Top 10 Recipes of 2017

by Lisa Bryan

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Updated Mar 19, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

It’s always fun to see what the most popular recipes on Downshiftology are every year. This year’s Top 10 was a mix of simple, foundational recipes, a few desserts, a cocktail and some healthy meals. Did your favorites make the list?

The top 10 recipes on Downshiftology.com in 2017. All gluten-free recipes.

Here we are at the end of another year! Unfortunately, I’m ending 2017 with a stubborn cold, but fingers crossed I’ll be healthy by Jan 1. So I’m ready to say sayonara to 2017 and hello 2018!

Looking on the bright side, 2017 was a fab year for Downshiftology. The website grew leaps and bounds and the content on Downshiftology was viewed 3 million times (up from 1.2 million in 2016). Wow – I’ll take that more than double growth.

Downshiftology also got a shiny new home in 2017 with a massive website redesign (which, I’m still gushing over).

My YouTube channel was just a baby at the end of 2016. In 2017, I created 31 new YouTube videos and 26,000 of you decided to join me (thank you!). I also created a handful of fast-motion, social media food videos for some of my simpler recipes, like my Balsamic Reduction or Salted Caramel Sauce.

Speaking of simpler recipes, let’s dive into this top 10 list. Because interestingly enough, 4 of the top 10 were more simple or foundational recipes, like my Vegan Alfredo Sauce, Sweet Potato Hash Browns and Brisket Dry Rub. And that’s awesome. These “healthy basics” are great for those of you who may be new to a healthier way of eating.

And then there’s dessert! I seriously laughed out loud when I put together my top nine Instagram photos for 2017. You guys are dessert fiends. And it’s not surprising that a few of those made the top 10 list here. My Amazing Paleo Chocolate Cake and Vegan Caramel Cheesecake were runaway hits this year. So speaking of chocolate, let’s dive in shall we?

Here are the top 10 most viewed recipes of 2017:

1. Amazing Paleo Chocolate Cake

(psst – due to popular demand, a yellow/white cake version of this is coming in 2018!)

(gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free) This paleo chocolate cake recipe is unbelievably rich, decadent and moist. It's the perfect chocolate birthday cake.

2. Brisket Dry Rub 

This brisket rub is the perfect combination of sweet and smoky. It adds enormous flavor to smoked brisket or oven brisket, making it (in my opinion) the best brisket rub.

3. Vegan Caramel Cheesecake

This gluten-free Vegan Caramel Cheesecake recipe is drizzled with the most amazing salted caramel sauce. The vegan cheesecake is simply made from cashews that have soaked overnight and it's super creamy and decadent.

4. Vegan Alfredo Sauce

This vegan alfredo sauce is incredibly rich and creamy. It's a cashew-based, dairy-free alfredo sauce with a deliciously savory, cheesy-like flavor.

5. Vegan Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (paleo, dairy-free)

This vegan chocolate buttercream frosting is dairy-free and can be modified into a paleo buttercream frosting as well. It's rich, decadent and delicious!

6. White Sangria with Mango and Berries

This white wine sangria with mango and berries is the perfect fruity, summer cocktail / White Sangria Recipe

7. Coconut Curry Chicken

(gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo) This coconut curry chicken is a healthy weeknight dinner that's packed with flavor. The chicken simmers in curry spice and coconut milk for an easy, one-pan meal.

8. Sweet Potato Hash Browns

(gluten-free, vegan, paleo) These sweet potato hash browns make for the most delicious and healthy breakfast!

9. Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee is amazingly simple to make at home. With my tips (and quick little video) you'll have the perfect cup - and never have to buy it again.

10. Cream of Celery Soup (dairy-free)

(dairy-free) This cream of celery soup is healthy, light and fresh. It's naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo.

Those were the top 10 most popular recipes posted in 2017. But if you’re interested to know what the *all-time* most popular recipes and posts are (since Downshiftology started at the end of 2014), here you go:

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 Happy New Year!

xo, Lisa

PS – If you’re keeping track, here were the Top 10 Recipes of 2016.

About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

Read More About Me

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