Hello and welcome to that strange week between Christmas and the New Year where time seems to stand still. Actually one of my favorite times to reset, reflect on the year, and share one of my most favorite posts: the top 25 reader favorite AK recipes from 2021!
We looked back on this year to see what you all made, shared, commented on, posted about, and loved the most this year and put together 25 of your favorite recipes. You’ll find some of the best breakfast recipes, tons of cozy dinners, and of course, lots of epic desserts that made 2021 extra special.
Take a scroll, check out what other readers had to say about each recipe and get these on your menu for 2022!
Breakfast
Lemon Poppy Seed Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
“Wow! It is amazing! This is the “must have” recipe for oats. I made it yesterday and my Husband loves it, as do I.” – Eileen
The Best Vegan Banana Bread You’ll Ever Eat
“Vegan or not this is 100% my favorite banana bread recipe!! Perfect texture and ingredients are so simple.” – Sofie
Sidney’s 4-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
“All 3 of my kiddos gave enthusiastic thumbs up for these pancakes!!! They will definitely become a staple for school mornings. They are so easy to make and love that they are full of protein.” – Courtney
Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes (high protein, gluten free)
“These are the best pancakes I’ve ever made. They taste great, are super easy to make, and a ton healthier than any regular box mix. Will definitely be making again!!” – Haley
Blender Double Chocolate Spinach Muffins
“SO SO good! I have been making a ton of your recipes this past month and they are all my new favorites. These muffins were a big hit for my 2 year old and husband.” – Jamie
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
“This smoothie is 🔥🔥🔥. I add spinach for some greens but it’s on rotation weekly. Tastes like dessert!” – Alysha
Oh So Fluffy Vegan Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Lunch
California Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad
“So, so, so delicious! Thank you for always coming through with the best tasting meals! I got so many compliments on this salad tonight. In fact, nobody ate anything else because they all kept getting more salad – it’s that good!” – Kelli
Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup with Mini Turkey Meatballs
“I love all of your recipes and they never fail me, but this one was my absolute FAVORITE. I grew up eating spaghetti-o’s as a treat whenever I had a sleepover at my grandma’s house, but haven’t had them since – this was an elevated blast from the past!” – Karli
Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
“Love love love this salad. I made it for a dinner party and everyone asked me for the recipe!!!!” – Megan
Dinner & Sides
Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew
“Followed directions as written and set on low for 6 hours. Freaking bomb.com!!! Will be adding to my fall/winter rotation. Thank you!!” – Laura
Homemade Slow Cooker Baked Beans
“These are the best baked beans I’ve ever had (not exaggerating)!! Brought them to a Fourth of July gathering and they were gone so quickly.” – Madi
Vegan Pasta Primavera with Creamy Garlic Cashew Sauce
“I made this tonight and…OMG! So creamy and delicious – you would never know this was vegan! One of my favorite meals I’ve ever made from Ambitious Kitchen and I’ve made a ton.” – Ainsley
Vegetarian Three Cheese White Bean Buffalo Dip
“5 stars ain’t enough for this dip! It’s soooooo good. Better than any version with chicken in it.” – Emily
One Pot Cheesy Mushroom Spinach Beef Pasta
“THIS WAS SO GOOD! Made it last night and had leftovers today. Wonderful flavor and so comforting. This will be a staple in our home.” – Kayla
30 Minute Vegan Stir Fry Sesame Noodles with Chickpeas & Basil
“Love, love, love this recipe!!! It is so tasty, nourishing and filling! I have made it several times already, and I am planning to make it again this week.” – Marija
“This was an easy, delicious way to make salmon! I’ve been experimenting with salmon marinades, and this is by far my favorite! Super yummy!” – Annie
Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles
“this recipe is completely perfect. This is one of those meals that I just want to keep eating and never stop! love the flavor combinations.” – Audrey
One Pan Creamy Thai Peanut Chicken Couscous
“I highly, highly recommend – this dish was so incredible! It was so flavorful and an absolute crowd pleaser. The chicken was perfectly cooked and the flavor was so delish.” – Taylor
Blow Ya Mind Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Pot Pie
“My daughter and I made this for dinner tonight! There was not a crumb left! Absolutely delicious! All kids loved it!” – Magdalena
Dessert
Inside Out Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake
“SO GOOD! Monique, all of your recipes are spot on but I think this one might be my all time fav. The perfect mix between a cake and brownie. It’s perfectly fudgey, the frosting is amazing. My new go-to cake.” – Veronica
Ooey-Gooey Salted Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars
“These bars ARE the ooey-est, gooey-est, bars just like you said!! They are perfect!! I wouldn’t change a thing!!” – Debra
Blow Ya Mind Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies (gluten free, too!)
“I was a bit wary of making these because I wasn’t sure if a vegan/gf cookie could deliver the true chocolate chip cookie experience but let me tell you IT DOES!!” – Jessie
Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
“Incredible frosting!!! Doubled the recipe so I could enjoy it even more. I paired it with AK’s Healthy Birthday Cake Recipe and WOW. Perfect fresh strawberry taste!” – Madison
Chickpea Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies (vegan-friendly!)
“Wow – these are beyond amazing. I was so worried it would taste bean-y and it doesn’t AT ALL. So delicious, moist and perfect – I think I may prefer them to any regular cookie!” – Kayla
“Omg, this was SO GOOD. So fluffy and so flavorful. My new favorite banana muffin recipe of yours” – Dori