It’s hard for us to pick our most-loved recipes of the year—but some dishes have clearly stood out, thanks to you, our readers. A few of our most popular recipes are longtime favorites that have stood the test of time, while others are new additions. One thing they all have in common: They’re absolutely delicious.
This collection of recipes features tasty breakfast staples like our famous easy basic pancake recipe, decadent desserts such as our one-bowl chocolate cake with frosting, and flavorful weeknight favorites like our original one-pan pasta. If you haven’t made any of these dishes so far this year, take this as your sign.
Easy Basic Pancakes
Credit:
Diana Chistruga
Our easy basic pancakes have been a top favorite for years. All you need is a handful of common fridge and pantry staples—such as all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and milk—to make delicious, golden, fluffy pancakes in just 20 minutes. Top them with a generous amount of butter and maple syrup for the perfect start to the day.
The Best Banana Bread
Credit:
Grant Webster
This recipe was featured in Martha’s first book, Entertaining, in 1982, and it’s been a go-to ever since. A trusty banana bread recipe is essential. Whether you decide to serve it up for your family with coffee or tea or gift a loaf to friends, Martha’s best banana bread is sure to impress.
One-Bowl Chocolate Cake With Chocolate Frosting
Credit:
Jacob Fox
This one-bowl chocolate cake is a standout dish—and for good reason. Everything is made in one bowl, baked in two layers, and coated with a decadent chocolate frosting. It’s the perfect dessert to make for a special occasion, but simple enough to whip together whenever you’re craving a sweet treat.
Cucumber Salad With Sour Cream and Dill Dressing
Credit:
Carson Downing
Our cucumber salad with sour cream and dill dressing offers a healthy update to the norm. We use reduced-fat sour cream instead of full-fat, which works just as well. Kirby cucumbers are also used for their thinner skin, allowing us to leave the skins on and speed up prep time. It’s an ideal side dish to pair with grilled meat, poultry, or fish.
Martha’s One-Pan Pasta
Credit:
Maxwell Cozzi
This original one-pan pasta recipe was inspired by a dish one of our food editors ate in Puglia, Italy. The cooking technique is notable—it uses a single pot to cook all the ingredients, maximizing both flavor and convenience. The recipe features fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, onion, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese, and it’s ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs
Credit:
Emily Laurae
Making hard-boiled eggs isn’t always easy—especially if you need them to be perfect. When it comes to cooking techniques, Martha knows best, so it’s no surprise this recipe ranks among the year’s most popular. The cook and cool times vary depending on how jammy or hard you like the yolk.
John Legend’s Macaroni and Cheese
Credit:
Andrea Araiza
Singer John Legend shared his all-time favorite macaroni and cheese recipe with Martha, and it has been a fan-favorite ever since. It’s a baked version and calls for two kinds of cheese: extra-sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. Before baking, it’s sprinkled with paprika and topped with more cheese for a golden finish. It’s perfect to serve on special holidays or any night of the week.
Creamy Tomato Soup
Credit:
Brie Goldman
Creamy tomato soup is comfort in a bowl, and an excellent recipe to add to your rotation during the chilly months. It’s proven to be a favorite this year due to its simple ingredient list and unmatched pairing with the classic grilled cheese, BLT sandwich, chicken quesadilla, and more.
Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Credit:
Bryan Gardner
The secret to the success of our soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies is the generous amount of unsalted butter and the combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar. They’re a delicious treat to bring to a potluck party or make for a cozy night at home. For all the soft and chewy cookie lovers, this one is for you.
Coconut Cloud Cake
Credit:
Grant Webster
Cloud cake, made with coconut? It’s no wonder this recipe has reached the top 10 this year. This fan-favorite recipe results in a two-layer, airy cake coated in Swiss meringue frosting and thick coconut flakes, adding a light crunch and extra coconut flavor to each bite. If you haven’t added this dessert to your repertoire, now’s the time.
Dining and Cooking