Unveiling the Year’s Most Beloved Recipes: Our Top 10 Picks from 2016

As another year draws to a close, it’s a cherished tradition to reflect on the culinary journey we’ve shared together. This past year, 2016, brought forth an incredible array of flavors, from comforting classics to exciting new discoveries, all lovingly crafted in our kitchens. What truly surprised us was how unpredictable the favorites turned out to be! This year, our community’s top picks took us on a delightful ride, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected dishes capture hearts and palates. We’re thrilled to present the **top ten most cherished and highly-rated recipes of 2016**, a collection that perfectly encapsulates the diverse tastes and cooking adventures enjoyed by so many of you. Prepare to be inspired by these tried-and-true favorites!

Compiling this list has been an absolute joy, reminiscing about all the incredible meals and treats that resonated with you. We’re eager to hear which dishes you’ve already made and adored, and perhaps which hidden gems you’re now discovering for the first time, ready to pin for future culinary adventures. Remember, if you whip up any of our delightful creations, please share your masterpieces on social media! Tag us **@ohsweetbasil** and use the hashtag **#ohsweetbasil** so we can see and celebrate your kitchen successes. The engagement from our wonderful community truly fuels our passion! Don’t forget to also explore the fantastic lists from our talented friends; we’ve been busy pinning from their selections too! Make sure to check out the reader favorites from Julie Blanner and the delicious creations from That Skinny Chick Can Bake.

Salted Caramel Pretzel Snaps

Kicking off our top ten list with an irresistible treat, these Salted Caramel Pretzel Snaps soared to the #1 spot in just two weeks! It’s clear you crave that perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and crunchy. This recipe, originally from 2014, proved its timeless appeal when we reposted it this year, quickly becoming an instant sensation. Combining the rich depth of chocolate, the gooey sweetness of caramel, and the satisfying crunch of pretzels, these snaps are deceptively easy to make and utterly addictive. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, party platters, or simply a decadent treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. Based on their overwhelming popularity, expect to see more chocolate, caramel, and salt-infused delights gracing our site soon! If you’re a fan of these, you absolutely must try our Salted Milk Chocolate Homemade Caramels – they are Cade’s ultimate Achilles’ heel!

Southern Mac N Cheese

There’s no denying your love for the comforting, soul-satisfying southern recipes that regularly appear on our site, largely thanks to Cade’s culinary heritage. And, of course, your unwavering adoration for cheese! Our Southern Mac N Cheese claimed the number two spot for good reason. This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s an homage to Grandma Carol’s ultimate comfort food, a creamy, rich, and incredibly flavorful dish that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish during the holidays, its velvety texture and deeply cheesy flavor make it an instant classic. If you’re seeking something even more substantial and filling, perhaps as a delicious main course, be sure to explore our Ham and Broccoli Mac N Cheese – it’s a full meal in itself!

Potato Rolls

Another beloved recipe making a phenomenal comeback is our Potato Rolls. This timeless classic, originally shared years ago, experienced a massive resurgence when we reposted it for the holiday season. It absolutely blew every other recipe out of the water, continuing to receive countless views and glowing reviews every single day. We completely understand why! These aren’t just rolls; they are truly THE BEST ROLLS ever. Their unparalleled softness, subtle sweetness, and incredible fluffy texture make them the perfect accompaniment to any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a grand holiday feast. Imagine them warm from the oven, slathered with butter – pure bliss! They’re easy to make and impress every time, a testament to the enduring power of classic, well-executed baking.

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

We were utterly astonished to see this Brown Sugar Glazed Ham recipe rocket into our top posts of the year, especially considering it was just recently published! Its incredible popularity on social media has been truly heartwarming. Thank you all so much for the tremendous love you’ve shown this recipe; we sincerely hope you’re enjoying this succulent ham as much as we do. Coated in a rich, sweet, and savory brown sugar glaze, it’s remarkably easy to prepare yet delivers an impressive centerpiece for any special occasion. Be sure to save this one for Easter or any holiday celebration, because we predict it will be everyone’s favorite again! And to elevate your ham experience even further, make sure you try our two absolute favorite dipping sauces: our Honey Mustard that converts even the skeptics, and a delightful Pina Colada sauce!

Citrus Greek Chicken

Are you searching for a dish that is light, incredibly healthy, yet still packed with craveable flavor? Look no further than our Citrus Greek Chicken! This recipe delivers all of that and more. Minus the actual bag of chips, of course, but it’s just as satisfying. This is one of my personal favorite recipes, and I truly believe its magic lies in that wonderfully simple, bright, and tangy citrus pan sauce. The chicken is tender, juicy, and infused with Mediterranean flavors, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal, meal prepping, or a delightful summer barbecue. Serve it with a fresh Greek salad, some roasted vegetables, or a side of fluffy rice for a complete and utterly delicious dining experience that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Slow Cooker Ranch Chex Mix

I was absolutely thrilled to see a slow cooker recipe make its way onto this year’s top ten list, and this Ranch Chex Mix is undoubtedly a fantastic choice! This snack mix is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also yields a generous batch, perfect for feeding a crowd at parties, game nights, or family gatherings. The convenience of the slow cooker means minimal fuss, allowing you to set it and forget it while the savory ranch flavors meld beautifully into the crunchy cereal, pretzels, and nuts. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option; simply store it in a sealed bag in the fridge, and it stays wonderfully fresh for weeks, ready to curb any snack craving. It’s the ultimate salty, addictive snack that everyone will love!

Texas Roadhouse Copycat Loaded Sweet Potatoes

Well, you’ve all done it! Cade is doing a happy little dance because the recipe he tirelessly begged me to post has made it into our top ten. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at Texas Roadhouse, you know that their loaded sweet potato, adorned with luscious cinnamon butter, sweet caramel sauce, and fluffy marshmallows, is practically to die for. Now, you can recreate that utterly decadent experience right in your own kitchen! This copycat recipe perfectly captures that harmonious blend of sweet and savory, making it an incredible side dish for any barbecue or a truly indulgent dessert. It’s rich, comforting, and an absolute treat that proves you don’t need to leave home for restaurant-quality flavor.

Greek Pasta Salad

Are we picking up on a delightful trend here? It seems you all have a profound love for Greek-inspired dishes, and we couldn’t be happier about it! This Greek Pasta Salad is a testament to that preference, offering a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful option that’s perfect for warm weather or any time you crave something zesty. Packed with colorful vegetables, tangy feta cheese, olives, and a bright vinaigrette dressing, it’s an ideal side dish for grilled meats, potlucks, or simply a light, refreshing lunch. I’m certainly inspired to create more Greek recipes! While I’ve yet to fall in love with Baklava, I am absolutely on board with making more Greek dinners. In fact, our Greek Chicken Souvlaki is one of those rare recipes we make on a monthly basis – and that truly never happens!

Coconut Chicken Curry

And now, we’re taking our taste buds on an international journey because this Coconut Chicken Curry was another absolute favorite from 2016! If you’re even considering scrolling past this one because you think curry isn’t for you, please, think again. I implore you to pin it, try it, and report back, because this recipe masterfully delivers a flavor that is both mild and incredibly rich. It’s creamy, comforting, and features tender chicken bathed in a fragrant coconut milk sauce with just the right amount of spice. Served alongside a fresh pile of warm naan bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce, I bet you’ll fall completely in love. Don’t forget to also try our Tikka Masala, which is vegetarian but can easily be adapted with chicken for an equally delicious meal.

Pineapple Crush Cake

For our final entry, you’ve truly captured my heart with this one! As a little girl, I always thought Jell-o was the most magnificent creation, and it seems our Pineapple Jell-o Cake has completely won over your hearts as well. This cake is incredibly moist, refreshingly sweet, and delightfully simple to make, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion, from family dinners to summer barbecues. The bright pineapple flavor infused throughout the cake, combined with its tender crumb, creates a truly unforgettable experience. Not a fan of pineapple? No worries at all! We’ve got you covered with equally delicious variations, including a vibrant Strawberry Lemonade Jell-o Cake and a zesty Lemon Jell-o Cake, ensuring there’s a Jell-o cake for every palate.

And there you have it – the magnificent ten recipes that captured your hearts and kitchens throughout 2016! From sweet delights and comforting classics to savory sensations and international flavors, these dishes truly represent the vibrant culinary spirit of our community. We hope this look back has inspired you to revisit old favorites or discover exciting new ones that you might have missed. As we continue our culinary journey, remember that your enthusiasm and shared experiences are what make this kitchen come alive. Don’t hesitate to share your delicious creations with us on social media using **@ohsweetbasil** and **#ohsweetbasil**. We absolutely love seeing what you’re cooking up! Happy cooking, and here’s to many more unforgettable meals and culinary adventures together!