Delish Team’s Top Favorite Recipes of 2024
Discover the Delish team’s best-loved recipes of 2024—from easy weeknight winners to celebration-worthy desserts and creative new classics.
The Delish editorial team shares their favorite recipes of 2024, reflecting what truly inspired their kitchens and cravings this year. From new flavor pairings to creative comfort foods and show-stopping desserts, these team-picked highlights cover quick weekday solutions, inventive vegetarian options, and sweet treats sure to delight. Whether you’re searching for your next dinner triumph or the dessert that will get everyone talking, this curated collection brings together the best of Delish’s test kitchen. Read on for the dishes the Delish crew couldn’t stop making—or raving about.
Table of Contents
- Sesame Tofu & Broccoli
- Sausage & Broccoli Burrata Pasta
- Giant Party Sub & Other Crowd Favorites
- Homemade Soft Serve Ice Cream
- Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
- Sticky Toffee Blondies
- Cacio E Pepe White Bean Skillet
- Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls
- Santa Pull-Apart Cake
- Nutter Butter Cookie Bars
- Marry Me Pasta
Sesame Tofu & Broccoli
Called “perfectly balanced” by Delish Senior Food Director Rob Seixas, this plant-based main dish emerged as an editorial favorite for its bold flavors and weeknight-friendly simplicity. The ingenious method of tearing tofu by hand, rather than slicing, creates ragged edges that turn delightfully crisp and soak up the sesame sauce. Paired with crunchy broccoli and a savory-sweet glaze, this is a vegetarian recipe that wins over tofu skeptics and devotees alike.
- Key technique: Tear tofu instead of slicing for extra crispy texture.
- Flavor notes: Toasted sesame, umami-rich soy, and hint of sweetness.
- Ideal for: Quick weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Sausage & Broccoli Burrata Pasta
Assistant Food Editor Francesca “Franki” Zani’s pick is a comforting dish that balances creamy richness with a savory kick. Unlike heavier cream sauces, this pasta is enriched by chunks of burrata cheese that ooze across hot rigatoni, creating a luscious but not overpowering sauce. Tender sausage and broccoli add flavor and color, making this a complete and craveable one-bowl meal.
- Burrata: Adds creamy texture without heaviness.
- Flavor combo: Savory sausage, tender broccoli, and al dente pasta.
- Great for: Cozy dinners or easy entertaining.
Giant Party Sub & Other Crowd Favorites
Creative Director Jess Musumeci’s pick celebrates the joy of modern party food. The giant party sub isn’t just visually impressive—it’s fully customizable and crowd-pleasing. Jess also nodded to two other team standouts:
- Christmas Wreath Pavlova: Gorgeous meringue centerpieces, backed by beautiful updated photography. Crisp on the outside, marshmallowy within, and topped with vibrant fruit.
- Pumpkin S’mores Cookies: Blending the flavors of roasted pumpkin with classic graham, chocolate, and marshmallow. Described as “the perfect cookie, even if it’s not fall.” Perfect for year-round enjoyment.
These recipes stand out not only for taste but also for their festive visual appeal—proving that food for a crowd can be both impressive and approachable.
Homemade Soft Serve Ice Cream
Assistant Food Editor Taylor Ann Spencer championed her own homemade soft serve as a favorite, citing the satisfaction of mastering a classic treat. This creamy, dreamy ice cream recipe lets you skip the drive-thru and customize your flavors. The methodology balances science and craft, delivering a silky, swirly texture that’s easier to achieve at home than you might think. Personalize with mix-ins or classic chocolate shell for the ultimate nostalgic dessert.
- Focus: Perfecting technique for ultra-smooth soft serve at home.
- Treat yourself to: Custom toppings, from rainbow sprinkles to caramel drizzle.
- Ideal for: Summer parties, holiday celebrations, or any day you crave a childhood classic.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Visual Production Coordinator Temira Greene recommends these cheesecake bars as perfect for holidays—adaptable for those with nut allergies by torching the topping à la crème brûlée. These bars feature a cookie crust, creamy vanilla cheesecake, and a sticky-sweet pecan layer. The torching twist, inspired by Delish’s sweet potato crème brûlée bars, adds drama and caramelized flavor. Versatility, impressiveness, and crowd-pleasing taste make them a standout treat.
- Adaptable for: Nut allergies (swap or caramelize topping).
- Perfect for: Holiday gifting, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings.
Sticky Toffee Blondies
Assistant Editor of Audience Development Izabela Campos spotlights these as the perfect non-chocolate dessert. The tender blondies are infused with the warmth of toffee, evoking classic British sticky toffee pudding in easy-to-share bar form. Soft, chewy, and deeply caramelized, these bars signal comfort during the holidays and quickly became a personal favorite in the Delish kitchen.
- Flavor profile: Rich toffee, buttery chew.
- Great for: Bake sales, snacking, and holiday platters.
Cacio E Pepe White Bean Skillet
“Can’t stop, won’t stop making” is how Mackenzie Filson, Temporary Assistant Digital Food Producer, describes this hearty yet budget-friendly skillet meal. Inspired by the classic Roman pasta cacio e pepe, it swaps pasta for creamy beans, resulting in an unexpectedly rich, cheesy, and peppery vegetarian one-pan meal that’s quick and inexpensive to prepare. It captures the comfort of Italian dining with a plant-based, protein-rich twist.
- Main appeal: Creamy, bold flavor on a budget.
- Feeds: A crowd with minimal effort.
Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls
Senior Food Editor Makinze Gore combined her favorite pastry with a classic breakfast treat. These almond croissant cinnamon rolls merge sweet almond paste with fluffy swirled dough, recreating the essence of French patisserie in a crowd-sharing American format. They’re gooey, nutty, and luxurious—ideal for brunches or making any morning feel special.
- Innovation: Almond croissant flavors in classic cinnamon roll form.
- Perfect pairing for: Coffee mornings and weekend brunches.
Santa Pull-Apart Cake
Deputy Recipe Editor Jill Baughman describes this as a “team Delish effort.” Conceived as a festive spin on their Grinchy pull-apart cupcakes, the Santa Pull-Apart Cake is cute, whimsical, and deceptively simple. Though the concept is easy, the execution required creative teamwork, resulting in a holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is to display and eat—perfect as a centerpiece for any holiday table.
- Fun factor: Cheerful design and group assembly make it memorable.
- Holiday spirit: A visual and flavorful conversation starter.
Nutter Butter Cookie Bars
Senior Editor of Audience Development Sam Caccamise recalls near kitchen hysteria when these peanut butter-packed cookie bars debuted. Rich, chewy, and packed with nostalgic Nutter Butter cookies, these bars disappear quickly—make extra if you expect a hungry crowd. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just looking for something playful, these bars deliver childhood fun in every bite.
- Highlights: Layered with actual Nutter Butter cookies.
- Response: “Everyone was losing their mind” in the test kitchen.
Marry Me Pasta
Digital Director Katelyn Lunders picked Delish’s new Marry Me Pasta as her go-to, noting that the original “Marry Me Chicken” has become so legendary she was tempted to try meat again—until this vegetarian riff arrived. The creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato loaded sauce coats tender pasta, offering the same crave-appeal and comfort as its predecessor, but in vegetarian form.
- Inspired by: The viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Big flavor, no chicken required.
- Great for: Date nights, dinner parties, or anytime comfort food cravings hit.
Editor’s Notes: What Makes a Delish Favorite?
Each recipe highlighted by the Delish team goes beyond just great flavor. Editors note that a true favorite must combine:
- Creativity: Unexpected flavor combos or creative spins on classics.
- Practicality: Recipes must be do-able in home kitchens and worth repeating.
- Visual Appeal: Dishes that shine for social media and special occasions.
- Team Enjoyment: Multiple taste-tests and enthusiastic endorsements from across the staff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are these recipes beginner-friendly?
A: Most of the Delish team’s favorites were selected because they balance impressive results and ease. While some recipes may include special techniques (like tearing tofu or layering a giant sub), clear instructions help home cooks of all levels succeed. There’s something for every skill level on this list.
Q: Can the vegetarian recipes be made vegan?
A: Several recipes (like the Sesame Tofu & Broccoli and Cacio e Pepe White Bean Skillet) are already vegetarian and can be made vegan with small substitutions such as plant-based butter or cheese alternatives. Always check specific recipe notes for suggested swaps.
Q: What’s the best dish for a party?
A: The Giant Party Sub, Santa Pull-Apart Cake, and any of the bar cookie recipes (like Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars) are all major crowd-pleasers perfect for gatherings. They’re easy to portion and serve, and often can be made ahead of time.
Q: Where can I find the full recipes?
A: Full step-by-step instructions are available on Delish’s official website. This article is a curated overview of the team’s personal favorites, with suggestions for serving and adaptations.
Related Must-Try Recipes on Delish
- Chicken Stew
- Dill & Cheddar Pierogi
- Crock-Pot Chicken & Dumplings
- Beef Wellington
- 60 Best Friendsgiving Food Ideas
- Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce
- Best Mashed Potatoes
- Slow-Cooker Brisket
- Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots
Explore these recipes and more on Delish to round out your menu with trending ideas and perennial favorites. The Delish team’s picks are proof that whether you’re hosting a party or cooking solo, there’s always something new and delicious worth discovering.
