AOC's annual list of the most popular recipes on the blog, both from 2019 and also the most popular of all time (or 11 years in blog-time...). Did your favorite make the list?
One of the things I look forward to at the end of each year is the annual look back on the blog. What resonated with you - and what didn't? What is taking off slowly and what needs some refreshing?
I've consistently shared these results with you in the form of "most popular" lists (scroll to the bottom to see these - it's a fun look back down memory lane) because I think it's interesting to read what people found compelling on other's blogs and so maybe you would be curious, too, about AOC. Plus, it's a great way to remember those things we wanted to try but maybe haven't yet.
It's also a good way to have a recipe (or gardening or DIY project) vetted - if it's popular, then I think, "lots of others have tried it, so maybe I should try it, too." (Obviously I've tried all the things on my blog - I'm speaking of generally when I read other's lists, ha!)
So today I'm brining you the most popular recipes of 2019, based on pageviews to the site, plus your perennial favorites. Be on the lookout next for the most popular DIY & gardening content of 2019.
As a blogger heading into my second decade (!) of creating content for you here in our little corner of the internet, you'll notice that many of the year's popular recipes are updates of older recipes.
I have spent the last year attempting to make ALL my content usable, shareable, and relevant, not only for the blog, but because most of my earliest recipes are also some of my favorite recipes. They deserve to have the spotlight on them again - and you deserve to know about these previously hidden gems!
Okay - on to the lists - I hope you find some inspiration to try a few new-to-you recipes this year!
Popular Recipes of 2019
1. The most popular recipe from the last year was my updated homemade cocoa mix recipe. This recipe has actually been on the blog since the first year, but languished with terrible photos a bad format. I knew it was a keeper and worth the time to take new photos and update.
What makes this recipe special? It's a just-add-water mix so great for outdoor activities.
2. The runner up was another updated recipe, this time for my classic pantry basic homemade ketchup. This is literally a pantry staple you'll always find in my fridge and is so easy to make that I never feel the need to buy ketchup.
3. Pigs in a Blanket found its way to third place due to the new photos and video I created for this classic recipe last spring. It's a fun recipe, that's for sure.
4. Homemade chocolate syrup rounds out the top four, and just happens to be the forth pantry basic recipe I updated last spring with new photos and a video. See what I mean about the updated recipes being the best? I have a drizzle of this on my latte every morning!
5. Creamy garlic pepper salad dressing is one of our favorite salad dressings and was a new recipe I introduced this year, even though I've used it for years on this great steak salad.
6. Another updated pantry basic on the list: homemade mayonnaise. I added another method for making it, though - you can choose to use a food processor or an immersion blender right in the jar you'll store it in (guess which is my favorite?).
7. Tuscan white bean salad is a hearty salad I like to take camping and to potlucks because it stores perfectly, so I'm glad to see it made it on the best of list.
8. And I'm SO glad this made it on the most popular list, too: how to make chicken broth from bones 4 easy ways. I compiled all the information I had published on the blog and made a "bone broth 101" page for you for easy reference. (The link above is the full 101 page, the recipe below is to one of the ways - making broth in a slow cooker or Instant pot.)
9. Last year I created quite a few new bread recipes and guess which one made it to this list? The spiced maple sweetened carrot bread! I love the hearty, slightly sweet flavor that reminds me of calorie-laden carrot cake but with healthier ingredients. (Tip: you can see all the bread recipes I've published here.)
10. Since this is a recipe I've loved since I first started baking, I'm happy to see that the updated peanut butter swirl bars just squeaked by on the list! Have you made these yet?
AOC's Most Popular Recipes of All Time
So, are you curious about the most popular recipes of all time for AOC? I thought you might be, so I'm including a quick list here to satisfy your curiosity.
Hopefully you've tried these, but if not, make sure you put them on your to-make lists. They're the most popular every year for a reason!
1. Easy Sourdough Artisan Bread
2. DIY Roasted Almonds
3. How to Freeze Corn 3 Ways
CLICK HERE to read.
4. Roasted Cabbage Wedges
5. 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread
6. Soft 100% Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
7. How to Freeze Green Beans without Blanching
CLICK HERE to read
8. Addictive Tomato Chutney (though I use this one with less sugar)
9. Favorite Thick Canned Salsa Recipe
10. How to Freeze Basil Leaves 6 Ways
CLICK HERE to read