and packed to the brim with wholesome rolled oats and generous chunks of rich, melting chocolate. This combination creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors – the chewiness of the oatmeal provides a satisfying foundation, while the sizable chocolate chunks ensure a decadent burst of chocolate in every bite. This particular recipe has been a treasured family favorite for years, consistently delivering that comforting, homemade cookie experience that everyone adores. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, after-school treats, or simply enjoying with a cold glass of milk.
3. Mini Mushroom Tarts
Grabbing the third spot are these elegant yet incredibly easy Mini Mushroom Tarts. These bite-sized delights prove that sophisticated appetizers don’t have to be complicated. Utilizing store-bought puff pastry, they come together effortlessly, making them a go-to for entertaining or special occasions. Each tart features a flaky, golden puff pastry base generously filled with a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, nutty Parmesan cheese, and aromatic fresh rosemary. The combination of earthy mushrooms, salty cheese, and fragrant herbs creates a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible. They make a fantastic starter for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any event where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Their rustic charm and delicious taste clearly resonated with our readers.
2. Strawberry Skillet Pie
Just missing the top spot, but still a phenomenal hit, is our incredible Strawberry Skillet Pie. This recipe embodies the very essence of easy summer baking. It takes advantage of fresh, ripe strawberries at their peak, transforming them into a rustic and wonderfully flavorful pie baked right in a cast-iron skillet. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity and charming presentation. The strawberries become tender and juicy as they bake, releasing their sweet nectar, all nestled under a tender, buttery crust. It’s a fuss-free approach to pie making that results in a spectacularly delicious and comforting dessert. Perfect for backyard BBQs, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a taste of summer, this skillet pie is a simple pleasure you’ll find yourself returning to all season long.
1. Bourbon Butterscotch Cake
And now, for the grand finale! The most popular recipe of 2017, capturing the hearts and palates of our readers, is the utterly decadent Bourbon Butterscotch Cake. This magnificent layer cake is a true masterpiece and an absolute dream come true for whiskey lovers and dessert aficionados alike. It features tender, moist bourbon-infused cake layers that provide a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. These exquisite layers are then lavishly frosted with a silky, rich bourbon butterscotch buttercream, creating an incredibly smooth and luxurious texture. To elevate it even further, the entire cake is drizzled with even more luscious butterscotch, ensuring every single slice is packed with irresistible, boozy sweetness. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want to indulge in something truly extraordinary. It’s a celebration of flavor and finesse, making it our undisputed champion of 2017!
What an incredible year it was for sharing delicious recipes! From comforting family favorites and elegant desserts to savory snacks and seasonal delights, 2017 brought forth a fantastic array of culinary inspiration. We hope this countdown has brought back fond memories, sparked new cravings, and encouraged you to revisit some of these beloved dishes. Thank you for being such an integral part of our cooking journey. Here’s to many more years of sharing and savoring incredible food!
If you loved this trip down memory lane, be sure to check out our most popular posts from previous years:
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
- 2010