The Most Popular Recipes of 2021
Last year, you probably could have guessed the most popular recipes of the year without looking at a list—all you had to do was scroll through Instagram to see all that banana bread, all of those cinnamon rolls, sourdough loaves, and bagels. But do you know what your fellow Epi readers have been cooking in 2021? For the most part, the answers fell into three categories: it was easy, or it was sweet, or it was both of those. Below, you'll find our most popular quick pastas, luscious cheesecakes, simple weeknight dinners, and fuss-free desserts, as well as the holiday classics you come back to year after year.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson1/87Simple One-Skillet Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Easy pasta recipes filled many of the slots on our most popular recipes of the year list. But this one is even easier than most: the chicken, sauce, and pasta for this dish all cook in the same pan. You can add broccoli, mushrooms, or herbs at the same time that you stir in the Parmesan.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Ali Nardi2/87Simple Classic Stuffing
This stuffing is a perennial favorite—if you didn't make it at Thanksgiving, consider giving it a whirl alongside your holiday roast before the year is up.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne5/87Nanaimo Bars
This no-bake confection from British Columbia requires very little hands-on time to make. The filling is flavored with custard powder, though same bakers use vanilla paste instead.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton6/87Old-Fashioned
This is the classic whiskey cocktail for those who love bourbon or rye—it's simple to make right in the glass it's served in. Of course, if you're looking for a holiday project, you can also start with this recipe and play around with whatever spirits you have on hand.
Photo by Caleb Adams, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell9/87Three Cities of Spain Cheesecake
Is this recipe from Gourmet simply the best cheesecake recipe of all time? There are certainly those who make that argument.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Susan Ottaviano10/87Simple Roast Chicken
This classic Thomas Keller recipe yields a juicy bird with remarkably crispy skin. Serve with roast potatoes and a crisp salad.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Nathaniel James, Food Styling by Simon Andrews12/87Crisp Roast Duck
