As the year comes to a close, here’s a roundup of the 2022 APOP Reader Favorite Recipes — tried-and-true dishes readers loved most. From desserts and cocktails to hearty weeknight dinners and meal-prep staples, this list highlights the recipes that resonated with you. If you missed any of these, now’s a great time to try them.
10. Eclair Refrigerator Cake
This no-bake pudding icebox cake is unsurprisingly a top pick: it’s simple to assemble, requires no oven time, and uses just a few ingredients. Layers of graham crackers, vanilla pudding, and whipped topping are finished with a rich chocolate frosting for a dessert that’s easy and irresistible.
“No bake cake, count me in! Never underestimate the power of cool whip. TASTY” – Sydney
9. Skinny Spicy Jalapeño Margaritas
A go-to cocktail for many, these spicy, skinny margaritas are made with fresh ingredients and just the right amount of heat. They’re perfect for Taco Tuesday or any time you want a bright, refreshing drink with a kick.
“Sooo good!! I’ve tried a couple jalapeño marg recipes and didn’t think it was possible to make such a good one at home!” – Marisa
8. Homemade California Poke Bowls
This California-style poke bowl is a fresh, budget-friendly take on a popular order. Using imitation crab as the star, it pairs rice with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, sweet mango, and a tangy spicy mayo for a satisfying, easy-to-assemble meal.
“I love poke bowls but don’t love the price. This bowl was perfect for dinner and my lunch the next day. This will definitely be on my dinner rotation.” – Lily
7. No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
These no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies come together in about 10 minutes and require no baking. Gluten- and nut-free, they’re rich, chocolatey, and hard to mess up — an ideal quick treat for chocolate lovers.
“These no bake cookies are everything!!!! So sweet and rich but absolutely amazing for a girl who needs chocolate after even breakfast 😉🤩” – Lauren
6. Cheesy Mexican Chicken Skillet
This one-pan cheesy Mexican chicken skillet brings taco-night flavors to a simple weeknight dinner. Easy to adapt for dietary needs and excellent for meal prep, it combines tender chicken with peppers, spices, and melted cheese for a crowd-pleasing meal.
“Yum yum!!!! Super easy to make and oh so tasty!! Will definitely make this again 😋” – Kristen
5. Thanksgiving Margaritas
A seasonal favorite for fall and winter, these Thanksgiving margaritas are bright and festive. If you can get fresh apple cider, it elevates the drink and makes it especially cozy for holiday gatherings.
“Even the beer drinkers loved it!” – Alyssa
4. Spaghetti Squash Feta Cheese Casserole
This macro-friendly take on a baked feta-style dish uses spaghetti squash, basil, pesto, and thyme to create a comforting, vegetable-forward casserole. It’s full of flavor and satisfying for anyone craving a comforting, lighter pasta alternative.
“So tasty! Great stuff — four of us finished the whole pan and went back for more…..only to find none. I love how it is so full of veggies.” – Rebecca
3. Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers
These consistently popular turkey burgers combine spinach, tangy feta, and ranch seasoning for juicy, flavorful patties. Readers praise their versatility — they’re great on a bun or served over a salad.
“I LOVE these! Have probably made them 5x now. I usually find turkey burgers dry but these were not at all!” – Emma
2. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
These fluffy, cake-like pumpkin cookies with a cream cheese center went viral on social platforms for good reason. They deliver the comforts of fall in cookie form and are perfect for seasonal baking.
“Fluffy, sweet, and rich. These cookies remind me of the fall version of peanut butter blossoms with the cheesecake filling in the center.” -Karla
1. The Best Grilled Chicken
Topping the list is a simple, reliable grilled chicken recipe that’s perfect for meal prep. Minimal ingredients and straightforward technique prove that great food can be uncomplicated. This chicken is flavorful, juicy, and a weekly staple for many readers.
“Made a batch of this chicken a few days ago and have been enjoying it in many different meals this week. So good – very juicy and the flavour has just the right amount of spice in it.” – Catherine
Thank you for your support this year — it truly means the world. Your feedback and reviews help keep these recipes useful and inspired. If you’ve made any of these dishes, please consider leaving a review on the individual recipe posts.
xoxo, Courtney Paige.