Cheesy dishes, easy homemade ice cream, great grill recipes, and authentic Mexican flavors dominated WhitneyBond.com in 2021. Below is the annual countdown of the most popular new recipes added to the site this year.
Every December I review the year’s most popular new recipes — the ones that were pinned, viewed, and shared the most. This list highlights the best new additions to WhitneyBond.com in 2021 and the recipes readers loved most.
Longstanding favorites continued to draw attention while several new recipes rose quickly to the top. Classics like Dad’s Famous Red Sangria, Fajita Seasoning, and Chinese Honey Chicken remained among the most viewed overall, but 2021 brought several standout new recipes including the top-ranked Steak Marinade and the addictive Cheesy Grilled Potatoes.
Looking back at earlier years, the site’s annual roundups reveal changing trends: 2020 favored pasta sauces and low-carb dishes; 2019 highlighted seasoning mixes and Instant Pot ideas; 2018 featured Whole30 meals and buffalo-flavored recipes; and 2017 was full of zoodle bowls and Buddha bowls. In 2020 I also launched a second site, Bowls Are The New Plates, which focuses on healthy, gluten-free bowls for any meal.
If you want healthy inspiration for the new year, check out the popular bowl recipes from 2021 on Bowls Are The New Plates — favorites include a creamy vegan chipotle sauce, shrimp taco bowls, and roasted broccoli bowls.
Top 21 New Recipes of 2021 on WhitneyBond.com
1. Steak Marinade
A straightforward, flavor-packed steak marinade that tenderizes and seasons skirt or sirloin for grilling or kabobs.
2. Fuji Apple Salad Dressing
A bright, tangy vinaigrette inspired by a popular café salad dressing—ready in about five minutes and great on green salads or chicken salad.
3. Corn Casserole
A comforting, cheesy Southern-style corn casserole that comes together quickly with pantry-friendly ingredients—perfect for holidays and weeknights.
4. Cheesy Grilled Potatoes
Red potatoes tossed with onions and peppers, cooked in foil on the grill and finished with melty cheese—crispy, simple, and crowd-pleasing.
5. Caprese Pasta
A quick, 20-minute pasta featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella—light, fresh, and ideal for busy weeknights.
6. Chilaquiles Verdes
A quick green chilaquiles made with crispy chips and salsa verde—ready in about 15 minutes and excellent with eggs or shredded meat.
7. Espresso Martinis
Restaurant-style espresso martinis made at home with canned espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and a decadent vanilla whipped cream topper.
8. Apple Dessert Pizza
A fun dessert pizza topped with sliced apples, cinnamon streusel, and a sweet icing drizzle—great for family nights or special occasions.
9. Chilaquiles Rojos
A classic red chilaquiles made by simmering hearty tortilla chips in red enchilada sauce, finished with creamy and fresh toppings.
10. Carne Asada Bowl
A hearty carne asada bowl loaded with grilled skirt steak, fresh toppings, and a creamy chipotle sauce—easy to adapt for low-carb meal prep.
11. Smoked Pulled Pork
A low-and-slow smoked pulled pork recipe that uses a flavorful rub and optional brine to yield tender, juicy results.
12. Moose Tracks Ice Cream
A no-churn Moose Tracks that mixes hot fudge and peanut butter cup pieces into creamy base—no ice cream maker required.
13. Green Enchilada Sauce
Homemade green enchilada sauce roasted from tomatillos and peppers—versatile for enchiladas, chilaquiles, and casseroles.
14. Fuji Apple Chicken Salad
A homemade Fuji Apple Chicken Salad that captures café-style flavors with fresh apples, chicken, and your choice of toppings.
15. Candied Bacon
Sweet-and-salty candied bacon made with brown sugar (or maple, bourbon, or spicy variations), baked or air-fried for a crunchy finish.
16. Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Quick grilled Brussels sprouts seasoned and finished with lemon zest and Parmesan—great as a side or appetizer in about 20 minutes.
17. Grilled Zucchini
Marinated grilled zucchini with tips for a crispy, flavorful result—an ideal accompaniment to steak or chicken from the grill.
18. Red White and Blue Cheese Potato Salad
A bold potato salad loaded with blue cheese and bacon—an elevated picnic side that’s flavorful and easy to make at home.
19. Chicken Pot Pie
A comforting, tested chicken pot pie with a flaky puff pastry crust and a rich, savory filling that can be prepared quickly.
20. No Churn Cherry Garcia Ice Cream
A no-churn Cherry Garcia ice cream with cherry swirls and dark chocolate chunks that delivers classic flavor without an ice cream maker.
21. Cajun Seasoning
A versatile Louisiana-style Cajun seasoning blend perfect for shrimp, chicken, vegetables, and any dish that needs a flavorful kick.
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Happy New Year, and cheers to a delicious 2022!