Our 10 Most Popular Recipes of January

I can’t believe we’re already one-twelfth of the way into 2024. January seems to have gone by in the blink of an eye and maybe that’s because I’ve been busy tending to my kids who keep passing germs back and forth. So I’ve been eating Cheerios right out of the box—and, um, more cereal right out of the box—because I’ve had no time or energy to feed myself. 

Meanwhile, the Simply Recipes community has been cooking up a storm. Good for you! I'm glad to see that you continue nourishing yourselves and your families. I look forward to getting to see the recipes you turn to over and over again this year, and I hope you have a wonderful year full of good food.

In no particular order, here are the 10 recipes you turned to most in January.

1. Buttermilk Ranch Chicken

Our recipe editor, Laurel Randolph, developed five of the recipes in this round-up. Is it a surprise that her recipes are this popular with Simply Recipes readers? Not at all! Let's start the line-up with Laurel's easy four-ingredient baked chicken. Marinate chicken parts in buttermilk and a packet of ranch seasoning (like Hidden Valley) and bake. It is exactly as juicy and delicious as you think it will be!

2. Ina Garten's Tuscan Bean Soup

This is the soup I turn to when I need warmth from the inside out. It makes a big pot—enough to last you through a few meals. If you're short on time, use canned beans, store-bought stock, and pre-diced pancetta.

3. 3-Ingredient Trader Joe's Mocktail

Laurel's tart and fizzy mocktail hit a note with readers keeping it dry in January and with fans of Trader Joe's. All you need is three ingredients, one of which is Trader Joe’s Triple Ginger Brew, a popular drink with big ginger flavor.

4. Assassin's Spaghetti

Simply Recipes' bag of tricks is full of 30-minute weeknight meals, and this lightly spicy burnt-on-purpose Italian pasta is one that you need to try. Cooking the pasta in the sauce means it is packed with flavor.

5. Dr. Pepper Cake

Here's a fun game: The next time you get together with family and friends, bring this spiced cake and have everyone guess the secret ingredient. They'll be floored when they find out that Dr. Pepper is what gives this moist, tender came it's amazing texture and flavor.

6. Italian Beans and Greens

Here's another 30-minute meal inspired by contributors Julie and Amy Luxemberg's Italian grandfather, who loved scarola e fagioli, a simple stew of escarole and cannellini beans. Get yourself a crusty loaf of Italian bread to mop up a bowl of these cozy beans and greens.

7. Cioccolata Calda (Italian Hot Chocolate)

I imagine this is what doctors should prescribe when it's dreary outside and you're feeling the winter blues. A few sips of the indulgent hot chocolate will lift you right up! It's so creamy and thick, you will likely need a spoon to help you drink it.

8. Sriracha Honey Chex Mix

Hot sauce gives this version of the ever-popular snack mix some heat, balanced with honey and soy sauce. Use this recipe as a template to tweak as you see fit—Laurel provides suggestions in the headnotes too.

9. 4-Ingredient Spicy Margarita Mocktail

Laurel shared not just one, but two mocktail recipes she's enjoying this month along with our readers. Though typically Trader Joe's drink concoctions are her specialty, this spicy Margarita mocktail is for those who don't live near the grocery store.

10. Chicken Cobbler With Cheddar Bay Biscuit Top

It doesn't get any more comforting than this: a creamy chicken casserole topped with cheesy biscuits. This all-in-one casserole will give you all the textures you need in a complete meal.