Embark on a nostalgic culinary journey as we round up my absolute favorite recipe posts from 2015. This curated collection features one standout dish for each month of the year, bringing back cherished memories and delicious flavors!
A Culinary Retrospective: Unveiling My Favorite Recipes of 2015
As I reflect on the whirlwind year that was 2015, it truly feels like time flew by in a delicious blur. With the year drawing to a close, I decided to embark on a delightful, albeit challenging, task: selecting just one favorite recipe from each month to create a definitive list of my top culinary hits. Let me tell you, narrowing down the choices was a harder feat than I initially imagined! Each recipe holds a special place in my heart, and I’m thrilled to share these tried-and-true favorites with you. If any of these incredible dishes haven’t made it onto your “must-try” list yet, I urge you to add them for a guaranteed culinary treat. You’ll definitely be glad you did!
For those who love visual cooking guides, you’ll be happy to know that one of my ongoing goals is to incorporate more video content into my posts. To kick things off, I’ve created a special video for this very retrospective. I sincerely hope you enjoy watching the highlights of these beloved recipes come to life!
Dive into Deliciousness: The Recipes That Stole My Heart in 2015
January – Ultimate Hash Brown Casserole
Kicking off the year with a comforting classic, this Hash Brown Casserole quickly became a household favorite. It’s the ultimate side dish that brings warmth and a smile to everyone’s face. Often affectionately known as “Funeral Potatoes,” this creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible casserole is a staple for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a thoughtful dish to share with grieving families. Its versatility means it pairs perfectly with almost any meal, from breakfast to dinner, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you still crave that homemade touch. The combination of tender potatoes, rich creaminess, and a crunchy topping is pure bliss, solidifying its spot as a January favorite.
February – Irresistible Vanilla Cake Donuts with Fresh Strawberry Glaze
February brought a delightful sweetness with these Vanilla Cake Donuts with Strawberry Glaze. These homemade cake donuts are a revelation, boasting a tender, moist crumb that’s utterly satisfying. What truly sets them apart is the vibrant, luscious glaze made with fresh, ripe strawberries. It adds a burst of natural sweetness and a beautiful pink hue, making them not just delicious but also incredibly appealing. Perfect for a special breakfast, a delightful brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these donuts are surprisingly easy to whip up at home. They offer a gourmet bakery experience right in your kitchen, proving that homemade treats are always the best way to indulge.
March – Hearty & Flavorful 7 Layer Burritos
It’s no secret that Mexican food holds a special place in our hearts here at Love Bakes Good Cakes! In March, our love for vibrant flavors was perfectly captured by these incredible 7 Layer Burritos. This recipe stands out as an easy, fuss-free, and incredibly satisfying meatless meal option. Packed with layers of delicious ingredients like seasoned beans, fluffy rice, tangy salsa, creamy sour cream, and fresh vegetables, each bite is an explosion of texture and taste. They are completely customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your family’s preferences. Ideal for busy weeknights, these burritos prove that eating less meat can be just as delicious and fulfilling, offering a wholesome and flavorful alternative that everyone will enjoy.
April – Elegant Strawberry & Lemon Cream Crepes
As spring truly blossomed, so did the flavors in our kitchen with these exquisite Strawberry & Lemon Cream Crepes. This recipe is an absolute dream, combining the delicate lightness of homemade crepes with a luscious, zesty lemon cream and sweet, fresh strawberries. It’s a dish that embodies the fresh, vibrant essence of spring, bursting with bright and refreshing flavors. Whether served as an elegant breakfast, a delightful brunch centerpiece, or a sophisticated dessert, these crepes are incredibly versatile. They look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to something special. Every mouthful is a taste of sunshine and happiness!
May – Homemade Choco-Tacos: A Nostalgic Treat
As the weather warmed up and we eagerly anticipated summer, May’s favorite brought back a beloved childhood classic: the Choco-Taco. Making these iconic novelty treats at home is not only incredibly fun but also surprisingly simple! Imagine crispy waffle cone shells filled with creamy vanilla ice cream, dipped in a hardened chocolate coating, and often adorned with your favorite toppings like nuts or sprinkles. These homemade delights are the perfect cool-down treat for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or any time you’re craving a playful and utterly delicious sweet snack. They’re a fantastic project for kids and adults alike, ensuring smiles and sticky fingers all around.
June – Speedy & Delicious French Bread Pizza
When summer rolls around, quick and easy dinner ideas become paramount, and our French Bread Pizza was the perfect solution for June. This recipe is a true weeknight hero, allowing you to have a piping hot, delicious dinner on the table in just 20 minutes! It’s incredibly versatile – simply slather your favorite sauce on a crusty French bread, load it up with your go-to toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, and plenty of gooey cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly. The result is a satisfying, family-friendly meal that rivals takeout pizza but is much faster and often more flavorful. It’s a fuss-free option that the whole family will undoubtedly love, making it a regular rotation in many households.
July – Authentic & Fun Fry Bread Tacos (Navajo Tacos)
Looking to elevate your dinner game and escape the monotony of typical weeknight meals? July’s favorite, Fry Bread Tacos, also known as Navajo Tacos, offers an exciting and delicious change of pace. This recipe features a quick and simple bread dough that is lightly fried to achieve a wonderfully soft, chewy interior and a delightfully crispy exterior. Once the fry bread is ready, it becomes the perfect edible canvas for all your favorite taco toppings – think seasoned ground meat, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. It’s an interactive and fun meal that invites everyone to customize their own, making it a memorable and much-loved summer dinner experience.
August – Refreshing & Nutritious Mixed Berry Smoothie Bowl
Smoothie bowls were all the rage in 2015, and for very good reason – they offer a fantastic combination of health, flavor, and visual appeal. Our Mixed Berry Smoothie Bowl quickly became an August staple, perfect for beating the summer heat or kickstarting a busy day. This recipe is incredibly easy to whip together, requiring just a few simple ingredients to create a thick, creamy base packed with the goodness of mixed berries. The real fun comes with the toppings: get creative with granola for crunch, chia seeds for extra nutrition, fresh fruit slices, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of honey. It’s a delicious, vibrant, and energizing way to enjoy a wholesome breakfast or a refreshing snack, making healthy eating both enjoyable and beautiful.
September – Addictive Asian Sticky Wings: Game Day Perfection
As summer gave way to fall and football season kicked into high gear, our kitchens turned to game day grub, and these Asian Sticky Wings were an undeniable hit. These wings are the epitome of finger-licking good! Coated in a perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and slightly tangy glaze, they are utterly addictive. They make for an ideal appetizer or snack food for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to festive game day parties. But don’t relegate them solely to appetizers; these sticky wings are hearty enough to serve as a fantastic dinner option too. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, they’ll disappear from the platter in no time!
October – Classic Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
As the crisp autumn air settled in, our thoughts turned to comforting, hearty meals, and this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham recipe became an instant October favorite. This dish is pure nostalgia on a plate, tasting just like the beloved comfort food grandma used to make. Slices of tender potatoes are baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, layered with savory pieces of ham, creating a truly satisfying and wholesome meal. It’s simple, delicious, and incredibly warming – perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a hearty side dish for holiday meals. This recipe proves that sometimes, the most classic dishes are indeed the best, offering timeless flavor and comforting goodness.
November – Warm & Spiced Snickerdoodle Quick Bread
Calling all cinnamon lovers! As the scent of holiday baking began to fill the air, November’s standout recipe was this delightful Snickerdoodle Quick Bread. This bread captures all the beloved flavors of the classic cookie – warm cinnamon and sugar – in a moist, tender, and incredibly easy-to-make loaf. Unlike traditional yeast breads, quick bread requires no rising time, making it a perfect last-minute bake. It’s an ideal breakfast treat, a satisfying afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea, or even a thoughtful homemade gift during the festive season. The irresistible aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, making it a true comfort food for the soul.
December – Festive & Unique Red Hot Jello Salad
To round out our culinary year, December brought a touch of whimsical nostalgia with this vibrant Red Hot Jello Salad. This dish is a delightful blast from the past, combining the playful texture of Jello with the surprising, zesty kick of cinnamon candies. Its brilliant red hue makes it a perfect, eye-catching addition to any holiday meal, whether you’re serving it as a fun side dish or a light, unique dessert. It’s an unexpected flavor profile that always sparks conversation and delivers a deliciously unique experience. If you’re looking to add a touch of retro charm and a burst of spicy-sweet flavor to your holiday table, this Jello salad is an absolute must-try!
Discover More Culinary Inspirations:
If you enjoyed this look back at my favorite recipes, you might also be interested in exploring some of my other popular posts and year-end roundups:
The 15 Most Popular Recipes & Posts of 2015
A Look Back at My Favorite Recipes of 2014