Well, it's that time of year for a "Best Of" list, so let's do it! Thanks much to all of you for your support and feedback -- it makes it easy to put the work in when I know you're out there making scrumptious meals for your family and friends!
I added 60 recipes to the site this year and these are the Top 11 choices for you to consider -- 8 chosen based on traffic and page views, and 3 chosen by my palate as being the best of the best (the bottom 3 in the list).
And if you're curious, I'll also put links to the most viewed recipes of all time on the site -- it'll give you a quick snapshot of what people are searching for in Google when they've got Mexican food on the brain.
Okay, here are the top 11 recipes of 2018. Enjoy!
Homemade Enchilada Sauce
If you've been using enchilada sauce from a can then you're in for a treat with this homemade version! Ancho chilis are the key to this sauce and they give it an otherworldly flavor that people fall in love with.
Charro Beans
These are some of the most rewarding frijoles you'll ever taste -- that's the power of bacon! I will sometimes even puree these beans in the blender and spread them on corn tortillas with cheese for quick meals. Yum!
Baja Fish Tacos
Fried fish topped with Chipotle Crema? I'm in! These tacos are a genuine crowd pleaser and they're probably easier to make than you think.
Albondigas Soup
This Mexican version of meatball soup is the surprise entry in the list! I thought it would be a sleeper but it quickly became one of the most viewed recipes of the year. Albondigas (meatballs) are traditionally made with fresh mint and that gives this dish a vibrancy that might surprise you.
Migas
This is a great breakfast dish to keep in mind for weekend mornings. I added bacon to this version but you could always omit it for a vegetarian version -- or maybe use chorizo instead ?!!
Tamales
People love tamales! And this version attempts to streamline the process so you'll be motivated to make them more often. I used leftover Bean Dip for this batch but the possibilities are endless for tamale fillings.
Chipotle and Cheese Bean Dip
This is the star attraction of the grazing table. It has unassuming looks but it's packed with flavor and has serious kick from the chipotles. I make this one all the time for get-togethers and it always delivers.
Chili Verde
One of my favorites of the year! The green sauce has incredible flavor and I've become a huge fan of adding plenty of Mexican oregano to this dish -- so good!
Pickled Tomatillos
Despite not getting loads of traffic, this recipe deserves to be on the list. I think these Pickled Tomatillos are an absolute gem and they work great as a final garnish on tacos -- or eaten on their own!
Green Mole
This is a great recipe that seems to scare people. Mole can be intimidating, but this version is remarkably easy -- when you combine pumpkinseeds with a traditional green sauce you get something that is lip-smackingly unique!
Vegetarian Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles made with Tomatillo-Chipotle Salsa were a revelation for me this year. It's a great combo and this version is served with Black Beans, Avocado, and Pickled Jalapenos. Yum!
So that covers the 2018 recipes. For reference, here are the most viewed recipes of all time on the site:
Okay, I hope you find some keeper recipes from these options. And feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about them. Buen Provecho!
Still hungry?!! Here is the list of 2019's best recipes.
Still hungry?!
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Karen Gifford
I love your website, look forward to the recipes.
Do you have a recipe for sweet pork barbacoa
Patrick
Thanks Karen! Hmmm let's see I have a Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa and an Easy Pork Carnitas, hope that helps a bit. Cheers.
Manuel
man, you are absolutely super cool! I am Mexican , living in Canada, this page is sooooooo good, Muchas Gracias!
Patrick
Hey thanks Manuel, so glad you are finding some authentic options on the site when North of the border(s).
Pamelita
Dearest,
I spend hours reading recipes and more time testing and tasting. Your site is wonderful! Thank you for sharing your gifts and giving me not only tasty food, but some terrific tips and ideas. I’m an old cook and I appreciate your zeal in sharing good food! Bless your heart. I’ll be checking in regularly.
Patrick
Thanks for your note Pamelita! I hope you find some keeper recipes on the site. Cheers.
Antlinette
your recipes look and found do yummy. my first time on ur blog but definatly going to keep checking in. do u have a cook book out?
Patrick
Thanks Antoinette, I hope you find some keeper recipes on the site! I do have an ebook on Amazon.
Vicky Beam
Hey Patrick,
I love your blog and your story. Do you have a recipe for spinach enchiladas in a white sauce? I had them in a restaurant once, but I've never been able to find a recipe. They had some kind of white cheese and were very flavorful. Maybe it was an American adaptation of a Mexican dish? Anyway, thought I'd ask.
Patrick
Hey Vicky! Yeah I know what you're talking about -- I've had that white sauce on my recipe to-do list for a while now. It's usually a sour cream and cheese base thickened up with some butter and flour. Your note will probably be the final nudge to get me working on it so I will try to experiment with it further over the coming weeks. I'd also like to try it flavored with some roasted poblanos.
In the version you had was there anything else inside the enchiladas or just the spinach?
Jeff the Chef
Thanks for the roundup. I think my favorite is the cheese dip.
Patrick
Thanks Jeff -- yeah that dip is no joke 🙂
Irene Raymond
These recipes look fantastic!
Patrick
Go for it Irene, they will treat you well!
Egirl
You rock, Patrick! Thanks for the "best of" list!
Patrick
Hey thank you!