We cooked a lot in 2020 — 159 recipes, to be exact. For many of us, that year meant spending more time at home and more time in the kitchen. Old favorites resurfaced, simple pantry staples became the backbone of daily meals, and creative solutions for limited shopping trips turned into new go-to dishes.
In this review I’m highlighting the recipes published during 2020 that resonated most with readers. The list reflects a year of comfort food, easy weeknight dinners, and a lot of grilled and smoked favorites. Whether you were experimenting with an air fryer, learning a Traeger or Blackstone griddle, or discovering simple, satisfying one-pan meals, these are the recipes people came back to again and again.
Here’s a clean, searchable roundup of the top 20 (plus a few extras) recipes that stood out in 2020 — perfect for meal planning, inspiration, or bookmarking for the months ahead.
OWYD 2020 Year in Review
Top 20 Recipes Made in 2020
These popular recipes from 2020 cover seafood, smoked meats, griddle classics, breakfast favorites, and more. Each entry includes an image and a brief description to help you find what you want quickly.
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Panko Shrimp
Crispy, golden panko-breaded shrimp — quick to prepare and perfect for dipping, sandwiches, or tacos.
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Traeger Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Smoky, caramelized Brussels sprouts with a rich grilled flavor — a great side for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
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Air Fryer Shrimp
Fast, and healthful shrimp cooked in the air fryer for a crisp finish without deep frying.
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Shrimp Fried Rice
Hibachi-style shrimp fried rice with tender shrimp and flavorful, wok-seared rice — a pantry-friendly favorite.
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Pineapple-Glazed Double Smoked Ham
A classic glazed ham with a sweet pineapple glaze and deep, smoky flavor from a smoker or grill.
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Blackstone Steak Quesadilla
Steak quesadillas cooked on a griddle for a crisp exterior and melty, savory filling — great for quick dinners.
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Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters
Juicy chicken leg quarters glazed in a sweet chili sauce — simple prep, big flavor, and easy to scale for families.
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Traeger Pot Roast with Gravy
Tender pot roast smoked until fork-tender and finished with a rich gravy — classic comfort food for chilly nights.
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Smoked Turkey Legs
Bold, smoky turkey legs with a deep barbecue flavor — hearty, fun to serve, and great for outdoor cooking.
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Blackstone Philly Cheesesteak
Griddle-made Philly cheesesteaks with thin-sliced beef, sauteed onions, and melty cheese for authentic griddle flavor.
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Spicy Asian Pork Ribs
Smoked ribs with an Asian-inspired spicy-sweet glaze — sticky, tender, and packed with umami.
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Traeger No-Flip Grilled Bacon
Perfectly crisp bacon cooked on a pellet grill without flipping — consistent results and smoky aroma.
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Blackstone Sausage and Egg Loaded Hash Browns
Hearty breakfast hash browns loaded with sausage and scrambled egg — ideal for weekend brunch or a crowd.
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Traeger Smoked Mississippi Pot Roast
Smoked Mississippi-style pot roast with bold, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth beef.
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Traeger Smoked Garlic
Smoked roasted garlic with a deep, mellow flavor that elevates sauces, spreads, and roasted dishes.
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Traeger French Toast
Grilled French toast with a smoky twist — crisp edges, custardy center, and great for special breakfasts.
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Traeger Chicken Teriyaki
Smoked teriyaki chicken with a glossy, caramelized glaze — sweet, savory, and perfect over rice.
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Homemade Shake and Bake
A pantry-friendly breading mix for pork chops or chicken that delivers a crunchy, seasoned crust.
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Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Comforting breakfast casserole with tater tots, eggs, cheese, and savory add-ins — simple and crowd-pleasing.
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5-4-1 Smoked Cherry Coke Ribs
Sweet and tangy smoked ribs finished with a Cherry Coke-based glaze for sticky, flavorful results.
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Blackstone Steak Tacos
Griddle-cooked steak tacos with charred edges, simple toppings, and bold, satisfying flavor.
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Traeger Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken
Spicy Nashville-style hot chicken prepared on a pellet grill for heat and smoky complexity.
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