Announcing the 8th Annual Reader’s Choice Award Winners: Your Favorite Recipes of the Year!

A heartfelt thank you to every single one of you who participated in the 8th annual Reader’s Choice Awards! It truly feels incredible to celebrate eight years of this wonderful tradition, a milestone that underscores the vibrant community we’ve built together. These awards are more than just a list of recipes; they are a direct reflection of your culinary journey with us, highlighting the dishes that resonated most with your taste buds and cooking routines throughout the year. For both long-time followers and new readers joining us this January, this post serves as an invaluable guide – a curated collection of our “greatest hits” from the past year, showcasing the best healthy recipes for comfort food. Your input is crucial, and I deeply appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and favorites. If you’re curious to explore more reader-approved classics, many of which remain perennial favorites today, you can always revisit past winners: delve into the 2017 winners, 2016 winners, 2015 winners, 2014 winners, 2013 winners, 2012 winners, and 2011 winners.

A Deep Dive into Our Community and Culinary Journey

Beyond the votes, I want to extend my genuine gratitude to each and every one of you. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Emily Bites or have been cooking alongside me since the very beginning, your presence here means the world. It’s hard to put into words just how significant your engagement is to me; it is, without exaggeration, immense. Thank you for consistently reading my posts, for trying out my lightened-up recipes, and for bringing my culinary creations into your homes. Your active participation, through thoughtful questions, encouraging comments, and valuable feedback, truly shapes the content I create and motivates me daily. I’m also deeply thankful for every share – whether you’re spreading the word about my site to friends, proudly showcasing your homemade dishes on Instagram, saving recipes to your Pinterest boards, or sharing posts on Facebook. Your emails, filled with personal stories, brilliant ideas, and tales of success, are a constant source of motivation and inspiration. Knowing that this space brings value to your lives genuinely fills me with joy and gratitude. You are, unequivocally, the heart of this blog and the reason Emily Bites thrives.

Eight Years of Passion: The Emily Bites Story and Evolution

It all began eight years ago, on Christmas Eve 2010. I made the decision to start a blog, fueled by my journey with Weight Watchers and a newfound passion for cooking. I was absolutely thrilled by the discovery that creating lightened-up, yet incredibly delicious and enjoyable meals was not only possible but also immensely fun. My desire to share these findings was immense, yet I never could have imagined that so many of you would find my site and embark on this cooking adventure with me. From those humble beginnings, Emily Bites has grown into a monumental and indispensable part of my life and identity. It’s almost impossible to recall what life was like before this blog became such a central focus! This platform is more than just a collection of healthy recipes; it is my profound passion, and your unwavering support makes it possible for me to continue living this dream, exploring new flavors, and developing innovative lightened-up comfort food recipes. From the bottom of my heart, thank you again for being a part of this incredible journey and for making Emily Bites what it is today!

Milestones and Momentum: Celebrating Our Growth Together

As we eagerly step into 2019, brimming with excitement for a fresh array of new recipes, it’s also incredibly rewarding to pause and reflect on the remarkable distance we’ve covered as a community. For several years now, I’ve made it a tradition to recap some key readership, social media, and posting statistics. While these numbers are primarily a personal benchmark, they offer a fascinating glimpse into our collective growth and the impact we’ve made in the world of healthy eating. And so, here we go again, celebrating another year of milestones: Eight years strong. A comprehensive collection of 618 thoughtfully crafted posts, each designed to bring you delicious, healthier meal options. Over 57 million blog pageviews, a truly humbling figure according to Google Analytics, indicating the vast reach of our shared culinary interests and commitment to healthy recipes. Our vibrant community extends across social platforms: 144,000 of you are part of our Facebook family, 151,000 have joined me as Instagram friends (a truly special connection for sharing daily kitchen insights!), and 86,000 follow along on Pinterest for inspiration and meal planning. Additionally, 24,600 of you wisely subscribe to receive my recipes directly by email – and if you haven’t yet, subscribing via email is undoubtedly the best way to ensure you never miss a delicious new recipe, delivered straight to your inbox!

I genuinely cannot emphasize enough how truly overwhelmed and incredibly grateful I am that so many of you read my blog, prepare my recipes, and consistently provide such wonderful feedback, encouragement, and invaluable inspiration. Your engagement fuels everything I do and inspires every new healthy recipe I create. THANK YOU! If you’re looking to connect further and aren’t already following on social media, here are the direct links to join our vibrant community and stay updated on the latest in lightened-up comfort food: Find us on Facebook for community discussions, connect on Instagram for daily food inspiration, discover new ideas on Pinterest, and for exclusive updates, join our Email Club.

Presenting Your Top Picks: The Reader’s Choice Award Winners for 2018!

Without further ado, let’s dive into the moment you’ve all been waiting for – the official Reader’s Choice Award Winners for 2018! Below, you’ll find the highly anticipated results across ten diverse categories, celebrating the best recipes from the past year. For each exciting category, I’ve proudly featured an image of the winning dish, followed by the deserving runner-up, and, just for fun, my own personal pick. My vote, of course, didn’t count in the final tally, but it’s always interesting to see how my favorites align with yours!

1. Best Breakfast Recipe: Sausage and Pepper Egg Bake

   This hearty and flavorful bake was an undeniable triumph, winning by a significant margin! It’s clear this dish has become a morning staple for many of you, offering both comfort and robust taste to start the day right. A perfect lightened-up breakfast that truly satisfies.

Runner Up: The delightful Bacon Sausage Egg and Cheese Braid, a testament to creative and satisfying breakfast options that are both fun to make and delicious to eat.

Emily’s Pick: While it didn’t receive any votes this year, I must give a special shout-out to the Strawberry Avocado Smoothie. This refreshing blend was my absolute craving every single day during the first half of my pregnancy! I also regularly enjoy the simple yet satisfying Triple Berry Yogurt Bowl for a quick and healthy start.

2. Best Appetizer Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Wonton Bites

   A true crowd-pleaser, these irresistible bites clinched the top spot by just one vote! Their crispy exterior and creamy, savory filling make them perfect for any gathering or a light snack, proving that healthy appetizers can still be incredibly flavorful.

Runner Up: This was a fiercely contested category, resulting in a tie between the flavorful Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, a fantastic vegetarian alternative, and the beloved Meatball Slider Bombs! Both offer fantastic options for game day or any snack time.

Emily’s Pick: I wholeheartedly loved both the spicy kick of the Buffalo Cauliflower Wings and the savory goodness of the Turkey Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Plus, since my husband isn’t a fan of mushrooms, I get to enjoy every single one of those all to myself – a truly selfish pleasure!

3. Best Handheld Recipe: Asian Chicken Wonton Cups

   These savory and convenient wonton cups proved to be a clear favorite, perfect for a quick snack or a light meal. Their delightful crunch and flavorful filling are simply irresistible, making them a fantastic healthy option for busy schedules.

Runner Up: The ever-popular Buffalo Chicken Braid, offering a spicy and satisfying option that’s easy to eat on the go and always a crowd-pleaser.

Emily’s Pick: I’m completely in agreement with your choice here; I absolutely adore those Asian Chicken Wonton Cups! They are a personal go-to for their simplicity, versatility, and fantastic taste.

4. Best Salad Recipe: Mom’s Easy Egg Salad

   A heartwarming win for a true classic! This simple, comforting, and utterly delicious egg salad recipe, inspired by my mom, captured your votes. Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones steeped in family tradition and offer uncomplicated, fresh flavors. (Yay, Mom!)

Runner Up: The seasonal and delightful Turkey and Pear Autumn Salad, offering a wonderful blend of savory and sweet flavors and crisp textures, perfect for a fall meal.

Emily’s Pick: While I deeply cherish my mom’s egg salad, I also want to give a special shout-out to the vibrant and nutritious Greek Chicken Quinoa Salad. It’s truly a burst of fresh Mediterranean flavors and a fantastic complete meal – yum!

5. Best Soup or Stew Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

   This incredibly comforting and flavorful soup stole your hearts, proving to be the ultimate winner in the soup and stew category. Its rich, creamy texture and tender gnocchi make it an instant favorite for chilly evenings, providing lightened-up comfort in every spoonful.

Runner Up: The unique and delicious Roasted Corn Soup, offering a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor that sets it apart from traditional soups.

Emily’s Pick: I couldn’t agree more with the winner; that Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is absolutely amazing and a staple in my home. My close second choice would be the hearty and satisfying Black Bean Soup, a truly underrated gem.

6. Best Poultry Recipe: Crispy Cheddar Chicken with Cream Sauce

   This dish emerged as the clear champion in the poultry category, adored for its wonderfully crispy exterior, savory cheddar flavor, and luscious cream sauce. It’s a perfect example of a lightened-up meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture, making healthy eating a delight.

Runner Up: The vibrant and quick Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry, a fantastic option for a weeknight meal when you need something delicious and fast.

Emily’s Pick: There were so many incredible poultry options this year, but I have to choose the comforting Stuffed Turkey Bundles with Gravy, primarily because I absolutely LOVE GRAVY! I am also genuinely surprised and a little shocked that my Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders didn’t take this category; I see people making, posting, and absolutely loving that recipe on Instagram almost every single day, a true testament to its irresistible appeal!

7. Best Rice Recipe: One-Pot Dirty Rice with Chicken and Sausage

   This robust and flavorful one-pot meal was a runaway success in the rice category. Its blend of spices, tender chicken, and savory sausage makes it a satisfying and easy-to-prepare dish that clearly captured your hearts as a top choice for healthy, flavorful rice dishes.

Runner Up: This category saw a tie between the zesty Spanish Chicken and Rice Skillet, a vibrant and complete meal, and the incredibly versatile Easy Salsa Rice, perfect as a side or base!

Emily’s Pick: I had a strong feeling that the One-Pot Dirty Rice with Chicken and Sausage would emerge victorious, and I absolutely agree! It’s an incredibly satisfying and delicious meal that’s a true go-to in my kitchen.

8. Best Pasta Recipe: Beef Enchilada Pasta Skillet

   A brilliant fusion of flavors that won your votes! This creative and comforting Beef Enchilada Pasta Skillet proved to be an irresistible combination, bringing together the best of Mexican-inspired cuisine with beloved pasta in a lightened-up, easy-to-make format.

Runner Up: The fun and family-friendly Turkey Sloppy Joe Pasta, a creative take on a classic comfort food that’s both hearty and healthier.

Emily’s Pick: I truly loved all the contenders in this category, so I’m happy to agree with your collective choice. I could honestly eat that Beef Enchilada Pasta Skillet all the time – it’s that good and a testament to how satisfying healthy pasta recipes can be!

9. Best Casserole Recipe: Bubble Up BBQ Chicken and Beans Bake

   This delightful “bubble up” dish, bursting with BBQ chicken and beans, secured its win by a single vote! It’s a testament to the popularity of easy, comforting, and family-friendly casserole recipes in our community, especially those that offer a lighter take on classic comfort food.

Runner Up: The equally beloved Bubble Up Chili Cheese Dog Casserole, further solidifying that “bubble ups” are a definite fan favorite for their ease and deliciousness!

Emily’s Pick: I genuinely loved the chicken and beans bubble up, so I’ll stick with that as my top choice, but it’s a very close tie with the elegant and savory Spinach and Chicken Phyllo Bake, which is always impressive and delicious.

10. Best Dessert Recipe: Mixed Berry Puff Pastry Tarts

    These beautiful and delicious tarts, filled with a medley of mixed berries and flaky puff pastry, were your undisputed choice for the best dessert. A perfect balance of sweetness and texture, they make for an impressive yet simple treat that proves healthy desserts can be truly decadent.

Runner Up: The wholesome and comforting Baked Stuffed Apples, a delightful and lighter dessert option that’s perfect for a cozy evening.

Emily’s Pick: I wholeheartedly love both of your top picks in this category, so I’m happy to simply agree with your excellent choices! Both truly represent the best in healthy and delicious dessert recipes.

Looking Ahead: A Happy and Healthy 2019!

Thank you once more, from the bottom of my heart, for continuing to read my blog, for passionately cooking my recipes, and for constantly encouraging and inspiring me with your invaluable comments and feedback. Your support makes this community a truly special place. As we bid farewell to a fantastic year of culinary exploration and delicious discoveries, I extend my warmest wishes to all of you for a truly happy, healthy, and fulfilling 2019. I sincerely hope you’ll stay connected and tuned in for many more exciting, lightened-up comfort food recipes and culinary adventures in the brand new year! Let’s make 2019 even more delicious and healthy together!