The top 10 recipes on Downshiftology this year skewed towards main dishes that covered every protein option, from chicken to beef, and seafood to turkey. And even though tech changes dominated the blog world this year, this little ‘old website still soared to new highs!
At the end of every year, it’s always fun to look back and see the recipes and milestones that defined the year. Previous years were defined by my cookbook launch, the pandemic, and new social media platforms (hello TikTok). But if I had to summarize a major influence for 2023 it was big tech changes.
Now, to be honest, that’s almost a given in the digital media business, but this year algorithm changes and AI took everyone by storm. And without a doubt, they will continue to play a major role in the future. If there’s anything I’ve learned in running Downshiftology for nine years now, it’s that you MUST stay on the forefront of technology and constantly pivot to be successful.
But, as much as technology plays a role in my business, it’s my guarantee to you that my recipes will always be tested by humans for humans (and developed by yours truly). That will never change. Especially as I don’t foresee AI developing tastebuds any time soon – ha! Many of you did noticed we tested an AI chatbot function on the website this year to better help readers, but it’s definitely in the early stages and needs more work. I’m curious to see how that transforms for next year!
In terms of content this year, the website grew leaps and bounds and surpassed the major milestone of 10 million pageviews in a month. Wow! For a grand total of more than 115 million views this year (up from last year’s 80 million). It’s truly insane in the best way possible. We also hit a major milestone with my cookbook – more than 100,000 sales in only nine months after pub date – woot!
In terms of challenges this year, video definitely took a hit. YouTube launched Shorts and tweaked algorithms to favor short-form vertical content, which cut long-form video views in half. Blah! So new subscribers and growth on YouTube was hard to gain. Additionally, competition is more fierce than ever on social media, so it’s super challenging for my content to be seen, even by those of you who’ve subscribed! Given these challenges, I feel like I need to pivot how I do videos for next year, though I’m not quite sure how I’ll do that yet. But keep your eyes peeled, as you’ll likely see me try a few new formats out. 😉
Alright, so which new recipes were most popular this year? The runaway hits this year were main dishes, from air fryer chicken breast to Greek lemon chicken, and jambalaya to filet mignon. Plus, with split pea soup, turkey burgers and crab salad, I think we covered all the different protein options to meet a wide variety of dietary needs. Perennial reader favorite mains like chicken fajitas, baked salmon, chicken salad, and slow cooker pulled pork stayed on top as well.
So what’s coming in 2023? Well, the beginning of the year is going to be a bit crazy as I’m moving! And with that, Downshiftology will get a new headquarters and kitchen – yay!! Who’s ready for interior design and kitchen organization content?! Haha. I’m super excited, but needless to say it’s hard to plan much else right now. So I’ll just say stay tuned next year!
Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for all your support in 2023. Given all the aforementioned tech changes, your recipe reviews have never been more important, and I truly love reading them. I sincerely thank you for trusting and making my recipes year after year. Cheers to 2024 friends – I have a feeling it’s gonna be a good one!
Top 10 Most Viewed New Recipes in 2023
One of the most popular recipes to make in the air fryer! You really can’t beat this simple air fryer chicken breast recipe.
2. Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash
This has been the surprise winner of the year. You guys have loved the crispy, cheesy, herby savory flavor on this acorn squash.
3. Greek Lemon Chicken
Golden-baked chicken thighs are coated with the best lemon-herb Greek marinade. It’s quick to prep, easy to cook, and the results are fantastic!
4. Split Pea Soup
This is such a cozy soup recipe and perfect for when you have a leftover ham bone from Christmas or Easter. That meaty flavor really infuses the soup!
5. Bearnaise Sauce
This classic bearnaise sauce is the perfect finishing touch for steak, filet mignon, and even prime rib. Just drizzle it on top!
6. Berry Baked Oatmeal
Baked oatmeal is a breakfast recipe winner, and it’s made even easier with mixed frozen berries. It’s sweet, healthy, and perfect for meal prep.
7. Jambalaya
This New Orleans comfort food dish is a classic one-pot meal. It’s a hearty blend of chicken, sausage, shrimp, veggies, and rice with spiced Cajun and Creole flavors.
8. Filet Mignon
Don’t be intimidated by cooking filet mignon at home. This recipe is foolproof and delivers the most beautiful steak with a medium rare inside and perfectly seared outside.
9. Turkey Burger
These turkey patties are healthy, super easy to make, perfectly juicy, and packed with flavor from simple ingredients. Eat them lettuce-wrapped or make a tasty burger bowl.
10. Crab Salad
This homemade version of a deli favorite couldn’t be any easier. Just a handful of ingredients mix together beautifully for one tasty crab salad.
While these were the top 10 recipes of 2023, here’s a quick list of my all-time most popular recipes and posts:
It’ll be interesting to see how the all-time rankings change as this blog and wonderful Downshiftology community grows. Best wishes to all of you for a healthy, happy, and safe New Year!
xo, Lisa
PS – If you’re keeping track, here were the Top 10 Recipes of 2022, Top 10 Recipes of 2021, Top 10 Recipes of 2020, Top Recipes of 2019, Top 10 Recipes of 2018, Top 10 Recipes of 2017, Top 10 Recipes of 2016, and Top 10 Recipes of 2015.