As the final days of the year swiftly pass by, we find ourselves reflecting on an incredible journey and anticipating the fresh opportunities that 2018 is set to bring. It feels like just yesterday we were setting our intentions for the past year, and now, with January just around the corner, we’re filled with renewed excitement for what’s ahead.
Here at Real Simple Good, 2017 has been nothing short of transformative. We’ve poured our passion into creating a wealth of resources for healthy living, and we’re incredibly proud of our community’s growth and engagement. This year alone, we published over 100 new blog posts, each packed with delicious, wholesome recipes and practical tips for a simpler, healthier lifestyle. We successfully launched our meal plan subscription service, making healthy eating even more accessible, and produced over 40 engaging recipe videos to guide you through our culinary creations. To top it all off, we’ve just kicked off an exhilarating January Whole30 Challenge, inviting everyone to reset and revitalize!
With so much content to explore, it’s easy to miss some gems. That’s why we’ve compiled this special roundup: a definitive list of our top 10 most popular blog posts and recipes from 2017. These are the dishes that resonated most with you, our amazing readers, and they represent the heart of what Real Simple Good is all about: delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meals that fit into your busy life. Get ready to discover new favorites or revisit beloved classics that will inspire your cooking in the New Year!
Our Most Loved Recipes of 2017: A Look Back at Your Favorites
1. CROCKPOT CHICKEN ENCHILADA SOUP
Unsurprisingly, this comforting and flavorful Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup claimed the top spot as your favorite recipe of 2017. It’s a testament to the power of simple, delicious, and healthy weeknight meals. This soup delivers all the robust flavors of classic enchiladas in a hearty, soul-warming bowl, making it a perfect Paleo and Whole30 compliant option. Its incredible popularity stems from its ease of preparation: simply toss the ingredients into your crockpot or Instant Pot, and let the magic happen. The result is a family-friendly dish that’s incredibly satisfying and ideal for meal prepping, ensuring you have wholesome goodness ready when hunger strikes.
2. 10 EASY HOMEMADE SPICE BLENDS
Elevating your home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and our collection of 10 Easy Homemade Spice Blends proves just that. This post quickly became a reader favorite, empowering you to create clean, additive-free seasonings right in your own kitchen. By crafting your own blends, you gain complete control over ingredients, avoiding unnecessary sugars, fillers, and anti-caking agents often found in store-bought versions. From a versatile taco seasoning that we make almost every week to other flavorful mixes perfect for poultry, meat, or vegetables, these blends are designed to inject incredible taste into your Paleo and Whole30 meals. Make 2018 the year you master your spice cabinet!
3. BUTTERNUT BREAKFAST MEATBALLS
For those seeking delicious and satisfying egg-free breakfast solutions, our Butternut Breakfast Meatballs were a runaway hit. This recipe offers a fantastic alternative to traditional morning fare, packed with savory flavors and nourishing ingredients like butternut squash and ground meat. They’re not only incredibly tasty but also highly versatile, making them an excellent choice for meal prep. Spend a little time on the weekend whipping up a big batch, and you’ll have wholesome, ready-to-eat breakfasts throughout the week. Whether you’re doing a Whole30, following a Paleo diet, or simply looking for new breakfast ideas, these meatballs provide sustained energy and a delightful start to your day.
4. SPICY NUTS
When that inevitable snack craving hits, you deserve a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Our Spicy Nuts recipe rose to popularity as the ultimate satisfying snack, perfectly blending a mix of savory seasonings with just the right amount of heat. These crunchy, irresistible nuts are not only a fantastic pick-me-up during the day but also make an ideal appetizer for gatherings. With the Super Bowl and other social events just around the corner, roasting up a batch of these ensures you have a crowd-pleasing, guilt-free snack that everyone will adore. They’re naturally Paleo and can be easily adapted for Whole30 by checking ingredient labels on your spices.
5. CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BARS
It’s no secret that a good dessert can make any day better, and our Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars proved to be an irresistible favorite among those with a sweet tooth! These bars offer all the comforting goodness of a classic chocolate chip cookie in a convenient, shareable bar form, making them perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or simply a delightful indulgence. What truly sets them apart is their incredible chewiness and extra gooey texture, brimming with melted chocolatey goodness in every bite. Crafted with clean, Paleo-friendly ingredients, they allow you to enjoy a satisfying treat without veering off your healthy eating path. They’re a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing delicious desserts.
6. CINNAMON SPICED GRANOLA
Our Cinnamon Spiced Granola quickly became a staple in many households, cherished for its versatility as both a wholesome breakfast option and a convenient, healthy snack. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone following a grain-free or Paleo diet, as it delivers all the satisfying crunch and flavor of traditional granola without the grains. Made with a delightful blend of nuts, seeds, and aromatic cinnamon, it’s packed with nourishing fats and fiber to keep you feeling full and energized. Enjoy it with your favorite non-dairy milk, sprinkled over fruit, or simply by the handful when you need a quick energy boost. Its rich flavor and satisfying texture ensure you won’t miss the grains one bit!
7. CRISPY CHICKEN THIGHS WITH ZESTY CAULIFLOWER
If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to spice up your dinner routine, look no further than our Crispy Chicken Thighs with Zesty Cauliflower. This dish became a fan favorite for its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors, proving that healthy eating can be exciting and far from bland. The chicken thighs cook to a beautiful crispiness, while the cauliflower is roasted to tender perfection with a vibrant, zesty kick that complements the chicken wonderfully. The beauty of this Paleo and Whole30 compliant recipe lies in its customizability – you can easily adjust the level of spice to suit your preference. It’s a complete meal that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying, making it a regular rotation for many families.
8. 30 WHOLE30 BREAKFASTS WITHOUT EGGS
For many embarking on a Whole30 journey, finding varied and compliant breakfast options can be a challenge, especially if eggs aren’t your favorite or you have dietary restrictions. This comprehensive roundup of “30 Whole30 Breakfasts Without Eggs” became an absolute lifesaver for our community, offering a treasure trove of inspiring ideas. From savory meatballs to nourishing bowls and creative sweet options, this post ensures that your Whole30 mornings are anything but boring. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be exciting and diverse. And speaking of Whole30, don’t forget to check out our ongoing January Whole30 Challenge for even more support and motivation!
9. INSTANT POT PULLED PORK WITH BBQ SAUCE
2017 was undoubtedly the year of the Instant Pot for us, and this Instant Pot Pulled Pork with BBQ Sauce recipe perfectly showcases why this appliance has become a kitchen essential. Our readers flocked to this recipe for its incredible convenience and the unbelievably tender, flavorful results it produces in a fraction of the time. This Whole30 compliant pulled pork is so versatile, perfect for stuffing into lettuce wraps, serving over roasted vegetables, or simply enjoying on its own. It’s an ideal meal prep component, allowing you to whip up a large batch of delicious, protein-packed pork that can be used in various meals throughout the week. The homemade BBQ sauce truly elevates this dish, making it a wholesome and hearty family favorite.
10. CREAMY BACON RANCH CHICKEN CASSEROLE
Rounding out our top 10 list is a recipe that combines two universally loved flavors: bacon and ranch! Our Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole quickly became a sensation for its comforting, savory profile and its ability to be both “squeaky clean” and incredibly delicious. This healthy casserole delivers all the rich, creamy goodness you crave without any dairy or unhealthy additives, making it perfectly Paleo and Whole30 compliant. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Prepare to have your plate licked clean as you savor every bite of this irresistible dish. It’s proof that healthy eating can be indulgent and incredibly enjoyable!
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