These Are 10 of the Best Recipes We Saw on Instagram in 2021

published Dec 18, 2021
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Credit: Justin Burke

It’s safe to say that after the year we had in 2020, we were all ready for 2021 to bring us some much-needed happiness and joy. With the year coming to an end, reflecting on the memories that brought a sparkle to our lives fuels our motivation for more of the same in the new year. In honor of your best memories from 2021, we wanted to put together a list of our favorite recipes that we found on Instagram this year that brought us the type of excitement that only good food can do. So, get comfortable and get your notepad ready, because you’re going to want to try some of these amazing dishes by the time you reach the end of this list. 

Credit: Sara Tane
I Tried the New York Times’ Perfect Cinnamon Toast Recipe (All I Have to Say Is *WOW*)

Ali Slagel’s Cinnamon Toast 

Any food that transports me back to childhood is sure to be a hit. If, like me, you grew up eating cinnamon toast, you’ll definitely want to try Ali Slagel’s recipe — it’s on a whole new playing field. There’s a reason the New York Times referred to it as the “Perfect Cinnamon Toast Recipe.” She takes you from the toaster to the pan and proves that there is indeed a superior way to make cinnamon toast and do it with minimal ingredients.

Credit: Jenny Huang
Kanom Krok (Thai Coconut Pancakes)

Kanom Krok (Thai Coconut Pancakes) 

This recipe wasn’t one that we technically saw on Instagram, but it was one that was posted on our own account. Mixing savory with sweet, these Thai Coconut Pancakes pay homage to a breakfast food that is popular all over Thailand. Pepper Teigen recalls waking up early as a child and making kanom krok and selling them to people as they headed to work in the morning. In her family, this recipe is a tradition that is passed down from mother to daughter, each generation learning to perfect the process. If the sound of crispy, half-moon shaped pancakes covered in a smooth and creamy coconut spread sounds good to you, then you’ll quickly find out why it made our list of this year’s best.

Credit: Grace Elkus
I Tried Ina Garten’s “Perfect Weeknight Recipe”

Ina Garten’s Baked Cod with Garlic & Herb Ritz Crumbs 

By this point it’s no secret: Ina Garten always delivers. But when she claims a recipe is so tasty it “just might get your kids to eat fish,” well, that’s no joking matter. Captioned as “the perfect weeknight recipe,” Ina’s Baked Cod with Garlic & Herb Ritz Crumbs consists of mostly pantry staples, is quick and easy to make, and pairs well with just about anything.   

Credit: Nicole Rufus
I Tried the Most Popular Levain Bakery Copycat Recipe and Can’t Believe How Good It Is

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Crush Cookies 

Attention, chocolate chip cookie connoisseurs! Introducing the reigning champion of cookies — weighing in at 6 ounces, holding the top seat as Modern Honey’s number-one chocolate chip cookie recipe — the Levain Bakery copycat chocolate chip cookie! Known for their lines of customers that wrap around the block, Levain Bakery is a fan favorite. With this recipe, however, you’ll be able to save yourself (and your feet) from the exhaustion of waiting an hour in line and make these oversized, overly delicious cookies for yourself!   

Credit: Jesse Szewczyk
These Blueberry Hand Pies Are Even Better than Pop-Tarts (You Won’t Believe the Flaky Layers)

Fox in the Snow’s Blueberry Hand Pies 

If you’re a fan of Pop-Tarts or any flaky, jam filled treats, Fox in the Snow Café wastes no time letting us know we’re missing out on a majorly foolproof recipe. The recommended approach would be to break the recipe up into steps to make things a bit easier, but the payoff — as this could be a big undertaking — is well worth the time and effort. With promised results of extra crisp and buttery exteriors, rich blueberry filling, and the most perfect layers you could imagine, why would you want to get your hands on this recipe? 

Credit: Will Coleman
Blueberry Cream Cheese Pancake Bites Are the Make-Ahead Breakfast You Need Right Now

Mogrubs Blueberry Cream Cheese Pancake Bites 

We’ve got one more stop on the blueberry train. Mogrubs Blueberry Cream Cheese Pancake Bites are the perfect breakfast meal prep and only take a small amount of time to make. With a 10-minute prep time, these delectable little bites are perfect for those busy, on-the-go mornings. Plus, they are great to experiment with. Try adding ingredients you like to give this already-amazing recipe a new twist.  

Credit: Justin Burke
Already Tired of Pumpkin Spice? Try This Easy Butterscotch Bundt Cake.

Brown Butter Blondie’s Butterscotch Bundt Cake

Referred to as “a gateway to all things pumpkin,” Brown Butter Blondie scratches an itch for holiday pumpkin flavors in a Bundt way. If you’re looking for something to impress the family with at dinner this year, this cake and its brown sugar maple glaze will absolutely do the trick. Remember to not overmix the batter, and be sure to grease the pan right before adding your mixture. 

Lidia Bastianich Put an Italian Spin on French Onion Soup — And You’re Gonna Want to Try It

Lidia Bastianich’s French Onion Soup 

Celebrity chef and cookbook author Lidia Bastianich has an Italian twist on an all-time classic that you’re going to want to try. Officially noted as an “Onion Soup with Fontina Paticciata,” Lidia clues us in on how she got the idea and shows us that experimenting with traditional recipes can be fun and exciting. 

Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman | Food Stylist: Cyd McDowell
This Stuffing-Topped Thanksgiving Pot Pie Recipe Is Your Answer to Holiday Leftovers

Joy the Baker’s Stuffing-Topped Thanksgiving Pot Pie 

Now, it wouldn’t be a proper year-end, best-of list without a good pot pie. Joy the Baker puts all the flavors you’re looking for in a Thanksgiving feast in one pie and we are not mad at it.  Good for any holiday occasion, this stuffing-topped turkey pot pie is probably the smartest thing you can do with your holiday leftovers.   

Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Brett Regot
This Gnome-Shaped Bread Loaf Will Brighten Up Your Holidays

Cottage Loaves Gnome-Shaped Bread Loaf 

Bread-lovers, rejoice! The self-proclaimed sourdough artist known as Cottage Loaves is here to guide us into the next realm of bread making. Wherever you are at in your journey, rest assured that when you are ready, this talented baker will be there to take your skills to a whole new level. Offering up a step-by-step guide, Cottage Loaves walks us through the making of a gnome-shaped bread loaf, bringing us some much-needed holiday inspiration. 

What are some of the best recipes you found or saw us cover from Instagram this year? Let us know in the comments section below.