Recapping 2013: CenterCutCook’s Top 13 Most Popular Recipes!
As the curtain gracefully falls on another fantastic year, it’s time to embark on a delightful culinary journey back through 2013. Here at CenterCutCook, we’ve had an incredible twelve months filled with new flavors, cherished classics, and countless shared meals. This journey, however, wouldn’t have been half as exciting or rewarding without you – our amazing community of home cooks and food enthusiasts! Your consistent support, engagement, and willingness to try our recipes are the ingredients that truly make this space special. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every view, every comment, every share, and every dish you brought to life from our kitchen to yours. It’s been a privilege to cook alongside you!
Get ready to rediscover the recipes that captured your hearts and taste buds throughout 2013! This highly anticipated list features the dishes that were not just viewed once, but revisited, recreated, and raved about time and time again. From comforting soups to irresistible desserts, and from easy weeknight meals to holiday showstoppers, these are the culinary champions chosen by YOU. Make sure to bookmark your favorites, print them out for your recipe binder, or better yet, share them on Pinterest to inspire others! Let’s dive into the delicious details of CenterCutCook’s most beloved recipes from a memorable year of cooking and sharing.
The Countdown: CenterCutCook’s Top 13 Most Loved Recipes of 2013
13. Perfect Turkey Gravy
Kicking off our countdown at number 13 is a true holiday essential that proved to be a resounding success: our Perfect Turkey Gravy. This recipe soared in popularity, especially during the festive seasons, becoming a staple for countless Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. What makes it a perennial standout? Its incredible versatility and foolproof method! Whether you’re working with delicious pan drippings from a beautifully roasted turkey or starting from scratch without them, this recipe guarantees a rich, savory, and gloriously lump-free gravy every single time. It possesses that deep, umami-rich flavor that effortlessly elevates any roast dinner, coating your tender turkey slices, fluffy mashed potatoes, and savory stuffing with a luxurious layer of irresistible warmth and comfort. It’s the kind of gravy that transforms a good meal into an unforgettable feast, proving that even the simplest accompaniments can make a profound impact on your dining experience. A must-have for any home cook looking to impress!
12. How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken
Coming in strong at number 12 is a beloved takeout classic, brilliantly reimagined and perfected for your home kitchen: our Sweet and Sour Chicken. This recipe consistently earns rave reviews and became a massive hit because, quite simply, it tastes *better* than anything you’d typically order for delivery. Forget the often greasy, overly sweet, or bland versions you might encounter; our recipe delivers succulent pieces of chicken, lightly battered and fried to a golden, crispy perfection, then generously tossed in a vibrant, perfectly balanced sweet and sour sauce. The delightful combination of tangy pineapple chunks, crisp bell peppers in various colors, and the tender, juicy chicken creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is utterly addictive and incredibly satisfying. It’s a fantastic, quick, and satisfying option for a weeknight dinner, offering all the joy and authentic taste of your favorite Chinese dish without having to leave the house. Plus, making it yourself gives you complete control over the quality and freshness of ingredients!
11. Oreo Truffles
Claiming the 11th spot on our most-loved list are the incredibly popular Oreo Truffles – a sweet testament to how irresistible simple decadence can truly be! These delightful treats are a consistent hit year after year, enchanting everyone who tries them with their rich flavor and surprisingly easy preparation. The magic lies in their minimalist ingredient list: just three core components – iconic Oreo cookies, softened cream cheese for creaminess, and a generous coating of melted chocolate – transform into luxurious, bite-sized wonders. They offer a wonderfully creamy, intensely chocolatey experience that’s absolutely perfect for parties, holiday platters, bake sales, or simply satisfying an intense sweet craving. The delightful crunch of the finely crushed cookie pieces within the smooth truffle mixture, all enveloped in a perfectly tempered chocolate shell, makes for an exquisite and memorable bite. They’re so remarkably simple to whip up, you’ll find it hard to come up with an excuse *not* to make a batch (or two!) for any upcoming celebration or just a spontaneous treat!
10. Lasagna Soup
At number 10, we have an innovative and incredibly comforting twist on a beloved Italian classic: our sensational Lasagna Soup! I took all the deeply comforting, cheesy, and savory layers of traditional baked lasagna and ingeniously transformed them into a heartwarming, soul-satisfying bowl of soup. The result was an absolute culinary sensation, quickly becoming a community favorite. This unique soup delivers all the iconic flavors of lasagna – from a rich, robust tomato sauce and tender, wavy pasta noodles to creamy ricotta cheese and strands of melty mozzarella – but in a wonderfully comforting, easily slurpable format. It’s significantly less labor-intensive than assembling a full traditional lasagna, making it an absolute perfect cozy meal for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or when you crave Italian flavors without the fuss. Each spoonful is a delightful medley of textures and tastes, offering that familiar, delicious comfort food experience in a fresh, exciting way. It’s a fantastic, flavorful method to enjoy your favorite Italian flavors in a whole new, delightful dimension!
9. Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
Securing the 9th spot on our list are the ultimate comfort food classic, elevated to perfection: our Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies. These aren’t just any chocolate chip cookies; they are a true masterpiece of home baking, renowned and adored for being super thick, incredibly soft, and generously packed with pockets of melty chocolate goodness. Each bite offers a delightful chewiness, a subtle crispness around the edges, and an abundance of rich, dark or milk chocolate chips that remain wonderfully gooey and warm, especially when fresh from the oven. This recipe quickly became a community favorite for its uncanny ability to consistently produce bakery-quality cookies right from your own kitchen. Whether you enjoy them warm with a tall glass of cold milk, dunk them in coffee, or proudly share them with friends and family, these cookies are absolutely guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy even the most intense sweet cravings. They truly embody and define what a perfect chocolate chip cookie should be, making them a timeless treat.
8. Chinese Fried Rice
Sliding into the 8th position is another fantastic homemade alternative to traditional takeout, proving that homemade is often best: our Chinese Fried Rice. This incredibly versatile recipe soared in popularity because it allows for endless customization and consistently delivers authentic, restaurant-quality delicious results right in your own wok or skillet. Whether you prefer it brimming with succulent shrimp, tender chicken, savory pork, or packed with vibrant mixed vegetables for a delightful vegetarian option, this fried rice recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences. It teaches you the essential secrets to achieving perfectly fluffy, separate grains of rice, deliciously savory scrambled eggs, and a harmonious blend of soy sauce, a hint of sesame oil, and crisp-tender vegetables. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying and flavorful weeknight meal, and consistently receives glowing praise for tasting even better than the local restaurant version. A truly flexible, flavorful, and budget-friendly dish that quickly became a staple in many CenterCutCook kitchens.
7. Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
At lucky number 7, we proudly present an iconic American classic, perfected for your home kitchen: our irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches. This recipe instantly captured imaginations and appetites across our community with its promise of melt-in-your-mouth tender, thinly sliced steak, beautifully caramelized sautéed onions and peppers, and gloriously gooey, melted cheese, all piled high on a perfectly crusty, soft hoagie roll. It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s a truly indulgent experience that transports you straight to the streets of Philadelphia with every bite. Our version meticulously focuses on achieving that authentic, mouthwatering balance of savory, perfectly seasoned beef and incredibly creamy, stretchy cheese that makes the classic so deeply beloved. It’s surprisingly simple to recreate this East Coast favorite, bringing the vibrant, delicious flavors of a genuine Philly cheesesteak right to your dining table. Perfect for game day gatherings, a hearty lunch, or a satisfying and indulgent dinner, these cheesesteaks are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary and utterly craveable.
6. Better Than Sex Cake
Securing the 6th spot is the famously named and utterly irresistible Better Than Sex Cake! Despite its provocative and playful title, this cake’s phenomenal popularity lies in its incredible ease of preparation coupled with its unbelievably delicious and consistently show-stopping results. It’s a deceptively simple cake that comes together quickly with minimal fuss, yet consistently delivers a rich, moist, and deeply satisfying dessert experience that makes it an absolute favorite for any occasion. Typically featuring layers of tender chocolate cake infused with a sweet, creamy caramel or condensed milk sauce, generously topped with fluffy whipped cream and often sprinkles of chocolate curls or toffee bits, this cake is pure indulgence. This dessert is always a surefire hit at potlucks, family gatherings, holiday feasts, or any event where you need a truly decadent dessert that looks impressive but requires remarkably minimal effort. Its consistent appeal and overwhelming positive feedback prove that some classics truly are ‘better than sex’ (or at least, far better than *most* other cakes you’ve tried!).
5. BLT Wraps
Breaking into our coveted top 5 are the incredibly popular and utterly refreshing BLT Wraps! It’s no secret that everyone universally loves the timeless combination of crispy, smoky bacon, fresh, crisp lettuce, and ripe, juicy tomatoes found in a classic BLT sandwich. When I decided to ingeniously transform this beloved sandwich into a convenient, portable, and lighter wrap, I had no idea just how much of a phenomenal hit it would become within the CenterCutCook community! These BLT Wraps offer all the delightful, satisfying flavors and contrasting textures of the traditional sandwich, but presented in a lighter, easier-to-eat format that’s perfect for on-the-go. They’re an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying lunch, a delightful picnic addition, or a light yet flavorful dinner. The irresistible crispness of the bacon, the refreshing crunch of fresh lettuce, and the juicy sweetness of garden-ripe tomatoes are perfectly complemented by a creamy, tangy spread, all neatly and deliciously tucked into a soft, pliable tortilla. They are simple to assemble, incredibly satisfying, and have undeniably earned their well-deserved spot as the number 5 most popular recipe on CenterCutCook this year!
4. Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Landing at an impressive number 4 is a true comfort food champion and hearty favorite: our Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Soup! It seems I’m certainly not the only one who’s a total sucker for the creamy, hearty, and utterly satisfying goodness of a well-made baked potato soup. This recipe quickly became an overwhelming community favorite, celebrated universally for its rich, decadent flavors and comforting, luscious textures. Imagine tender, fluffy chunks of perfectly baked potato swimming in a velvety, impossibly creamy, and cheesy broth, generously topped with heaps of fresh, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy crumbled bacon bits, and vibrant green onions for a pop of freshness and garnish. Each spoonful is like a warm, comforting embrace, wonderfully reminiscent of your favorite fully loaded baked potato, but in a spoon-friendly format. It’s the quintessential soup for a chilly autumn or winter day, a perfectly satisfying family dinner, or a wonderful, crowd-pleasing starter for any casual gathering. Its robust, deeply savory flavor and indulgent, abundant toppings made it popular enough to firmly secure a top spot on this year’s beloved recipe list!
3. Amish Breakfast Casserole
Taking the coveted bronze medal at number 3, and a consistently popular choice for two years running, is our incredible Amish Breakfast Casserole! Its enduring and widespread popularity is absolutely no surprise, and for very good reason. This casserole is the pure quintessence of comfort and ultimate convenience, making it an absolute staple for leisurely breakfasts, festive brunches, and bustling holiday mornings. It’s wonderfully simple to prepare, yet consistently delivers a hearty, incredibly flavorful, and complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table. What truly sets it apart and contributes to its lasting appeal is its remarkable versatility and fantastic make-ahead potential, allowing you to easily assemble it the night before and simply bake it fresh in the morning. Packed with fluffy eggs, savory sausage, plenty of cheese, and sometimes potatoes or bread, it’s a wholesome, complete meal in one convenient dish that’s perfect for entertaining a crowd or feeding a hungry family with minimal morning effort. Easy, delicious, and perfectly suited for busy mornings, it’s a recipe that truly stands the test of time and taste!
2. Egg-Less Edible Cookie Dough
Almost reaching the pinnacle, clinching the silver medal at number 2, is a recipe that speaks directly to the playful inner child (and let’s be honest, the adult!) in all of us: our fantastic Egg-Less Edible Cookie Dough! Let’s be completely honest, who among us hasn’t been irresistibly tempted to sneak a spoonful (or three!) of raw cookie dough while in the midst of baking? This brilliant and highly sought-after recipe was specifically created for those delightful moments, offering a safe, utterly delicious, and completely satisfying way to indulge in your deepest cookie dough cravings without any concerns about raw eggs. It perfectly captures the exact irresistible taste and velvety texture of classic chocolate chip cookie dough – sweet, rich, studded with an abundance of melty chocolate chips – but is perfectly safe and ready to eat straight from the bowl. It’s an instant hit for impromptu movie nights, a delightful stress-relief snack, or simply as a quick, indulgent treat when that sweet tooth strikes. This innovative recipe proved to be a genuine game-changer for many, providing guilt-free pleasure and a wonderfully nostalgic taste of childhood without the risk!
1. Chocolate Lasagna
And now, for the grand reveal! The undisputed champion, the single most popular, beloved, and widely made recipe of 2013, is none other than our spectacular Chocolate Lasagna! This dessert powerhouse utterly captivated our audience like no other dish, becoming an instant legend and the most viewed, most shared, and most recreated treat of the entire year. It’s a masterful, no-bake creation, featuring layer upon layer of pure, unadulterated chocolatey deliciousness that is simply irresistible. Imagine a perfectly crunchy Oreo cookie crust, topped with a rich, creamy, and tangy cream cheese filling, followed by a luscious, smooth chocolate pudding layer, and finally crowned with a mountain of fluffy whipped topping and delicate chocolate shavings. It’s an incredibly easy-to-assemble, no-bake wonder that looks incredibly impressive yet delivers an overwhelmingly decadent and satisfying dessert experience that makes it perfect for any occasion. Perfect for parties, holiday celebrations, potlucks, or any time you need a truly show-stopping and easy-to-make treat, this Chocolate Lasagna is unequivocally a dessert you absolutely don’t want to miss. Its widespread appeal, ease of preparation, and sheer indulgence made it the undeniable star of CenterCutCook in 2013 and a recipe that continues to be cherished today!
As we joyously conclude this exciting retrospective of 2013’s culinary highlights, I want to extend my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude once more. Your incredible enthusiasm, your thoughtful comments, your shared stories, and your willingness to explore new culinary horizons with me truly mean the world. CenterCutCook thrives and continues to grow because of each and every one of you, and I am endlessly grateful for your continued support and for making this little corner of the internet such a vibrant, inspiring, and joyful place to share our passion for food. I am already eagerly looking forward to sharing many more delicious recipes, innovative kitchen adventures, and heartwarming moments with you in the coming year. From my kitchen to yours, I wish you and your loved ones a truly wonderful, happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year filled with immense joy, boundless good health, and, of course, an abundance of utterly delicious food to share and savor!