Cast Your Vote: Emily Bites’ Best Recipes of 2022 Reader’s Choice Awards!

Hello, wonderful foodies and loyal readers! It’s that exciting time of year again when we pause to celebrate the incredible culinary journey we’ve shared. The annual Emily Bites Reader’s Choice Awards are here, and I’m absolutely thrilled to invite you to participate in this cherished tradition. This poll isn’t just a survey; it’s a vibrant testament to the recipes that have resonated most with you – the passionate home cooks who bring my creations to life in your kitchens. Your votes, comments, and enthusiastic feedback are what truly fuel this blog and make this annual event so special for me. Every single vote feels like a personal gift, a confirmation of the incredible community we’ve built together around healthy, delicious, and approachable cooking.

Once all your invaluable votes are tallied, I’ll proudly unveil the “Best of” post, showcasing all the winning recipes. This grand reveal serves a dual purpose: it’s a fantastic opportunity for our long-time readers to revisit favorites or discover any hidden gems they might have missed throughout the year. For new visitors discovering Emily Bites for the first time in the new year, this post acts as a perfect starting point, guiding them directly to our most beloved and popular recipes. It’s a curated collection designed to inspire and delight, immediately introducing them to the heart of what Emily Bites offers: lightened-up comfort food that never compromises on flavor or your wellness goals.

Celebrating a Dozen Years of Deliciousness: The Emily Bites Journey

Can you believe it? This Christmas Eve will mark an incredible twelve years since Emily Bites first came to life! It’s truly astounding to reflect on how far we’ve come. On one hand, it feels like just yesterday I was taking my first tentative steps into the world of blogging, sharing recipes purely as a fun hobby. On the other, I can barely remember a time when Emily Bites wasn’t a central, joyful part of my daily life. What began as a simple passion project has, over the years, blossomed into my absolute dream job. This transformation, this incredible journey, would simply not have been possible without you, my dedicated readers.

Every single one of you – whether you’re meticulously cooking along with my recipes, eagerly reading my latest posts, or generously sharing my site with friends and family – you are the heartbeat of Emily Bites. Words can scarcely express the profound gratitude I feel knowing you’re here, allowing me the immense privilege to do what I love more than anything. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. Thank you for your inspiring Instagram shares, showcasing your beautifully cooked dishes. Thank you for watching and spreading the word about my recipe videos on Facebook. Thank you for opening up and sharing your personal stories through your heartfelt comments and emails – telling me how much you, your kids, or even your famously picky husband loved a particular recipe, or sharing the triumphs of your weight loss journey. Each message, each photo, each share brings an immeasurable smile to my face and serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible community we’ve fostered together.

Your continued support, enthusiasm, and engagement are not just appreciated; they are my constant motivation and inspiration. They remind me why I started this blog and why I continue to pour my heart into creating delicious, accessible recipes every single day. Knowing that my recipes are making a positive difference in your lives, helping you eat well and feel good, is the greatest reward. Thank you for being the most incredible readers a blogger could ever wish for!

Discovering Timeless Favorites: Past Reader’s Choice Award Winners

This year’s nominees represent the very best of what we’ve cooked together in 2022, but the world of Emily Bites extends far beyond just one year! If you don’t see some of your long-standing favorites listed among the current nominees, it’s likely because they were featured in previous years’ awards. The beauty of lightened-up comfort food is its timeless appeal – great flavor and smart nutrition never go out of style! I highly encourage you to explore our hall of fame, where many of these past winners continue to be some of the most popular and frequently visited recipes on the site. They offer a fantastic opportunity to discover new-to-you dishes or revisit old classics that have earned their place in the hearts (and kitchens) of our community:

2021 Winners
2020 Winners
2019 Winners
2018 Winners
2017 Winners
2016 Winners
2015 Winners
2014 Winners
2013 Winners
2012 Winners
2011 Winners

How to Cast Your Vote: Shape the Future of Emily Bites!

I admit, even after all these years, a tiny part of me still gets nervous that no one will vote! But time and again, you’ve proven me wrong with your incredible participation. So, if you’re even slightly contemplating whether to vote, please do! It genuinely makes a world of difference to me and helps shape the content you’ll see more of in the future. It only takes a few minutes of your time, but your input is incredibly valuable and deeply appreciated.

Ready to make your voice heard and crown the champions of 2022? Here’s how our simple and fun voting process works:

There are 10 distinct categories, each filled with delicious contenders from the past year. To cast your vote, simply leave a comment below this post. In your comment, list the numbers 1 through 10, and next to each number, fill in the letter (a, b, c, d, or e) corresponding to your chosen winner for that specific category. Don’t worry if you haven’t had the chance to cook a recipe from every single category – that’s perfectly fine! Feel free to vote for whichever recipe simply looks the most appealing to you, or if you prefer, you can leave certain categories blank. There are no strict rules here; the goal is to celebrate the recipes that caught your eye and your taste buds!

Here’s a quick example of what your vote should look like in the comments (the letters chosen are just for illustration):

And now, without further delay, it’s time to meet the incredible nominees for Emily Bites’ Best Recipes of 2022! Get ready to choose your favorites across a diverse range of culinary delights:

1. Best Savory Breakfast Recipe: Kickstart Your Day with Flavor

Elevate your morning routine with these hearty and satisfying savory breakfast options, perfect for any day of the week.

a) Turkey Breakfast Sausage
b) Three Cheese Broccoli Brunch Bake
c) Ham and Cheese Omelet Roll
d) Lighter Griddlecake Breakfast Sandwiches
e) Vegetable Feta Frittata

2. Best Breakfast Baked Goods Recipe: Sweet Starts to Your Morning

Indulge your sweet tooth the healthy way with these delightful baked goods, perfect for breakfast or a delicious snack.

a) Blueberry Bread
b) Pineapple Upside Down Baked Oatmeal Singles
c) Banana Zucchini Muffins

3. Best Dip Recipe: Perfect for Snacking and Entertaining

From game day to casual gatherings, these flavorful dips are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a healthy addition to your spread.

a) Everything Cream Cheese Dip
b) Creamy Veggie Dip
c) Easy Cheesy Bean Dip

4. Best Soup or Salad Recipe: Light, Fresh, and Flavorful

Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl or a vibrant, fresh meal, these soups and salads offer delicious and wholesome options for any season.

a) Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad
b) New England Clam Chowder
c) Avocado Egg Salad
d) Mediterranean Couscous Salad

5. Best Chicken Recipe: Versatile and Delicious Main Courses

Chicken remains a beloved staple, and these creative and lightened-up recipes prove just how versatile and flavorful it can be for dinner.

a) Spicy Chicken Sandwiches
b) Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken
c) Cheesy Garden Vegetable Baked Chicken
d) Barbecue Rubbed Chicken Bites
e) Creamy Tuscan Chicken

6. Best Vegetarian Recipe: Flavorful Plant-Based Delights

Discover vibrant and satisfying vegetarian dishes that are packed with flavor and nutrition, perfect for meatless Mondays or any day.

a) Cauliflower and Barley Parmesan Bake
b) Cheesy Spicy Black Bean Skillet
c) Black Bean Taquitos
d) Summer Vegetable Pasta

7. Best One-Pot Meal Recipe: Effortless Weeknight Dinners

Simplify your meal prep and cleanup with these fantastic one-pot wonders, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

a) One-Pot Barbecue Chicken Pasta
b) One-Pot Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta
c) Chicken Taco Rice Skillet
d) Italian Sausage and Beans Skillet

8. Best Meaty Main Dish Recipe: Hearty and Satisfying Entrees

For those who love a robust meal, these meaty main dishes offer comforting and delicious options for family dinners and special occasions.

a) Turkey and Chorizo Enchilada Rice Bake
b) Sausage Stuffed Tomatoes
c) Ham and Cheese Au Gratin Potato Bake
d) Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
e) Taco Stuffed Twice Baked Potatoes

9. Best Side Dish Recipe: Perfect Pairings for Any Meal

Complete your culinary creations with these incredibly versatile and flavorful side dishes, designed to complement any main course.

a) Bacon Butternut Squash Hash
b) Cheesy Zucchini Rice
c) Apple Coleslaw
d) Wild Rice Pilaf

10. Best Dessert Recipe: Sweet Endings Made Lighter

Satisfy your cravings for something sweet with these lighter dessert options, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for mindful eating.

a) Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
b) Topless Apple Pie
c) Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Brownies

Thank you so incredibly much in advance for taking the time to cast your vote and for being such an integral part of the Emily Bites community. Your engagement means the world to me, and I can’t wait to see which delicious creations you crown as the best of 2022!

Warmly,

Emily