Discover the Most Popular Recipes of 2021: A Culinary Journey from WhitneyBond.com

As the year drew to a close, a delicious trend emerged: **cheesy recipes, creamy homemade ice cream, sizzling dishes from the grill, and authentic Mexican flavors** captivated the palates of WhitneyBond.com readers throughout 2021! Join us as we unveil the highly anticipated annual countdown of the most popular new recipes that truly stole the show.

Each December, it’s a joy to reflect on the culinary journey of the past year and celebrate the recipes that resonated most with our incredible community. This special recap highlights the **most pinned, most viewed, and most shared NEW recipes** that graced the blog in 2021. These are the dishes you couldn’t get enough of, from comforting classics to exciting new flavors, proving that good food truly brings people together.

While beloved classics from previous years, such as Dad’s Famous Red Sangria, our versatile Fajita Seasoning, and the ever-popular Chinese Honey Chicken, maintained their status as perennial favorites and **the most consistently viewed recipes on the blog**, a new wave of culinary delights emerged. The phenomenal Steak Marinade and deliciously easy Cheesy Grilled Potatoes were hot on their heels, quickly becoming new staples in countless kitchens.

For those who love a nostalgic culinary journey, we invite you to explore the top new recipes from previous years. The Top New Recipes of 2020 showcased a wonderful array of comforting pasta sauces and innovative, easy low-carb options, perfect for healthy eating without sacrificing flavor. Prior to that, the Top New Recipes from 2019 delighted with an abundance of homemade seasoning mixes and convenient Instant Pot recipes, making meal prep a breeze. The Top New Recipes from 2018 were dominated by wholesome Whole30 meals and bold recipes infused with buffalo sauce, proving that healthy can be incredibly flavorful. And back in 2017, the focus was all about vibrant zoodle bowls and nutritious Buddha bowls, emphasizing fresh ingredients and balanced meals.

Beyond WhitneyBond.com, 2020 also marked the exciting launch of my second blog, Bowls Are The New Plates. This dedicated platform is a treasure trove of healthy, gluten-free bowl recipes, meticulously crafted for any meal of the day – be it breakfast, lunch, dinner, or efficient meal prep. It’s the perfect resource for those seeking wholesome and convenient eating solutions.

If you’re embarking on a mission for healthier eating as you kick off the new year, I highly recommend exploring some of the most popular recipes from 2021 on **Bowls Are The New Plates**. Standout favorites include the incredibly versatile Creamy Vegan Chipotle Sauce (a condiment truly good on *everything*!), vibrant Shrimp Taco Bowls, and nutritious Roasted Broccoli Bowls, all designed to make healthy eating both easy and incredibly delicious.

And now, without further ado, let’s dive into the highly anticipated…

The Most Popular 21 New Recipes of 2021 on WhitneyBond.com

1. The Ultimate Steak Marinade

Claiming the top spot in 2021, our Steak Marinade recipe truly revolutionized how many home cooks prepared their beef. This incredible marinade is incredibly simple to create, requiring just a handful of everyday ingredients. It’s designed to not only infuse your sirloin steak with an unparalleled depth of flavor but also acts as a natural tenderizer, ensuring every bite is succulent and juicy. Just a quick whisking of the ingredients, a good marination period, and then a sizzle on the grill is all it takes to achieve steakhouse-quality results at home. Whether you grill your steak whole or cube it for mouth-watering shish kabobs, this marinade promises an unforgettable meal.

2. Panera Copycat Fuji Apple Salad Dressing

Recreate the iconic flavors of your favorite restaurant salad at home with our Fuji Apple Salad Dressing. This incredibly simple recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare, yielding a tangy yet sweet vinaigrette that’s bursting with fresh apple notes. It’s the perfect complement to a homemade copycat Fuji Apple Chicken Salad or any crisp green salad that could use a touch of bright, fruity zest. Its quick preparation and vibrant flavor made it a standout new favorite.

3. Easy Cheesy Southern Corn Casserole

Elevate a traditional Southern classic with our Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole. This comforting dish is made even more irresistible with the generous addition of cheddar cheese. Utilizing convenient Jiffy mix and canned corn, it requires a mere 5 minutes of prep time before baking to golden perfection. It’s an ideal side dish not just for holiday gatherings but also for everyday meals, offering warmth and flavor that’s hard to resist. The combination of ease and cheesy goodness made this recipe an instant hit.

4. The Best Cheesy Grilled Potatoes in Foil

Prepare to fall in love with The BEST Cheesy Grilled Potatoes, a recipe that quickly became a summer sensation. This ingenious dish involves grilling red potatoes, onions, and peppers together in a foil packet, creating perfectly crispy and incredibly flavorful results in just 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate easy summer side, pairing wonderfully with everything from juicy cheeseburgers to perfectly grilled steaks. The simplicity of foil packet cooking combined with irresistible cheesy flavor secured its spot as a top recipe.

5. 20 Minute Caprese Pasta

Our 20 Minute Caprese Pasta brings the fresh, vibrant flavors of Italy straight to your dinner table in under half an hour. This delightful dish combines tender pasta with fragrant fresh basil, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella cheese for a truly delicious experience. It’s not just quick and easy to prepare, but also incredibly satisfying, making it a guaranteed new weeknight family favorite. The balance of fresh ingredients and rapid cooking time made this pasta dish a winning choice.

6. 15 Minute Chilaquiles Verdes

Experience the rich flavors of a traditional Mexican breakfast or dinner with our incredibly fast 15 Minute Chilaquiles Verdes. This simplified homemade recipe uses thick, crispy tortilla chips simmered in a vibrant green enchilada sauce, delivering authentic taste in a fraction of the time. It’s utterly delicious for breakfast when crowned with a fried egg, or serves as a hearty dinner alongside shredded chicken or pork. Its quick preparation and satisfying results propelled it into the top recipes.

7. Espresso Martini with Vanilla Whipped Cream

Bring the sophistication of a high-end cocktail bar into your home with our easy Espresso Martini recipe. Crafted with canned espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur, this drink is taken to new heights with a lavish topping of homemade Vanilla Whipped Cream. It’s a deliciously creamy, perfectly caffeinated indulgence, making it the ideal after-dinner treat or a luxurious dessert cocktail. The allure of a homemade gourmet drink made it a popular choice for entertaining.

8. Valentine’s Day Apple Dessert Pizza

Elevate your pizza night with a sweet finish using our delightful Apple Dessert Pizza. This easy-to-make dessert features a crisp crust piled high with thinly sliced fresh apples, a rich cinnamon streusel topping, and a sweet drizzle of icing. It’s a sweet, flavorful, and utterly satisfying treat that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Its unique twist on pizza, combining comfort with dessert, made it a hit.

9. The BEST Chilaquiles Rojos

Dive into the rich and savory world of Mexican cuisine with The BEST Chilaquiles Rojos. This incredibly flavorful dish is surprisingly easy to whip up in just 15 minutes. It features thick, crispy tortilla chips gently simmered in a luscious red enchilada sauce, creating a deeply satisfying base. Garnished with cool sour cream, crumbly cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado, it’s a beautifully balanced and incredibly tasty option for breakfast or brunch. The blend of quick prep and authentic flavor secured its popularity.

10. The BEST Carne Asada Burrito Bowl

Skip the takeout and create your own sensational Carne Asada Burrito Bowl at home – a recipe so good, many say it surpasses popular chain versions like Chipotle! This bowl is generously filled with the most flavorful grilled skirt steak and perfectly complemented by a creamy chipotle sauce. Easily customizable to be low-carb by swapping rice for cilantro-lime cauliflower rice, it’s loaded with incredible flavor, ideal for meal-prep, and destined to become a new go-to recipe in your kitchen. Its versatility and deliciousness were key to its rise.

11. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Smoked Pulled Pork

Achieving incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful Smoked Pulled Pork might seem daunting, but this recipe proves it’s easier than you think. By combining a perfectly balanced rub with an overnight brine and a low-and-slow smoking process, you’ll create Texas-style pulled pork that literally melts in your mouth. This method ensures maximum flavor penetration and a fall-apart texture, making it a favorite for BBQ enthusiasts seeking perfection.

12. Easy No-Churn Moose Tracks Ice Cream

Indulge in the decadent delight of homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream without the need for a fancy ice cream maker! This incredibly creamy, no-churn recipe is loaded with generous swirls of hot fudge and delectable chunks of peanut butter cups. Requiring just 6 simple ingredients and a mere 10 minutes of prep time, it’s an amazingly easy way to enjoy this beloved flavor. The simplicity and rich taste made it a highly sought-after dessert.

13. The BEST Homemade Green Enchilada Sauce

Unlock the secret to authentic Mexican flavors with The BEST Homemade Green Enchilada Sauce. Crafted from roasted peppers and tangy tomatillos, this sauce boasts an unparalleled depth of flavor. It’s perfectly suited for enriching chicken or vegetable enchiladas, enhancing chilaquiles, or elevating your favorite casseroles. For an extra luxurious touch, simply add an avocado to transform it into a creamy, rich sauce. Its fresh, robust taste and versatility made it a kitchen staple.

14. Panera Copycat Fuji Apple Chicken Salad

If Panera Bread’s Fuji Apple Chicken Salad is your go-to order, then prepare to rejoice! Our Panera Copycat Fuji Apple Chicken Salad recipe makes it incredibly easy and affordable to recreate this beloved dish in your own kitchen. Not only is it a more budget-friendly option than dining out, but it also allows for complete customization with your preferred toppings, ensuring a fresh and satisfying meal every time. Its ability to bring a restaurant favorite home fueled its popularity.

15. The BEST Candied Bacon

Discover the ultimate sweet and salty addiction with The BEST Candied Bacon. This irresistible recipe is perfect as a standalone snack or a delightful addition to sandwiches. While traditional candied bacon made with brown sugar is always a winner, this recipe also guides you through exciting variations like maple bacon, bourbon bacon, or even spicy candied bacon with a kick of sriracha. Easily prepared in either the oven or air fryer, it’s no wonder this treat is affectionately known as “man candy” or “million dollar bacon.”

16. Easy Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Transform ordinary Brussels sprouts into an extraordinary dish with our Easy Grilled Brussels Sprouts. Guaranteed to become your new favorite summer side or appetizer, these sprouts are seasoned with a delectable blend of spices, then finished with bright lemon zest and savory Parmesan cheese. They’re incredibly simple to make in just 20 minutes and are fantastic served with a dipping sauce or as a flavorful addition to any salad. This recipe proved that even humble vegetables can become star dishes when grilled to perfection.

17. The BEST Marinated Grilled Zucchini Recipe

Master the art of grilling vegetables with The BEST Marinated Grilled Zucchini Recipe. This guide teaches you how to achieve perfectly crispy zucchini every time, thanks to a simple yet delicious marinade and essential grilling tips. It’s the ideal accompaniment to a summer BBQ, pairing wonderfully with juicy grilled marinated steak or fragrant lemon rosemary chicken for a complete and delicious meal right off the grill. Its focus on perfection for a simple side made it a popular choice.

18. The BEST Red Potato Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon

Prepare to impress at your next picnic or summer BBQ with The BEST Red Potato Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon. This Safeway copycat recipe dramatically outshines any deli counter version, offering a rich and creamy texture with bold flavors. If you’re a blue cheese aficionado, you’ll instantly fall in love with this generously loaded potato salad, enhanced with crispy bacon for an unforgettable side dish. Its unique flavor profile and homemade quality made it a crowd-pleaser.

19. Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Embrace the ultimate comfort food with our Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie. This thoroughly tested and perfected recipe features a rich, flavorful homemade filling encased in a flaky, buttery puff pastry crust. The filling comes together effortlessly in just 20 minutes, then the oven takes over, doing the rest of the work to create a golden-brown masterpiece. This pot pie recipe is destined to become a cherished family favorite for generations. Its nostalgic appeal and comforting flavors resonated deeply with readers.

20. Copycat No-Churn Cherry Garcia Ice Cream

Enjoy Ben & Jerry’s famous Cherry Garcia Ice Cream in your own home with our incredible Copycat No-Churn Cherry Garcia Ice Cream recipe, no ice cream maker required! This easy recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare, featuring a delightful cherry swirl and generous dark chocolate chunks that perfectly replicate the original’s iconic flavor. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your ice cream cravings with a homemade touch and minimal effort.

21. Homemade Louisiana-Style Cajun Seasoning

Round out our list with the vibrant flavors of the South, thanks to our Homemade Louisiana-Style Cajun Seasoning. This easy-to-mix blend delivers just the right amount of heat and an abundance of rich flavor, making it perfect for seasoning shrimp, chicken, vegetables, and more. Once you discover how effortlessly you can create your own delicious mix at home, you’ll never reach for a store-bought jar again. Its foundational utility in so many dishes cemented its place on the list.

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Happy New Year and cheers to the most delicious year yet in 2022!