Happy 2021! It is finally here with all its hope and promise! We have a whole new perspective on the new year after 2020, don’t we! I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year that hopefully, we can return to some semblance of normal.
With 2020 in our rearview mirror, I thought it would be fun to review the most popular Flavor Mosaic recipes in 2020. It was a year where people spent more time at home and more time cooking.
In addition, 2020 was a year full of uncertainty about the future. Therefore, I’m not surprised that the top 10 recipes were what many people consider comfort foods. If there was ever a time when people needed some comfort, it was in 2020.
Another trend in 2020 for Flavor Mosaic readers was an increase in Instant Pot recipes. With the popularity of Instant Pot pressure cookers increasing, the demand for recipes increases. I’m not surprised because the Instant Pot allows people to make one-pot meals in a fraction of the time as a slow cooker.
When you combine comfort foods with the Instant Pot, then you have a winning combination. It is always good when you can cook your favorite comfort foods faster than you ever thought possible.
Without further adieu, below are the Top 10 Recipes of 2020, based on reader viewership. I’ll start with number 10 and go to number 1. For each one, I’ll also share comments from some of our readers about what they liked about these recipes.
10. Southern Squash Casserole
A southern classic comfort food, this squash casserole, made with yellow squash, is popular in the summer when fresh squash is available and during the fall as a holiday side dish. Below are some reader comments.
“Great recipe! I have made this several times. Always a winner.”
“This recipe is fantastic!! I didn’t change a thing!! Delicious!”
9. Easy Homemade Mexican Rice
Also known as Spanish Rice, this boldly flavored Tex-Mex version of Mexican Rice, makes a delicious, restaurant quality rice side dish for your Mexican or Tex-Mex dinner. It goes well with tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas. See what some of the readers had to say about this recipe.
“I made this tonight for dinner and it was so good! I’ve never made spanish rice before but this recipe is easy. Thank you!”
8. Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped Potatoes are a favorite holiday side dish, especially with a roast or steak. These Scalloped Potatoes delivered flavor, creaminess, and deliciousness.
“These potatoes were amazing. My family loved them!”
7. Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding
A perennial favorite that is one of the most popular recipes on the website year after year, and one that has been shared over 450,000 times! It is amazing to me that a recipe I made to try to entice my husband to eat pumpkin has now become a Thanksgiving holiday tradition for thousands of families.
“I have made this on Thanksgiving for 4 years in a row, a family favorite!”
6. Egg Roll In A Bowl (AKA “Crack Slaw”)
A low-carb favorite, Egg Roll in a Bowl, or as it is commonly known, “Crack Slaw”, is bursting with flavor and is ready in about 20 minutes. It really does taste like the inside of an Egg Roll. Many people love it because it is low carb and fits into many healthy meal plans.
“This is one of our favorite dishes! Love how easy it was to put together!”
5. Crock Pot Chuck Roast
Nothing says comfort like a pot roast, and this Crock Pot Chuck Roast is an easy, budget-friendly, and awesome one-pot Crock Pot meal.
“Awesome. Entire family loved it and they are picky eaters.”
4. Strawberry Crumb Bars
Another perennial favorite, these strawberry bars made with fresh strawberries are sweet and fresh with a crumbly shortbread topping.
“Loved how easy and quick these were to make. My kitchen was filled with a delicious aroma as they baked. They were heavenly! Love recipes like this!”
3. Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Chicken And Rice Casserole
This recipe is perfect when you want delicious cheesy comfort food …. fast! It converts one of the most popular casseroles into an easy Instant Pot recipe.
“My husband and I both LOVED this dish! Definitely recommend & will be cooking this again 🙂 Thank you!”
2. Instant Pot Beef Stew
This was the very first recipe I made in the Instant Pot and it is still one of our favorites today! I’m making it today for our Sunday dinner on this very cold day!
“Oh my Goodness…this was fantastic! My husband kept saying over and over how good it was.”
1. Instant Pot Chicken And Dumplings
A traditional southern comfort food has been given a twist by making it in an Instant Pot! Since it is a one-pot meal that is faster than the slow cooker, it became our most popular recipe on Flavor Mosaic for 2020!
“Incredibly flavourful! Even our picky 9 year old ate a bowl!”
There you have the Top 10 Recipes of 2020! Which one is your favorite? Did you see any new recipes that you would like to try?
I look forward to bringing you more delicious recipes in 2021! If there are some recipes that you would like to see, please let me know in the comments!
Happy New Year everyone!