AOC’s Most Popular Recipes of 2019 & Timeless Favorites: Your Essential Guide to Home Cooking Success

Welcome to the highly anticipated annual roundup from An Oregon Cottage (AOC)! Each year, we eagerly dive into the culinary adventures we’ve shared, reflecting on what truly resonated with our wonderful community. This exclusive list features not only the most popular recipes of 2019, based on your engagement and page views, but also our cherished, timeless classics that have captured hearts and taste buds throughout AOC’s eleven-year journey in the blogosphere. Did your go-to recipe make the cut? Let’s find out!

As the year draws to a close, one of my absolute favorite traditions is taking this annual look back at the blog’s content. It’s a fascinating exercise to understand what truly captured your attention – what sparked joy in your kitchens, what became a new family staple, and what recipes you returned to again and again. These insights are invaluable, helping us identify emerging trends, recognize hidden gems that deserve more spotlight, and even pinpoint areas where a little refresh can make a big difference.

For years, I’ve consistently shared these findings with you in the form of “most popular” recipe lists. I find these compilations incredibly engaging on other blogs, offering a peek into what’s compelling to a wider audience, and I hope you feel the same curiosity about the An Oregon Cottage community’s top picks. Beyond the sheer intrigue, these lists serve as a fantastic reminder of those dishes you’ve been meaning to try but haven’t quite gotten around to yet. Consider this your friendly nudge to explore something new!

Moreover, a popular recipe comes with an inherent seal of approval. When you see a dish on a “most popular” list, it suggests that many others have tried it, enjoyed it, and found success. This collective endorsement often inspires us to give it a go ourselves, knowing it’s a vetted and beloved choice. (Of course, I’ve personally tested and perfected every recipe on AOC before it even makes it to the blog, but I’m speaking generally about that feeling you get when you discover popular content on other sites, ha!)

So, today marks the unveiling of our most popular recipes of 2019, meticulously ranked by pageviews and your engagement across the site. Alongside these recent hits, we’ll also revisit a special collection of your all-time perennial favorites – those recipes that have consistently stood the test of time and remain at the top of the charts year after year. Stay tuned, because next, we’ll be sharing the most popular DIY & gardening content of 2019, reflecting the full spectrum of our cottage lifestyle!

As a blogger embarking on my second decade of creating content for you here in our cozy corner of the internet, you’ll undoubtedly notice a significant trend among this year’s most popular recipes: many are carefully updated versions of older posts. This past year has been a dedicated effort to ensure ALL my content is not just usable and shareable, but also incredibly relevant to today’s home cook. Many of my earliest recipes are deeply personal favorites, and they absolutely deserve a fresh moment in the spotlight. It’s my way of ensuring you discover these previously “hidden” culinary gems, presented with improved photos, clearer instructions, and sometimes, even new video tutorials.

Without further ado, let’s dive into these delicious lists! I sincerely hope you find some fresh inspiration here, perhaps prompting you to try a few new-to-you recipes this year and add them to your own collection of favorites.

Popular Recipes of 2019: Your Top 10 New & Updated Favorites

Here are the ten recipes that captured the most attention and love from the AOC community throughout 2019. This list showcases a wonderful mix of refreshed classics and exciting new additions that quickly became staples in your homes.

1. Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe – Just Add Water. Taking the top spot as the most popular recipe from the last year is my significantly updated homemade cocoa mix recipe. Believe it or not, this recipe has been a part of the blog since its very first year, but for too long, it was overshadowed by less-than-stellar photos and an outdated format. I always knew it was a true keeper – a recipe so good it was worth investing the time to capture new, enticing photos and completely overhaul its presentation. What truly makes this mix special and explains its enduring popularity? It’s a convenient just-add-water blend, making it absolutely perfect for quick cozy moments at home or for enjoying during outdoor adventures when you need a comforting, warm beverage with minimal fuss.

2. Quick Honey Sweetened Homemade Ketchup. Securing the runner-up position is another fantastic updated recipe: my classic pantry basic homemade ketchup. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a true pantry staple that you’ll consistently find gracing my fridge. It’s so incredibly simple to whip up that the thought of buying store-bought ketchup has become a distant memory. Made with wholesome ingredients and sweetened naturally with honey, it offers a healthier, more flavorful alternative to commercial brands, making it a clear favorite for families prioritizing real food.

3. Pigs In a Blanket Recipe. This delightful and fun recipe, Pigs in a Blanket, charmingly rolled its way into third place, largely owing to the captivating new photos and a step-by-step video I crafted for this timeless classic last spring. It’s a recipe that never fails to bring smiles, whether served as a party appetizer, a comforting snack, or a playful meal. The combination of savory sausages wrapped in soft, homemade dough is simply irresistible, proving that some classics are popular for a very good reason.

4. Homemade Chocolate Syrup Recipe. Rounding out our top four is my incredibly versatile and utterly delicious homemade chocolate syrup. This just happens to be the fourth pantry basic recipe I meticulously updated last spring with stunning new photos and an accompanying video. It’s clear you appreciated the refreshed content, reaffirming my belief that updated recipes often rise to the top! I personally enjoy a generous drizzle of this rich, homemade syrup on my latte every single morning – it’s that good and that easy to incorporate into daily life.

5. Creamy Garlic Pepper Salad Dressing Recipe. Our creamy garlic pepper salad dressing landed squarely in fifth place, and it’s truly one of our family’s most beloved salad dressings. While I only formally introduced it as a standalone recipe this year, it’s a dressing I’ve cherished and used for many years, notably enhancing this fantastic steak salad. Its popularity highlights the universal appeal of a homemade dressing that delivers robust flavor, transforming any simple salad into a culinary delight. Made with fresh ingredients, it’s a testament to how simple, wholesome components can create something truly exceptional.

6. Easy Homemade Mayonnaise – Two Methods. Another incredibly valuable updated pantry basic making its way onto the list is my guide to homemade mayonnaise. This year, I enhanced the recipe by adding a second, even more convenient method for preparation. Now, you can choose to make your own silky-smooth mayonnaise using either a food processor or, my personal favorite, an immersion blender directly in the very jar you’ll store it in! This dual-method approach highlights the simplicity and adaptability of making a fresh, superior-tasting condiment right at home, explaining its rise in popularity. Once you try homemade, there’s truly no going back to store-bought.

7. Tuscan White Bean Salad – 10 Minute Pantry Recipe. My hearty and flavorful Tuscan white bean salad proved its popularity, securing the seventh spot. This is a personal favorite for camping trips and potlucks because of its robust flavor and how perfectly it stores and even improves with time. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s a quick, protein-rich, real-food recipe that’s ideal for effortless meals anytime, anywhere. Its ease, versatility, and deliciousness make it an understandable hit with our readers seeking practical, wholesome options.

8. Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth + Instant Pot Directions. I am absolutely thrilled that this essential guide made it onto the most popular list: how to make chicken broth from bones 4 easy ways. Recognizing the widespread interest in nourishing, homemade broths, I compiled all the valuable information I had previously published on the blog into one comprehensive “bone broth 101” page for your easy reference. This guide simplifies the process of making wholesome broth, providing methods for various kitchen appliances, making it accessible for everyone. (The link above leads to the complete 101 page, while the recipe below focuses on one of the most popular methods – making broth in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.)

9. Spiced Carrot Bread Recipe (Maple Sweetened, Whole Wheat). Last year, I embarked on a delightful journey of creating several new bread recipes, and it fills me with joy to see that the spiced maple sweetened carrot bread swiftly climbed its way onto this coveted list! I absolutely adore its hearty, slightly sweet flavor profile, which beautifully reminds me of a decadent carrot cake but crafted with far healthier, wholesome ingredients. It’s a perfect option for breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a healthier dessert, offering comfort without compromise. (For all the bread lovers out there, you can explore all the bread recipes I’ve published here.)

10. Classic Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Bars Recipe. Since this is a recipe I’ve loved and baked countless times since I first started my culinary journey, I’m particularly delighted to see that the updated peanut butter swirl bars just barely squeezed onto this year’s top 10 list! These bars are a perfect harmony of chewy, blondie-like goodness swirled with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter – a classic combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser. If you haven’t made these yet, consider this your invitation to experience a truly beloved treat that embodies comfort and deliciousness. They’re an effortless dessert that consistently disappears quickly from any gathering!

AOC’s Most Popular Recipes of All Time: Enduring Favorites

Beyond the yearly hits, there’s another category of recipes that consistently capture your attention and remain eternally popular: AOC’s all-time favorites. These are the recipes that have garnered the most views, shares, and love across the entire lifespan of An Oregon Cottage – over eleven years of dedicated real food and homemade living! They are the tried-and-true classics, the foundational recipes that many of you return to again and again. Perhaps you’re curious about which dishes have earned this prestigious, long-standing acclaim? I certainly thought you might be, so I’m delighted to include a quick list here to satisfy your curiosity and inspire your next kitchen project.

Hopefully, many of these enduring favorites are already staples in your own kitchen. But if not, I wholeheartedly encourage you to add them to your “to-make” lists! There’s a very good reason why they remain at the top of our charts year after year – they are simply exceptional, reliable, and deeply satisfying recipes that truly embody the spirit of An Oregon Cottage.

1. Easy Sourdough Artisan Bread Recipe. This recipe has consistently been a monumental hit, proving that the desire for homemade, artisanal bread is universal. Our Easy Sourdough Artisan Bread Recipe offers a simple, one-day approach to creating beautiful, crusty sourdough, making it accessible even for beginners. It’s truly a gateway to the satisfying world of home baking.

2. Perfectly Salted Roasted Almonds Recipe – the BEST! Why buy expensive, often over-salted, store-bought roasted almonds when you can make them perfectly at home? This DIY Roasted Almonds recipe offers a simple technique that guarantees perfectly seasoned, crunchy nuts every single time. It’s a healthy snack favorite that consistently proves to be a top performer for its simplicity and superior flavor.

3. How to Freeze Corn 3 Ways. This comprehensive guide has consistently been a lifesaver for many, making it a perennial top post. Learning How to Freeze Corn 3 Ways provides practical, accessible methods for preserving the summer harvest, ensuring you can enjoy fresh-tasting corn all year round. It’s a testament to the value of practical food preservation tips.

4. Easy Roasted Cabbage with Amazing Onion Dijon Sauce. Who knew cabbage could be so popular? This recipe for Roasted Cabbage Wedges transforms a humble vegetable into a truly craveable side dish with its incredible onion Dijon sauce. It’s quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful, demonstrating that simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results, making it a beloved choice for many.

5. Soft 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread. Ditching store-bought bread is a goal for many, and this recipe delivers! Our 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread recipe has long been a community favorite for its perfectly soft texture and simple one-rise method. It empowers home bakers to create delicious, wholesome loaves, making it a staple for healthy sandwiches and toast.

6. Soft 100% Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls Recipe. Complementing the sandwich bread, these Soft 100% Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls are another consistently popular baked good. They prove that whole wheat rolls can be incredibly tender and fluffy, making them a perfect addition to any meal or holiday spread. Their delicious taste and healthy profile keep them in high demand.

7. How to Freeze Green Beans without Blanching. This brilliant tip has saved countless hours for home preservers! The guide on How to Freeze Green Beans without Blanching offers an incredibly simple and effective method for preserving garden-fresh green beans, making it a perennial favorite for anyone looking to simplify their food preservation efforts while still enjoying quality results.

8. Easy Addictive Tomato Chutney Recipe (Can or Freeze). This incredibly flavorful chutney, which I affectionately call “addictive,” consistently ranks high. While the original recipe is beloved, many readers (and myself!) prefer this updated version with less sugar, offering a healthier twist without sacrificing any of its complex, savory-sweet appeal. It’s a fantastic ketchup substitute and a versatile condiment that elevates countless dishes.

9. Best Thick Canned Salsa Recipe. For those who love to preserve the bounty of their gardens, this Favorite Thick Canned Salsa Recipe is an absolute must-try. It consistently ranks as a top recipe because it yields a perfectly thick, flavorful salsa that’s ideal for dipping, topping, or serving at any gathering. It’s a canning favorite that guarantees delicious results every time.

10. How to Freeze Basil Leaves 6 Ways. Basil is a culinary delight, but knowing how to preserve its vibrant flavor is key. Our comprehensive guide on How to Freeze Basil Leaves 6 Ways empowers you to keep fresh basil on hand year-round. This invaluable resource explores various techniques, ensuring you can enjoy the essence of summer basil long after the season ends, making it a perennial top post for gardeners and cooks alike.

What were your top recipes from An Oregon Cottage this year? Do you agree with these most popular selections, or do you have other recipes from AOC that you use often in your kitchen? I’d absolutely love to know your personal favorites and hear how these recipes have become a part of your culinary routine! Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Explore More Past Top Recipe Lists from An Oregon Cottage:

• Your 15 Favorite Recipes, DIY & Gardening In 2018
• The 18 Most Popular Recipes of 2017
• AOCs 2016 Top Recipes (Both Old & New)
• Top 13 Recipes of 2015
• An Oregon Cottage’s Top Ten Posts of 2014
• Top 10 Recipes for 2013
• Top Recipes of 2012