Last year, our kitchens saw a diverse array of recipes that really stood out. From the rich flavors of the Middle East to the comforting classics of American cuisine, each recipe brought something unique and delicious to the table. What made them stand out wasn’t just their taste, but also how they added a special twist to our everyday meals. Let’s take a stroll through these standout dishes and see what made each one a must-try! If you haven’t made them yet, these are must-makes for 2024.

Bomb Meatloaf

Bomb meatloaf became a standout dish for its tender, juicy texture and a unique sweet and tangy glaze. It’s easy to assemble and cook, offering a comforting and filling dinner. This past year, its distinctive glaze and perfect texture made it a go-to recipe for a hearty meal in many households.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Instant Pot coconut pork, infused with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, was favored for its aromatic and tender qualities. Perfect when served over turmeric ginger rice, complemented by dried fruit and sliced almonds. This past year, its quick preparation in the Instant Pot and exotic flavor profile made it a top choice for a convenient yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Beef Kafta

Beef kafta, a traditional Middle Eastern dish, gained popularity this past year for its rich flavors and simplicity. Typically served as kabobs, it pairs well with rice and a tomato cucumber salad. The ease of preparation, combined with the ability to pair with various sides like feta or hummus, made it a favorite for many looking for a quick yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta

Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Chinese boneless spare ribs were a hit this past year, replicating the beloved takeout style. They are sticky, sweet, and feature crispy edges with a deep red color. The ease of making this favorite at home made it a popular choice for a quick and flavorful dinner, offering a homemade alternative to traditional takeout.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Marinated Chicken Wings

Marinated chicken wings, offering a blend of salty, sticky, sweet, and savory flavors, became a popular choice for casual yet scrumptious meals. Their ability to easily replace traditional buffalo sauce wings made them a hit. The recipe’s simplicity and irresistible flavor profile made them a favored choice for a quick and tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Chicken Wings

Lamb Bolognese

Lamb bolognese, a flavorful twist on the classic Italian recipe, became a cozy favorite. Simmered with carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, red wine, and fresh herbs, it was a popular choice for a comforting meal. The rich flavors and simplicity of preparation made it a frequent pick for those looking to enjoy a hearty pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean and kale quesadillas, oozing with melted cheddar and topped with creamy BBQ sauce, were a popular indulgent yet meatless meal option. Their ease of preparation and hearty flavors made them a favored choice for those seeking a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow cooker honey garlic chicken became a family favorite for its sticky, sweet sauce and pieces of pineapple. This easy recipe, a healthier alternative to takeout, gained popularity for its convenience and addicting flavor profile. Ideal for a fuss-free yet delicious meal, it was a frequent choice in households looking for simple yet flavorful dinner options.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Shrimp Lo Mein

Shrimp lo mein was a popular choice for a quick and easy dinner. Featuring Chinese egg noodles, juicy shrimp, and vegetables tossed in a restaurant-worthy sauce, it became a go-to for a 20-minute meal. This past year, its simplicity and delicious outcome made it a favorite for those looking to skip takeout and enjoy a homemade version of this classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein

Slow Cooker Tri Tip

Slow Cooker Tri-Tip Roast became one of the most delicious and effortless recipes to make. With just a few ingredients and fresh herbs, it offered an easy option with minimal prep time. This past year, its simplicity and tastiness made it a top choice for families looking for a satisfying meal that could feed everyone without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tri Tip

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters, roasting to perfection in under 25 minutes, were a hit for their crispy skin and mouthwatering spice rub. Their ease of preparation and tender, juicy meat made them a preferred choice for a quick and easy dinner. This past year, they became a go-to for many families seeking a hassle-free meal that didn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon

Baked wild sockeye salmon, with its herbed garlic caper citrus crust, was a top pick for an easy, healthy meal. Its short bake time of just 10-12 minutes made it a perfect choice for a quick yet impressive seafood dinner. This past year, its simple preparation and flavorful outcome made it a popular choice for those seeking a nutritious and easy-to-make seafood option.
Get the Recipe: Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon

Reverse Sear Tri Tip

The reverse sear tri tip recipe, flipping the traditional method of cooking steak, gained popularity for its flavor-locking technique and crispy crust. This approach resulted in a tender, juicy steak that was unbeatable in taste and texture. This past year, it became a favorite for steak lovers seeking a foolproof method to achieve perfectly cooked steak every time.
Get the Recipe: Reverse Sear Tri Tip