2014 was the year that brought us crop tops, juicing, bold eyebrows and… sriracha and waffles? Yep, we ate A LOT of delicious and trendy foods this year, and we’re not quite ready to let them go. Why not say sayonara to 2014 by noshing on some of its most delicious offerings? We’re sharing our favorite recipes for the trendiest foods of the year. Whether you’re serving up a meal or some tasty treats, these dishes are sure to keep you coming back for seconds.
1. Lemon Chia Muffins: Chia is fairly new to the health food frontier, but given its serious superfood powers, it’s definitely going to be around for a while. Try these muffins for a yummy way to incorporate chia seeds into your food. (via Something Swanky)
2. Cider Pumpkin Waffles: Waffles had a big year, both the sweet and savory kind. Make your breakfast waffles more upscale by trying this pumpkin-y version that screams fall. (via Half-Baked Harvest)
3. Monte Cristo Waffle Sandwich: 2014 was all about maximizing your taste buds, and nothing does that better than a savory and sweet dish. Can you say yum? (via FoodieCrush)
4. S’mores French Toast: The feeling you just got when looking at this? It’s love. (via BS in the Kitchen)
5. Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast: Stuffed French toast was a winner this year, and this rich, ooey-gooey version will definitely be a contender for #1 at brunch. (via Greens and Chocolate)
6. Chocolate Dutch Baby Pancake: Pancakes were one of the most searched for foods on Google this year. Break the typical mold by making a Dutch baby pancake. This chocolate one is essentially dessert for breakfast. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)
7. Pumpkin Spice Dutch Baby: Take your pumpkin spice obsession to a new level with this perfect Saturday morning breakfast. We dare to say it’s better than the latte. (via Just a Taste)
8. Gwyneth’s Avocado Toast: Avocado toast was a HUGE deal this year, and we can’t complain. We’ll find any excuse to add avocado to our meals. (via Thoughts by Natalie)
9. Heirloom Tomato and Avocado Toast: This is basically a caprese salad with avocado on bread. You’re welcome. (via Blissful Basil)
Lunch + Dinner Trends
10. White Chicken Chili: Chili was also on Google’s Top 10 recipe list this year. Make a white chicken chili for comfort food with a twist. (via Cooking Classy)
11. Slow Cooker Turkey Taco Chili: Taco chili in a bowl? We love that this adds a healthy dose of zest to a crockpot classic. (via Gimme Some Oven)
12. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese: Squash was a kind of a big deal this year, especially of the butternut variety. Try it in mac and cheese for a cheesy bowl of goodness that’ll taste great anytime. (via Lauren’s Latest)
13. Roasted Butternut Squash With Cranberries and Feta: Sweet, savory and tangy are just a few of the wonderful tastes you’ll encounter when you make this roasted squash dish. (via Peas and Crayons)
14. Chicken Florentine Lasagna: Lasagna was a much-searched-for dinner on search engines this year. Try this yummy take featuring chicken and spinach if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary. (via The Cozy Apron)
15. Coq Au Riesling: Chicken is always a staple food, and 2014 was no different. Coq au riesling is a sweet and creamy way to make a main course that’ll be a crowd pleaser. (via Simply Delicious)
16. Poutine: This year, poutine made it to the IT list. Don’t be surprised though — with French fries, gravy and cheese, how could it not? (via Seasons and Suppers)
17. Lobster Poutine: As if you needed another reason to love lobster. Make poutine more decadent by adding claws and tails in the mix. (via A Beautiful Bite)
18. Mac and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs: Meatloaf was one of America’s most-sought out recipes this year, and meatballs are essentially the smaller, cuter meatloaf. In this case, meatballs don’t go in the pasta. Pasta goes in the meatballs. Say what? (via Spend With Pennies)
19. Garlic, Lemon and Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Get ready to say goodbye to kale. The new hot greens on the block hail from Brussels. They’re small, but mighty. (via Cooking Classy)
20. Coconut Shrimp With Orange Chia Marmalade: Fried shrimp dipped in a sauce made with chia seeds? You know this sweet + savory combo has got to be good. (via Lexi’s Clean Kitchen)
21. Thai Chicken Tacos: This year, tacos were a major hit, but not your run-of-the-mill type. This Thai-fusion taco is sure to impress. (via Gimme Some Oven)
22. Jerk Chicken Tacos: Give tacos an island twist by filling them with jerk chicken. Let us know when they’re ready — we’ll take some too! (via Creme De La Crumb)
23. Teriyaki Salmon With Sriracha Cream Sauce: The big condiment on campus this year, Sriracha, goes swimmingly with this salmon. With a flavor that’s spicy and also slightly sweet, it’s no wonder this sauce was a hit. (via Damn Delicious)
24. Miso Ramen: These aren’t your college dorm room oodles of noodles. Ramen went back to its roots this year and made a big splash on the culinary scene. (via Pickled Plum)
25. Cronut Grilled Cheese: Food mash-ups were all the rage for 2014, and the croissant-donut was no exception. Here, the Franken-food goes deeper down mash-up lane and becomes a grilled cheese. (via Oh Bite It)
How Sweet- Yummy Snacks + Desserts
26. Mango Fruit Roll Ups: This year, we added a dehydrator to our list of fave kitchen gadgets. Whip it out or use your oven to one up the fruit leather you’ve grown accustomed to. (via Just a Taste)
27. Dried Banana Slices: Got lots of ripe bananas? Slice some up and pop ’em in a dehydrator to make your own banana chips. (via Averie Cooks)
28. Cookie Butter Cheesecake: Culinary dark horse cookie butter hit the scene and threatened to oust fan-favorite Nutella as the best dessert condiment. Try it out in this cheesecake with malted pretzel crust. Just try your best not to eat the whole thing at once. (via The Moonblush Baker)
29. Cookie Butter Banana Bread: Banana bread recipes were at the top of everyone’s mind this year. With cookie butter in the mix, you can’t go wrong making this one. (via Crazy for Crust)
Which of these will you be cooking up before the year’s out? Tweet us your fave recipe on Twitter!
Ashley Lee
Ashley is a homegrown New Englander with an affinity for artwork living in the Boston area. She loves painting with watercolors, the city of New Orleans, and like most Bostonians, she enjoys her iced coffee year-round. See her latest creative works on her Etsy shop, Oh My, How Lovely!
