It's our anniversary—and we couldn't have gotten here without you! Here are our best-loved reader-shared recipes from every year we've been around.
Our Most Popular Recipes from the Past 25 Years
1/26
Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting
From the Recipe Creator:
Premiere Issue, 1993
The cake reminds me of my grandmother, because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania
The cake reminds me of my grandmother, because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 482 calories, 28g fat (7g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
2/26
Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
August/September 1994
Mom always managed to put a delicious hearty meal on the table for us and for our farmhands. This all-in-one comforting pork chops recipe reminds me of home. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Mom always managed to put a delicious hearty meal on the table for us and for our farmhands. This all-in-one comforting pork chops recipe reminds me of home. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 574 calories, 29g fat (11g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1015mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein.
3/26
Icebox Butterhorns
From the Recipe Creator:
June/July 1995
These beautiful golden rolls just melt in your mouth! People will be impressed when these appear on your table. —Judy Clark, Elkhart, Indiana
These beautiful golden rolls just melt in your mouth! People will be impressed when these appear on your table. —Judy Clark, Elkhart, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 206 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
4/26
Cheeseburger Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
October/November 1996
A local restaurant serves a similar soup but wouldn’t share its recipe with me. So I developed my own, modifying a recipe for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American treat turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
A local restaurant serves a similar soup but wouldn’t share its recipe with me. So I developed my own, modifying a recipe for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American treat turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1012mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
5/26
Zucchini Cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
August/September 1997
I asked my grandmother for this recipe after trying these irresistible spice cupcakes at her home. I love their creamy caramel frosting. They’re such a scrumptious dessert you actually forget you’re eating your vegetables, too! —Virginia Lapierre, Greensboro Bend, Vermont
I asked my grandmother for this recipe after trying these irresistible spice cupcakes at her home. I love their creamy caramel frosting. They’re such a scrumptious dessert you actually forget you’re eating your vegetables, too! —Virginia Lapierre, Greensboro Bend, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 327 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
6/26
Rhubarb Custard Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
April/May 1998
Once I tried these rich, gooey bars, I just had to have the recipe so I could make them for my family and friends. The shortbread-like crust and rhubarb and custard layers inspire people to find rhubarb they can use to fix a batch for themselves. —Shari Roach, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Once I tried these rich, gooey bars, I just had to have the recipe so I could make them for my family and friends. The shortbread-like crust and rhubarb and custard layers inspire people to find rhubarb they can use to fix a batch for themselves. —Shari Roach, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 198 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
7/26
Cheesy Meat Loaf
From the Recipe Creator:
April/May 1999
I got this recipe from my aunt when I was a teen and have made these miniature loaves many times since. My husband and three children count this main dish among their favorites. —Kathy Bowron, Cocolalla, Idaho
I got this recipe from my aunt when I was a teen and have made these miniature loaves many times since. My husband and three children count this main dish among their favorites. —Kathy Bowron, Cocolalla, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 meat loaf: 279 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
8/26
Chicken Fajitas
From the Recipe Creator:
August/September 2000
This flavorful recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The chicken fajita marinade in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. They go together in a snap and always get raves! —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
This flavorful recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The chicken fajita marinade in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. They go together in a snap and always get raves! —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 369 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
9/26
Cornbread
From the Recipe Creator:
April/May 2001
A friend gave me this recipe several years ago, and I think it’s the best cornbread recipe I’ve tried. I love to serve the melt-in-your mouth homemade cornbread hot from the oven with butter and syrup. It gets rave reviews on holidays and at potluck dinners. —Nicole Callen, Auburn, California
A friend gave me this recipe several years ago, and I think it’s the best cornbread recipe I’ve tried. I love to serve the melt-in-your mouth homemade cornbread hot from the oven with butter and syrup. It gets rave reviews on holidays and at potluck dinners. —Nicole Callen, Auburn, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 262 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
10/26
Bacon Macaroni Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
June/July 2002
This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coasted with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coasted with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 402 calories, 33g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
11/26
Blueberry Banana Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
June/July 2003
Blueberries and bananas combine in these tender, golden loaves. Whether you enjoy a slice as a snack or for breakfast, this bread is so flavorful, you won’t need butter. —Sandy Flick, Toledo, Ohio
Blueberries and bananas combine in these tender, golden loaves. Whether you enjoy a slice as a snack or for breakfast, this bread is so flavorful, you won’t need butter. —Sandy Flick, Toledo, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 202 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
12/26
Baked Mushroom Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
June/July 2004
This mushroom chicken recipe is the perfect way to dress up a standard weeknight dinner. It’s a recipe I can count on to yield tender and flavorful mushroom chicken every time. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania
This mushroom chicken recipe is the perfect way to dress up a standard weeknight dinner. It’s a recipe I can count on to yield tender and flavorful mushroom chicken every time. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 311 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 575mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
13/26
Shrimp Scampi
From the Recipe Creator:
October/November 2005
This shrimp scampi recipe looks like you fussed, but it’s easy to prepare. Lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp, and bread crumbs add a pleasing crunch. Served over pasta, this main dish is pretty enough for company. —Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska
This shrimp scampi recipe looks like you fussed, but it’s easy to prepare. Lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp, and bread crumbs add a pleasing crunch. Served over pasta, this main dish is pretty enough for company. —Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 395 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 177mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
14/26
Pig Pickin’ Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
June/July 2006
This is one of my favorite cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years and now it’s almost guilt-free. —Pam Sjolund, Columbia, South Carolina
This is one of my favorite cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years and now it’s almost guilt-free. —Pam Sjolund, Columbia, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 218 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
15/26
Buffalo Chicken Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
December/January 2007
Buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese and ranch or blue cheese dressing make a great party dip. Everywhere I take it, people want this chicken wing dip recipe. —Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky
Buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese and ranch or blue cheese dressing make a great party dip. Everywhere I take it, people want this chicken wing dip recipe. —Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 152 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
16/26
Jambalaya
From the Recipe Creator:
February/March 2008
During chilly months, I fix this jambalaya recipe at least once a month. It’s so easy…just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
During chilly months, I fix this jambalaya recipe at least once a month. It’s so easy…just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup jambalaya: 230 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1016mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
17/26
Spaghetti Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
February/March 2009
My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona
My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 335 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
18/26
Brownie Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
April/May 2010
This rich, tempting trifle feeds a crowd and features the ever-popular combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Try this dessert for your next get-together. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
This rich, tempting trifle feeds a crowd and features the ever-popular combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Try this dessert for your next get-together. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 680 calories, 38g fat (15g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (54g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
19/26
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
February/March 2011
Creamy make-ahead mashed potatoes get even better when topped with a savory trio of cheese, onions and bacon. —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Creamy make-ahead mashed potatoes get even better when topped with a savory trio of cheese, onions and bacon. —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
20/26
Jalapeno Popper Spread
From the Recipe Creator:
August/September 2012
I’ve been told by fellow party-goers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
I’ve been told by fellow party-goers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 239 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
21/26
German Chocolate Pecan Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
December 2013
This pie combines the ingredients everyone loves in its classic cake cousin. It’s so silky and smooth, you won’t be able to put your fork down. —Anna Jones, Coppell, Texas
This pie combines the ingredients everyone loves in its classic cake cousin. It’s so silky and smooth, you won’t be able to put your fork down. —Anna Jones, Coppell, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 801 calories, 54g fat (24g saturated fat), 215mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
22/26
Coca-Cola Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
September/October 2014
We live in Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist sheet cake made with the iconic soft drink. Our rich version does the tradition proud. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
We live in Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist sheet cake made with the iconic soft drink. Our rich version does the tradition proud. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 491 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
We made the original fantasy fudge recipe—and it still stacks up decades later.
23/26
Can’t-Eat-Just-One Cinnamon Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
February/March 2015
My cinnamon rolls have been known to vanish quickly. Once I dropped off a dozen rolls for my brothers, and they emptied the pan in 10 minutes. —Regina Farmwald, West Farmington, Ohio
My cinnamon rolls have been known to vanish quickly. Once I dropped off a dozen rolls for my brothers, and they emptied the pan in 10 minutes. —Regina Farmwald, West Farmington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cinnamon roll: 199 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
24/26
Chicken Noodle Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
February/March 2016
My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this one is my favorite, and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this one is my favorite, and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 239 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 1176mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
25/26
Pea Salad with Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
June/July 2017
My husband absolutely loves peas. My middle son isn’t the biggest fan, but he loves bacon. So, I combined the two, and it was perfect! This pea salad is an awesome side dish, especially for barbecue. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
My husband absolutely loves peas. My middle son isn’t the biggest fan, but he loves bacon. So, I combined the two, and it was perfect! This pea salad is an awesome side dish, especially for barbecue. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
26/26
Sausage and Peppers Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
February/March 2018
Sausage with peppers was always on the table when I was growing up. Here’s how I do it the easy way. Just grab a sheet pan and the ingredients, then let your oven do the work. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Sausage with peppers was always on the table when I was growing up. Here’s how I do it the easy way. Just grab a sheet pan and the ingredients, then let your oven do the work. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 315 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
Up Next: The Best Recipes of 2023
