The top 10 recipes on Downshiftology this year fell into four main themes—Mexican recipes, Mediterranean recipes, slow cooker recipes, and one pan recipes. Plus, Downshiftology turned 10 years old this year!
Top 10 Recipes of 2024
And here we are again at the close of another year! For me, 2024 seemed to fly by, and that was likely due to my move! I forgot how overwhelming buying a new place and moving can be (especially when it’s also moving the business). I was also overly optimistic on how quickly I’d get resettled, because it’s now ten months later and I still don’t have furniture placed or curtains hung. It’s on the to do list though, lol!
Continuing the theme of last year’s wrap up, tech changes and AI continued to play a massive role this year. I even flew to New York to speak at Tech Week on the impact of AI on creator’s businesses and livelihoods. Spoiler alert: the impact will be profound. And unfortunately, AI spam and pilfering of content has already overtaken social media. So I believe AI will progress even further in 2025, and the continued negative effects (like reduced visibility on Google search and stolen copyrighted content) for Downshiftology are yet to be fully seen.
But, I choose to stay optimistic! Because this business is all about evolving, and I will continue to evolve. I mean, we survived a pandemic together, so we’ll surely survive some Terminator-style AI tech, right?
In terms of content this year, we had one major milestone, and that was the 10 year anniversary of Downshiftology – woot! I had NO IDEA when I started this business that I would still be doing this 10 years later. I was simply passionate about sharing healthy recipes and didn’t even know it could be a business back then. But look at us today! And even with all the tech headwinds, the content on Downshiftology was viewed more than 126 million times (up from last year’s 115 million). Simply mindboggling, and that’s all thanks to YOU and this phenomenal community!
Speaking of community, as I look to 2025, I’d really love to do more community things. I have no idea what that looks like right now, but I’m voting for more “in-person” things. Maybe I’m just tech’d out at the moment. 🤣 But every time I run into a Downshifter when I’m at the grocery store or out shopping or traveling, it just makes my heart happy.
Video continues to be a challenge with more competition than ever before and short-form video is being churned so quickly it seems to be quantity over quality (because the algorithms favor that). Though you know I prefer quality first. So sadly, even if you follow and subscribe to my YouTube channel and other social media accounts, odds are you may not see my content. That’s why it’s super important you’re subscribed to my email list, so you never miss anything!
Alright, so which new recipes were most popular this year? You guys seriously loved my slow cooker birria and birria tacos—they’re definitely having a moment. Comfort foods like meatloaf and chicken marsala were also new favorites, which is similar to perennial cozy favorites like chili, beef stew, white chicken chili, and Tuscan chicken. All in all, it’s clear that Mexican recipes and Mediterranean recipes are always winners, as are slow cooker meals and one pan recipes. Downshiftology classics!
So what’s coming in 2025? We’re actually starting the new year with several Asian-inspired recipes! Keep your eyes peeled for those. And I’m going to be traveling a bunch next year, so heads up that content may be a little slower. I think I already have six trips planned in the first six months, including a trip to Spain with my nephew in June, which I’m super excited about! Lastly, I’m hoping to actually furnish my place by the end of 2025. Lol. #goals. And then yes, I’ll do a home tour video!
Thank you so much for your continued love and support of Downshiftology! Your ratings and comments on my recipes have a profound impact on my success, as it inspires others to make my recipes and nudges Google to rank them higher. So thank you for that, and for trusting my recipes—that are 100% human intelligence generated. By yours truly. Cheers to 2025 friends!
Top 10 Most Viewed New Recipes in 2024
1. Birria
It’s no surprise that this birria recipe took the top spot this year as it combines two things that both this Downshifter community and I love—slow cooker recipes and Mexican recipes!
2. Meatloaf
A classic meatloaf is comfort food at it’s finest. And the savory-sweet glaze on this recipe really elevates this cozy meal.
3. Birria Tacos
Given that birria was the #1 most viewed recipe, it’s no surprise that birria tacos was also a winner. Because when you’ve got all that shredded meat, my motto is always “make a taco!”
4. Lemon Pepper Chicken
Lemon pepper chicken is a weeknight dinner winner that can be made in about 15 minutes! And the best part is that the ingredient list is super minimal.
5. Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken
Set-it-and-forget-it Crockpot meals are the best, and this simple combination of salsa verde and chicken breasts is quite versatile (tacos, bowls, salads, and more!).
6. Marinated White Beans
This was the surprise hit of this year’s list. My marinated white beans became a viral social media sensation! So mush so, that I’m already thinking of similar recipes (stay tuned!).
7. Mediterranean Baked Feta
I can’t even tell you how many times I made this Mediterranean baked feta this year when guests came to visit, but it was a lot. Because it’s seriously the BEST appetizer. So I’m thrilled that you all loved it as well.
8. Tuscan Tuna Salad
I’m forever making “spins” on my classic recipes, like tuna salad. Once you’ve got a tried-and-true base it’s easy to get creative with flavors, like this bright Tuscan-inspired version.
9. Greek Chicken Burgers
Mediterranean recipes and Greek recipes in particular are always Downshifter favorites. So a chicken burger recipe infused with garlic, dill, oregano, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and red onion became an instant favorite.
10. Chicken Marsala
One pan meals always reign supreme. And this Italian-American classic of golden chicken breasts simmered in a luxurious Marsala wine sauce with tender mushrooms and fresh herbs will make everyone love sautéed mushrooms (including me!).
While these were the top 10 recipes of 2024, 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 2023, 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.
