The Trendiest Dishes of 2023:

If you’re wondering what food trends took over the year that just passed, well, you’re going to find out today. Apparently, people were pretty hooked up on a couple of recipes that are, let’s say, very specific. In fact, contrary to many people’s beliefs, Americans were quite eager to try a couple of interesting recipes out there and trust me, you will never guess which ones!

Whether they were trying something new to jump on the bandwagon, produce a hot take, or simply learn a new recipe from a different culture, here are all the interesting recipes people were interested in trying in 2023:

Grimace shake

Naturally, McDonald’s managed to find a way to make a splashy food moment with its beloved lavender-hued Grimace Shake. If you don’t know what that is, you will find out now. This saccharine viral creation that dropped out of nowhere in June took over the world, so to speak.

The unnaturally colored, berry-flavored shake became internet-famous. To be more specific, TikTok famous. Many users would post skits about sipping the summertime shake and then regret doing that.

Lasagna soup

There’s really no wonder that two of the most comforting foods, lasagna and soup, blended into one internet-famous dish. Apparently, lasagna soup recipes have been around for longer than we thought, ever since the early days of Pinterest.

However, the delicious tomatoey, meaty, cheese-topped noodle soup (sounds ideal, right?) made a return this year, conquering social media altogether. If you ask me, it’s just easier and faster to make the classic baked lasagna. But, as it turns out, the riffs and variations of these basic but effective ingredients are endless.

Chicken cobbler

There’s another TikTok recipe that seems to have caught the heart of, well, everybody. If you’re wondering why, it’s mainly due to its simplicity, affordability, and overall comfort vibes. Essentially, the one-pot dish is a chicken pot pie made with ingenious supermarket hacks.

We’re talking rotisserie chicken, frozen peas, carrots, Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, canned chicken soup, milk, and butter. Initially, you’d think that adding these together is insanity (and rightfully so). But believe it or not, it works. Or at least that’s what the internet says.

Black cake

The Caribbean cake is generally served during Christmas or other important celebrations. But this year, Americans were so eager to learn more about the rum and fruit cake, and that’s probably because of the Hulu series Black Cake.

If you don’t know much about this series, it’s worth mentioning that it’s based on the novel of the same name by Charmaine Wilkerson, and it’s about an interesting family saga that’s deeply tied to a black cake recipe. Truth be told, no wonder everyone wanted to try the recipes for themselves.

Pumptini

As we all know, Vanderpump Rules returned in May 2023, and with it, a wonderful signature cocktail. The eponymous Pumptini is a truly interesting pink concoction of raspberries, vodka, liquor, simple syrup, and a couple of citrus juices. Then, you pour everything into a martini glass, and there you have it. Tasty to the moon and back.

Hugo Spritz

Also known as the number one drink of the summer, the Hugo Spritz was created as a substitute for Dirty Shirley, Aperol Spritz, and Froze as a warm-weather go-to drink. The combo of elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, and good-old club soda is easy enough to mix and serve over ice. However, some people might find the floral notes polarizing at times. If this is something that might interest you, then you’ll need to get this Craft Cocktail Kit first!

Cowboy Butter

Everyone’s trying to become a home chef these days, and compound butter is probably one of the easiest ways to feel like a pro in your own kitchen. The recipe for cowboy butter differs depending on its creator, but it’s definitely a spiced and sweet butter mashed with herbs and a bunch of seasonings. It can be melted on grilled meat or vegetables or used as a dip.

Coronation Quiche

The official recipe from King Charles III’s coronation hit the mainstream, as it turns out. The ceremony took place in May, so the recipe had plenty of time to take off. In fact, this is probably the only food trend determined by a septuagenarian. The royal recipe begins with a homemade buttery crust, which is then filled with creamy egg custard, some tarragon, English cheddar, spinach, and broad beans.

Brazilian Lemonade

Brazilian lemonade was probably one of those viral recipes that captured everyone’s hearts. It seems that everyone was eager to jump on it, mostly because it’s extremely easy to make. Only four ingredients combine for a frothy and refreshing drink with an exotic-sounding name.

Technically, it’s a limeade, but basically, it’s a tasty beverage that perfectly blends sliced limes, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and ice cubes to make a light green drink.

Cottage cheese ice cream

For better or worse, cottage cheese is the ultimate trend that won’t stop reinventing itself. Of course, cottage cheese ice cream spiked searchers’ curiosity the most this year. The ice cream is generally a container of cottage cheese well-blended with sweetener and whatever fruit cookies and other flavor-imparting toppings you prefer. It’s highly intriguing and versatile, but really, now, do you think it can replace real ice cream? Well, that’s for you to decide.

What Are We Cooking for the Holidays?

Since we’re right in the middle of the holiday season, we can finally indulge in all those delicious recipes we waited for so long. Some of them are traditional Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion staples, while others might just be a product of our well-established family traditions. Here’s what we recommend you try this season:

Biscuits, rolls, and other breads

When you find yourself right in the middle of the holiday meal production, the role of bread is generally played by a buttery, flaky biscuit. However, this doesn’t mean that we will discriminate if you’re a much bigger fan of crescent rolls, cornbread, or even classic dinner rolls. They always said don’t fill up on bread, but it’s fairly difficult when you’re trying freshly baked bread and it turns out to be that delicious.

Candied pecans

I know the term gets thrown around a lot, but this time, we really mean it. I know we already have candied yams, candied beets, and candied bacon, but truth be told, none of them taste as good as candied pecans. They are sweet, addicting, and extremely satisfying. Moreover, they really taste like actual candy because of their hefty coating of sugar or brown sugar on something we already go nuts about, and that is pecans.

Cannoli

I know what you’re thinking: cannoli has nothing to do with holiday food. Well, I’m here to tell you that anything you like can have something to do with holiday food. For some people, these crazy-delicious tube-shaped fried dough desserts filled with a ricotta-based filling are the perfect Christmas dinner dessert. Who knows? If you give them a try, they might never miss Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Charcuterie

We all know we left the best at the very end. Also, I think we can agree that cheese is an everyday kind of thing, so naturally, a charcuterie board must be on any holiday table. If you’re desperately looking for some inspiration, we generally include one soft cheese (whether it’s Brie or Camembert), one hard or semi-hard type of cheese (Gouda, for instance), and one blue cheese (like an English Stilton).

Moreover, we included a meat or two, like prosciutto or salami. You can throw over there whatever you prefer, from dabs to figs and pickles.

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