These 20 Comfort Food Recipes Are Like A Warm Hug When You Need It

Anja Kordic
Mar 12, 2024
17 comfort food recipes for 2023

As a self-proclaimed food enthusiast, comfort food holds a special place in my heart. It's like a warm hug from a loved one, a culinary sanctuary that never fails to provide solace and satisfaction. Whether it's a steaming bowl of mac and cheese, a hearty serving of chicken pot pie, or a slice of rich chocolate cake, comfort food has the uncanny ability to transport me to a place of pure contentment. So, grab a cozy blanket, prepare toand let's dive into the world of comfort food – where every bite is a reminder that, sometimes, a little taste of nostalgia is all we need to find comfort in the chaos of life.

Image via Most Hungry

Baked Rigatoni with Ricotta and Meat Sauce

I absolutely adore this recipe for baked rigatoni with ricotta and meat sauce! It combines the hearty flavors of meat sauce, the creamy richness of ricotta cheese, and the comforting texture of perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. The aroma of the simmering meat sauce fills the air, making it impossible to resist taking a sneak taste before it even reaches the oven. (via Most Hungry)

Image via Barley and Sage

Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes With Roasted Garlic

These brown butter mashed potatoes are simply divine! This recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of cherished family gatherings around the dinner table. (via Barley and Sage)

Image via Culinary Hill

Baked Mac and Cheese

Be prepared to have the irresistible scent of bubbling cheese and golden garlic breadcrumbs fill the air. The velvety, cheesy sauce generously coats each tender macaroni noodle, and when you take your first bite, you're sure to love that added breadcrumb crunch. (via Culinary Hill)

Image via Pink Owl Kitchen

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

If there's any food that I automatically associate with comfort, it's absolutely mac and cheese. It was my faithful support during University days, so you can imagine how nostalgic this dish is. If a crunchy, crusty top isn't your preferred bite of mac, be sure to try out this recipe instead, and you'll get a taste of indulgent comfort food at its best! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Image via Veggie Society

Garlic Rosemary Roasted Baked Potatoes

As far as I'm concerned, everyone should have a good, staple potato recipe. This effortless comfort food recipe is suitable for any day of the week, yet it possesses a remarkable elegance that makes it a fitting addition to even the most extravagant holiday feasts. (via Veggie Society)

Image via The Girl on Bloor

Classic Shepherd's Pie

You really can't go wrong with Shepherd's Pie if you're in need of traditional comfort food. Check out this easy, healthy take on the once-regular feature on everyone's family dinner table. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Image via Gastro Plant

Lentil and Sweet Chili

Whenever my friends need a pick-me-up, this is the dish I turn to. Even though I am not the biggest enthusiast of spicy food, lentil and sweet potato chili just does wonders. The recipe is pretty straightforward, but contains all the warming comfort you need. (via Gastro Plant)

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Souper Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rice

This dish combines some of my all-time favorite ingredients! The tender chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and creamy cheddar cheese mingle perfectly with the fluffy rice, creating a burst of flavors and textures (via Half Baked Harvest)

Image via Give Recipe

Turkish Lamb Stew (Kuzu Guvec)

My mum is a firm believer that you need to have some sort of stew incorporated into your meals at least once per week. And as I got older, I discovered that I actually agree, and Kuzu Guvec is a prime example of a classic comforting stew with just a few ingredients. (via Give Recipe)

Image via Give Recipe

Simple Roasted Chicken Pieces

Roasted chicken totally embodies the essence of home-cooked meals. The best thing is that it's almost an effortless recipe, with a 5-minute prep and 50-minute oven baking without worries. (via Give Recipe)

Image via A Spicy Perspective

Southern Comfort Dogs

When I was a child, my father used to take me to see tennis matches on a court near our apartment. Whenever we went, he would always buy hot dogs and a can of soda for the both of us. You might assume that hot dogs don't exactly scream homemade; however, they bring such a sense of familiarity and a feeling of nostalgia for simpler times for me. This recipe, in particular, is a testament to the joy of indulging in comfort food and has become a go-to treat for any casual gatherings with my friends and family. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Image via Takes Two Eggs

Korean Spicy Soft Tofu Soup

The delicate tofu, simmered in the fiery red soup, creates a perfect balance between soothing and spicy flavors. With each spoonful, I'm reminded of the moments I spent exploring Korean culture and immersing myself in its vibrant cuisine. Give it a try whether you're looking to try something new or just craving a good, comforting dish. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Image via Feel Good Foodie

Beef Barley Soup

If you've had a tough day and need a comforting bowl of goodness, beef barley soup is the recipe for you! The tender chunks of beef, paired with the earthy flavors of vegetables and the nutty richness of barley, create a symphony of flavors that warms both body and soul. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Image via This Wife Cooks

Baked Potato Soup

Yummy! That's what I have to say about this baked potato soup. Whether enjoyed on a quiet evening at home or shared with loved ones, this baked potato soup is a personal favorite that never fails to bring a smile to my face. (via This Wife Cooks)

Image via The Girl on Bloor

The Best Ever Healing Chicken Soup

This nourishing soup isn't just a comforting meal — it's a source of solace and rejuvenation. With each spoonful, I can feel the healing power of this soup, providing comfort during times of illness or simply when I need a soothing pick-me-up. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Image via Forks and Foliage

Lebanese Rice Pudding

Try out this floral version of rice pudding — it's got no eggs and is totally gluten-free! The process of making Lebanese rice pudding begins by simmering rice in milk, which is then infused with delightful essences such as mastic, rose water, and orange blossom water to add a distinct flavor profile. (via Forks and Foliage)

Image via A Spicy Perspective

Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

We're finishing the list with a good one! If there was ever a nostalgic, comforting dessert, then it must be cookies. They just bring back memories of festive seasons and joyful baking sessions with loved ones. It's a guaranteed comfort session in the form of food! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Image via The Original Dish

Spicy Maple Mustard Chicken with Creamy Polenta

Comfort food recipes should be soothing to your taste buds and your soul so it makes sense to think about this spicy maple mustard chicken dish. You'll need bone-in chicken thighs, butternut squash, swiss chard, fresno chili pepper, maple syrup, and more yummy ingredients to make this hearty meal. (via The Original Dish)

Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Want comfort food that takes less than 30 minutes to make? Turn your attention to this healthy chicken tortilla soup! You'll enjoy the chicken and veggie flavors as they transport you to a time when your grandparents made you something similar whenever you were feeling down. (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)

Chicken Pot Pie

Comfort food recipes should make you feel good after a tough day and we've got a meal you'll enjoy making — chicken pot pie. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to make the homemade crust and scrumptious filling! (via Completely Delicious)

What's your favorite comfort food to eat? Let us know in the comments, and follow our food + recipes Pinterest board for more delicious meals to cook!

This post has been updated.

Header Image by Takes Two Eggs

6 Easy Ways To Give The Classic Caesar Salad Recipe A Glow Up

While the caesar salad and french fry combo is certainly a good one, constantly eating the same meal can become pretty tiring. The traditional caesar salad was invented in 1924 at a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico. Since then, it’s become a staple side or main dish — in restaurants and at home — consisting of romaine lettuce and croutons topped with shredded parmesan cheese and caesar dressing (usually an oil-based dressing with anchovies, grated parmesan, lemon juice, egg yolks, and various spices).

As time went on, so did the plethora of caesar salad variations, spanning from a simple caesar wrap to a buffalo ranch pretzel chicken caesar salad. Here are 6 ways that you can spruce up your lunch time caesar salad.

Protein, Protein, Protein

Photo by Half Baked Harvest

The most obvious choice? Add some protein. This could help you achieve your protein goals, but also includes some sustenance for a fuller meal instead of a side salad. Grilled shrimp, hard boiled eggs, salmon, steak, and chicken (grilled, cajun, barbecue, pesto—you can get creative here!) are some tasty options.

Check out this buffalo ranch pretzel chicken caesar salad from Tieghan Gerard/Half Baked Harvest or this salmon caesar salad grain bowl from The Real Food Dietitians.

​Throw In Avocado, Nuts, or Legumes

Photo by Whole and Heavenly Oven

There’s nothing easier than throwing in pantry items. Toss in toasted walnuts, cashews, or pine nuts. Avocados and legumes (like chickpeas, beans, and lentils) are also a common addition — just check out this avocado crispy chickpea caesar salad by Whole and Heavenly Oven, or this southwest chicken caesar salad recipe.

​Transform It Into A Pasta Salad

Photo by Averie Cooks

What’s the foolproof way to make any meal better? Add pasta. Reach for pasta shapes such as elbow, farfalle, gemelli, or cavatappi (just check out this pasta shapes guide for more insight). This chicken caesar pasta salad by Averie Cooks utilizes farfalle, while this tortellini caesar salad adds a cheesy twist by Two Peas & Their Pod.

Don't Forget The Extra Veggies

Photo by The Crowded Kitchen

Include more vegetables other than the lettuce. Here are some of our top veggie suggestions: cherry peppers, red onion, sweet potato, broccoli, or artichokes (this artichoke caesar-ish salad will do the trick!). If you’re a fan of brussels sprouts (don’t knock ‘em till you try ‘em), you may want to spring for this brussels sprout caesar salad recipe by The Crowded Kitchen.

Spruce Up The Lettuce

Photo by Barley and Sage

No, you don’t only have to use romaine lettuce as the greens for a caesar salad. Snag whatever you have in the fridge—spinach, arugula, microgreens—and throw them in the bowl with some caesar dressing. A great option is to actually grill the lettuce if you have one available to you. It adds a smoky flavor to the traditional recipe, like this chicken caesar salad with grilled romaine.

Turn It Into A Wrap

Photo by Rachel Mansfield

The simplest way to change up your go-to caesar salad is to switch around the order of ingredients. Instead of using a bowl, make these healthy chicken caesar lettuce wraps by Rachel Mansfield, or your favorite kind of tortilla wrap.

For even more food and recipe inspo, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Header photo by The Real Food Dieticians

foodrecipe rounduprecipe ideasrecipesRecipes

Chad Michael Murray Says He Wants "A Cinderella Story 2" Too

A Cinderella Story isn't just a movie — it's honestly a cultural moment. The costume montage, the spastic colons and synchronized swimming, the rain in this drought... even Gavin Degraw singing over the One Tree Hilltrailer on the DVD stand out! Everything about this film is iconically ingrained in our collective conscious, making Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray the Y2k blueprint for many of the "It" pairings we know and love today.

We last left our Princeton royalty preparing for their freshman year of college, dreaming of happily-ever-after — or at least graduation — and that was that! But in this era of reboots, I've often wondered what happened to our OG tortured poets after the credits rolled. Luckily, I'm not the only one! Chad Michael Murray just tee'd up a sequel, and yes that's me you hear squealing right now. Here's everything we know about what's to come for everyone's fave modern fairytale!

Is there a part two to a Cinderella story?

Photo via Warner Bros Entertainment Inc

There's Another Cinderella Story, starring Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley, but that's more so a part of a series of "Cinderella stories" rather than an actual sequel. So far, we haven't gotten a follow-up on our Princeton-bound faves.

Has "A Cinderella Story 2" been announced?

There's been no formal announcement yet, but that doesn't mean all hope is lost. During his press tour for Mother of the Bride, Chad Michael Murray told ETthat he's definitely interested in bringing Austin Ames back. He said that even his daughter told him, "You need to make another one of these, Daddy," after she watched A Cinderella Story for the first time.

His response to the idea? "Here you go, Hil. From me to you, let's do it!" — referring to Hilary Duff, of course! The timing couldn't be better either, given that Hilary just gave birth to her fourth child and could hypothetically be available to film in the coming months...just saying!

Again, there's no official information about this project yet, but with a main piece of the puzzle on board, we're one step closer to my own personal happily-ever-after — a real sequel to A Cinderella Story once and for all.

Wanna stay in-the-know about all things pop culture? Follow us on Facebook for more!

Header image via Warner Bros Entertainment Inc.

entertainmentpop culturechad michael murrayhilary duffMovies

Stop Throwing Away Overripe Bananas! Make These 6 Delicious Recipes Instead

Nothing's more irritating than having to throw out fresh fruit you just bought because it either ripened too fast or was already festering with mold. And what food is the biggest culprit? Usually, it’s bananas. Unless you're fitting bananas in your everyday meal routine, it’s difficult to keep up with how quickly they brown (which can be anywhere from 24 hours to five days, depending on how green they were at the store when you grabbed them).

The good news is that there’s actually a lot you can do with overripe bananas. We turned to chefs for top tips (both creative and delicious) that will prevent you from throwing speckled bananas in the trash!

What To Do With Overripe Bananas

Image via Butternut Bakery

Banana Bread, Obviously

One of the most widespread baking recipes to make with overripe bananas is banana bread. Why? Because it’s simple, delicious, and an automatic crowd-pleaser. Check out our one bowl gluten-free banana bread recipe, our chocolate banana pumpkin bread, or these 40 recipes of banana bread that you need to make this weekend (the options are endless!).

(Writer’s note: My go-to recipe is the chocolate chip banana bread from Butternut Bakery — but I use dark chocolate chips instead!)

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Freeze Them For Your Smoothies

When in doubt, put your overripe bananas in the freezer. Then you’ll at least have time to think on what to do with them—and you can throw them in your morning smoothies. Bananas last up to three months in the freezer ideally, and pair well with a variety of different flavor profiles, like caramel, blueberry, chocolate, or orange.

This strawberry-banana colada smoothie from Half Baked Harvest may just be your new fav, or the cloudy summer smoothie which doubles as an Erewhon smoothie dupe. Chef Chris Morgan of Joon restaurant in Washington D.C. advises using overripe bananas and other raw fruits for your children at home (he makes little smoothies for his 7-month old baby—pure genius!).

Image via Food Faith Fitness

Make Banana Cookies

Substitute the flour for bananas in your baking with some tasty cookie options. The plus side of banana cookies is that they are often automatically gluten-free and can easily become dairy-free (but always check first!). These easy peanut banana oatmeal cookies from Food Faith Fitness are a great option. If you’re looking to ditch the peanut butter, try out these 4-ingredient banana oat cookies from Livvin Media.

Image via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

Ice Cream, Anyone?

There is nothing better than sorbet or ice cream in the summer months. All you really need is frozen ripe bananas, any other frozen fruit you prefer, milk (whichever kind you enjoy— almond, oat, etc.) and some sweeteners like honey or vanilla extract. To fit your health goals, you can even throw in protein powder. This strawberry nice cream from Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog only has five ingredients!

Image via Butternut Bakery

Upgrade Your Breakfast

Pancakes, overnight oats, and muffins are all incredibly tasty options to use up those ripe bananas and upgrade your breakfast game. Try Butternut Bakery’sbanana nut muffins for a quick snack or these healthy chia banana pancakes from Half Baked Harvest for a savory morning bite. You can also sift through Brit + Co’s 17 overnight oats recipes — keep in mind that overnight oats only last a few days in the fridge, though!

Photo by Anna Tarazevich/PEXELS

Make Dog Treats

Don’t leave out your furry friends— they love bananas too! Making long-lasting dog treats “relieves the pressure on the idea of food waste, plus there is a bonus that your pets are spoiled, happy, and nutritiously rewarded,” says pastry chef Susan Bae of the critically-acclaimed restaurant, Moon Rabbit in Washington D.C. Check out her go-to dog treat recipe below:

Chef Susan Bae’s Dog Treat Recipe:

250g organic whole wheat flour

240g organic peanut butter

70g organic, unsweetened apple sauce

56g mashed overripe banana

113g organic plain bone broth

25g organic shredded cheddar cheese

25g freeze dried blueberries

Preheat oven to 350F.

1.) Mix to combine whole wheat flour, peanut butter, apple sauce, bone broth and banana. Until a dough is lightly formed.

2.) Fold in shredded cheese and dried blueberries to evenly distribute in dough.

3.) Roll dough out to 1/4” thickness and use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out treats.

4.) Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and bake dog treats until firm and dry to touch (this varies with each oven) Check at 45 minutes.

5.) Store at room temperature for up to 1 week in an airtight container or in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Need more recipe inspo? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter for even more!

Header image via Half Baked Harvest

foodrecipe roundupfood hacksrecipe ideasRecipes

21 Memorial Day Sales You Need To Shop For Insane Savings

Memorial Day weekend is nigh, and in the midst of planning your epic BBQ spread and a slew of themed cocktails, it's also time to start noting the Memorial Day sales you'll be shopping for a much-needed summer refresh. We've got the scoop on savings in just about every category – from beauty to home decor to fashion – so you know exactly when and where to save big.

Scroll on for the Memorial Day sales we're most excited about for 2024, and make sure to come back here for additional sale info!

Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum

Target

What: Items up to 60% off

When: May 24-27

KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer

Amazon

What: Deals on everything from home goods to decor

When: Now through Memorial Day

Mila Mirror

Anthropologie Home

What: Savings on home goods

When: May 21-27

Peony Vase Thank You Card Set

Papier

What: 15% off stationery & photo books

When: May 22-29

Sherpa Deluxe Black Guarenteed On Board Soft Sided Dog & Cat Carrier

Petco

What: BOGO 50% off select summer products and 20% off select sherpa carriersWhen: May 24-27

Dallas IV Hat

Hood

What: 25% off sitewide with code USA25

When: May 23-27

CZ Crescent with Stars Necklace

Sterling Forever

What: 20% off sitewide with code SUMMER20

When: May 24-28

Stemless Wine Chiller Pair

VoChill

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 17-27

The Coated Pan

Material Kitchen

What: 20% off (*promo excludes bundles and collaborations)

When: May 23-27

EOS Classic Organic Mattress

Naturepedic

What: 20% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL20

When: May 15-29

Pierrette Dress

SAYLOR

What: Extra 15% off sale styles with code MDAY24

When: May 27

Sea Green Pleated Tennis Skirt

Gold Hinge

What: 25% off sitewide with code MDAY25

When: May 23-27

Calista FAUXblo Thermal Blowout Brush

Calista

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 24

CAROL Bike

CAROL Bike

What: Take $200 off sitewide on all CAROL bikes

When: May 24-30

Cartolina Louise Cover-Up

Cartolina

What: 30% off sitewide

When: May 22-28

Carve Designs Zella Mesh Pullover

Carve Designs

What: BOGO red, white, and blue swim; buy 1 swimsuit, get one swimsuit 50% off

When: May 23-27

Essentia Stratami Organic Mattress

Essentia

What: 25% off sitewide, plus receive free GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Sheets with qualifying mattress purchases

When: May 13-31

Harper Wilde Bliss Scoop Bralette

Harper Wilde

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 24-27

MARLOWE. Soap Bar Discovery Gift Set

MARLOWE.

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 27

Pura 4 Diffuser

Pura

What: 25% off sitewide through code only (subscriber early access: May 23-27), 25% off sitewide, plus subscribe to the Pura V4 and get a free car set

When: May 21-22

Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30

Vacation

What: 20% off sitewide, plus get a free boat keychain or pen on orders over $65 (while supplies last)

When: May 24-27

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on these Memorial Day sales + all the best deals!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

salesmemorial daymemorial day salesshopping

Red, White, And Royal Blue Fans — We're Getting A Sequel!

Amazon's adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s famed Red, White & Royal Blueblew our minds with its perfectly extravagant and messy royal romance. Prince Henry and Alex Claremont-Diaz stole our hearts with their antics, proving that love isn't always as cookie cutter as we think it should be. Not only that, but it was the LGBT film we never knew we needed until it hit the big screen last year.

If you've been missing Prince Henry and Alex, you're in luck because a sequel to Red, White & Royal Blue is officially coming! Here's everything we know about the latest developments!

Is the main cast returning?

Image via Jonathan Prime/Prime Video

I'm happy to share that Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez are returning! I honestly don't think the Red, White & Royal Blue sequel would be the same if they weren't.

However, no other cast information has been released! Hopefully we'll see Uma Thurman and Clifton Collins, Jr. reprise their roles!

What's the sequel going to be about?

Image via Prime Video

As of yet, Variety reports that not much has been confirmed about the sequel's plot or release date. My guess is that there the two lovebirds will have to juggle new responsibilities and mishaps.

What the original plot of "Red, White & Royal Blue?"

Image via Prime Video

The novel centers around the character of Alex Claremont-Diaz, a first son of the United States, and his romantic relationship with Prince Henry, British royalty.

Take a walk down memory lane with these behind-the-scenes pictures 👀

www.instagram.com

Matthew López on Instagram: "“Yes, this is exactly how I always dreamed it would be. Locked in a cupboard with your elbow inside my rib cage.” #rwrbmovie"

www.instagram.com

Nicholas Galitzine on Instagram: "The bois 📸 @aneeshtheactress"

www.instagram.com

Matthew López on Instagram: "Spent the last two weeks rehearsing with @nicholasgalitzine and @taylorzakharperez It’s been a joy to watch Henry and Alex come to life in the room. Excited to make this movie with them. Here we go! #rwrbmovie @primevideo 📸: (the great Stephen Goldblatt)"

We cannot wait to see what new adventures are two lovebirds will cook up in Red, White & Royal Blue, but for now we’ll be rereading (and rereading) RWRB.

Stay updated on all the latest entertainment new with Brit + Co.

Header image courtesy of Amazon Prime Video.

This post has been updated.

booksfilmmoviesamazon primered white and royal blueentertainmentEntertainment