Google’s 2023 Recipe Searches

Jump To Section

1. TikTok Feta Pasta
2. Bacon Jam
3. Birria Tacos
4. Crockpot Chicken
5. Hamantaschen
6. Squid Game Cookie
7. Baked Oats
8. Cicadas
9. Gigi Hadid’s Pasta
10. Smashed Potatoes

---

Google published its annual Year in Search for 2023 on December 8, revealing the most popular U.S. search terms for the entire year. Although these terms are not the most-searched on Google, their traffic increased the most in 2021 compared to 2020. The data includes a variety of categories, including news articles, celebrities, movies, parodies, and, of course, recipes.

It is evident that social media paved the way for this year’s most fashionable dishes. From viral TikTok trends to reimagined classics, here are Google’s top 10 recipe searches for 2021.

1. TikTok Feta Pasta

It is not surprising that the entrée that precipitated a feta cheese shortage in Finland has completely dominated the search engine. This TikTok dish, which required only cherry tomatoes, feta, olive oil, garlic, herbs, and pasta, drew people in with its simplicity and kept them coming back with its flavor.

Intent on giving the ubiquitous trend a healthful, low-carb twist? This baked cherry tomato and feta dip recipe has got you covered.

2. Bacon Jam

This sweet, salty, and smoky relish made with slow-cooked bacon, brown sugar, onions, and seasonings erupted in popularity after Gordon Ramsay posted a TikTok of his bacon jam-topped toast with soft scrambled eggs.

Bacon jam can be used to elevate steaks, sandwiches, baked potatoes, and charcuterie platters in addition to being a brunch spread.

3. Birria Tacos

This Mexican dish has swept the nation in recent years, particularly due to the rise of food trucks, and many people wished to make it this year.

Originating in Jalisco, Mexico, birria is a slow-cooked broth that is sweet, sour, and aromatic and is known for its tenderness. The meat, which is typically beef, lamb, or traditionally goat, is wrapped in a tortilla that has been dunked in the stew’s grease. It is then placed on a griddle for additional crispiness.

4. Crockpot Chicken

In the kitchen, crockpots can be a savior when time is limited. And this year, a simple, hands-off, slow-cooked chicken recipe was on the minds of countless individuals, according to Google. Simply place chicken and other desired ingredients into a slow cooker and leave for a few hours.

5. Hamantaschen

These triangle-shaped treats made during the Jewish holiday of Purim garnered quite a bit of attention this year. Hamantaschen (pronounced “hah-min-tah-shin”) are shortbread-like cookies typically folded over a sweet filling, such as jam, chocolate, or “Mohn” (poppy seed paste). But since Purim is a celebratory holiday that calls for fun and creativity, the filling options can truly be endless.

6. Squid Game Cookie

If you’ve seen episode 3 of Netflix’s blockbuster survival drama Squid Game, then you’re aware of the challenge where competitors must cut figures into a piece of dalgona (honeycomb toffee) without letting it shatter.

Made with just sugar and baking soda, the traditional South Korean street food also known as “pop” has sparked immense interest, with people taking to TikTok to share how to create the treat—and survive the challenge.

@cookingwithlynja
Honeycomb Candies ?

♬ original sound – Lynja
RELATED: Walmart Worker’s Emotional Rant on Loudspeaker Goes Viral

7. Baked Oats

Oatmeal is a tried and true breakfast, but TikTok took it to the next level, with many comparing this oat-based breakfast to cake. Simple, sweet, and filling, baked oats will not only keep you full with their high fiber content, but the carbohydrates will also give you an energy boost for the day.

For some healthy, protein-packed breakfast inspiration, check out our peanut butter and banana baked oats recipe.

8. Cicadas

Yes, you read that right. After 17 years, the Brood X cicadas made their appearance in the eastern United States, and they made quite a stir—even in the culinary sector.

Cicadas, while not appealing to many, are a low-fat, high-protein, gluten-free delicacy. And are they pleasing to the eye? According to Bon Appetit, they have the “taste and texture of soft-shell crab, but with subtle overtones of boiled peanuts, the kind that only a backroads gas station can really do right.” One thing is certain: whether fried, grilled, or covered in chocolate, these bugs will always make a statement.

9. Gigi Hadid’s Pasta

Back in May, model Gigi Hadid posted a tutorial for her spicy vodka pasta sauce on her Instagram story—and it went absolutely viral on TikTok.

This creamy recipe includes sautéed garlic and onions, tomato paste, heavy cream, vodka, and butter, with the addition of red pepper flakes for a spicy touch.

To bring things up a level, make sure you add in some of your pasta water to thicken the sauce, sprinkle with parmesan, and top with freshly chopped basil.

10. Smashed Potatoes

Whether mashed, roasted, baked, or fried, potatoes never fail to please the masses—and smashed potatoes were a favorite this year, too. Unlike mashed potatoes, the flattened version starts off by simmering in boiling water with their skin still on. Once tender, they are smashed, seasoned, and baked until crispy.

If you’re craving a potato side dish that isn’t chock-full of calories, check out these healthy vegan smashed potatoes.

---

“Contributing makes me feel like I’m being useful to the planet.”

— Jack Martin, Writer

---

Delicious Grilled Food Recipes at Asahi Grill