2024’s Must-Try Recipes


The Best Recipes of 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to Delicious Homemade Meals & Desserts

As another incredible year of culinary adventures draws to a close, it’s time to celebrate the standout stars that graced our kitchens and delighted our taste buds. Every year brings new favorites, but some recipes truly capture the hearts (and stomachs!) of home cooks everywhere. Today, we’re thrilled to unveil the **Best Recipes of 2024** from Practically Homemade – a curated collection of dishes that have not only topped our charts but also received immense love and rave reviews from our wonderful community. If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of these culinary delights, now is the perfect opportunity to dive in. For those who have already tasted their deliciousness, you already know precisely why they’ve earned their well-deserved spot on this prestigious list!

A collage featuring four of the best and most popular recipes of 2024, showcasing a variety of mouth-watering dishes including casseroles, cookies, and cakes.
Discover the year’s most celebrated dishes from Practically Homemade. Each recipe is a testament to flavor, simplicity, and widespread appeal.

At Practically Homemade, our philosophy centers around creating incredibly delicious food without the fuss. We believe that exceptional meals and desserts shouldn’t require hours of complicated steps or obscure ingredients. That’s why many of our most popular recipes leverage clever shortcuts, like using a cake mix, to make baking and cooking accessible to everyone. This year’s top recipes truly embody that spirit, proving that convenience and gourmet flavor can absolutely go hand-in-hand.

My Personal Favorites & Reader-Approved Hits

While every recipe on this list holds a special place, a few have consistently stood out as personal and family favorites. It’s hard to pick just one, but the Texas Sheet Cake Cookies are truly a phenomenon. These delectable cookies are a staple, often ranking in our top 20 year after year, and for good reason—they are simply unbeatable in taste and texture! In fact, a beloved version of these cookies was even featured in my very own cookbook, Practically Homemade Cookies & Bars, a testament to their enduring appeal and how perfectly they encapsulate homemade deliciousness.

Beyond desserts, our dinner table frequently features the comforting Cowboy Cornbread Casserole and the incredibly easy Easy Pancake Mix Chicken and Dumplings. Both are recipes I’ve cherished and prepared for years, consistently delivering a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. They represent the heart of what Practically Homemade aims to deliver: wholesome, crowd-pleasing food made with ease and minimal effort.

And then there are the Churro Bars – the recipe I get asked to make most often! Imagine a cinnamon-sugar blondie, but elevated to a whole new level of irresistible flavor and chewiness, perfectly mirroring the beloved churro experience. They’re a sweet sensation that consistently earns rave reviews from everyone who tries them, proving that simple ingredients can create extraordinary desserts.

These chosen few offer a glimpse into the diverse and delightful collection you’re about to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find inspiration and simple, delicious solutions within these top 20 recipes. Let’s delve into the full list and discover what made them the absolute best of 2024!

Our Top 20 Most Popular Recipes of 2024

Here is the highly anticipated list of 20 remarkable recipes that have consistently topped the charts here at Practically Homemade throughout 2024. We highly recommend grabbing these recipes and starting your culinary journey from number one – you won’t be disappointed by these reader favorites!

  1. Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

    The ultimate comfort food, this casserole took the #1 spot for good reason!

    Claiming the coveted #1 spot this year, our **Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole** truly captivated taste buds! This hearty dish features a savory ground beef filling, seasoned to perfection, generously topped with a simple yet incredibly delicious cornbread crust. It’s the quintessential comfort food that makes busy weeknights feel special. This easy dinner recipe has not only become a family favorite but has also taken social media by storm, earning its place as a viral sensation on platforms like Pinterest. Its irresistible combination of flavors and ease of preparation make it a must-try for anyone seeking a satisfying, no-fuss meal.

    Click here to get the full Cowboy Cornbread Casserole recipe!

  2. Texas Sheet Cake Cookies

    These chocolate wonders are a consistent favorite, beloved for their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

    Consistently ranking high and securing the #2 position, our **Texas Sheet Cake Cookies** are a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Readers can’t stop raving about them! One enthusiastic fan exclaimed, “OMG a chocolate dream!” while another praised their texture, saying, “Cookie melts in your mouth. A must try.” These cookies encapsulate all the rich, fudgy goodness of a traditional Texas Sheet Cake but in a convenient, handheld form. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying that intense chocolate craving. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they deliver a taste of pure bliss in every bite. With countless five-star ratings, these cookies are a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary results.

    Find the amazing Texas Sheet Cake Cookies recipe here.

  3. Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe Made with a Cake Mix

    An incredibly easy and delicious Tres Leches Cake, starting with a simple cake mix.

    Coming in strong at #3, this **Easy Tres Leches Cake** recipe is a game-changer! It brilliantly starts with a simple cake mix, transforming a potentially complex dessert into an incredibly easy and absolutely delicious treat. The result is a wonderfully moist cake, perfectly soaked in the signature “three milks” mixture, delivering a rich and satisfying sweetness. This recipe proves that you don’t need to be a pastry chef to create a show-stopping dessert that everyone will adore. It’s a testament to our philosophy of making gourmet tastes accessible with practical methods.

    Get the Easy Tres Leches Cake recipe here.

  4. Texas Sheet Cake Bundt Cake Recipe

    If you’re a fan of Texas Sheet Cake, this Bundt Cake variation is a must-bake!

    If you fell in love with our #2 Texas Sheet Cake Cookies, then you absolutely need to add this magnificent **Texas Sheet Cake Bundt Cake** to your baking repertoire! This recipe takes all the beloved chocolatey richness and moist texture of the classic sheet cake and reimagines it in an elegant bundt form. It’s perfect for gatherings where you want a slightly more refined presentation without sacrificing any of that incredible, familiar flavor. Prepare for rave reviews and empty plates when you serve this stunning, easy-to-make cake.

    Find the Texas Sheet Cake Bundt Cake recipe here.

  5. Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

    These cake mix cookies with cream cheese are simply fantabulous!

    Securing its spot at #5, our **Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies** are nothing short of fantabulous, according to our readers! One delighted fan raved, “These cookies are fantabulous!!! Next time, I’ll be doubling the recipe!! They didn’t last long…… Grandkids loved them too!! I would recommend these to anyone that needs a really good cookie recipe.” With perfect five-star ratings, these cookies are celebrated for their incredible ease, tender texture, and delightful flavor, making them an instant crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

    Get the Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies recipe here.

  6. Easy Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe Made with a Cake Mix

    America’s favorite cookie transformed into a stunning bundt cake!

    This year, the #6 spot belongs to our **Easy Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe Made with a Cake Mix**. Being able to transform one of America’s favorite cookies into such a delicious and impressive bundt cake has truly been a dream come true for many home bakers! This cake captures all the classic cinnamon-sugar warmth and tender crumb of a snickerdoodle cookie in a beautiful cake form, making it a perfect dessert for any gathering or a comforting treat for a quiet evening. It’s simple to prepare and delivers big on flavor.

    Find the Easy Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake recipe here.

  7. Easy Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites Recipe

    These easy-to-follow cookie bites were loved by everyone for their custard-like filling!

    At #7, these **Easy Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites** are a phenomenal success story! One reader enthusiastically shared, “This recipe was so easy to follow and loved by everyone!! I love the custard like filling so I did the vanilla pudding without whipping it. So good. I was hoping to have some leftover after Monday night football but didn’t. Will have to make more!!” This five-star recipe proves that big flavor can come in small, irresistible packages. They are a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for entertaining or a quick, sweet indulgence.

    Continue reading for the Easy Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites recipe.

  8. Fall Desserts: Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake Recipe

    A moist cake with a delicious pecan topping – a fall favorite!

    Our #8 recipe, the **Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake**, is a true fall dessert hero! Readers can’t get enough of its perfect balance and moist texture. One reader commented, “Husband and I loved it! Great balance: Not too sugary with the topping, cake is super moist! Quick and easy as well.” Another added, “This was very good! Made it exactly like it says! Very moist and the pecan topping is very yummy!” This cake delivers on all fronts, offering a delightful combination of moist cake and a rich, nutty, caramelized pecan topping that’s utterly irresistible.

    Get the Fall Desserts: Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake recipe here.

  9. Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies

    These cookies, a delightful combination of white chocolate and raspberry, are a constant favorite.

    Holding steady at #9, these **Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies** are a testament to the power of a perfect flavor combination. The delightful blend of sweet white chocolate chips and tart, juicy raspberries creates a cookie that everyone will crave over and over again. Inspired by a popular bakery favorite, these cookies bring gourmet taste right to your kitchen with minimal effort. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with fruity-chocolatey goodness, making them an ideal treat for any time of year.

    Get the Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies recipe here.

  10. Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe Made with a Cake Mix

    No yeast dough needed for this incredible Cinnamon Roll Cake!

    Landing at #10, our **Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe Made with a Cake Mix** offers all the beloved flavor of cinnamon rolls without the traditional fuss. There’s absolutely no need to mess with complicated yeast dough when you can achieve such a tender, sweet, and perfectly spiced Cinnamon Roll Cake using a simple cake mix. This recipe is a dream come true for breakfast or dessert, offering layers of cinnamon swirl and a decadent glaze that will make your kitchen smell divine. It’s perfect for brunch or a sweet start to your day.

    Get the Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe here.

  11. Easy Baklava Bundt Cake Recipe with a Cake Mix

    This Baklava Bundt Cake is amazing and truly fool-proof!

    Taking the #11 spot, this **Easy Baklava Bundt Cake Recipe with a Cake Mix** is an unexpected delight! One happy baker shared, “I made this tonight using the link you gave. It’s amazing!!!!!! 40 min is perfect cook time and 10 really was the magic number for cooling!! Thanks for sharing!” This recipe beautifully captures the nutty, honey-sweet essence of traditional baklava in an effortless cake form. It’s a sophisticated dessert made accessible, proving that exotic flavors can be brought to your table with minimal fuss and maximum impact. Prepare to impress everyone with this unique and delicious cake.

    Get the Easy Baklava Bundt Cake recipe here.

  12. Quick and Easy Homemade Bread

    Homemade bread in just one hour – unbelievably simple!

    Craving fresh bread but short on time? Our #12 recipe, **Quick and Easy Homemade Bread**, is your solution! A reader raved, “So easy and simple- almost ate half a loaf by myself with just butter.” This recipe defies expectations by delivering a warm, crusty loaf in just one hour, making fresh homemade bread an achievable reality even on busy days. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal, or simply delicious slathered with butter. Forget the bakery; you’ll be baking perfect bread with ease in no time.

    Get the Quick and Easy Homemade Bread recipe here.

  13. Churro Bars

    These Churro Bars are foolproof and utterly delicious!

    It’s no surprise that our **Churro Bars** earned the #13 spot, especially after such glowing reviews! One reader exclaimed, “I took these to work today. Everybody raved about them. They are so easy to make and so delicious!! I will make them again and often. The recipe is foolproof. 5 stars for sure!” These bars truly capture the irresistible cinnamon-sugar magic of churros in a convenient bar form. They are incredibly easy to prepare and always a massive hit, making them perfect for potlucks, parties, or a delightful family treat. Prepare for endless compliments!

    Get the Churro Bars recipe here.

  14. Easy Pancake Mix Donuts with 3 Topping Options

    Baked donuts made with pancake mix – a breakfast dream come true!

    Securing the #14 position, these **Easy Pancake Mix Donuts with 3 Topping Options** are a dream come true for breakfast lovers! Using pancake mix to create these baked donuts makes them incredibly simple and wonderfully fluffy. With three delicious topping ideas, you can customize them to suit any craving, ensuring they can’t be beat for variety and flavor. They’re a fantastic way to elevate your morning routine or create a fun, personalized treat for any time of day. Quick to prepare and utterly delightful!

    Get the Easy Pancake Mix Donuts recipe here.

  15. Easy Fall Desserts: Cake Mix Apple Cobbler Recipe

    Fresh apples and cake mix combine for the ultimate easy cobbler!

    At #15, our **Easy Fall Desserts: Cake Mix Apple Cobbler Recipe** proves that some of the best flavors come from the simplest combinations. Fresh, crisp apples are perfectly paired with a convenient cake mix to create the ultimate cobbler recipe – a comforting, warm dessert that’s perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy night in. This easy-to-make dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort, making it a staple for anyone who loves classic fruit desserts but appreciates a time-saving hack.

    Get the Easy Fall Desserts: Cake Mix Apple Cobbler recipe here.

  16. Easy Pancake Mix Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

    Dinner is ready in minutes with light and fluffy dumplings made from pancake mix!

    Taking the #16 spot, this **Easy Pancake Mix Chicken and Dumplings Recipe** is a testament to quick and comforting weeknight meals. Dinner is ready in minutes when you discover the secret to light and fluffy dumplings that start with a simple pancake mix. This clever shortcut drastically cuts down on preparation time without sacrificing any of the hearty, satisfying flavor you expect from a classic chicken and dumplings dish. It’s a truly brilliant way to enjoy a warm, homemade meal with minimal fuss.

    Get the Easy Pancake Mix Chicken and Dumplings recipe here.

  17. Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies Made with a Cake Mix

    This Crumbl Copycat cookie, made with a cake mix, is the ultimate dessert!

    Don’t miss our #17 sensation: these incredible **Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies Made with a Cake Mix**, a delightful Crumbl Copycat recipe! This cookie is a masterpiece of flavors and textures, featuring a tender graham cracker base, generously topped with a luscious cheesecake frosting and a vibrant raspberry drizzle. It’s the ultimate dessert for those who love gourmet cookies but appreciate the ease of a cake mix shortcut. Prepare for an explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to your favorite cookie shop.

    Get the Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies Made with a Cake Mix recipe here.

  18. Banana Crumb Cake Recipe

    This Banana Crumb Cake is yummy, moist, and a family favorite!

    Coming in at #18, our **Banana Crumb Cake Recipe** is a beloved classic that consistently earns high praise. As one reader, Prisilla, happily shared, “Ok this was yummy 😋. Very moist. Super impressive and loved by the fam.” This cake is the perfect solution for ripe bananas, transforming them into a wonderfully moist and tender cake, crowned with a delightful crumb topping. It’s a comforting, impressive, yet easy-to-make dessert or breakfast treat that your entire family will adore. A truly five-star experience!

    Get the Banana Crumb Cake recipe here.

  19. Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

    Transforming Kentucky Butter Cake into a delectable cookie!

    The #19 spot goes to our irresistible **Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe**! This easy-to-make cake mix cookie, featuring a luscious glaze, is the perfect way to transform the beloved Kentucky Butter Cake into a convenient, handheld treat. These cookies are wonderfully moist, rich with buttery flavor, and perfectly sweet, making them an instant favorite. They offer all the deliciousness of the classic cake but are much quicker to prepare and ideal for sharing (or not!).

    Get the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies recipe here.

  20. Easy Breakfast Ideas: Pancake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe

    An easy coffee cake made with pancake mix, perfect for breakfast!

    Rounding out our top 20 list at #20 is a fantastic breakfast idea: the **Pancake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe**! This recipe proves just how versatile a simple pancake mix can be. One reader’s successful modification highlighted its adaptability: “I added a little extra milk and I used Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It turned out so good!” This coffee cake is wonderfully moist, boasts a delicious streusel topping, and makes for an effortlessly impressive breakfast or brunch item. It’s a quick and easy way to bring warmth and sweetness to your morning table.

    Get the Easy Breakfast Ideas: Pancake Mix Coffee Cake recipe here.

We sincerely hope this compilation of the **Best Recipes of 2024** from Practically Homemade has filled you with inspiration and excitement to step into your kitchen. Whether you’re trying a brand new dish or revisiting an old favorite, these recipes are designed to bring joy, flavor, and ease to your cooking experience. Each one represents a community favorite, tried, tested, and loved by countless home cooks just like you.

Above all, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your incredible and continuous support of Practically Homemade. Your enthusiasm, comments, and shared experiences truly fuel our passion for creating and sharing delicious, accessible recipes. If it were possible, we would personally hand-deliver a warm box of freshly baked cookies to each and every one of you as a small token of our appreciation. As we look forward to another year of shared culinary adventures, we send our sweetest wishes to you and yours for a delightful and delicious 2025!