Stay Snatched’s Top 20 Most Popular Recipes of 2020: A Culinary Year in Review
What an extraordinary year 2020 was! While every year brings its own set of challenges and triumphs, 2020 truly stood apart, reshaping daily life for millions around the globe. The onset of a global pandemic drastically altered routines, transforming homes into offices, schools, and, most notably, the epicenter of all meals. Here at Stay Snatched, this unprecedented shift highlighted the immense importance of accessible, delicious, and home-cooked meals.
As the world grappled with new realities, many found themselves navigating kitchens more frequently than ever before. Restaurants faced closures and limitations, prompting a massive surge in home cooking. For some, it was a necessity to feed their families and ensure nutritional well-being without relying on dining out. For others, cooking became a therapeutic escape, a creative outlet to pass the time and find entertainment amidst uncertainty. This widespread return to the kitchen fueled an incredible demand and interest in my recipes, leading to a truly rewarding, albeit hectic, year of content creation and engaging with a wonderful community of beginner and seasoned cooks alike.
It has been a whirlwind of a year, filled with long hours and dedicated work, yet I feel an immense sense of value and honor. Knowing that my recipes have played a small but significant role in your lives during such a pivotal time – from feeding families during the pandemic to celebrating holidays and making weeknight dinners effortless – is incredibly fulfilling. Your emails, direct messages, and countless kind words have been the fuel that propelled me through 2020. Every year, I reflect on the positive impact I strive to have on your lives, and without a doubt, many of you have reciprocated that impact on mine. It’s a connection I cherish deeply.
As we fondly bid farewell to 2020 and eagerly welcome 2021, let’s take a moment to celebrate the culinary journey we shared. Thank you for your continued support and for making Stay Snatched a vibrant part of your kitchens and lives.
Explore Our Past Year’s Favorites:
- Top 10 Posts of 2019
- Top 10 Posts of 2018
- Top 10 Posts of 2017
In our annual review, we often find a handful of classic recipes that consistently claim the top spots, proving their timeless appeal. To offer a fresh perspective and highlight the latest culinary sensations, this year we’re presenting two distinct lists. First, you’ll find the overall Top 10 Most Popular Stay Snatched Posts of 2020, encompassing perennial favorites and new hits alike. Following that, we’ll shine a spotlight on the Top 10 Most Popular NEW Recipes Posted in 2020, showcasing the dishes that captured your attention and soared to popularity within their debut year. This unique breakdown ensures you discover both our all-time bestsellers and the exciting new creations you absolutely need to try!
Top 10 Most Popular Stay Snatched Posts of 2020
Keto Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
This Easy Keto Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole truly embodies comfort and convenience, resembling a delectable hamburger pie. With only 2 grams of carbs, it quickly became a staple for those following a ketogenic lifestyle or simply seeking healthier alternatives. Loaded with creamy melted cheese, rich cream cheese, a hint of mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for that signature burger flavor, it’s a wholesome dish that satisfies. Its ease of preparation and suitability for meal prep made it a standout, perfect even for a hearty breakfast option during busy weeks in 2020.
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Juicy Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
The air fryer trend exploded in 2020, and these Quick and Easy Juicy Air Fryer Cheeseburgers perfectly captured that momentum. This beef recipe proved to be a family favorite, offering a simple method to achieve perfectly cooked burgers with a tender, juicy interior in an air fryer. The post provides clear instructions on cooking times for both fresh and frozen patties, making it incredibly versatile. Whether you’re craving classic beef or exploring options like air fryer turkey burgers, this recipe made it effortless to enjoy a takeout-quality burger right at home, a true blessing when dining out was limited.
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Air Fryer Sausage
Another testament to the air fryer’s versatility, this Quick and Easy Air Fryer Sausage recipe became a go-to for many. It’s hailed as the best way to cook Italian sausage, links, or brats in any air fryer model, be it Nuwave, Power Airfryer XL, or others. The simplicity and speed of preparing perfectly cooked sausage links made it an ideal component for quick weeknight dinners or a robust addition to breakfast platters. Paired with peppers or integrated into your favorite morning meals, this recipe delivered consistent deliciousness and unparalleled convenience, making it a standout in 2020’s home cooking landscape.
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Air Fryer Garlic Roasted Green Beans
For a healthy and incredibly flavorful side dish, our Air Fryer Garlic Roasted Green Beans took the spotlight. This quick and easy recipe transforms simple green beans into a crispy, savory accompaniment perfect for any weeknight dinner. Its keto-friendly nature appealed to many, offering a low-carb option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether served crisp-tender or with an extra fried texture, and optionally tossed with crumbled bacon for an added layer of indulgence, this recipe made healthy eating both effortless and exciting throughout 2020.
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Southern-Style Soul Food Baked Macaroni and Cheese
When comfort food was needed most, our Southern-Style Soul Food Baked Macaroni and Cheese delivered. This homemade recipe, featuring a luxurious blend of five creamy types of cheese, became a cherished dish for gatherings and holidays, even if celebrations were smaller in 2020. It’s a testament to the power of classic, rich flavors that evoke warmth and togetherness. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply a comforting Sunday dinner, this macaroni and cheese recipe provided a taste of tradition and indulgence that many sought during a challenging year, making it a timeless favorite.
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Keto Low-Carb Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
The Keto Low-Carb Philly Cheese Steak Casserole was a sensation for those seeking hearty, low-carb dinner options. This quick and easy steak dinner masterfully combines succulent sirloin steak with creamy cream cheese, vibrant green bell peppers, and savory mushrooms, all baked into a satisfying casserole. Praised for its robust flavor, this recipe also offers flexibility, allowing for flank steak as an alternative. It became an instant hit for meal prep, providing a complete, delicious, and diet-friendly meal all in one dish, perfectly aligning with the year’s focus on efficiency and health-conscious eating.
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Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Fried Chicken Tenders (Strips)
These Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Fried Chicken Tenders offered a healthier twist on a classic comfort food, quickly becoming a family favorite. This quick recipe provides precise cook times for achieving perfectly crispy, crunchy chicken fingers, whether starting with fresh or frozen tenders, using popular air fryer brands like Nuwave, Philips, or Power Air Fryer. For those on a keto diet, the recipe thoughtfully suggests omitting breadcrumbs for a low-carb alternative. It’s a versatile and delicious option that brought the joy of fried chicken to home kitchens without the excess oil, a perfect fit for 2020’s health-conscious convenience.
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Air Fryer 3 Ingredient Fried Catfish
Simplicity met deliciousness in our Air Fryer 3 Ingredient Fried Catfish recipe, which soared in popularity for its minimal effort and maximum flavor. Requiring just three essential ingredients, this recipe made preparing crispy, perfectly cooked fried catfish remarkably easy and fast. It offered a fantastic way to enjoy a Southern classic with less oil thanks to the air fryer, making it a healthier and more convenient option for seafood lovers. This recipe perfectly exemplified the desire for straightforward, yet satisfying meals that defined home cooking in 2020.
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Low-Carb Bacon, Egg, and Spinach Breakfast Casserole
Starting the day right was made effortless with our Low-Carb Bacon, Egg, and Spinach Breakfast Casserole. This keto-friendly, quick, and easy make-ahead dish became a breakfast and brunch hero, especially appealing for meal prep during a year when structured routines were more important than ever. Packed with savory bacon, fresh spinach, fluffy eggs, cheese, mushrooms, and peppers, it’s a complete and satisfying meal perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches. Its popularity underscored a growing trend towards nutritious, convenient, and delicious breakfast options that support a low-carb lifestyle.
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Easy Air Fryer Homemade French Fries
Who doesn’t love crispy French fries? Our Easy Air Fryer Homemade Crispy French Fries recipe brought the beloved side dish to home kitchens in a healthier, quicker format. These fresh, homemade fries, resembling perfect potato wedges, are prepared with minimal to no oil, drastically reducing calories without sacrificing that satisfying crunch. Adaptable to any air fryer brand—Power Air Fryer, Nuwave, and more—this recipe made it incredibly simple to enjoy a guilt-free version of a classic, proving immensely popular as people sought healthier snack and side options in 2020.
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Top 10 Most Popular NEW Posts of 2020
Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich (Chick-fil-A Copycat)
This Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich, hailed as a Chick-fil-A Copycat, immediately became one of our most popular new recipes of 2020. It delivers a homemade meal that rivals its fast-food inspiration, perfect for the whole family. The secret to its incredible tenderness and juiciness lies in brining the chicken in pickle juice and buttermilk, which also contributes to its delightfully crispy breading. For those who enjoy a kick, adding cayenne pepper transforms it into a spicy deluxe, while fresh veggies complete the experience. This recipe allowed everyone to enjoy their favorite chicken sandwich from the comfort of home, a huge hit during a year of limited dining options.
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Air Fryer Juicy Cornish Hens
Elevating home dining, our Air Fryer Juicy Cornish Hens quickly became a new sensation in 2020. These elegant mini rotisserie chickens are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, whether fresh or frozen, and are infused with an abundance of herbs and spices for maximum flavor. They offer a fantastic main dish option for any dinner, from special holiday meals to impressive weeknight feasts. The convenience of achieving such tender, flavorful results in the air fryer resonated deeply with cooks seeking to create memorable meals with ease, making these Cornish hens a beloved addition to our recipe collection.
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Panera Autumn Squash Soup
The Easy Panera Autumn Squash Soup Recipe brought the cozy flavors of fall into countless homes, making it an instant hit among our new 2020 offerings. Crafted with creamy butternut squash and crisp green apples, this soup is a celebration of seasonal produce. Its versatility is notable, being vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences. For an even deeper flavor profile, it can be served roasted. This comforting and wholesome soup offered a warm embrace during a year that yearned for simple pleasures and nourishing meals.
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Air Fryer Beef Jerky
For snack enthusiasts and health-conscious eaters alike, our Easy Air Fryer Beef Jerky recipe was a game-changer. This homemade recipe provided a fantastic guide on how to make flavorful, marinated beef jerky from scratch, completely eliminating the need for a dehydrator. The convenience of using an air fryer for this process made it incredibly appealing, as it allowed for easy preparation of healthy and delicious snacks at home. Its popularity highlighted a growing interest in DIY food projects and healthier snacking options during 2020.
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Southern Cornbread Dressing With Chicken
The Easy Southern Cornbread Dressing with Chicken quickly became a cherished new recipe for its authentic, old-fashioned, and homemade appeal. This classic dish, prepared from scratch, embodies soulful comfort food. It’s perfectly suited for Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving celebrations, or any special occasion where a hearty, flavorful side or main course is desired. Drizzled generously with gravy, this cornbread dressing offered a taste of tradition and warmth that brought families together, even during a year when gatherings might have been smaller but the desire for comforting food remained strong.
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Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Bringing a childhood favorite into the modern kitchen, our Easy Air Fryer Fish Sticks recipe became an instant hit for its health-conscious approach and delightful taste. This quick homemade recipe utilizes cod fillets and a light breading to create healthy, crispy nuggets that can be made using either fresh or frozen fish. It’s a seafood dish that the entire family will love, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy fried fish. The convenience of the air fryer ensured perfectly cooked results every time, making it a perfect quick meal solution for busy families in 2020.
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Healthy Sugar-Free Apple Crisp
Our Easy Healthy Sugar-Free Apple Crisp offered a sweet and guilt-free indulgence, quickly gaining traction as a new favorite. This recipe features crisp Granny Smith apples baked beneath a crunchy, wholesome topping, all completely free of refined sugar. It’s a low-calorie dessert that tastes absolutely decadent and even works wonderfully as a breakfast treat. This delightful apple crisp perfectly aligned with the year’s growing interest in healthy baking and wholesome desserts that don’t compromise on flavor.
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Keto Low Carb Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy
For those craving hearty, Southern-inspired meals while adhering to a low-carb lifestyle, our Easy Keto Low Carb Chicken Fried Steak became an instant hit. This recipe features tenderized cube steaks coated in a savory blend of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese, providing that satisfying crunch without traditional breading (though pork rinds can be substituted if preferred). Drizzled with a luscious white country gravy, which can be enhanced with sausage, this dish offered a comforting and compliant meal. Its popularity showcased the demand for inventive keto recipes that bring beloved classics back to the table.
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Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Satisfying sweet cravings was made incredibly simple with our Easy Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies, a quick recipe that delighted many in 2020. This homemade dessert is prepared right in the air fryer, offering a fast and convenient way to enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies. The cookie dough is perfectly flavored with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, studded with gooey chocolate chips, delivering a classic treat with a modern cooking method. Its popularity reflected the ongoing love affair with air fryers and the desire for easy, homemade desserts.
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Healthy Sugar-Free Popsicles: Strawberry Lemon
Our Healthy Strawberry and Lemon Sugar-Free Popsicles provided a refreshing, guilt-free treat that became a new favorite in 2020. This homemade frozen fruit ice pop is the perfect dessert for cooling down, especially appealing to those on keto or low-carb diets. Made with organic sweetener and completely free of aspartame, it offers a wholesome alternative to traditional sugary popsicles. Its vibrant flavor and health-conscious profile made it a celebrated addition for anyone seeking delicious and diet-friendly ways to beat the heat or enjoy a light dessert.
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As we close the chapter on 2020, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who turned to Stay Snatched for culinary inspiration, comfort, and connection. Your engagement, trust, and enthusiasm for these recipes have been the driving force behind our efforts. We are incredibly proud of the community we’ve built and the role we’ve played in helping you navigate your kitchens with confidence and joy.
Looking ahead to 2021 and beyond, Stay Snatched remains committed to bringing you more delicious, easy-to-follow, and health-conscious recipes that fit seamlessly into your busy lives. We are excited to continue this culinary journey with you, exploring new flavors, techniques, and meal solutions. Thank you for being an indispensable part of our Stay Snatched family. Here’s to many more memorable meals and shared culinary adventures!