When Allrecipes first launched in 1997, not every recipe was available. In fact, we started out as cookierecipe.com and only published recipes for cookies. Cookies were all that was served—no meatloaves or casseroles. This Neapolitan Cookies I from Missy, our first published recipe, currently has 95 reviews and a 4.5 star rating.
It is safe to say that we have evolved since then; however, our overarching mission has not: to honor the skills of home cooks and offer inspiring recipes and tips. Over 55,000 recipes have been published by our Allrecipes community and editors over the past 25 years. You’ve shared recipes like your grandmother’s apple pie and your husband’s favorite pasta recipe.
Because today is our 25th birthday, we’re taking a step back to celebrate our top ten recipes ever. These are the recipes you’ve used over and over again, and they’ve been viewed millions of times. We’ve also asked some of our favorite cooks to make one of the recipes and tell us why they think it’s a showstopper to really put them on a pedestal. Yes, chocolate chip cookies are included in one of the top ten recipes.
1. Good, Traditional Pancakes
“This old-fashioned pancake recipe, which was submitted by Dakota Kelly in 2000, is all you need to know that you can’t beat a classic.” Dakota stated, “I found this great recipe in my grandmother’s recipe book.” This was a family favorite, as evidenced by the recipe card’s weathered appearance.” Evidently, the Allrecipes community cannot get enough of these fluffy pancakes: Since its publication, this potent recipe has received nearly 18,000 ratings and over 14,000 reviews.
The recipe is here: Traditional Pancakes Meet Their Maker: Smitten Kitchen Keepers and Smitten Kitchen Everyday are two cookbooks by Deb Perelman, who is also the blogger behind the site. She is on Instagram under the handle @smittenkitchen.
2. Bread with bananas
Not only is this banana bread the second most popular recipe on Allrecipes, but it has also made headlines! In a 2019 article in the Toronto Star, recipe creator Shelley Albeluhn revealed that she had no idea her banana bread hack would garner millions of views and over 16,000 ratings. According to what she said in the article, “I remember thinking:” Let’s see how banana-like this can be, so let’s add another banana, and then another, and another. Since Shelley shared her recipe 22 years ago, thousands of home cooks have been delighted by her extra-fruity banana bread.
3. Simple Meatloaf
Janet Shum’s classic meatloaf recipe has been saved, printed, rated, and reviewed thousands of times since it was first published on January 17, 2000. It’s a straightforward recipe for comfort food that fulfills all of the requirements for a dinner: cost-effective, simple, and available in just over an hour. It also makes wonderful leftovers! Take a look at this glowing review from last month: Great meatloaf that makes great sandwiches the next day!” Farrell Killinger Janice
4. Best Lasagna in the World
The world’s best lasagna belongs to John Chandler. This highly rated recipe has taken on a life of its own since it was first published 22 years ago: The Washington Post and Good Morning America both featured John and his lasagna. It is adored by the community for its adaptability, basic ingredients, and relative ease of use (reviewers love to share how they altered the recipe to make it their own). John unfortunately passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.
5. Best Cookies with Chocolate Chips
In 1998, Dora shared her chocolate chip cookie recipe, which clearly predated the days when lengthy anecdotes and countless tips preceded recipes. In fact, Dora’s introduction to the recipe was short and sweet, consisting of just four words that perfectly describe these cookies: With chewy middles and crisp edges, In addition, what else do chocolate chip cookies require? Dora’s Cookies are now the most popular cookie recipe on Allrecipes and the fourth most popular recipe overall thanks to this recipe’s consistent performance and deserved “best” status. They have received over 18,500 reviews, making them the most popular cookie on the internet. At least 880,000 cookies have been made, which requires at least 55,000 gallons of milk for the obligatory dunking!
6. Rub for tacos
Since 2002, when the recipe for homemade taco seasoning was first published, it has been spicing up meals for two whole decades. Why does the Allrecipes community adore this recipe so much? The chili powder, onion powder, and paprika, which many home cooks already have on hand, make the warm and smoky spice blend. Reviewer Suzanne Allen says, “Just the right mix of everything.” Now, I don’t have to skip a recipe because I don’t have the “envelope” of seasoning.” This taco seasoning recipe has received over 7,000 raving reviews, so she’s not the only one who loves it!
7. The Best Blueberry Muffins Ever
You can be sure that these blueberry muffins are good because they have received over 11,000 five-star reviews. Since it first appeared on Allrecipes in 1998, reviewers have been sharing their wisdom and joy about muffins. A review from nonsuchbaker, a community member, teaches newcomers how to make muffins: It is essential for novice muffin makers to know not to mix the batter for too long or the muffins will be tough and not rise well.”
8. Asparagus Roasted in the Oven
The most recent recipe in Allrecipes’ top 10 of all time is the epitome of simplicity. This recipe was created in 2010 by Swedishmilk, and it has since become a huge hit, especially during asparagus season. This oven-roasted, lightly seasoned method is the best way to savor asparagus in season. Need more proof? Take it from Laura, the reviewer: I’ve been preparing asparagus in a variety of ways for years. By far, this is the best.
9. Zucchini Bread from Mom
This zucchini bread has been a fan favorite ever since it was first published in the summer of 1998. It has been a hit ever since. The first ten reviews weren’t submitted until the summer of 2000 because ratings were launched before reviews could be added. However, once they started coming in, they were all positive: I’ve never had better zucchini bread. It delights my boys. It’s a breeze to make. Everyone should try it,” – PHOLMAN, April 9, 2000
10. Smooth Pancakes
Kris submitted her recipe in 2009, along with a picture of a stack of pancakes topped with strawberries and whipped cream that looked delicious. A glowing review from October 2022 might be the best way to put it: as if it were a cover for your mouth.” Get cozy now!
