As temperatures drop to freezing and below, there’s nothing quite like making a warm, comfort food recipe that reminds you of home. Whether you’re craving hearty soups, scrumptious pizza, cozy dinners, or indulgent desserts, there are plenty of abundant ingredients to satisfy your cravings. Explore our collection of recipes that will keep smiles on your family’s faces throughout the season, even as snow coats the ground.
Comfort Food and 2026 Food Trends
As 2026 kicks into gear, there are rising tensions in just about every part of the world. Whether it’s in your own life or something the whole country is facing, concern and stress stay in our bodies, leaving us unrested and frustrated. While prices continue to rise and political leaders divulge into larger fights, you need a way to relax and discover a safe space in the food you eat. Comfort food can be a way to experience nostalgia and remind you of the good in life. The warm temperature and flavors that are familiar are everything to a stressed brain and body. This year, comfort food is more crucial than ever.
Comfort Food Recipes
Baked Mac and Cheese by Aunt Cheryl
An essential comfort food, Mac and Cheese is a dish loved by all ages. This classically baked version ensures a crispy, cheesy crust with a gooey, warm inside. The best part is the short ingredient list means you probably have most of the basics already in your pantry and fridge.
Stanley Tucci Inspired Tagliatelle al Ragù Recipe
A red, meaty ragù sauce is just the thing you need on a cold, gloomy day. This Stanley Tucci Inspired Tagliatelle al Ragù will take you back to Sundays at grandma’s house. If you want the ultimate comfort meal, serve it with a soup or salad and fresh baked loaf of bread.
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole
A casserole reminds us of family. It takes us back to gatherings with aunts, uncles, cousins, and so many others. Take yourself to that happy place with our Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole. It’s got a bit of a kick from the green chile with layers of cheese, chicken, tortilla pieces, onion, and a delicious broth.
The Best Wendy’s Copycat Chili Recipe
Who doesn’t love a bowl of chili when they’re in need of something comforting? Even better than your regular chili recipe, this one is made with Wendy’s chili in mind. It’s got chunks of peppers, plenty of beans, ground beef, and stewed tomatoes with green chilies. You can also get creative with your toppings though we opt for sour cream, cheese, and scallions.
Beer Brat Stew
Making this Beer Brat Stew in advance means you can come home from a hard day and immediately find comfort in a bowl. Fingerling potatoes and beer brats soak in a bath of stout-infused stew. It’s hearty and great alongside a slice of country bread.
Pumpkin Pancakes
Looking for a recipe that doesn’t require too much prep? These Pumpkin Pancakes are a breakfast, lunch, or dinner option thanks to pumpkin puree and an apple compote. You’ll be taken back to your childhood when a stack of pancakes on your plate was one of the best meals.
Chicken and Dumplings with Squash
We’re elevating the Southern comfort of Chicken and Dumplings with butternut and acorn squash. These two additions add a little sweetness to this bowl full of farm-fresh ingredients. Plus, learning to make dumplings from scratch comes in handy for other recipes too like soups.
Homemade Tomato Soup
You cannot indulge in comfort food without having a Homemade Tomato Soup next to your favorite type of grilled cheese. For this soup recipe you can use canned tomatoes for ease or make use of tomatoes from your garden. Either way, the creamy, savory broth will have you licking the bowl completely clean.
Carrot Pierogis
The cushiony dough and warm filling of a pierogi makes it undeniably a comfort food. These Carrot Pierogis use a veggie and ground pork filling that’s full of flavors like garlic, ginger, and soy.
Easy Rainbow Pesto Veggie Flatbread Pizza
You could order a pizza out… or you could customize your own Pesto Veggie Flatbread Pizza at home. By utilizing ready-to-use ingredients like store bought pesto, a flavored olive oil, and premade flatbreads, this recipe is a breeze and visually stunning.
Hawaiian Burger
If you’re choosing a burger for lunch or dinner then you might as well go all-out with it. This Hawaiian Burger starts with a perfectly cooked patty then piles it high with bacon, tomato lettuce, your choice of cheese, as well as a homemade pineapple and red onion jam.
Handmade Orecchiette Pasta with Pork Boscaiola
Looking for a comfort meal that’s elegant too? Making Orecchiette Pasta from scratch takes some patience but is well worth the result. In this recipe, we’re mixing this pasta with a sauce made from foraged mushrooms, pork, vegetables, and cream.
Stanley Tucci Inspired Pasta alla Norma
If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s more on the classic side, this Stanley Tucci Inspired Pasta alla Norma is for you. Here we pull together lightly fried eggplant and rigatoni pasta in a simple red sauce. Serve with cheese on top and bread for sopping up the sauce.
Green Chile and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the holy grail of comfort foods. In order to warm your body at the same time, we’ve made Green Chile and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes that add a kick of heat. The Hatch green chiles and red chiles creates a spicy base but the cheddar and creamy potatoes cool things down. Plus, you can check out our Celebrity Mashed Potato Taste Test to find out what the all-time best recipe is.
Mocha Chocolate Brownies
Everyone needs a dessert for the best way to end a comfort meal. Our Mocha Chocolate Brownies take cocoa to the extreme with an espresso-chocolate frosting on top. Nothing calms the soul quite like a dose of chocolate.
Glendorn Chocolate Chip Cookies
Possibly one of the most loved desserts, Chocolate Chip Cookies are a snack for anytime. When you’re sad, bite into these gooey rounds of rich chocolate. When you’re happy, bake up a tray to put a smile on those around you.
Apple Pie
Whether it’s served on its own or à la mode with a scoop of ice cream on top, a slice of Apple Pie is like a warm hug. This recipe will teach you to make your own flakey crust and includes a crunchy sugar topping.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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