Announcing the 2015 Emily Bites Reader’s Choice Award Winners: Your Favorite Lightened-Up Recipes!

The moment you’ve all been waiting for is finally here! We are thrilled to reveal the highly anticipated results of our 5^th annual Reader’s Choice Awards. A heartfelt thank you goes out to every single one of you who took the time to vote and share your favorite recipes from the past year. This annual tradition is incredibly special to us, as it not only celebrates the incredible dishes we’ve created together but also serves as an invaluable guide for new readers discovering the Emily Bites community. When someone new lands on our blog, we always point them to these award winners as the perfect starting point to explore our collection of delicious, lightened-up comfort food recipes. Your participation helps us curate the ultimate “greatest hits” list each year, making it easier for everyone to find tried-and-true favorites. If you’re eager to see how tastes have evolved, you can also browse the winners from previous years: the 2014 winners, 2013 winners, 2012 winners, and 2011 winners.

A Deep Dive into Five Years of Emily Bites: Celebrating Our Amazing Community

Beyond those who voted, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every single one of you reading this today. Whether you’ve cooked one of my recipes, followed us on social media, or simply stumbled upon this post, your presence makes this blog possible. Thank you for your unwavering support, for engaging with our content, and for being an integral part of the Emily Bites family. Your comments on posts, your shares with friends, your mouth-watering recipe photos on Instagram, your pins on Pinterest, your link shares on Facebook, and your personal messages letting me know you tried a recipe – all of it fuels my passion and creativity. Interacting with you, seeing your culinary creations, and hearing how my recipes fit into your lives is an incredible blessing. I am profoundly grateful that so many of you have embraced these lightened-up recipes and helped spread the word about our community. Whether you’ve been a loyal reader since I started blogging on Christmas Eve 2010 or this is your very first encounter with Emily Bites, I am genuinely thrilled you’re here and sincerely hope you’ll continue to return for years to come.

Five years ago, I embarked on this blogging journey with no idea how significantly it would shape my life. It’s truly hard to imagine a time without the constant inspiration and connection that Emily Bites brings. As we eagerly step into 2016 with a fresh batch of new recipes, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the remarkable growth and evolution of this site. Each year, I’ve shared some readership and social media milestones, primarily for my own nostalgic reflection. While the numbers are never the sole motivation behind my blogging, it’s incredibly rewarding to witness the community expand. Let’s take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come: in five years, we’ve published 418 posts, garnered over 27 million blog page views (according to Google Analytics!), and built a vibrant online community. Over 62,991 of you have joined us on Facebook, 42,784 follow us on Pinterest, 41,200 are our Instagram friends, and 2,517 are part of our Twitter followers. These statistics are a testament to your incredible engagement and passion for wholesome, flavorful food.

It bears repeating: I am genuinely overwhelmed by the sheer number of you who read my blog, recreate my recipes, and provide such invaluable feedback, encouragement, and inspiration. Your collective enthusiasm is the heartbeat of Emily Bites. THANK YOU!

The Highly Anticipated 2015 Reader’s Choice Award Winners Are Here!

Now, without further sentimental reflection, let’s dive into the main event: the 2015 Reader’s Choice Award Winners! Below, you’ll find the results for each category. We’ve highlighted the winning recipe with a photo and then listed the runner-up, along with my personal vote (which, for fairness, did not influence the official standings, but is included for a bit of fun and insight into my own favorites). Prepare to discover some truly fantastic lightened-up recipes that captured your hearts and taste buds!

1. Best Appetizer Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

These crispy, flavor-packed Buffalo Chicken Taquitos clearly resonated with many of you, making them the undeniable champion in the appetizer category. Their delicious blend of spicy buffalo chicken wrapped in a perfectly crisp shell makes them an ideal party snack or a satisfying starter for any meal.

Runner Up: Spicy Beef Taquitos. It seems you all share my love for taquitos, as this beefy, zesty alternative also performed exceptionally well!

Emily’s Pick: While I absolutely adore the winning Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, my heart also holds a very special place for my BLT Dip. It’s so creamy, savory, and captures all the classic flavors of a BLT in an irresistible dip format. It was truly a tough choice, which is precisely why I entrust these decisions to all of you!

2. Best Breakfast Recipe: Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Quiche

This savory Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Quiche took the top spot for breakfast, and it’s easy to see why. With a delicious hash brown crust and a fluffy egg, ham, and cheese filling, it’s a hearty and satisfying start to any day, perfect for meal prep or a weekend brunch.

Runner Up: Bubble Up Breakfast Casserole. Another fantastic choice for feeding a crowd or enjoying a comforting breakfast!

Emily’s Pick: I’m going to champion the 3^rd place winner here and cast my personal vote for the Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Singles. They are incredibly easy to make, wonderfully portable, and burst with delicious blueberry flavor, making them a consistently perfect lightened-up breakfast option. However, I’m not at all surprised the quiche won; it truly is a universally beloved recipe!

3. Best Salad Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Bringing together the vibrant flavors of buffalo chicken and the satisfying texture of pasta salad, this dish was a clear winner in the salad category. It’s a fantastic option for potlucks, picnics, or simply a refreshing yet filling meal.

Runner Up: Cheeseburger Salad. This inventive salad actually tied for first place! I had to make the tough decision to break the tie, but it speaks volumes about its popularity and deliciousness.

Emily’s Pick: For me, when it comes to salads, I have to give the nod to the Hummus Chicken Salad. The creamy texture from the hummus combined with tender chicken and fresh veggies made for an incredibly satisfying and flavorful meal. My husband and I absolutely devoured the leftovers!

4. Best Soup Recipe: Zuppa Toscana

This lightened-up version of the classic Zuppa Toscana truly captured your hearts and taste buds, earning it the title of Best Soup. Its creamy broth, savory sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale make for a wonderfully comforting and hearty meal, perfect for chilly evenings.

Runner Up: Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Another incredibly popular choice, proving that classic comfort never goes out of style!

Emily’s Pick: My vote unequivocally goes to the Broccoli Cheddar Soup. And the reason is simple: Because Cheese. The rich, cheesy goodness combined with wholesome broccoli is a match made in heaven for me.

5. Best Pasta Recipe: Spicy Taco Gnocchi Skillet

This innovative and incredibly flavorful Spicy Taco Gnocchi Skillet won over the pasta lovers! Combining the tender chewiness of gnocchi with the vibrant, zesty flavors of a taco, it’s a unique and satisfying weeknight meal that clearly became a staple in many kitchens.

Runner Up: Pumpkin Alfredo Tortellini Skillet. A deliciously seasonal and comforting option that also garnered significant attention!

Emily’s Pick: For this category, I simply could not stop eating the Pumpkin Alfredo Tortellini Skillet. The creamy pumpkin sauce with the tender tortellini was pure autumn comfort, and I found myself craving it long after it was gone.

6. Best Muffin Tin Meal Recipe: Pepperoni Pull-Apart Muffins

These incredibly fun and undeniably delicious Pepperoni Pull-Apart Muffins were crowned the Best Muffin Tin Meal. They’re a fantastic, interactive way to enjoy pizza flavors in a portion-controlled format, perfect for kids and adults alike!

Runner Up: Chicken Cordon Bleu Wonton Cupcakes. This elegant and clever take on a classic dish also proved to be a big hit with our readers.

Emily’s Pick: My personal preference in this category leans towards the Turkey Club Wonton Cupcakes. They offer all the satisfying layers of a classic turkey club sandwich in a delightful, bite-sized package. They were definitely a standout for me.

7. Best Side Dish Recipe: Easy Garlic Knots

Who can resist the warm, savory goodness of a freshly baked garlic knot? Your votes propelled these Easy Garlic Knots to the top of the Best Side Dish category. Simple to make and incredibly satisfying, they are truly the perfect complement to almost any meal.

Runner Up: Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks. A creative and visually appealing side that offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Emily’s Pick: Personally, I swoon for Spinach and Parmesan Orzo. The tender orzo combined with fresh spinach and salty Parmesan cheese makes for an incredibly flavorful and comforting side that pairs beautifully with so many main courses. That definitely wins it for me!

8. Best Casserole Recipe: Bubble Up Chicken Pot Pie Casserole (by a landslide!)

This innovative and incredibly comforting Bubble Up Chicken Pot Pie Casserole absolutely dominated the Best Casserole category, winning by a significant landslide! It takes all the beloved flavors of a classic chicken pot pie and transforms them into an easy-to-make, bubbly casserole that’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Runner Up: It’s a tie! Both the Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole and Beef Enchilada Quinoa Bake received an equal number of votes, proving their immense popularity as flavorful and wholesome casserole options.

Emily’s Pick: For this category, I’m going rogue and picking my Eggplant Parmesan Casserole. It’s a labor of love that always delivers on rich, savory Italian flavors, and it’s a personal comfort food favorite. Yum!

9. Best Meaty Main Dish Recipe: Cream Cheese Stuffed Everything Chicken (another landslide!)

This incredibly decadent yet lightened-up Cream Cheese Stuffed Everything Chicken was another overwhelming winner, claiming the title of Best Meaty Main Dish by a landslide! The savory cream cheese filling and the “everything” seasoning make this chicken dish a truly memorable and satisfying meal.

Runner Up: Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken. A wonderfully indulgent and popular choice, showcasing the universal love for cheesy, smoky flavors.

Emily’s Pick: In this category, I simply can’t argue with your excellent taste! I absolutely loved both of the recipes you chose, so I am going to wholeheartedly ditto these results. Both are phenomenal main dish recipes that I frequently enjoy.

10. Best Handheld Recipe: Bacon BBQ Cheeseburger Quesadilla

Combining the best of cheeseburgers and quesadillas, the Bacon BBQ Cheeseburger Quesadilla was voted your favorite handheld recipe! Its irresistible blend of crispy bacon, savory ground beef, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese all wrapped in a tortilla makes it a perfect, fun meal for any occasion.

Runner Up: It’s a tie! Equal votes were cast for the sophisticated Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwiches and the crowd-pleasing Pizza Burger Sliders. Both offer unique and delicious experiences in a convenient handheld format.

Emily’s Pick: For me, the standout in this category is the Black & Blue Burgers. I absolutely adore anything with bold Cajun seasoning, and the cool, creamy blue cheese coleslaw was an utterly perfect complement to the spicy burger. It’s a flavor combination that I crave again and again.

11. Best Pizza Recipe: Pizza Pockets

Taking the crown for Best Pizza Recipe, these delightful Pizza Pockets offer all the joy of a traditional pizza in a portable, easy-to-eat package. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, quick dinners, or a fun snack, and their widespread appeal is evident in your votes!

Runner Up: Spinach Artichoke Flatbreads. This sophisticated and flavorful option proved to be a popular alternative to traditional pizza.

Emily’s Pick: I wholeheartedly agree with the standings in this category! The Pizza Pockets are a true winner for their convenience, adaptability, and sheer deliciousness. They truly earned the win!

12. Best Dessert Recipe: Cannoli Dip

Bringing the iconic flavors of a cannoli into an easy-to-share format, the Cannoli Dip triumphed as your Best Dessert Recipe! Its creamy, sweet filling dotted with chocolate chips and served with crispy dippers is an absolute showstopper that’s perfect for parties or a special treat.

Runner Up: Key Lime Cheesecake Cups. These individual, tangy, and sweet treats also proved to be a major favorite among our readers.

Emily’s Pick: This was an incredibly difficult choice for me, as I was genuinely torn between my own Cannoli Dip and the irresistible Key Lime Cheesecake Cups. It’s clear that you all have fantastic taste in desserts! So, I’m going to cheat a little and declare both as my top picks because they truly are equally amazing in their own unique ways.

Thank You for Another Incredible Year – Here’s to 2016!

Once again, my heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of you for reading my blog, bringing my recipes to life in your kitchens, and for continually encouraging and inspiring me with your wonderful comments and engagement. Your enthusiasm is the driving force behind Emily Bites, and I am so grateful for this vibrant community we’ve built together. I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2016, filled with joy, good food, and shared moments. I sincerely hope you’ll stay tuned as we embark on another year of creating more delicious, lightened-up comfort food recipes for you to enjoy. Get ready for new flavors, innovative dishes, and plenty of inspiration in the new year!