Announcing the Best Recipes of 2014: Your Reader’s Choice Award Winners!

It fills me with immense joy and gratitude to finally unveil the highly anticipated Best Recipes of 2014 Reader’s Choice Award Winners! A heartfelt thank you goes out to each and every one of you who took the time to cast your votes. Your participation genuinely brightens my day and makes this annual tradition so special. These awards are more than just a list; they’re a vibrant reflection of our shared culinary journey throughout the year. For both loyal followers and newcomers, this compilation serves as an invaluable guide to discover the recipes that truly captured hearts and taste buds in 2014. If you’re curious to revisit all the delicious contenders from this year’s voting, you can explore the full list here.

Regardless of whether you participated in the voting this year, if you’re reading these words right now, please know how deeply grateful I am for your presence. Thank you for being an integral part of this blogging community, for regularly visiting the site, and for embarking on countless cooking adventures with me. Your engagement goes beyond mere readership; it fuels my passion. I truly appreciate your thoughtful comments on posts, your enthusiasm in sharing my site with friends and family, the delightful recipe photos you post on Instagram, your pins on Pinterest, and your shares on Facebook. Every message and every mention letting me know you’ve tried a recipe brings me immense joy. Interacting with you across social media platforms and witnessing your culinary creations is incredibly rewarding. I feel profoundly blessed and fortunate that so many of you have embraced my recipes and spread the word about this blog. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Whether you’ve been a loyal reader since I first started blogging four years ago or this marks your very first visit, I am genuinely thrilled to have you here and sincerely hope you’ll continue to return for many wonderful years ahead.

Just last week, on Christmas Eve, we celebrated a significant milestone: my 4-year “blogiversary”! It’s incredible to reflect on how far this journey has come, and even more exciting to contemplate the endless possibilities and new content I’m eager to share. While my primary motivation for blogging has always been a genuine love for sharing delicious, lightened-up recipes and connecting with fellow food enthusiasts, it’s also a delightful tradition to look back at the growth we’ve experienced together. For the past few years, I’ve shared some readership, social media, and posting statistics—not to boast, but as a personal testament to the expanding community we’ve built. Witnessing the remarkable growth of the blog over the past year truly inspires me. So, let’s dive into a brief recap of our collective achievements:

Over four years, we’ve shared 342 unique posts, captivating over 17 million blog page views (as diligently tracked by Google Analytics). Our vibrant community extends across various platforms, with 47,695 Facebook likes, 34,061 Pinterest followers, 12,900 Instagram friends, and 2,236 Twitter followers. It’s particularly exciting to note the incredible surge in our Instagram community! Just a year ago, my Instagram presence was modest, but it has since blossomed into one of my absolute favorite social networks. My Instagram account operates as a wonderful blend of blog highlights and personal glimpses, allowing me to share more aspects of my life and fostering a deeper connection with all of you. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to follow many Weight Watchers members and other enthusiastic Instagrammers who regularly prepare and share my recipes. I truly cherish observing their culinary journeys and connecting with each of you on a more personal level. A huge shout-out to all my amazing Instagram buddies!

My appreciation for your readership, your willingness to try my recipes, and the invaluable feedback, encouragement, and inspiration you consistently provide cannot be overstated. Each comment, photo, and message reinforces why I love doing what I do. It’s truly humbling and utterly overwhelming to know that this community is so engaged and supportive. Thank you for making this blog a vibrant and interactive space!

I am especially grateful to the many of you who dedicated your time to vote for your most cherished recipes of the year. It was an absolute delight for me to witness which dishes resonated most with our collective palate! Below, you’ll find the eagerly awaited results. For each category, I’ve featured a captivating image of the winning recipe, followed by a mention of the equally delicious runner-up. And just for a bit of fun, I’ve also included my personal pick – though rest assured, my vote didn’t sway the official standings!

Craving more of our community’s scrumptious, tried-and-true favorites? Don’t miss the chance to explore the winners from previous years, showcasing timeless classics and evolving tastes: discover the 2013 winners, the 2012 winners, and the 2011 winners! It’s also quite amusing and motivating to look back and see how much my food photography has evolved over the years – a continuous learning journey, indeed!

Now, without further delay, let’s celebrate and unveil the exceptional winners of your 2014 Reader’s Choice Awards!

1. Best Appetizer Recipe: Enchilada Cheese Rolls

   These savory Enchilada Cheese Rolls clearly stole the show as your top appetizer. Their irresistible blend of Tex-Mex flavors, wrapped in a bite-sized format, makes them a perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering or a delicious snack.

Runner-Up: The delightful Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels almost clinched the top spot, proving their widespread appeal as a tasty and elegant starter.

Emily’s Pick: This was a tough choice for me, with the Greek Layer Dip being a strong contender. However, my personal favorite has to be the Cajun Roasted Chickpeas. Every time I prepare these crunchy, perfectly seasoned chickpeas, resisting the urge to devour them all in one go is a true test of willpower – they’re just that addictively delicious!

2. Best Salad Recipe: Doritos Taco Salad (by a landslide!)

   This vibrant and flavor-packed Doritos Taco Salad truly captivated your votes, winning by an impressive landslide! Its unique combination of crisp greens, savory taco meat, and the unmistakable crunch of Doritos makes for a fun, satisfying, and utterly irresistible meal.

Runner-Up: The creamy and refreshing Avocado Chicken Salad was a close second, offering a lighter yet equally flavorful option for lunch or dinner.

Emily’s Pick: On this one, I’m wholeheartedly siding with the majority! The Doritos Taco Salad is simply fantastic and a staple in my own kitchen.

3. Best Breakfast Recipe: Sausage & Stuffing Brunch Bake

   For a hearty and comforting start to your day, the Sausage & Stuffing Brunch Bake emerged as your favorite breakfast. This savory casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on a lazy weekend morning, combining classic flavors into one delicious dish.

Runner-Up: The convenient and wholesome Pumpkin Chocolate Baked Oatmeal Singles proved to be a popular choice for those seeking a quick and satisfying breakfast option.

Emily’s Pick: While the Blueberry Pancakes were a tempting alternative, my heart leans towards the Pumpkin Chocolate Oatmeal Singles. There’s something uniquely comforting and satisfying about baked oatmeal that I simply adore.

4. Best Dessert Recipe: Mini Apple Pie Tarts

   These adorable and utterly delicious Mini Apple Pie Tarts captured your votes as the year’s best dessert. Perfectly portioned with a warm, spiced apple filling and a flaky crust, they offer all the comfort of a classic apple pie in a charming individual serving.

Runner-Up: A timeless classic, the Chocolate Chip Cookies, nearly snagged the top spot, proving their enduring popularity as a go-to treat.

Emily’s Pick: Without a doubt, my vote goes to the Mini Apple Pie Tarts. My absolute love for fruity desserts made this an easy decision!

5. Best Soup/Stew Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

   When it comes to comforting and hearty meals, your top choice for soup/stew was the incredibly satisfying Slow Cooker Beef Stew. This recipe delivers tender beef and vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth with minimal effort, making it a perfect cozy dinner.

Runner-Up: The robust and flavorful The Best Turkey Chili was a very close contender, offering a lighter twist on a classic comfort food.

Emily’s Pick: I’m definitely joining the majority on this one! The Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a winner in my book, not only for its incredible taste but also for its effortless preparation.

6. Best Pasta Recipe: Sausage Tortellini Skillet

   The delicious Sausage Tortellini Skillet earned its title as your favorite pasta recipe of 2014. This quick and flavorful dish, featuring tender tortellini and savory sausage, is the perfect weeknight meal that consistently delights taste buds.

Runner-Up: The rich and satisfying Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake was a strong contender, showcasing the sheer popularity of hearty pasta dishes. It was an incredibly competitive category, with the Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Shells trailing by just one vote!

Emily’s Pick: For me, it’s the Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake, hands down. I absolutely adore that recipe and its comforting, familiar flavors.

7. Best Muffin Tin Meal: Cheeseburger Hash Brown Cups

   Innovative and incredibly delicious, the Cheeseburger Hash Brown Cups were crowned your favorite Muffin Tin Meal. These clever cups perfectly encapsulate the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger within a convenient, individual hash brown crust, ideal for snacks or party appetizers.

Runner-Ups: This category was fiercely competitive! We had a tie for second place between the savory Chicken Parmesan Wonton Cupcakes and the exotic Thai Peanut Chicken Wonton Cupcakes, with the hearty Mexi Meatloaf Muffins just one vote behind. Truly stiff competition for these creative, individual servings!

Emily’s Pick: This was undeniably a challenging decision given the fantastic options, but I’m going with the Chicken Parmesan Wonton Cupcakes. They were absolutely awesome and a true highlight!

8. Best Side Dish Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Bake

   Taking the crown for the best side dish is the incredibly comforting and flavorful Loaded Cauliflower Bake. This dish masterfully transforms humble cauliflower into a decadent side, reminiscent of a loaded baked potato but with a healthier twist, making it a beloved accompaniment to any meal.

Runner-Up: The perfectly seasoned Parmesan Roasted Sweet Potatoes were a popular choice, adding a sweet and savory dimension to many dinner tables.

Emily’s Pick: My personal favorite for a side dish has to be the Garlic Roasted Green Beans with Almonds. I simply adore green beans, especially when prepared with such vibrant flavors!

9. Best Casserole Recipe: Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

   The fun and family-friendly Bubble Up Pizza Casserole emerged as your top choice for the best casserole. This ingenious dish combines all the beloved flavors of pizza into a comforting bake, making it a surefire hit for weeknight dinners and gatherings alike.

Runner-Up: The classic and nourishing Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole was a strong second, a testament to its widespread appeal as a comforting, complete meal.

Emily’s Pick: This was a genuinely tough decision, as I truly enjoyed the Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake. However, I ultimately agreed with the readers and selected the Bubble Up Pizza Casserole as my favorite for its sheer deliciousness and ease.

10. Best “All-American” Recipe: Meatball Pizza

    Embodying the spirit of classic American comfort food, the Meatball Pizza was your winning “All-American” recipe. This hearty and satisfying pizza loaded with savory meatballs is a testament to beloved, timeless flavors that bring joy to every bite.

Runner-Up: The incredibly tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Mustard-Rubbed Pulled Pork was neck and neck for the top spot, actually tying for first place! I had to cast a tie-breaking vote to ensure a single winner for each category, but its popularity is undeniable.

Emily’s Pick: My personal favorite in this category is the Lemon Pepper Iced Tea Chicken. The marinade on this chicken is absolutely phenomenal and creates such a delicious, unique flavor profile.

11. Best Sandwich Recipe: Cheddar Apple Bacon Grilled Cheese

    A glorious twist on a classic, the Cheddar Apple Bacon Grilled Cheese emerged as your ultimate sandwich choice. This delightful combination of sharp cheddar, crisp apples, and smoky bacon grilled to perfection offers a comforting yet exciting flavor experience that truly impressed our readers.

Runner-Up: The rich and creamy Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese was a very popular runner-up, offering another innovative take on the beloved grilled cheese.

Emily’s Pick: My heart belongs to the California Club Sandwich. Anything with fresh avocados instantly wins me over – it’s a pure delight!

Once again, my deepest appreciation goes out to each and every one of you for your continued readership, for bravely experimenting with my recipes in your kitchens, and for consistently showering me with your encouraging comments and inspiring feedback. Your engagement is the driving force behind this blog, and I am truly blessed by our community.

As we bid farewell to a fantastic year of culinary adventures and celebrate these incredible Reader’s Choice Award winners, I extend my warmest wishes for a wonderfully happy and healthy 2015 to you all. I sincerely hope you’ll remain a cherished part of our journey and stay tuned for an abundance of new, delicious, and lightened-up comfort food recipes heading your way in the coming year!