Best recipes of the year

I made a lot of recipes this year, but these five stayed with me. Not because they were the flashiest or most complicated, but because they worked. They showed up for real life. They reminded me that good food doesn’t need constant reinvention, it needs care, patience, and intention.

As someone who cooks for family, these recipes became anchors in my kitchen. They’re the ones I kept returning to when I wanted something dependable, comforting, and genuinely good.

Oven-Baked Jerk Turkey Wings

These oven-baked jerk turkey wings set the tone for the year. Seasoning them well and letting them cook low and slow does most of the work. The result is fall-off-the-bone tender meat with deep, layered flavor and sticky skin that feels indulgent without being complicated. This recipe reinforced that time is often the most important ingredient.

One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken with Cannellini Beans and Basmati Rice

This one-pot honey garlic chicken quickly became a staple. Everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the flavors to build naturally. The chicken stays juicy, the rice absorbs all that sweet and savory sauce, and the cannellini beans add heartiness without heaviness. It’s the kind of comforting weeknight dinner that feels nourishing and practical at the same time.

Tender Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs

These oven-baked BBQ ribs surprised me. Wrapped tightly and baked slowly, they become incredibly tender without the need for a grill or smoker. A quick finish with barbecue sauce allows them to caramelize just enough. This recipe reminded me that patience in the kitchen always pays off, and that great ribs don’t have to be complicated.

One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti

This one-pot sun-dried tomato spaghetti is a recipe I’ll be making for years. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce creates a richer flavor and better texture while cutting down on dishes. The sun-dried tomatoes melt into the sauce, creating depth and warmth that feels cozy yet elevated. Simple steps, big payoff.

Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)

These Tex-Mex inspired egg rolls bring joy into the kitchen. Crispy on the outside, cheesy and well-seasoned on the inside, with just enough spice to keep you reaching for another. They have that familiar Cheesecake Factory copycat feel, but homemade in a way that feels intentional and satisfying. Sometimes good cooking is also about fun.

What These Recipes Taught Me

These recipes weren’t about chasing trends or doing the most. They were about slowing down, paying attention to what actually works, and trusting simple techniques. They reminded me that the best meals are often the ones you return to again and again.

If you’re looking for recipes that feel comforting, reliable, and rooted in real life, these are the ones that defined my kitchen this year.