Recipes
Just like that, January turned into July, and we’re officially halfway through the year. Looking back at the most popular recipes of 2026 so far, one thing stands out: Our readers are reaching for recipes that feel approachable, comforting and just a little unexpected. Although all-day baking projects and challenging dinner recipes are certainly fun every now and then, they’re not what most of us turn to on a busy Tuesday night.
This year’s favorites are a mix of tried-and-true classics and new recipes that put a fresh spin on familiar dishes. They’re the kind of recipes you’ll come back to when making a grocery list feels like a chore. (You know, those weeks when the question isn’t What do I want to cook? It’s What do I have time to cook?) They’re a pleasant reminder that food doesn’t have to be complicated to be exciting, and that’s exactly the kind of cooking we always love to share.
1/20
Recipes
Frito Corn Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This Frito corn salad is always requested by friends and family! Super easy and great alongside just about any main course. Quick tip: Wait on adding Fritos until you’re about to serve, as they tend to get soggy after a few hours. —Mandy McKinnon, North Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 463 calories, 35g fat (9g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
2/20
Recipes
Strawberry Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
This strawberry lasagna is bursting with layer upon layer of strawberry flavor. Prepare it the night before a gathering, and you’ll be golden! —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 573 calories, 35g fat (23g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 343mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
3/20
Recipes
Parchment Paper Gyros
From the Recipe Creator:
This viral method for making gyro meat is totally worth the hype—my family couldn’t get enough! —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 426 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 917mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
4/20
Recipes
Zucchini Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
We have a lot of zucchini on hand when it’s in season. This is a good and different way to use large amounts. —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 353 calories, 27g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 627mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
5/20
Recipes
Za’atar Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s hard to find a dinner that both my husband and kids will enjoy—and even harder to find one that’s fast and easy. This is it! No matter how much I make of this dish, it’s gone to the last bite. —Esther Erani, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 484 calories, 32g fat (7g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 1367mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
6/20
Recipes
Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
This blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake is an easy, high-protein way to start the day. Notes of cinnamon and vanilla, and pops of juicy blueberries, make eating a healthy breakfast doubly delicious! —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 81 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
7/20
Recipes
Dirty Cabbage
From the Recipe Creator:
This dirty cabbage recipe is packed with ground beef, andouille sausage and plenty of spicy Cajun flavor. It’s just like dirty rice! —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 359 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 1169mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 27g protein.
8/20
Recipes
Hanky Panky Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
When we moved from the Midwest to Kentucky, we were invited to a neighborhood gathering where this appetizer was served. Hanky panky—as it’s often called around here—is traditionally served at Derby Day parties, but at our home it’s become a year-round favorite. —Melanie Schlaf, Edgewood, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 88 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
9/20
Recipes
Poor Man’s Meal
From the Recipe Creator:
Don’t let the name fool you—this poor man’s meal recipe guarantees ‘million-dollar taste’ with just a few ingredients!—Mila Abner, Vada, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 272 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
10/20
Recipes
Cheeseburger Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn’t share its recipe with me. I developed my own, modifying a recipe I already had for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American dish 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.
11/20
Recipes
Strawberry Delight
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this recipe flipping through a vintage cookbook, and the vague name piqued my interest! This strawberry delight only requires three ingredients to create a sweet and fluffy dessert. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 416 calories, 16g fat (12g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
12/20
Recipes
Chili Cornbread Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
A co-worker brought this wonderful dish to a potluck several years ago. She had copies of the recipe next to the pan. Now I make it for get-togethers and also supply copies of the recipe. I never have any leftover salad or recipes. —Kelly Newsom, Jenks, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 383 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
13/20
Recipes
Million-Dollar Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Million-dollar soup tastes like a million bucks. It’s got a long ingredient list, but it pays off in each decadent, flavorful and hearty spoonful. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 617 calories, 41g fat (21g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 1657mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
14/20
Recipes
Italian Cream Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Buttermilk makes every bite of this awesome Italian cream cheese cake recipe moist and flavorful. I rely on this recipe year-round. —Joyce Lutz, Centerview, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 736 calories, 41g fat (19g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 330mg sodium, 90g carbohydrate (75g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
15/20
Recipes
Cadillac Margarita
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll need all top-shelf spirits to make this smooth Cadillac margarita. It’s a swanky upgrade of the classic drink featuring reposado tequila and Grand Marnier for a deep, beautiful flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 148 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
16/20
Recipes
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Chicken Potpie
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe combines two of my family’s most favorite foods: chicken pot pie and Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits! —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 570 calories, 35g fat (17g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 1005mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
17/20
Recipes
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Once you’ve tried this tangy, yet delicate lemon chicken piccata, you won’t hesitate to make it for company. Seasoned with parmesan and parsley, the chicken cooks up golden brown, then is drizzled with a light lemon sauce. —Susan Pursell, Fountain Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 232 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
18/20
Recipes
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 295 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
19/20
Recipes
German Chocolate Dump Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
We make this for Sunday lunches when the whole family gets together. The cream cheese topping is so good that it doesn’t need frosting. —Donna Holdbrooks, Waco, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 479 calories, 30g fat (12g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
20/20
Recipes
Chicken Salad Without Mayo
From the Recipe Creator:
Plain yogurt stands in for mayo in this chicken salad that’s crunchy, fresh and bright—just how I like it! I add celery, green onion, sweet raisins and toasted almonds for great texture, and some lemon juice, fresh parsley and a touch of cayenne to give it extra zip. —Lauren Grant, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 176 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.