Hello, wonderful friends and fellow food enthusiasts! It fills my heart with immense gratitude to extend a colossal thank you to each and every one of you who participated in my 12th annual Reader’s Choice Awards. Your enthusiastic votes are truly invaluable, offering a fascinating glimpse into which recipes resonated most deeply with our vibrant community throughout the past year. As we welcome new readers to the blog each January, this cherished tradition serves as an indispensable guide, pointing them directly to the “greatest hits” – the most beloved and highly-rated dishes of the previous year. Your input and shared insights are incredibly helpful, making this post a perfect starting point for anyone looking to discover delicious, lightened-up comfort food that our readers adore.
For those eager to explore a treasure trove of enduring favorites, remember that truly tasty food never goes out of style! You can dive into the culinary history of our blog by checking out the winners from previous years. These posts are packed with timeless recipes that continue to be immensely popular and frequently cooked by our loyal readers. Discover your next favorite meal by exploring the archives: take a look at the 2021 winners, 2020 winners, 2019 winners, 2018 winners, 2017 winners, 2016 winners, 2015 winners, 2014 winners, 2013 winners, 2012 winners and 2011 winners.
Beyond the votes, I want to express my deepest and most genuine gratitude to every single person reading this. Whether you’re a new visitor discovering Emily Bites for the first time or a long-time cooking companion who has been with me since 2010, thank you for being an integral part of this incredible journey. Your presence here, your readership, and your dedication to cooking my recipes truly mean the world to me. Thank you for engaging with the content, for asking thoughtful questions, for leaving encouraging comments, and for sharing your invaluable feedback. I’m also deeply thankful for every share of my site with friends, every picture posted of your culinary creations on Instagram, every recipe pinned for future enjoyment, and every post shared on Facebook. Your emails, stories, ideas, and shared successes are a constant source of motivation and inspiration. I am genuinely thrilled and profoundly grateful that you are here, helping to build such a supportive and vibrant community.
It’s truly remarkable to reflect on the fact that Emily Bites began on Christmas Eve of 2010, meaning I have now been blogging recipes for an incredible twelve years! My journey started while I was on Weight Watchers, and I had recently discovered the joy and deliciousness of creating lightened-up versions of my favorite meals. I was so excited to share these findings, but I could never have imagined that so many of you would find this little corner of the internet and choose to cook along with me. This blog has grown into such a significant and cherished part of my life and identity that it’s difficult to recall what life was like before Emily Bites. What began as a personal passion project has blossomed into my full-time job, and your consistent presence, engagement, and support make it possible for me to continue living this dream every single day. Once again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!
I cannot overstate how truly overwhelming and humbling it is to know that so many of you read my blog, prepare my recipes, and provide such wonderful feedback, encouragement, and inspiration. Your enthusiasm fuels my creativity! If you haven’t already and wish to connect further, I invite you to follow Emily Bites on our social media channels. It’s a great way to stay updated with new recipes and interact with our community: Facebook, Instagram, and join our Email Club for exclusive updates.
Now, without further ado, let’s reveal the highly anticipated Reader’s Choice Award Winners for the past year! The exciting results are presented below. For each category, I’ve proudly showcased an image of the winning dish, followed by details of the deserving runner-up, and finally, my own personal pick (which, for transparency, did not factor into the official standings unless a tie-breaker was needed, but I love sharing my favorites for a bit of fun!). Get ready to discover your next culinary adventure!
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Best Savory Breakfast Recipe: Three Cheese Broccoli Brunch Bake
Winner Spotlight: This hearty and comforting bake earned its top spot for a reason! The Three Cheese Broccoli Brunch Bake is a flavor-packed dish that combines the creamy goodness of multiple cheeses with wholesome broccoli, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an ideal choice for a weekend brunch, a delicious family breakfast, or even a satisfying make-ahead meal prep option, perfectly capturing the essence of a savory start to any day.
Runner Up: Lighter Griddlecake Breakfast Sandwiches. A fantastic grab-and-go option that brings the classic breakfast sandwich experience with a lighter touch, perfect for busy mornings.
Emily’s Pick: I’m absolutely with the crowd on this one! The Three Cheese Broccoli Brunch Bake truly stands out as a personal favorite. Its versatility and incredible flavor make it a repeat offender in my kitchen!
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Best Breakfast Baked Goods Recipe: Blueberry Bread (a landslide victory!)
Winner Spotlight: It’s no surprise that this delightful Blueberry Bread soared to the top with a landslide of votes! This recipe delivers a wonderfully moist and tender loaf, bursting with juicy blueberries in every bite. It’s perfect for a sweet breakfast treat, a pleasant snack with coffee, or an easy dessert, proving that simple, fresh flavors can create truly unforgettable baked goods.
Runner Up: Pineapple Upside Down Baked Oatmeal Singles. A creative and portion-controlled breakfast that combines the sweetness of pineapple with wholesome oats, offering a delightful twist on a classic.
Emily’s Pick: This was a tough one, as both the winner and runner-up are incredibly good! While the Blueberry Bread is phenomenal, I think I’m going to lean towards the Pineapple Upside Down Baked Oatmeal. It’s such a unique and satisfying breakfast, full of tropical flavor!
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Best Dip Recipe: Easy Cheesy Bean Dip
Winner Spotlight: When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers, the Easy Cheesy Bean Dip reigns supreme! This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an explosion of flavor. It’s warm, gooey, incredibly satisfying, and unbelievably quick to whip up. Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy night in, this dip is guaranteed to disappear fast, making it a staple for any gathering.
Runner Up: Everything Cream Cheese Dip. This savory dip captures the beloved flavors of an everything bagel, making it a versatile and addictive option for veggies, crackers, or toast.
Emily’s Pick: I wholeheartedly adore the Everything Cream Cheese Dip! It has such a unique and addictive flavor profile that truly makes me crave more fresh vegetables. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy healthy snacking!
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Best Soup or Salad Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad (this was a runaway favorite!)
Winner Spotlight: This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad was a clear runaway winner, and for good reason! It’s a brilliant fusion of zesty, smoky, and creamy flavors inspired by the popular street food. Packed with tender chicken, charred corn, and a vibrant dressing, this salad is incredibly satisfying as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, bringing the fiesta straight to your plate.
Runner Up: It was an exciting tie between my New England Clam Chowder and Avocado Egg Salad. Both offer classic comfort in their own unique ways – one a rich, creamy soup, the other a fresh, wholesome salad.
Emily’s Pick: I couldn’t agree more with the voters! That Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad is absolutely amazing. The blend of flavors is just perfect, making it a dish I could happily eat again and again.
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Best Chicken Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Winner Spotlight: A truly elegant yet simple dish, the Creamy Tuscan Chicken captivated our readers with its luxurious sauce and tender chicken. Infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a hint of garlic, this recipe brings sophisticated restaurant-quality flavors into your home kitchen. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special or for entertaining guests without much fuss, proving that healthy can also be incredibly delicious.
Runner Up: Barbecue Rubbed Chicken Bites. These flavorful, bite-sized chicken pieces are perfect for appetizers, salads, or a quick, protein-packed meal, offering a sweet and smoky kick.
Emily’s Pick: Every chicken recipe in this category was a winner in my book, but if I have to pick just one, I am absolutely obsessed with my Spicy Chicken Sandwich recipe. It’s truly one of my all-time favorites, delivering incredible flavor with a satisfying kick!
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Best Vegetarian Recipe: Cheesy Spicy Black Bean Skillet
Winner Spotlight: This Cheesy Spicy Black Bean Skillet proves that vegetarian meals can be incredibly satisfying, flavorful, and easy to make. This one-pan wonder combines hearty black beans with a generous amount of cheese and a lively spice blend, creating a dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, serving as a delicious filling for tacos, or simply enjoyed on its own. It’s comfort food at its best, without the meat!
Runner Up: Summer Vegetable Pasta. A light and fresh pasta dish that celebrates the bounty of seasonal vegetables, offering a vibrant and healthy meal option.
Emily’s Pick: While the winning black bean skillet is undeniably delicious, my personal favorite in this category is actually the Cauliflower and Barley Parmesan Bake. It’s packed with flavor and texture, a truly underrated dish that I highly recommend you all try!
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Best One-Pot Meal Recipe: Chicken Taco Rice Skillet
Winner Spotlight: The ultimate answer to busy weeknights, the Chicken Taco Rice Skillet is a true champion of convenience and flavor. This incredible one-pot meal combines all the vibrant tastes of tacos with fluffy rice and tender chicken, all cooked together in a single skillet. It’s incredibly easy to clean up, bursting with Tex-Mex flavors, and a guaranteed family favorite for quick and satisfying dinners.
Runner Up: One-Pot Creamy Chicken Marsala. This elegant yet simple dish transforms classic chicken marsala into a convenient one-pot pasta, delivering rich flavors with minimal cleanup.
Emily’s Pick: I completely agree with our readers on this one! I could honestly eat that Chicken Taco Rice Skillet every single week. It’s so undeniably good and incredibly easy to make, making it a regular in my own meal rotation.
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Best Meaty Main Dish Recipe: Ham and Cheese Au Gratin Potato Bake
Winner Spotlight: For the ultimate in hearty comfort food, the Ham and Cheese Au Gratin Potato Bake stole the show. This dish is pure bliss, featuring tender slices of potato, savory ham, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a perfect centerpiece for a family meal, an impressive holiday side, or just a wonderfully satisfying dinner on a chilly evening, embodying the warmth of home-cooked goodness.
Runner Up: Taco Stuffed Twice Baked Potatoes. These innovative potatoes combine two favorites into one, offering a fun and flavorful way to enjoy a substantial main course.
Emily’s Pick: I absolutely have to stick with the crowd and declare the Ham and Cheese Au Gratin Potato Bake as my pick too – it’s true comfort food bliss! I also have a deep affection for those Taco Twice Baked Potatoes and the incredibly flavorful Turkey and Chorizo Enchilada Rice Bake.
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Best Side Dish Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Rice
Winner Spotlight: This Cheesy Zucchini Rice proved to be a versatile and beloved side dish, perfect for complementing almost any main course. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying flavor profile. Quick to prepare and universally appealing, this side adds a delightful texture and rich taste to any meal, making it a go-to for many readers.
Runner Up: Bacon Butternut Squash Hash. A savory and slightly sweet hash that combines the earthy notes of butternut squash with the irresistible crispness of bacon, making it a perfect autumn side.
Emily’s Pick: Anything that features bacon is generally a winner in my book, so I’m definitely going with the Bacon Butternut Squash Hash! The combination of flavors and textures in that dish is simply divine.
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Best Dessert Recipe: Topless Apple Pie(secured by a single vote!)
Winner Spotlight: In a nail-bitingly close contest, the Topless Apple Pie emerged victorious by just one vote! This unique take on a classic dessert highlights the sweet and spiced apple filling without the traditional top crust, offering a lighter, rustic, and incredibly flavorful experience. It’s a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any season, showcasing the natural deliciousness of apples in a beautifully simple form.
Runner Up: Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Brownies. A delightful seasonal treat that merges the rich decadence of fudgy brownies with the warm spice of pumpkin, perfect for autumn indulgence.
Emily’s Pick: This truly was a tightly contested category – all three top choices were only separated by a single vote! As cheesecake is generally my favorite dessert, I have to go for the delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cups. They are perfectly portioned and bursting with fresh, creamy flavor!
Once again, my heartfelt thanks go out to each of you for continually reading my blog, preparing my carefully crafted recipes, and inspiring me daily with your thoughtful comments and unwavering encouragement. I wish you all a wonderfully happy, healthy, and incredibly delicious 2023. Please stay tuned as we embark on another year filled with even more exciting, lightened-up comfort food recipes and culinary adventures. I can’t wait to share what’s next with our amazing community!