Food & Recipes
12 Comfort Food Recipes for the Winter
Whether it's the feeling of a soul being soothed or just the onset of a mac-and-cheese-induced food coma, people turn to comfort foods when stressed or unhappy. That’s because they’re always associated with the security of childhood and memories of home. And while comfort foods are welcome all year round, in winter, it's the ultimate way to combat darker days and cold weather.
When the temperature drops, everyone loves a big heaping plate of homemade comfort food. We're referring to those hearty dishes that make your mouth water as soon as you read the title of the recipe. Much like our list of recipes below. These hot, easy dishes will certainly get you through the season and put a smile on your face.
  This recipe is designed to give you the kind of red wine–braised beef short ribs you'd be served at a good restaurant. It’s the perfect comfort food dish for the holidays. It features fork-tender meat that's glazed in a shiny, deeply wine-flavored sauce. And when you add egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or polenta, you'll have a cozy yet elegant dinner that will warm your soul. |
This rich and decadent baked pasta is a Southern staple for soul food and southern cooking. This recipe bakes up like a casserole with a crispy, golden top, and the addition of eggs makes it similar to a cheesy, savory custard. It is comfort food perfection and incredibly easy to whip up. And though it takes a little longer to prepare than that little blue box, it’s well worth the extra baking time and cheese shredding. |
Meatloaf ranks among the top 100 classic comfort foods in America. So it's no surprise that when we think of comfort food, the old-fashioned homestyle meatloaf is at the top of our list. And nothing satisfies quite like a classic homestyle meatloaf. This recipe skips any fussy steps and avoids exotic ingredients. This is pure and simple, the perfectly seasoned, down-home version you remember from way way back. |
Tater tot casserole, also known as tater tot hotdish, is a simple and comforting casserole with a few main components. It has been popular around family dinner tables for years because they are convenient to make using only one pan. This classic comfort food is made with a flavorful beefy base, canned or frozen vegetables, optional addition of cream of mushroom soup, cheese, and crispy tater tots. It’s easy to make ahead of time, freezer-friendly, budget-friendly, and a great way to feed a crowd. |
  Shepherd's Pie comes to us from England and is traditionally made with lamb or mutton. It was originally conceived as a way to use up leftover pot roast or stew, but most modern versions are made with ground meat, which cooks much faster. It's simple comfort food, and one of our favorite things to cook during the winter. |
  Homemade Chicken and Waffles is a true soul food brunch dish that everyone loves. And if you like chicken, waffles, and syrup by themselves, then chances are you’ll love them all together as a meal. What makes this chicken and waffles recipe so magical is the salty, spicy crunch of the fried chicken, paired with the sweetness of the buttery maple syrup and that fluffy buttermilk waffles as the base. This soul food classic is definitely worth the effort. |
  This homemade Beef Stew is the ultimate hearty comfort food. It is simple yet all the flavors work in harmony. It’s made with chunks of slow-braised beef, baby potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and peas. Cooking low-and-slow allows the meat to become completely tender in its rich red wine-laced sauce. This hearty and warming chunky stew is so aromatic and flavorful, you’ll be coming back to this dinner recipe again and again. |
With cold weather upon us, nothing is better than diving into a bowl of this hearty yet healthy comfort food that’s layered with flavors. This Coconut Chicken Curry is delicious, healthy, made in one pot, and best of all ready in only 30 minutes. It’s a healthy dinner that’s packed with flavor. Just let the chicken simmer in curry spice and coconut milk. Then serve over a fluffy bed of rice to soak up the saucy goodness. It’s an easy, one-pan meal you and your guests will love. |
 
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Hainanese chicken rice is the best rendition of chicken and rice out there. It’s so humble, so flavorful, and so pure. You’ve got to taste it to believe it. The chicken is poached in a simple yet flavorful broth scented with ginger, garlic, and scallions and is silky, firm, and tastes like the most perfect chicken you’ll ever have. While the chicken is undoubtedly a key component of the dish, the main event is the rice. It’s the secret to why Hainanese chicken rice is so good. It’s cooked with chicken fat and chicken stock that you get from poaching the whole chicken. The broth infuses the inside of the grain, giving it an extraordinary flavor. |
If you are unfamiliar with the dish, chicken-fried steak is a Southern favorite and classic comfort food. Chicken cutlets are breaded then fried to golden perfection and topped with the creamiest gravy you can imagine. It’s simple to make, and the steak is super juicy and the coating has that perfect crunch you just can’t get enough of. The hard part is deciding whether you want to make it for breakfast or dinner. |
  This comforting and filling recipe for Chili Con Carne is a great family meal or for serving to friends for a casual dinner party. It’s a delicious healthy blend of beef, two types of beans, veggies, tomatoes, and spices, all simmered together for a rich, satisfying meal. And it comes together quickly in one pot and is freezer-friendly. Serve this chili con carne with cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and lettuce. You can have this beef dish with rice, tortilla chips, or hotdog sandwiches. |
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