Welcome to the grand reveal of your most cherished culinary creations from 2018! Here at An Affair from the Heart, we’re thrilled to unveil the highly anticipated Top Ten recipes that captured your hearts and taste buds throughout the year. Get ready to reminisce about the delicious moments we shared and discover if your personal favorites made the cut!
As we usher in a new year, it’s a delightful tradition to look back and celebrate the recipes that resonated most deeply with our amazing community. Every New Year’s Day, I eagerly compile this list, a true reflection of what you, my dear readers, have cooked, shared, and savored. It’s always fascinating to observe how tastes evolve and change from year to year, yet some timeless classics remain steadfastly popular. And occasionally, a new recipe, like a certain incredible sandwich we introduced this year, skyrockets to the top with astonishing speed! This carefully curated selection represents the dishes that brought the most joy and flavor to your kitchens in 2018.
There’s nothing more rewarding for a food blogger than hearing from you about your culinary adventures with our recipes. Did you try one? Did you absolutely adore it, or perhaps find a way to make it uniquely your own? Your feedback is incredibly valuable! It not only brightens my day but also helps fellow home cooks who might have similar questions or are looking for new ideas. Your clever tricks or answers to common dilemmas can transform someone else’s cooking experience. So, please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts – leave a comment right here on the blog, connect with us on social media, or simply drop me an email. I truly cherish every message!
When you whip up something delicious from An Affair from the Heart, remember to share your creations and tag us with #AnAffairFromTheHeart! We love seeing what you’re cooking!
Number 10: Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Kicking off our countdown at number 10 are the incredibly popular Salisbury Steak Meatballs. This dish takes a beloved classic and transforms it into a convenient, family-friendly meal that tastes like pure nostalgia. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs, seasoned to perfection, swimming in a deeply savory, rich brown gravy. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, reminiscent of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house. Our readers consistently praise this recipe for its comforting qualities and ease of preparation, making it a staple for busy weeknights when you still crave a homemade touch. Serve these delectable meatballs over a bed of creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up all that amazing gravy, or alongside some buttered egg noodles for a truly satisfying experience. It’s no surprise this classic, reimagined, found its way into your top favorites!
Number 9: {No Knead} Crusty Dutch Oven Bread
Earning its spot at number 9 is the game-changing {No Knead} Crusty Dutch Oven Bread. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of baking artisanal-quality bread at home without the fuss, this recipe is a true revelation. Its appeal lies in its incredible simplicity: just four basic ingredients come together to create a loaf with an unbelievably crispy, crackling crust and a soft, airy interior. The magic happens in the Dutch oven, which creates the perfect steamy environment for a bakery-worthy loaf with minimal effort. Our readers love how foolproof this recipe is, yielding perfect results every single time, making even novice bakers feel like master boulangers. Imagine pulling a warm, fragrant loaf from your oven, ready to be slathered with butter, dipped into your favorite soup, or served alongside a hearty meal. This recipe proves that exceptional homemade bread is not only achievable but wonderfully simple.
Number 8: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
Perfect appetizers – meatballs stacked with all of the ingredients for a deluxe bacon cheeseburger!
Coming in at number 8, the Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are a testament to the fact that all the mouthwatering flavors of a deluxe bacon cheeseburger can be packed into a perfect, bite-sized appetizer. This creative recipe brings together seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, transformed into irresistible meatballs that are ideal for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a casual get-together with friends, or simply looking for a fun new appetizer, these meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit. They offer that satisfying savory, cheesy goodness that everyone loves, but in a more manageable format that’s easy to serve and enjoy. Readers rave about how quickly these disappear from the appetizer spread, proving their undeniable popularity. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will have your guests reaching for more!
Number 7: Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze
Securing the 7th spot, the Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze brings all the cozy warmth of autumn mornings to your table, year-round! This exquisite coffee cake is a harmonious blend of tender, moist cake infused with rich pumpkin and aromatic spices, complemented by crunchy walnuts. But what truly elevates it to a masterpiece is the luxurious brown butter glaze, which adds a nutty depth and an extra layer of sweetness. It’s a sensory delight, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as it bakes. Perfect for a leisurely breakfast, a decadent brunch, or an afternoon treat with your favorite hot beverage, this coffee cake embodies comfort and sophistication. Our readers adore this recipe for its ability to transform any ordinary morning into a special occasion, making it a perennial favorite for those seeking a touch of seasonal charm.
Number 6: Stuffed Pepper Skillet
At number 6, we have the brilliant Stuffed Pepper Skillet, a weeknight dinner hero that delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without any of the fuss. This ingenious one-pot meal combines savory ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, diced tomatoes, fluffy rice, and a generous topping of melted cheese, all cooked to perfection in a single skillet. What makes this recipe an absolute game-changer is its incredible efficiency; it comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when time is of the essence. Our readers consistently praise its simplicity, minimal cleanup, and hearty, satisfying taste. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food in a streamlined format, proving that delicious home-cooked meals don’t have to take hours to prepare. This skillet meal truly embodies effortless comfort, straight from your stovetop to your table.
Number 5: Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches
Move over Joe!! There is a new and improved version of your classic. These Sloppy Dorothy sandwiches are made with Dorothy Lynch Dressing and will have you licking your fingers in pure satisfaction!
Taking the 5th spot, the Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches have boldly declared that there’s a new and improved version of the classic Sloppy Joe in town, and our readers couldn’t agree more! This recipe quickly shot to popularity, thanks to its unique and incredibly flavorful twist: the incorporation of Dorothy Lynch Dressing. This special ingredient lends a distinctive tangy-sweet profile that elevates the humble sloppy sandwich to new heights of deliciousness. The savory ground beef mixture, simmered to perfection, creates a wonderfully messy yet utterly satisfying filling that’s perfect piled high on a toasted bun. It’s the kind of nostalgic comfort food that brings back childhood memories, but with an unexpected gourmet upgrade. Prepare for finger-licking satisfaction and be ready to declare your allegiance to Dorothy – this sandwich is a true crowd-pleaser and a definite highlight from 2018!
Number 4: Restaurant Style Refried Beans from a Can
Turn a can of refried beans into restaurant quality in a matter of minutes! Only two simple add-ins and it’ll feel like you’re eating at your favorite Mexican restaurant, right at home!
Climbing to number 4 is a clever kitchen hack that truly impressed our readers: How to Make Canned Refried Beans Taste Like a Restaurant’s. This ingenious tip proves that gourmet flavors don’t always require hours of cooking from scratch. With just two simple add-ins, you can transform an ordinary can of refried beans into a rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful side dish that rivals those served at your favorite Mexican restaurant. It’s a secret weapon for elevating your weeknight taco nights or potluck contributions with minimal effort and maximum impact. Our community loves this recipe for its sheer brilliance and ease, allowing them to achieve authentic, restaurant-quality taste right in their own homes, in mere minutes. It’s a testament to simple tweaks that yield significant delicious results, making it a firm favorite for quick, flavorful meals.
Number 3: {Award Winning} Crack Dip
This dip is deliciously addictive! Creamy dip with a little bit of heat from the jalapeños, bursting with flavor from the MexiCorn and the green onions. This is a hit and the first thing gone at every party — It isn’t “award winning” for nothing!
Securing the coveted number 3 spot is our famous {Award Winning} “Crack Dip” – a name it truly lives up to! This dip isn’t just popular; it’s a phenomenon. Deliciously addictive, it features a creamy base perfectly balanced with a gentle kick of heat from jalapeños, the sweet burst of MexiCorn, and the fresh bite of green onions. Every spoonful is an explosion of flavor, making it an absolute showstopper at any gathering. Our readers consistently report that this dip is always the first thing to disappear at parties, and it’s truly “award winning” for good reason! Its irresistible combination of textures and tastes ensures that once you start, it’s hard to stop. Whether served with sturdy tortilla chips, crisp vegetables, or crackers, this dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s a testament to the power of a perfectly crafted, crave-worthy appetizer.
Number 2: Texas Trash Dip (Warm Bean Dip)
What’s Texas Trash Dip? It’s a creamy warm bean dip packed with flavor and topped with all sorts of ooey gooey cheese, baked to dipping perfection. I could make a meal out of this dip!
Nailing the number 2 spot, the Texas Trash Dip (Warm Bean Dip) is a legendary concoction that consistently delights! This isn’t just any bean dip; it’s a rich, creamy, and intensely flavorful warm dip that’s generously loaded with all sorts of ooey-gooey cheese and baked until bubbling and golden. It’s the ultimate comfort food in dip form, a hearty appetizer that’s so satisfying, many of our readers confess they could easily make a meal out of it! Perfect for game nights, parties, or simply a cozy evening at home, this dip offers layers of savory goodness that are irresistible with tortilla chips, Fritos, or even crunchy veggie sticks. The combination of seasoned beans, melted cheese, and a hint of spice creates a harmonious blend that keeps everyone coming back for more. Its widespread popularity proves that sometimes, the most indulgent dishes are also the most beloved.
Number 1: Dill Pickle Dip
Love those dill pickle wraps? The ones with the cream cheese and dried beef? Then this dip will have you grinning from ear to ear!
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for! The undisputed champion, the number 1 favorite recipe of 2018, is the phenomenal Dill Pickle Dip! If you’re a fan of those classic dill pickle wraps – you know, the ones with the tangy pickles, creamy cheese, and savory dried beef – then this dip is your dream come true. It brilliantly captures all those beloved flavors in a convenient, scoopable form, creating a unique and incredibly addictive appetizer. The creamy base, infused with the distinctive tang and crunch of dill pickles, makes for an unexpected yet utterly delicious combination that has captured the hearts of countless readers. It’s refreshing, savory, and wonderfully different, making it a standout at any potluck or party. Our community consistently raves about how this dip brings smiles and satisfies cravings, proving that sometimes, the simplest and most creative ideas yield the most overwhelmingly positive response. Congratulations to the Dill Pickle Dip for being your top choice!
And there you have it! An Affair from the Heart’s Top 10 Recipes of 2018 — the very BEST of your favorites that made the past year extra delicious. This list is a true reflection of the flavors and dishes you loved most, and it’s been such a joy to share them with you.
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From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for visiting An Affair from the Heart, for engaging with me, for trying my recipes, and for sharing your stories and love of food throughout the year. Your enthusiasm and support are the very foundation of this community, and I truly wouldn’t be able to do this without you. Here’s to a TASTY 2019, filled with even more delicious creations, shared meals, and memorable moments. Cheers, and a very HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!
