Our 12 Most Popular Recipes of 2021

published Dec 27, 2021
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Credit: Top: Photo: Eric Kleinberg; Food Stylist: Kristina Vanni; Bottom (Left): Credit: Photo: Kristin Teig / Food Stylist: Catrine Kelty; Bottom (Right): Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Ben Weiner

Once again, we had a year that was like no other. As we moved through 2021, some of the gusto we had for cooking in 2020 slowly waned. Ease and simplicity in the kitchen replaced our devotion to sourdough starters. And above all else, 2021 was a year in which we sought comfort in all we cooked (and baked!).

We leaned on recipes that filled our bellies, warmed our hearts, and satisfied our soul. And truly, there’s nothing like creamy casseroles, buttery potatoes, fudgy chocolate cookies, or a warm pot of soup to check all the boxes.

We shared a lot of recipes this year (in fact, more than ever before!). Here are the 12 that ended up on top.

1 / 12
Grandma's Potatoes
I can say with near certainty that you've never had roasted potatoes like this version from Andrea's grandma. They're crispy on the outside, impossibly tender and buttery on the inside — and start with two cans of potatoes. (Yes, canned potatoes.)
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2 / 12
The Official Ted Lasso Biscuits
These classic, buttery shortbread biscuits come straight from the powers that be at Apple TV+. And chances are, you already have all of the ingredients needed to make these treats.
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3 / 12
Flourless Chocolate Brownie Cookies
This recipe feels like magic. Just a handful of pantry ingredients combine to create rich, fudgy, chewy, crispy cookies — perfect for dunking into a glass of milk.
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4 / 12
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
Every bite of this twice-baked potato casserole is warm and comforting and overflowing with melty cheese and crisp bacon.
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5 / 12
Baked Eggplant
You don't have to fry eggplant to make it crispy and flavorful.
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6 / 12
Coffee Cake Mug Cake
It’s sweet, it’s spiced, and it’s even finished with that signature glaze. Best of all, this treat is ready in just 10 minutes.
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7 / 12
Trader Joe's Cheesy Artichoke Rice Bake
This hearty four-ingredient casserole is the perfect midweek meal — it’s quick and comforting, and the whole family will love it.
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8 / 12
Navy Bean Soup
If soup is your love language, consider this old-time classic a must-make.
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9 / 12
Mizeria (Polish Cucumber Salad)
This twist on mizeria swaps in creamy, tangy labneh for the sour cream, resulting in a flavorful, refreshing side dish.
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10 / 12
Lemon Vinaigrette
If you’re looking for a bright and zippy homemade dressing that goes with everything, look no further than a lemon vinaigrette with a sweet twist.
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11 / 12
Crispy, Fluffy Oven-Baked Skillet Pancake
With a crispy brown-butter crust and pillowy-light center, this family-sized pancake rivals any diner-style stack. There is simply no tastier (or easier!) way to make a pancake breakfast for the whole table.
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12 / 12
Hot Chocolate Bombs (With or Without a Mold)
These hot chocolate bombs are a fun project, and they make a sweet little gift to drop off for friends. If you've got kids at home, they can help too!
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