My Favorite Recipes of 2020 (2024)

I’m back with another of my favorite annual traditions. In addition to sharing YOUR Favorite Recipes of 2020, I love to follow up with a list of my own personal picks.

Before we dive in, I wanted to take a moment to wish you a happy, safe New Year, and to say THANK YOU!

I know many of us are eager to turn the page on 2020. It has undoubtedly been one of the most difficult years of our lives. As I reflect back on it today, I am doing so with gratitude.

Thank you for your incredible support this year, and an extra special THANK YOU to everyone who purchased a copy of The Well Plated Cookbook.

I spent nearly four years working on my book and having its release end up being in the current environment has been challenging and disappointing in many ways.

At the same time, however, seeing your positive reaction to it and your tremendous support (THANK YOU to everyone who bought a copy and who left a review!) was the highlight of my year.

NOW, speaking of highlights…let’s get to my favorite recipes of 2020!

The Unsung Recipe Heroes of 2020

I pour my heart into every recipe on this website, but at the same time, I know that (despite my certainty that every single one of them is The! Best! Ever!), the way of the internet is such that sometimes you hit publish and…crickets.

So, as a way of shining a light on some of the recipes that I loved most but that didn’t explode across the interwebs, I’ve started sharing my top picks of the year.

In no particular order, the unsung but epically delicious recipe heroes of 2020.

If you missed these recipes the first time, I hope you give them a try first thing in 2021!

Pumpkin Chili. Thick and rich, this chili tastes like it’s been cooking all day but comes together quickly. It’s lightened up with turkey and fresh veggies, but it tastes decadent and cozy, like the real deal.

Homemade Hamburger Helper. This was Ben’s favorite recipe of the year, and one of mine too. It’s a no brainer for kids, but the flavor is elevated enough for adults. Plus it cooks in just ONE pan.

Salmon Burgers. I unlocked the secret for salmon burgers that are moist, but not mushy. I could eat these every week!

Zucchini Fries. These were a smash hit at an outdoor distanced BBQ this summer. When a vegetable disappears more quickly than the potato chips, you know you have a winner.

Tempeh Tacos. Even carnivores won’t miss this meat in this satisfying, plant-based recipe. Tempeh crumbles just like taco meat, is quicker and easier to prep than tofu, and its hearty flavor and texture give it wide appeal.

. This recipe is so good, I made it twice in one week. Other than the Ultimate Creamy Mac & Cheese from The Well Plated Cookbook, this is my favorite mac & cheese of all time.

Vegan Brownie Recipe. No one will ever—and I mean ever—guess these are vegan. These brownies are supremely fudgy, moist, and they bake in just 15 minutes.

Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole. The perfect inexpensive, clean-out-the-refrigerator, budget-friendly recipe. I ate this every day for lunch and never grew weary of it.

Korean Beef Bowl. Don’t be fooled by the short ingredient list and freaky fast cook time. This healthy ground beef recipe is all flavor.

Vegan Potato Soup. The recipe that made Ben a soup lover. It’s lusciously thick and creamy, but is entirely dairy free!

Apple Walnut Salad. I could write this salad a love letter. The cinnamon maple dressing combined with the toastiness of the walnuts and the crispness of the apples is a masterpiece.

A Look Back—My Favorite Recipes from Prior Years

• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016

Not finding what you are looking for?I have hundreds of more easy, healthy recipes in myRecipe Index.