My Top 15 Favorite Recipes of 2015: Unforgettable Flavors for Your Kitchen

As the year comes to a close, it’s always wonderful to look back at the culinary adventures we’ve embarked upon. Here at A Cedar Spoon, 2015 was an incredibly productive year, overflowing with a remarkable 154 new recipes! While yesterday we celebrated the Top Ten Reader Favorites of 2015—a collection beloved by many of you—today, I want to share something a little more personal. This is my curated list of My Top 15 Favorite Recipes of 2015, the dishes that truly captured my heart and became staples in my family’s meal rotation. These might not always be the most popular on the blog, but they are undeniably some of the most cherished and frequently revisited in my kitchen. If you’re searching for fresh, delicious, and reliable recipes to add to your repertoire in the coming year, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to discover some truly delicious salads, yummy appetizers, easy healthy dinners, and so much more!

Each recipe on this list holds a special place, chosen for its incredible flavor, ease of preparation, or sheer comfort factor. I truly love all the dishes I create and share with you, but these particular ones stand out. I hope you’ll discover a few new favorites here to brighten your kitchen in 2016 and beyond. Happy cooking, and have a safe and wonderful New Year!

Happy New Year and be safe everyone!

15. Lemon Cilantro Roasted Potatoes

These Lemon Cilantro Roasted Potatoes are an absolute revelation! The vibrant combination of fresh lemon and fragrant cilantro infuses every bite with an irresistible zest. What I love most is their versatility – you can roast them until they’re perfectly tender or keep them in the oven a little longer for an extra crispy texture, catering to everyone’s preference. They make an exceptional side dish that complements almost any main course, and I can tell you firsthand, my kids devour them every time. This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate a simple potato dish into something truly special and memorable.

14. Overnight Coconut Cranberry French Toast Bake

This Overnight Coconut Cranberry French Toast Bake quickly rose to the top of my favorites list. I loved it so much that I decided to make it for my family on Christmas morning, and it was an absolute showstopper! The real magic of this dish lies in its convenience: you simply prep it the night before, let it chill in the fridge, and then wake up to effortlessly pop it into the oven. The combination of sweet coconut and tart cranberries creates a flavor profile that is both festive and comforting. If you’re planning a brunch or a special holiday breakfast, this French toast bake is an essential addition to your recipe collection – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that allows you to enjoy your guests without fussing in the kitchen.

13. Cranberry Coconut Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Prepare yourself for pure indulgence with these Cranberry Coconut Oatmeal Cookie Bars! They are delightfully chewy, wonderfully gooey, and just oh-so-good. The harmonious blend of tropical coconut, rich chocolate, and tart cranberries creates a flavor symphony that’s hard to resist. What makes them even better is that they offer a slightly healthier twist compared to traditional cookie bars, thanks to the oats. This means you can feel a little less guilty about enjoying more than one! They’re perfect for satisfying a sweet craving, packing in lunchboxes, or sharing at any gathering. These bars are a testament to how wholesome ingredients can create truly exceptional treats.

12. Strawberry Cantaloupe Smoothie

My kids are absolutely crazy for smoothies, and their love for cantaloupe makes this Strawberry Cantaloupe Smoothie a frequent and joyful afternoon snack in our home. It’s incredibly refreshing and a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrients. You can easily boost its nutritional power by adding ingredients like fresh spinach or chia seeds, without compromising on its delightful fruity flavor. There’s something undeniably uplifting about a bright, vibrant smoothie that instantly perks up your day, and this one does exactly that. It’s a simple pleasure that feels both indulgent and wholesome, perfect for any time you need a healthy pick-me-up.

11. Pumpkin Pie Pancakes

Saturday mornings in our household often begin with a cherished tradition: making pancakes! My husband Mike and I, with the enthusiastic help of our kids, love whipping up a big batch and experimenting with new variations. These Pumpkin Pie Pancakes quickly became a seasonal favorite. They offer a delightful treat that captures the cozy essence of autumn, while still being relatively nutritious thanks to the inclusion of wholesome ingredients like yogurt, real pumpkin puree, and whole wheat flour. They’re fluffy, fragrant, and a wonderfully comforting way to kick off the weekend. A definite must-try for any pancake enthusiast looking for a unique twist!

10. Black Bean Dip with Queso Fresco

As a devoted fan of dips for any occasion – be it parties, casual snacking, or spirited tailgating events – this Black Bean Dip with Queso Fresco quickly became a personal obsession. It’s incredibly flavorful and wonderfully versatile. I love scooping it up with crispy corn chips, but it’s equally fantastic spread on sandwiches or as a zesty addition to tacos and burritos. The creamy texture of the black beans combined with the fresh, crumbly queso fresco creates a delightful contrast that’s both satisfying and light. This dip is a surefire way to impress your guests or simply add a burst of Mexican-inspired flavor to your everyday meals.

9. Buffalo Chicken Hummus Bites

My hummus addiction is absolutely real, and it inspired these ingenious Buffalo Chicken Hummus Bites! I wanted to create a lighter, yet equally flavorful, alternative to the traditional buffalo chicken dip. By incorporating hummus, these bites achieve a wonderfully creamy texture while feeling a bit less heavy. The spicy kick of buffalo sauce paired with tender chicken and the earthy notes of hummus makes for an irresistible combination. These charming little appetizers are perfect for serving at parties, game day gatherings, or whenever you’re cheering on your favorite football team. They’re easy to assemble and always disappear quickly!

8. Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

My slow cooker truly becomes my best friend during the colder winter months. There’s an unparalleled comfort in walking through the door after a long, busy day and being greeted by the aroma of a warm, delicious meal simmering away. If you’re a fan of classic stuffed peppers, then this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup is an absolute dream come true. It captures all the beloved flavors of the traditional dish – tender bell peppers, seasoned ground meat, and a rich tomato base – but in a hearty, soul-warming soup form that requires minimal effort. It’s comforting, satisfying, and exactly what you need on a chilly evening.

7. Slow Cooker 4 Ingredient Shredded Beef Tacos

This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Shredded Beef Tacos recipe is a true lifesaver in my kitchen, which is why I make it so frequently! Its incredible simplicity combined with the mouth-watering results makes it an instant favorite for busy weeknights. Beyond the initial meal, I absolutely love having the leftover shredded beef. It freezes beautifully, allowing me to pull it out for quick and easy meals later on. This versatile beef can be transformed into delicious salads, hearty burritos, cheesy quesadillas, or, of course, more incredible tacos. It’s a smart way to meal prep without feeling like you’re actually meal prepping, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

6. Ratatouille Pappardelle

During the glorious summer months, when my garden is bursting with bounty, I often find myself with an abundance of ripe tomatoes, crisp zucchini, and fragrant fresh herbs. This Ratatouille Pappardelle pasta dish is the absolute perfect way to utilize those vibrant, seasonal vegetables. It’s a celebration of fresh produce, delivering an explosion of flavor in every forkful. The rich, slow-simmered ratatouille sauce clings beautifully to the wide pappardelle noodles, creating a satisfying and comforting meal. Hands down, this is one of my all-time favorite pasta recipes. It transports me straight to the Mediterranean with its rustic charm and incredibly fresh taste.

5. Israeli Couscous Salad with Lemon Dressing

For quick and satisfying lunches during the week, salads are my absolute go-to, and this Israeli Couscous Salad with Lemon Dressing consistently ranks high on my list of favorites. It’s a fantastic meal prep option, holding up beautifully in the fridge. I adore the textural contrast of the plump Israeli couscous with an array of crisp, fresh vegetables, all brought together by a bright and zesty lemon dressing. It’s light, refreshing, yet incredibly filling, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and delicious midday meal. This salad truly exemplifies how simple, fresh ingredients can combine to create something extraordinary.

4. Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos

Here’s another one of those magical slow cooker recipes that not only delivers a fantastic meal with minimal effort but also provides wonderful leftovers for future meals! These Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos are a testament to the power of simplicity. With just a few quick ingredients, you can create incredibly flavorful and tender shredded chicken that is remarkably versatile. Use it in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, or even on nachos. The tangy and slightly spicy salsa verde imbues the chicken with a vibrant taste that’s absolutely irresistible. It’s a busy cook’s dream, offering maximum flavor and utility from very little hands-on time.

3. Slow Cooker Turkey Kale Lasagna Soup

There’s nothing quite like Italian food for ultimate comfort, and this Slow Cooker Turkey Kale Lasagna Soup truly takes comfort to the next level. Imagine all the beloved flavors of a rich, cheesy lasagna, but transformed into a warm, inviting soup! It’s brimming with Italian herbs, savory turkey, and wholesome kale, offering a slightly lighter take on the classic dish without sacrificing any of its rich, satisfying appeal. The gooey cheese melting into the broth is simply divine, making each spoonful a pure delight. This soup is perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something deeply comforting and flavorful, yet still want the ease of a slow cooker meal.

2. Moroccan Chicken Thighs

In my household, flavor is paramount. I always aim for dishes that pack a punch, whether it comes from bold spices, bright citrus, or fresh herbs. These Moroccan Chicken Thighs exemplify that philosophy perfectly. They are incredibly tender and juicy, marinated and cooked to perfection with an aromatic blend of traditional Moroccan spices, a generous squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The result is a vibrant and deeply satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a flavorful weeknight dinner. It’s a wonderful way to introduce exotic flavors into your regular cooking routine and consistently receives rave reviews.

1. Slow Cooker Mexican Cheesy Chicken Soup

Need I say more? This Slow Cooker Mexican Cheesy Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food and easily claims the number one spot on my list. It’s a robust, Mexican-style soup generously loaded with gooey melted cheese and all the incredible toppings you could wish for – creamy avocado, sharp red onions, juicy tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. I could honestly eat this soup on a weekly basis; it’s that good. It’s incredibly satisfying, bursting with vibrant flavors, and remarkably easy to prepare thanks to the slow cooker. If you’re a connoisseur of Mexican-inspired soups, you absolutely must give this one a try. It’s a warm, cheesy hug in a bowl that promises to become a fast favorite!

This collection of my top 15 favorite recipes from 2015 truly offers something to please every palate. From hearty main courses and comforting soups to delightful sides and tempting treats, these dishes have brought joy and flavor to my family’s table countless times. I hope this curated list inspires you to explore new culinary horizons and find some beloved additions for your own kitchen in the year ahead. Happy cooking, and may your meals always be delicious!

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