Top 20 Recipes From 2011

by Beth - Budget Bytes
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Wow, so 2011 went by fast, right? As I was scrolling through the recipes from this year I couldn’t believe that I made some of these in 2011, they feel like ages ago!

People often ask me what *my* favorite recipes are, so I’ve decided to compile a list of my favorites from this year. Sure, I like everything that I post, but there are just some recipes that really make me say “WOW,” some recipes that I’m just dying to make again. I tried to make it a list of ten, but that was pretty much impossible, so you get 20 instead.
If you haven’t tried any Budget Bytes recipes yet, this list is a great place to start.

So, here they are, in chronological order:

1. Cinnamon Raisin Bread

cinnamon raisin bread
This easy, almost no-knead cinnamon raisin bread is super easy and had me starting every day with a smile. A slice or two toasted with some peanut butter made for a quick, delicious, and filling breakfast. And it’s got way less sugar than store bought cinnamon raisin bread.

2. Quick Curried Chickpeas

quick curried chickpeas
This dish is also a reader favorite. It’s super easy and quick to make, packed with flavor, and gets four stars for health. If you need an easy side dish for dinner, try this.

3. Chipotle Raspberry BBQ Chicken

raspberry chipotle bbq chicken
Mmmmm, sweet, tangy, spicy, and juicy thighs. What more could one ask for? Oh, you want them to be easy too? Okay, you got it.

4. Chorizo & Sweet Potato Enchiladas

sweet potato chorizo enchiladas
Not only is this a reader favorite, but it also won second place in a recipe contest run by the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission! And from what I hear, kids like ’em too!

5. Peanut Soba Stir Fry

peanut soba stir fry
This one has been kind of hit and miss with readers but I absolutely adored it! It was fast, easy, only required a few ingredients, and is packed with vegetables. I literally couldn’t keep out of it. I kept going back for more.

6. Oven Roasted Corn

oven roasted corn with honey chili butter
I’ll be honest, I’ve never been a fan of corn, but this totally changed my mind. Roasting the corn made the flavor deep and sweet and keeping the husks on during roasting kept all of the juices locked inside. The honey chili butter wasn’t so bad either ;)

7. Hummus & Roasted Vegetable Pizza

grilled vegetable & hummus pizza
Every. Single. Time. I see this photo I want to eat it. Everything about this was delicious. Everything. I don’t know what else I can say.

8. Salsa Poached Eggs

salsa poached eggs
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, savory breakfasts in particular. Eggs are one of my top 3 favorite foods and preparing them this way is just like icing on the cake. So much flavor! I’d eat it every day if I could.

9. Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

summer vegetable pasta salad
Simplicity at its best. This pasta salad is light, fresh, and the perfect side dish to just about anything.

10. Sloppy Joes Plus

sloppy joes plus
Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky… I’m so sneaky. I hid some lentils in
this homemade sloppy joe mix for added fiber and nutrients and it’s so delicious, you’d never know!

11. Taco Chicken Bowls

taco chicken bowls
This recipe practically sparked a frenzy on pinterest, and for good reason. It’s one of those recipes that is nearly fool-proof and so delicious that your whole family will love it. I love it every bit as much as all of you do.

12. Yellow Jasmine Rice

yellow jasmine rice
Smells are a big thing for me and I think the scent of this rice is absolutely intoxicating… and the flavor definitely lives up to the powerful scent. Best rice I’ve ever eaten. Hands down.

13. (not)Refried Beans

not refried beans
You might have to be a bean fan to appreciate this one, but seriously, it’s GOOD. Every time I make this I find myself standing over the slow cooker just shoveling it into my mouth. Sorry, I know you didn’t need that mental image.

14. Oatmeal Molasses Bread

oatmeal molasses bread
This bread recipe may not be as easy as all of the no-knead recipes, but all of the work is very worth it. It’s sweet, rich, and hearty. You can not buy bread like this in the store. No sir.

15. Vinaigrette Slaw with Feta

vinaigrette slaw with feta
I’m afraid of eating raw cabbage because it can be so cruel to me… but this slaw is so good that I’ll come runnin’ for it anyway! It’s delish!

16. Teriyaki Salmon w/ Sriracha Mayo

teriyaki salmon with sriracha mayo
Sure, anything with sriracha is fantastic, but this teriyaki salmon was hella good! And simple. If you need to impress some guests, make this!

17. Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal

pumpkin pie baked oatmeal
Do I even need to explain this one? Tastes like you’re eating dessert for breakfast but it’s totally delicious. Life is good. The end.

18. Chicken & Apple Salad

chicken & apple salad
Yum, yum, yum! I loved this! Tons of textures and flavors all in one place. Eat it as a sandwich, over a bed of greens, or just straight. It’s good no matter how you spin it.

19. Easy Egg Drop Soup

easy egg drop soup
If you need a serious soother for a bad winter cold, this soup is the ticket. Plus, it’s so easy that you can actually fix it yourself when you’re sick! This is my new go-to comfort food.

20. Cumin Lime Chickpeas

cumin lime chickpeas
If you’re like me and you live for super potent flavors, you’ll love this. It’s light and fresh but very colorful, thanks to the tangy lime juice, fresh cilantro, and spicy red onions. Plus, it gets better every day as it has time to marinate in the fridge.

So there they are, my top 20 recipes from 2011. But you know what I liked even better? Getting to know all of you. Budget Bytes wouldn’t exists without such a wonderful group of readers. I don’t consider you just onlookers, but active participants in this adventure. Thank you for being there, for sharing your ideas and experiences, and just being wonderful in general. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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  1. I am so happy I stumbled upon your wonderful site. My boyfriend and I just started university full time, at the same time, so we are definalty on a budget and I have been running low on cheap meal ideas and inspirations. Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring meal ideas! :)
    Ashley.

  2. I’ve just very recently come across your site on Pinterest, and bookmarked it immediately. I love the way you’ve taken good food and shown how it plays out price-wise. Your picture tutorials are fantastic. Great job :)

  3. Hi Beth, just discovered your blog 2 weeks ago through a friend and my husband and I are hooked…we’ve already made several dishes and we plan to keep it up. We are budget-conscious people who meal plan and grocery shop with itemized lists…so naturally we loved your site. There are so many recipes I can’t wait to try – thank you!

  4. I recently discovered your blog via pinterest. We have loved every recipe that we have tried! They have all made it on our regular rotation. We tried the banana bread oatmeal this weekend and I think I’m going to have a hard time eating regular oatmeal from now on!

  5. The sweet potato enchiladas and vegetable pasta salad were big hits with my boyfriend and me. Thank you for all of your great recipes!

  6. I discovered your blog at the end of 2011, and I have to say I just love it! I’ve been trying to get better about weekly meal planning, it really helps cut our grocery bill, and my diet goals, to be prepared for the week. Lately I’ve found that most of my meals come from your blog, and they’ve all been hits that are added to our regular rotation! Thanks for sharing such wonderful recipes, and have a great 2012!

  7. Happy New Year, Beth. I have 3 children and one husband. I work full-time. My husband stays home with the kids. He is disabled, but can certainly cook for us. Your blog is my favorite cooking blog of all. I LOVE your recipes. I made your Red Beans and Rice at least 8 times, and we’re eating it now for New Year’s. Your food is outstanding…Family friendly, amazingly tasty, economical, and just YUM. Thank you so much for everything you do on this small space on the internet!!

  8. The last recipe (and the one I want to try the most) isn’t linked. I supposed I could search for it but I’m being lazy.

  9. I’ve tried one of your top 20, but now I see I’m going to have to try more! I loved the Baked pumpkin pie oatmeal. Think I’ll have to try the curried chickpeas next! Happy New Year!!

  10. I have tried SO many of your recipes, but there are many on this list I haven’t tried yet! Cheers to cooking new recipes in 2012! Happy New Year!
    Tina

  11. The taco bowl recipe was my first intro to your blog (through pinterest), I’ve been hooked ever since! Can’t wait to see what you’ve got planned for 2012! Happy New Year!