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The Top 20 Most-Loved Recipes of 2025

A photo of Jeri Walker smiling in her kitchen while holding a cup of coffee, welcoming her readers to her website, Winding Creek Ranch.
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The past year has been absolutely record-breaking! With over 2.8 million page views and nearly 1.7 million new cooks joining our community, Winding Creek Ranch has grown in ways I never imagined. Whether you've been here since the start or just discovered us this year, thank you for making my recipes a part of your kitchen.

I've gathered your absolute favorite recipes from 2025 - the ones that earned the most 5-star reviews, the most "I'm making this again!" comments, and the most shares.

Collage of top 20 recipes of 2025 including no-knead sourdough bread, smoked brisket, pickled beets, smoked salmon, and crispy chicken wings from Winding Creek Ranch.

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What I learned from 2.8 Million Visits:

  • Sourdough is King: Our move into easy, no-knead baking was the runaway success of the year.
  • The Smoker is Your Best Friend: From holiday hams to weeknight wings, the pellet grill remains the heart of this community.
  • Ninja Creami Craze: You guys are obsessed with high-protein and classic ice cream treats!
  • Preserving the Harvest: Whether it's pickled beets or spaghetti sauce, home canning is more popular than ever.

Easiest Ever No-Knead Sourdough Bread

A loaf of freshly made sourdough bread on a rustic wooden table.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

The undisputed champion of 2025! With a staggering 187K views, this recipe took the "scary" out of sourdough and put a crusty loaf on tables across the world.

Get the Recipe: No Knead Sourdough Bread

Best Smoked Salmon on Pellet Grill

Smoked salmon fillets with a dry rub crust, garnished with lemon slices, served on a platter.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Our runner-up for the year! With over 150K views, this has become the go-to recipe for smoky, flaky, restaurant-quality salmon.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon on Pellet Grill

Homemade Canned Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes

Jars of homemade canned spaghetti sauce on a wooden table.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

There is nothing like the smell of fresh tomato sauce simmering on the stove. This recipe was the hero of the harvest season for gardeners everywhere.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Canned Spaghetti Sauce

Fall Off The Bone Smoked 3-2-1 Ribs

A plate of 321 smoked ribs with a rich glaze, garnished, served on a rustic wooden table.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

The 3-2-1 method remains the gold standard for a reason. Thousands of you used this guide to achieve that perfect "pull" off the bone this year.

Get the Recipe: 3-2-1 Smoked Ribs

Smoked Chicken Wings

Crispy smoked chicken wings seasoned with dry rub and served on a slate board with dipping sauce, fresh off the pellet grill.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

The ultimate game-day recipe. These wings are easy, crispy, and have that deep wood-fired flavor that only a pellet grill can provide.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Wings

Best Smoked Beef Brisket in Electric Smoker

Tender smoked beef brisket being sliced in thin slices on a wooden cutting board,
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Proof that you don't need a $2,000 rig to make world-class brisket. This recipe helped so many of you master the "Texas Crutch" and get that perfect bark.

Get the Recipe: Best Smoked Beef Brisket in Electric Smoker

Old Fashioned Pickled Beets

Six jars of pickled beets on a wooden counter with beet leaves.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Canning is back in a big way! These earthy, tangy beets brought a touch of nostalgia to your pantries this season.

Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Pickled Beets

Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast

A smoked turkey breast cut into thin slices and placed on a white serving platter.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Who has time for a 24-hour brine? You guys loved this "shortcut" that still delivered a moist, tender turkey breast every single time.

Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast

Smoked Spatchcock Chicken

Smoked spatchcock chicken with crispy skin, garnished with herbs, served on a rustic tray.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Fast, even cooking and incredibly juicy meat! Spatchcocking was the technique of the year, and your photos of this chicken were stunning!

Get the Recipe: Smoked Spatchcock Chicken

Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

A bowl of rich and creamy homemade cookies and cream ice cream made with the Ninja Creami, featuring chunks of Oreo cookies throughout.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

The ultimate crowd-pleaser. This recipe turned the Ninja Creami into a permanent fixture on your kitchen counters all year long.

Get the Recipe: Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

Ninja Creami Fairlife Chocolate Milk Ice Cream

The creamy Ninja Creami Fairlife chocolate milk ice cream in a Ninja Creami pint container.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

High protein and tastes like a decadent frosty? It's no wonder this became an instant favorite for everyone trying to balance health and dessert.

Get the Recipe: Ninja Creami Fairlife Chocolate Milk Ice Cream

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crispy, golden-brown chicken wings on a serving platter with ranch dip.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

The "baking powder trick" changed the wing game this year. You guys proved you don't need a deep fryer to get that satisfying crunch we all crave.

Get the Recipe: Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Smoked Prime Rib Roast

Smoked prime rib roast on a white serving platter, garnished with fresh rosemary.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

The king of holiday roasts! This recipe has become a tradition for so many of you, delivering that perfect edge-to-edge pink with a gorgeous crust.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Prime Rib Roast

Smoked Tuna Steaks

Smoked tuna steaks on a white serving platter with lemon wedges.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Tuna is easy to overcook, but this recipe cracked the code. You loved this for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful "fancy" weeknight meal.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Tuna Steaks

Smoked Whole Duck

A mahogany-colored smoked duck with crispy skin and tender meat.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

For those looking for something a bit more "gourmet," this duck was a standout. The citrus-maple glaze combined with that smoky skin is a total showstopper.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Whole Duck with Orange Maple Glaze

Christmas Crack with Graham Crackers

Rows of chocolate-topped toffee bark on graham crackers, sprinkled with chopped nuts, broken into rustic pieces that show distinct layers.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Five ingredients and pure holiday magic. It's salty, sweet, and clearly addictive based on how many of you made this during the December rush!

Get the Recipe: Christmas Crack with Graham Crackers

Traeger Smoked Salmon with Dry Brine

Traeger smoked salmon fillets on a large rimmed baking sheet.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

The secret to perfect salmon is all in the prep. This dry brine was a huge hit this year for anyone looking to level up their seafood game with a firm, flavorful finish.

Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Salmon with Dry Brine

Smoked Meatloaf

The barbecue glazed stuffed meatloaf on a wooden cutting board, garnished with fresh parsley.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

This isn't your mother's meatloaf. By taking this comfort food staple to the smoker, you guys turned a humble weeknight dinner into a smoky masterpiece.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatloaf on Pellet Grill

Double Smoked Ham on Pellet Grill

Double smoked ham with a caramelized glaze, sliced on a serving platter, surrounded by fresh herbs.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Why settle for a basic ham when you can double the flavor? This recipe proved that a little extra time on the pellet grill makes for the most incredible holiday centerpiece.

Get the Recipe: Double Smoked Ham

Old-Fashioned Deviled Eggs

Creamy classic deviled eggs on a serving tray.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

The ultimate potluck classic. These are creamy, tangy, and exactly like the ones Grandma used to make. Sometimes the simple classics are the best!

Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Deviled Eggs with Miracle Whip

Looking Ahead to 2026

Based on the incredible 77% growth we saw this year, I'm doubling down on the content you love most. In 2026, you can expect:

  • More Sourdough Recipes: I'm expanding this category to bring you even more "no-fail" recipes for your kitchen.
  • More Pellet Grill Recipes: From holiday showstoppers to easy weeknight smoked dinners, there's plenty more coming your way.
  • Ninja Creami Creations: More creative flavors, including highly requested high-protein options.
  • Garden-to-Table Canning: More ways to preserve your harvest and keep your pantry stocked all year long.

Thank you for an unforgettable 2025! If there is a specific recipe you want me to tackle this year, please email me at jeri@windingcreekranch.org or drop a comment below! I read every single one! 😀

More Easy & Delicious Pellet Grill/Smoker Recipes

About Jeri Walker

Jeri Walker is a recipe developer, food photographer, and recipe writer. She creates easy, flavor-packed recipes for the smoker, air fryer, and busy home kitchens that are designed to work every time. Her recipes and grilling expertise have been featured on MSN, FoodTalk, The Kitchn, Trivet Recipes, and more. When she’s not testing new recipes, she’s usually behind the camera or planning what to cook next.

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