Celebrating a Delicious Year: Your Favorite Emily Bites Recipes of 2019!

It’s hard to believe it’s already been nine incredible years since I first launched Emily Bites, and I’m absolutely thrilled to present the eagerly awaited results of our 9th annual Reader’s Choice Awards! Your enthusiastic participation means the world to me, and it’s always a joy to discover which recipes truly captured your hearts and taste buds throughout the year. For new readers joining us this January, this post serves as the ultimate starting guide – a curated collection of our “greatest hits” from 2019, handpicked by our amazing community. To everyone who took the time to vote, share your feedback, and contribute to this beloved annual tradition, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your engagement makes this recap of the best recipes of the year truly special.

Curious about past favorites? You can explore a treasure trove of beloved recipes that remain incredibly popular to this day by checking out the archives. Dive into the deliciousness of previous years’ winners to find even more lightened-up comfort food inspiration:

• 2018 Winners
• 2017 Winners
• 2016 Winners
• 2015 Winners
• 2014 Winners
• 2013 Winners
• 2012 Winners
• 2011 Winners

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing Emily Bites Community

Whether you’re a long-time follower who has been cooking along with me since the very beginning, or you’re just discovering Emily Bites for the first time, I want to extend a sincere and profound thank you. Your presence here, your engagement, and your passion for delicious, lightened-up comfort food are the driving forces behind this blog. It’s hard to put into words how much you all truly mean to me. Every comment, every question, every photo you share on Instagram or Pinterest, and every success story you email me fuels my motivation and inspiration. You’re not just readers; you’re an integral part of this vibrant community, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

It all began nine years ago, on Christmas Eve 2010. I was on a Weight Watchers journey and had just started to truly explore the culinary world, discovering the incredible joy and flavor that could be found in creating lighter, healthier versions of my favorite dishes. I was bursting with excitement to share these discoveries, but I never in my wildest dreams imagined that so many of you would join me on this adventure. Emily Bites has grown into a significant and cherished part of my life, shaping who I am today. This blog is my ultimate passion project, and it’s your continued support and engagement that allow me to live this dream every single day. So once more, from the bottom of my heart: thank you!

Looking Back on a Decade of Culinary Growth and Flavor

As we step into 2020 and a brand new decade, I’m incredibly excited to bring you a fresh array of delicious, inventive recipes. But before we look ahead, it’s also wonderfully nostalgic to reflect on how far Emily Bites has come. For the past few years, I’ve shared some key readership and social media statistics, primarily as a personal benchmark. While blogging is certainly not about the numbers alone, it’s genuinely inspiring to see our community grow year after year, reinforcing the impact of our shared love for great food. Let’s take a moment to celebrate our collective achievements from 2019, showcasing the strength of the Emily Bites community:

• Nine Years Strong: A testament to our shared love for great food and consistent recipe development.
• 672 Posts and Counting: A vast and growing archive of tested and loved recipes for every occasion and craving.
• 67 Million Blog Pageviews: An astounding number that speaks volumes about your engagement and trust in Emily Bites recipes.
• 154,000 Facebook Followers: A bustling community connecting daily, sharing tips, and celebrating culinary successes.
• 188,000 Instagram Friends: My personal favorite, where we share visual culinary inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses!
• 98,000 Pinterest Followers: A hub for discovering and saving your next favorite lightened-up meal or dessert idea.
• 28,000 Email Subscribers: If you haven’t yet, joining our email club is the best way to ensure you never miss out on a new recipe delivered straight to your inbox!

The sheer scale of this community truly humbles me. Knowing that so many of you read my blog, prepare my recipes, and offer such wonderful feedback, encouragement, and inspiration is an absolute privilege. THANK YOU, from the deepest part of my heart! If you’d like to join our thriving online community and stay connected, here are the links to follow Emily Bites on social media:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Email Club

Announcing the 2019 Reader’s Choice Award Winners!

Without further delay, let’s dive into the most anticipated part of this post – your top picks from the amazing recipes of 2019! Below, you’ll find the winner for each category, beautifully pictured, followed by the deserving runner-up. I’ve also included my own personal vote, just for fun, which of course didn’t influence the final results. Prepare to be inspired by these tried-and-true favorites!

1. Best Breakfast Recipe: Ultimate Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

   This hearty and satisfying breakfast casserole was an overwhelming favorite, truly winning by a landslide! Its comforting combination of crispy tater tots, fluffy eggs, and savory fillings makes it the perfect dish for a family brunch, a festive holiday morning, or simply a delicious weekend treat that everyone will adore. It’s an ultimate comfort food breakfast, lightened up!

Runner Up: Puff Pancake Bake with Warm Apple Topping – A delightful and lighter alternative for a sweet morning start, perfect for satisfying your pancake cravings with less fuss.

Emily’s Pick: I wholeheartedly agree with your choice! The Tater Tot Casserole truly embodies everything I look for in a delicious and easy breakfast. I also adore the Apple Pancake Bake for its cozy, seasonal flavors. However, I must give an honorable mention to the Banana Blueberry Muffins, which I found myself baking countless times throughout the year – they’re just that good and perfect for a quick grab-and-go option!

2. Best Appetizer Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

   A perennial crowd-pleaser and a party essential, this vibrant and flavorful 7 Layer Dip proved to be your go-to appetizer for gatherings and game days. Its perfect blend of creamy, fresh, and savory textures and tastes makes it utterly irresistible and always a hit with guests.

Runner Up: Buffalo Deviled Eggs – A spicy and unexpected twist on a classic party favorite, adding a kick to a traditional appetizer.

Emily’s Pick: While I’m also a big fan of the classic 7 Layer Dip, my personal favorite in this category has to be the Cheesy Pineapple Prosciutto Bites. They are incredibly easy to assemble, yet they deliver such a fantastic burst of sweet and savory flavor – truly a delightful surprise for any party and so unique!

3. Best Soup/Salad/Sandwich Recipe: Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad

   This Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad stole the show in its category, offering a fresh, zesty, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a lighter dinner. The vibrant combination of barbecue flavor with creamy ranch dressing truly makes it a standout and a favorite for busy days.

Runner Up: Chicken Noodle Soup – A timeless, soul-warming classic that provides comfort and nourishment on any chilly day or when you need a little pick-me-up.

Emily’s Pick: While the barbecue chicken salad is fantastic, I find myself most partial to the Chicken Bacon Apple Cheddar Wraps. The delightful combination of crispy bacon, crisp apples, and sharp cheddar with tender chicken in a perfectly portable wrap is simply irresistible and incredibly satisfying for lunch or a light dinner.

4. Best Handheld Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

   These incredibly popular Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls emerged as the clear winner, proving that everyone loves a handheld dish packed with bold, spicy flavor. They’re perfect for game day gatherings, a fun and easy weeknight meal, or anytime you crave that classic buffalo taste in a crispy, convenient form.

Runner Up: Chili Cheese Tacos – A comforting and flavorful twist on taco night that’s always a hit with the family and so easy to customize.

Emily’s Pick: I honestly could not stop devouring the Mini Buffalo Chicken Dip Bread Bowls when I developed that recipe. The delightful combination of creamy, spicy buffalo chicken dip encased in a soft, individual bread bowl is pure genius and incredibly addictive, making them my top choice for a delicious handheld snack or appetizer!

5. Best Meaty Main Course Recipe: Cream Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken

   This elegant yet simple Cream Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken recipe was absolutely adored by our readers, and it’s easy to see why! It offers a sophisticated flavor profile that feels special enough for guests but is easy enough for any weeknight dinner, proving that healthy eating can still be incredibly flavorful.

Runner Up: Baked Hot BBQ Chicken Tenders – A spicy, crispy, and healthier take on a beloved classic, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Emily’s Pick: My heart belongs to the Swedish Turkey Meatballs. I loved them so much that I made them twice in one week! There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about perfectly seasoned meatballs drenched in a rich, creamy gravy that I just can’t get enough of – a true taste of home.

6. Best Pasta Recipe: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

   Light, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, the Bruschetta Chicken Pasta was your undeniable favorite in the pasta category. It’s a vibrant dish that brings a taste of summer to any meal, featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and tender chicken for a satisfying experience.

Runner Up: Chicken Tetrazzini – A rich, creamy, and classic comfort food that truly delivers hearty flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for a cozy night in.

Emily’s Pick: I’m completely in sync with your choice here! The Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is simply divine with its fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender chicken – a perfect balance of flavor and lightness that makes it an ideal weeknight dinner.

7. Best One-Pot Meal Recipe: One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

   Winning by the narrowest of margins, this One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta proved to be the ultimate weeknight hero! Its minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make it a truly smart and delicious choice for busy cooks looking for a hearty and satisfying meal without the fuss.

Runner Up: One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese – A bold and flavorful twist on a classic, offering both convenience and comfort in a single pot.

Emily’s Pick: This was a truly tough category to choose just one, as all the contenders are fantastic and designed for ease. However, I have a deep and undeniable love for the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. It seems 2019 was quite the year for Buffalo-flavored recipes on my blog, and this one-pot wonder truly hit all the right notes for me – creamy, cheesy, and with that perfect spicy kick!

8. Best Casserole Recipe: Deep Dish Taco Casserole

   This fun and flavorful Deep Dish Taco Casserole captured your votes, offering an exciting and easy way to enjoy all the beloved flavors of tacos in a convenient, hearty bake. It’s perfect for family dinners, entertaining a crowd, or satisfying those taco cravings with minimal effort.

Runner Up: Chicken and Dumplings Casserole – The ultimate in cozy comfort food, reimagined in a simple casserole format that’s perfect for a heartwarming meal.

Emily’s Pick: I am absolutely obsessed with the Chicken and Dumplings Casserole. It’s a recipe that speaks directly to my comfort food-loving heart, delivering all the warmth and nostalgia of the classic dish in an easy-to-make casserole that feels like a big hug in a bowl.

9. Best Side Dish Recipe: Classic Mashed Potatoes

   Sometimes, the simplest things are the best! Your votes crowned these perfectly smooth and creamy Classic Mashed Potatoes as the top side dish, a timeless favorite that complements almost any meal, from holiday roasts to everyday chicken dishes. They are truly the epitome of comfort.

Runner Up: Garlic Herb Mushrooms – A savory and aromatic side that adds a touch of elegance and earthy flavor to any plate with minimal effort.

Emily’s Pick: Although I don’t make them as often as I’d like (my husband isn’t a mushroom fan!), I also absolutely adore the Garlic Herb Mushrooms! They are so incredibly flavorful and make a fantastic, sophisticated accompaniment to many main courses, elevating any meal.

10. Best Dessert Recipe: Apple Pie Egg Rolls

    A fun and creative take on a beloved dessert, the Apple Pie Egg Rolls were your favorite sweet treat of 2019! They offer all the warm, spiced goodness of classic apple pie in a crispy, convenient, and utterly delightful package, perfect for individual servings.

Runner Up: Banana Chocolate Wonton Bites – A delightful combination of sweet fruit and rich chocolate, perfect for a quick and satisfying dessert that feels a little fancy.

Emily’s Pick: I’m right there with you on this one! The Apple Pie Egg Rolls are truly delicious, offering that classic apple pie flavor with a wonderfully crispy twist that makes them utterly irresistible and a joy to eat.

Looking Ahead: A New Decade of Deliciousness with Emily Bites!

Thank you once again, from the bottom of my heart, for being such an incredible part of the Emily Bites journey. Your continued readership, your enthusiasm for my recipes, and your constant encouragement and inspiring comments are what make this blog such a joy to maintain and grow. I wish you all a truly happy, healthy, and delicious 2020, and I sincerely hope you’ll stay tuned as we embark on a new year filled with even more innovative, lightened-up comfort food recipes designed to make your life easier and tastier! Here’s to many more years of cooking, sharing, and discovering delicious new flavors together!