Welcome to Fox and Briar’s exclusive culinary retrospective! We’ve meticulously rounded up the **most popular recipes that captured your hearts and kitchens throughout 2016.** This special collection highlights the fan-favorite dishes and drinks that received the most love, views, and shares from our incredible community. From healthy breakfast options to indulgent party snacks and robust main courses, these are the recipes YOU cherished the most. Prepare to revisit some delicious memories and discover why these culinary gems became the year’s undisputed champions. Is your go-to recipe featured in this definitive countdown?
As we look back at a fantastic year of cooking and sharing, it’s clear that certain flavors and easy-to-make meals truly resonated. Our top 15 list showcases a wonderful variety, blending wholesome ingredients with irresistible tastes, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a quick weeknight dinner, a festive gathering, or simply a comforting treat, you’ll find something delightful here. Each recipe embodies the Fox and Briar philosophy of accessible, flavorful cooking. Let’s delve into the delicious details and celebrate the best of 2016!
15. Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Kicking off our list at number 15 is the incredibly popular **Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie**, a seasonal sensation that lets you savor all the comforting flavors of autumn without any of the guilt! This smoothie perfectly captures the essence of a rich, decadent pumpkin spice drink, transformed into a nutritious and energizing treat. It’s an ideal choice for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a healthier dessert alternative during the fall months. For an extra boost of authentic warmth and aroma, we highly recommend elevating this recipe with our Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice blend, making every sip a delightful experience. Enjoy the taste of pie in a glass, completely guilt-free and packed with wholesome goodness.
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14. Roasted Shrimp and Asparagus
Securing the 14th spot is our highly-rated **Roasted Shrimp and Asparagus**, a testament to the power of simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful cooking. This recipe is a true weeknight hero, designed for those busy evenings when you crave a delicious, nutritious meal but have limited time. Imagine a vibrant sheet pan dish, where tender, succulent shrimp and crisp-tender asparagus are perfectly roasted together, infused with delightful seasonings like garlic and lemon. The best part? It comes together in about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it an undeniable favorite for anyone seeking an effortless yet impressive dinner solution. Say goodbye to complicated cooking and hello to quick culinary satisfaction!
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13. Rosemary Sea Salt Crackers
Coming in at lucky number 13, our **Homemade Rosemary Sea Salt Crackers** prove that making your own gourmet snacks is easier and more rewarding than you think. These crisp, aromatic crackers are a fantastic addition to any cheese plate, adding a touch of rustic elegance and incredible flavor. Infused with fragrant rosemary and a delicate sprinkle of sea salt, they offer a perfect crunch and savory depth that complements cheeses, dips, and spreads beautifully. Beyond entertaining, they’re also wonderful to simply have on hand for elevated everyday snacking, providing a much healthier and tastier alternative to store-bought options. Get ready to impress your guests and yourself with these surprisingly simple and utterly delicious homemade delights!
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12. Mini Pizza Dip Cups
Taking the 12th spot are the absolutely irresistible **Mini Pizza Dip Cups**, a whimsical and utterly delicious appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Imagine all the beloved flavors of a classic pizza dip, but ingeniously packaged into crisp, golden-brown wonton shells, creating adorable, perfectly bite-sized treats. These cheesy wonders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, tailgates, or just a fun family snack night. They’re incredibly simple to assemble and bake, delivering a burst of savory, gooey pizza goodness in every single cup. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these charming little bites are designed to disappear fast – they’re just that good and incredibly versatile for any occasion!
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11. Patatas Bravas
Elevating our list to number 11, the **Patatas Bravas** proved to be a major hit, and for good reason! This recipe offers a healthier yet equally addictive twist on the Spanish classic: crispy, golden potatoes that are baked, not fried, ensuring that perfect crunch without the excess oil. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, especially when generously topped with a vibrant, smoky salsa brava and a creamy, homemade garlic aioli. These patatas bravas are ideal for transforming any evening into an authentic Spanish tapas night right in your own kitchen, providing an impressive appetizer or side dish that’s surprisingly easy to achieve. Prepare for an explosion of taste and texture that will have everyone reaching for more!
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10. Shrimp and Chorizo Paella
Cracking the top ten, our **Shrimp and Chorizo Paella** emerged as a truly cherished recipe, a personal labor of love refined through countless iterations to achieve absolute perfection. This impressive yet surprisingly simple dish brings the vibrant, sun-drenched flavors of Spain right to your dining table. Boasting succulent shrimp, savory chorizo, and fragrant saffron-infused rice, it’s a show-stopping meal that’s perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a special family dinner. Despite its gourmet appearance, this paella is remarkably straightforward to prepare, making it accessible for home cooks eager to explore classic Spanish cuisine without intimidation. Get ready to create an unforgettable culinary experience that will transport your taste buds!
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9. Berry Sangria Iced Tea (Starbucks Copycat!)
At number 9, we have the incredibly refreshing **Berry Sangria Iced Tea**, our highly sought-after Starbucks copycat recipe that soared in popularity during the warmer months. It seems many of you were on a quest to recreate this beloved Starbucks beverage at home, and this recipe delivered! Our version perfectly blends aromatic herbal iced tea with a sweet and tangy berry-orange syrup, crisp apple juice, and juicy blackberries. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many readers confirming it tastes remarkably similar to the original, offering a perfect balance of fruit and tea flavors. This vibrant, fruity iced tea is an absolute must-try for a hot summer day or whenever you crave a delightful, café-quality drink.
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8. Soft Beer Pretzels with Beer Cheese Dip
Zooming into the 8th position, the **Soft Beer Pretzels with Beer Cheese Dip** became an overnight sensation, quickly skyrocketing to become one of our most pinned recipes ever, despite being published just a short while before this roundup. And honestly, who could be surprised? This dynamic duo is the ultimate comfort food and party snack! Imagine warm, chewy, perfectly golden soft pretzels, boasting that signature pretzel twist and a hint of malty beer flavor. Pair them with a rich, creamy, and utterly addictive beer cheese dip, crafted for dipping perfection, and you have a match made in culinary heaven. It’s the perfect indulgent treat for game nights, casual gatherings, or simply satisfying a savory craving anytime.
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7. Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts
Securing the 7th spot, our **Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts** proved to be an absolute lifesaver for holiday entertaining and beyond. These delightful appetizers are the epitome of elegance meets ease, requiring just three simple ingredients to create a truly impressive bite-sized treat. Picture flaky, buttery pastry shells cradling a luscious dollop of creamy, melted brie cheese, perfectly complemented by the sweet and tart burst of cranberry sauce. They’re incredibly quick to assemble, bake up beautifully to golden perfection, and offer a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to everyone. Ideal for any festive gathering, from Christmas parties to New Year’s celebrations, these mini tarts are guaranteed to be the first to disappear from the appetizer spread!
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6. The Irish Mule
Holding strong at number 6, **The Irish Mule** unexpectedly became the most popular cocktail on Fox and Briar, originally crafted to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day but quickly adopted for year-round enjoyment. And really, what’s not to adore about this perfectly balanced, refreshing drink? It’s a delightful blend of zesty lime juice, spicy ginger beer, and smooth Irish whiskey, creating a crisp and invigorating experience with every sip. Its immense popularity even inspired delicious variations like the Apple Cider Irish Mule, The Cranberry Irish Mule, and the Pomegranate Irish Mule, each offering a unique twist on the classic. While those offshoots are wonderful, nothing quite rivals the enduring charm and universal appeal of the classic original. It’s truly a cocktail masterpiece for any season!
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5. Ginger Peanut Lettuce Wraps
Leaping into the top 5, our **Ginger Peanut Lettuce Wraps** experienced a massive surge in popularity after a featured spot on Buzzfeed, and we couldn’t be happier! This recipe offers an incredibly fresh, vibrant, and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to throw together, especially if you utilize leftover chicken or a convenient store-bought rotisserie chicken. Each wrap is bursting with colorful, crisp veggies, your protein of choice, and most notably, an utterly addictive, savory peanut sauce that many of our readers (and even we!) confess they could enjoy by the spoonful. It’s a fantastic light dinner, healthy lunch, or party appetizer that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect addition to any clean eating plan. Don’t miss out on this fan favorite!
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4. Easy Twenty Minute Classic Marinara Sauce
Holding its own at number 4 is our beloved **Easy Twenty Minute Classic Marinara Sauce**, a true kitchen staple and quite possibly the most frequently prepared recipe in my own home! This phenomenal sauce is a testament to how incredible flavors can be achieved swiftly and effortlessly. Crafted from simple pantry ingredients you likely already have, it transforms into a rich, robust, and utterly delicious marinara in just twenty minutes. It’s perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on homemade pizza, pairing with spaghetti squash for a healthier option, or as the flavorful base for recipes like our Mini Pizza Dip Cups and our Gluten Free and Paleo Make Ahead Meatballs. A versatile, essential recipe for any home cook looking for quick, quality meals!
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3. Easy Chicken Ramen
Climbing into the top three, our **Easy Chicken Ramen** stands out as a true culinary triumph, a personal favorite that countless readers have also fallen in love with! This recipe was meticulously fine-tuned to strike the perfect balance between incredible depth of flavor and remarkable ease of preparation. Forget instant noodles; this homemade ramen delivers a rich, aromatic broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles in about 30 minutes, all using readily available supermarket ingredients. And let’s not forget the quintessential ramen egg, adding an extra layer of deliciousness and authenticity. The overwhelming positive feedback from our community confirms that this comforting and satisfying bowl of ramen is an absolute must-make for any season, a perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
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2. Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Bowls
Storming into the number two spot are our incredibly popular **Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Cauliflower Rice** – a vibrant, flavorful, and health-conscious meal created specifically for quick and nutritious dinners. It’s no wonder this dish became such a hit, ticking all the boxes for a modern, mindful diet! This recipe features tender chicken and crisp broccoli florets generously coated in a zesty buffalo sauce, served over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice. Beyond being deliciously satisfying, it’s also incredibly versatile: paleo-friendly, Whole30 compliant, gluten-free, low-carb, and high-protein. Best of all, it comes together in under half an hour, making it the ultimate guilt-free indulgence for any busy weeknight. Truly a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition that proves healthy eating can be exciting and effortless!
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1. Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos
And now, for the grand finale, proudly claiming the number one spot as the undisputed champion and far and away our most popular recipe of all time: the magnificent **Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos**! This recipe has captivated home cooks worldwide, evident from its staggering popularity with over 122,000 pins on Pinterest alone. It’s a true delight to hear from so many readers who have made and absolutely adored these tacos. In our own home, they’re a constant request, cherished for their incredible ease, lightning-fast preparation (less than 30 minutes!), and an explosive flavor punch that simply can’t be beaten. Juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp nestled in warm tortillas with your favorite fresh toppings create a meal that’s vibrant, satisfying, and utterly unforgettable. If you haven’t experienced the magic of these sensational tacos yet, now is absolutely the time!
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As we close this delightful culinary journey through Fox and Briar’s most cherished recipes of 2016, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your unwavering support is the heart and soul of this community. Every time you engage with our content—whether by reading a post, sharing it with friends, pinning it to your boards, leaving a thoughtful comment, or simply clicking ‘like’—it brings immense joy and fuels our passion for creating and sharing delicious food. There’s truly nothing more rewarding than hearing how a recipe from our kitchen has brought happiness and flavor into yours. Your feedback and enthusiasm made 2016 an extraordinary year for Fox and Briar, and we eagerly look forward to continuing this delicious adventure with you, discovering new flavors and creating more culinary joy in the years to come!
Loved this roundup and found some new favorites? Help us spread the word and inspire fellow food lovers! You can easily share this entire post or pin individual recipes to your Pinterest boards. To save this fantastic collection for future reference, simply **pin the image below** and add it to your favorite recipe inspiration. Thank you for being an invaluable part of the Fox and Briar family!
