80 Cozy Winter Comfort Food Recipes
Updated: Mar. 25, 2023
These delicious winter comfort food recipes can warm up even the coldest nights
The Best Beef Stew
Our stew has tons of flavor thanks to the herbs, red wine and balsamic vinegar. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Before making this recipe, read up on these tips for storing fresh herbs.
Rotisserie-Style Chicken
My mother used to fix this rotisserie-style chicken when I lived at home, and we called it Church Chicken because Mom would put it in the oven Sunday morning before we left for church. When we got home, the aroma of the roasted chicken would hit us as we opened the door. —Brian Stevenson, Grand Rapids, MI
Here’s how long chicken lasts in the fridge, by the way.
Portobello Risotto with Mascarpone
Portobello mushrooms add a beefy flavor to this creamy classic. Each serving is topped with soft, buttery mascarpone cheese, which makes it extra special. —Carmella Ryan, Rockville Centre, NY
Southern-Style Meatloaf
When my husband and I moved to the South, we discovered our love for pimento cheese! Its addition lends a southern flare to this tried-and-true meatloaf recipe. —Patricia Getson, Wilmington, NC
Speaking of cheese, here’s what cheese curds actually are.
Turkey Corn Chowder
This thick and rich turkey corn chowder uses up Thanksgiving leftovers. Every so often, my grandmother would even add chopped hard-boiled eggs to this chowder to give it a nice richness. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, PA
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Tired of the same old side dish, I whipped up this new family favorite. We can’t get enough of these loaded mashed potatoes at our house. Often, I’ll prepare this casserole ahead and refrigerate it. Then I bake it just before serving. —Dawn Reuter, Oxford, WI
Make sure you avoid these mashed potato mistakes when making this recipe.
Garlic Beef Enchiladas
Beef enchiladas are typically prepared with corn tortillas, but my husband, Jeff, and I prefer flour tortillas. I use them in this saucy casserole that has irresistible home-cooked flavor and a subtle kick. —Jennifer Standridge, Dallas, GA
If you’re crunched for time, check out these easy 30-minute meals.
Cheeseburger Paradise Soup
I’ve never met a person who didn’t enjoy this creamy soup, and it’s hearty enough to serve as a main course with your favorite bread or rolls. —Nadina Iadimarco, Burton, OH
Don’t forget to check out what the best burger in each state is.
Easy Vegetable Lasagna
Bursting with garden favorites, this easy vegetable lasagna is a vegetable lover’s dream. The pasta layers are generously stuffed with roasted zucchini, mushrooms, peppers and onion in homemade tomato sauce. —Susanne Ebersol, Bird-in-Hand, PA
Here’s how to store all that produce correctly.
Blue Plate Beef Patties
A friend and I discovered this recipe together and both consider it a staple menu item. I fix the moist ground beef patties often for family and friends. We love them with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles and the gravy, which gets great flavor from fresh mushrooms. —Phyllis Miller, Danville, IN
Do you know why it’s called a hamburger when there’s no ham in it?
Savory Rice-Stuffed Apples
My family has several apple trees, so I am challenged to create new recipes each fall. This side dish is wonderful with pork roast and so effortless due to the use of the slow cooker. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, CA
Interested in growing your own fruit? Check out these indoor fruit trees you can grow year-round.
Creamy White Chili
Years ago, as a time-starved college student, I got this wonderful recipe from my sister-in-law. She had made a big batch and served it to a crowd one night. It was a hit—and easy and quick. In all my years of cooking, I’ve never had another dish get so many compliments. —Laura Brewer, Lafayette, IN
Chicken Marsala en Croute
I love puff pastry and chicken Marsala, so I decided to combine the two. The result is a very special meal perfect for Sunday dinner or any special occasion. Be sure to keep the puff pastry chilled so it’s easier to work with. —Lorraine Russo, Mahwah, NJ
Slow Cooker Mushroom Potatoes
This versatile side dish jazzes up sliced potatoes with mushrooms, onions, canned soup and cheese. Its comforting flavor makes it a nice accompaniment to most meats. —Linda Bernard, Golden Meadow, LA
Looking for something simple? Check out these five-ingredient dinner recipes.
Penne All’Arrabiata
Pasta all’arrabiata, a classic Italian recipe, is my comfort food, be it summer or winter. My kids and I love sprinkling “pangrattato” (fried bread crumbs) on top of the arrabiata sauce. —Smitha Haridasan, Ganapathy, India. Find out the health benefits of red wine pasta.
Irish Onion Soup
The inspiration behind this recipe came from my father, who owned a restaurant and created the original dish. This version stars contemporary ingredients but still serves the same popular robust flavor. —Theresa Miller, Sault St. Marie, MI
Garlic Knotted Rolls
Using frozen yeast dough is an easy way to make homemade rolls. These cute knots add a special touch to any menu.
Honey-Maple Glazed Ham
My graham-cracker-crusted ham gets a double coating of a simple honey-maple glaze. The first half melts into the ham, while the second half forms a sweet caramelized topping. —Alan Sproles, Knoxville, TN
Cheesy Wild Rice Soup
We often eat easy-to-make soups when there’s not a lot of time to cook. I replaced the wild rice in the original recipe with a boxed rice mix. This creamy concoction is now a favorite.
Chicken Biscuit Potpie
This hearty chicken potpie recipe with biscuits takes just 10 minutes to assemble before you can pop it in the oven. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, AR
Need more dinner inspiration? Try these restaurant copycat recipes.
Rosemary Beef Roast over Cheesy Polenta
I love beef roast in the slow cooker, and it’s fun to pair it with something a little different than potatoes! This is true comfort food. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, UT
Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup
It doesn’t take long to put bowls of this comforting cheesy potato soup recipe on the table. Convenience items, such as canned soup and processed cheese, simplify the preparation. —Tammy Condit, League City, TX
Favorite Christmas Breakfast Casserole
After church on Christmas morning, our family enjoys this easy, make-ahead casserole. I’d also recommend this Christmas morning breakfast casserole for a special brunch any time of the year. —Maryellen Hays, Wolcottville, IN
Cranberry Nutella Sandwich Cookies
I created these cookies for my family after I realized that we had been without Nutella for far too long! The tart dried cranberries are a natural pairing to the hazelnut flavor. We can’t get enough of these sweet treats! —Nancy Mock, Colchester, VT
Sage Dressing
This moist, hearty sage stuffing is nicely seasoned with sausage and fresh mushrooms. Sometimes I use it to stuff my Thanksgiving turkey, and other times I bake it separately. —Betty Kay Sitzman, Wray, CO
Classic Cheesecloth Turkey
This cheesecloth turkey uses a classic method, wine-soaked cheesecloth, to give you the juiciest turkey and most flavorful gravy you’ve ever tasted! Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, WI
Corny Green Bean Casserole
Crushed crackers and french-fried onions create a fast and flavorful topping for this home-style green bean casserole with cheese. It’s the perfect cheesy dish to take to potluck dinners. —Dorothy Bahlmann, Clarksville, IA
Peanut Butter Cinnamon Snap Cookies
These peanut butter cinnamon cookies are perfect for bake sales, potlucks or holiday gift baskets. Use fun cookie cutters for any occasion you’re celebrating. The cookie glaze dries shiny, so they look professional. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, CA
Autumn Lamb Skillet
I have found that even those who do not prefer lamb will enjoy this recipe. It’s especially delicious on a chilly night! —Arlene Aughey, Saddle Brook, NJ
Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Apples
Looking for ways to cut down on the number of dishes that require oven time on Thanksgiving, I devised a sweet potato dish that can be made ahead in a slow cooker. It’s not too sweet, and it makes a perfect side for turkey or ham. —Judy Batson, Tampa, FL
Best Spaghetti and Meatballs
One evening we had unexpected company. Since I had some of these meatballs left over in the freezer, I warmed them up as appetizers. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining. —Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, AZ
Favorite Baked Potato Soup
My husband and I enjoyed a delicious baked potato soup at a restaurant while on vacation, and I came home determined to duplicate the flavor. It took me five years to get the taste right! —Joann Goetz, Genoa, OH
Basic Meatloaf
Since I can’t have much salt, I’ve come up with a recipe for easy meatloaf that is really tasty without it. —Lillian Wittler, Wayne, NE
Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie
Bake up the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, swap the chocolate chips for an equal quantity of M&M’s or chocolate chunks. Or go super fancy by mixing the chocolate chips and pecans into the dough, then gently folding in fresh raspberries. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Culinary Editor
If you want another sweet recipe, try making this simple chocolate dump cake.
Chicken Hash Brown Casserole
The first time I served this Chicken Hash Brown Casserole was to a family with five children. The kids and the adults loved it! This is one recipe I often make for parties—it goes a long way, and all ages enjoy it. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, WA
Pressure-Cooker French Onion Soup
I love French onion soup on a cold night, but I don’t love the time it takes. This is my quick version for when we’re short on time. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, MI
Southern Mac and Cheese
No down-home meal is complete without Southern mac and cheese. Three types of cheese and a squirt of mustard make this comforting dish sing! —Katie Sloan, Charlotte, NC
Pecan Brownies
It’s hard to eat just one of these nutty pecan brownies—good thing a batch can bake up in a matter of minutes. —Karen Batchelor, Bellevue, NE
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
We live way out in the county, and the nearest grocery store is 25 miles away. So I’ve become quite skilled at turning leftovers into second-time-around successes, like this turkey shepherd’s pie. —Linda Howe, Jackman, ME
Air-Fryer Sausage Pizza
When I figured out how to make air-fryer pizzas, I was in pizza heaven! It’s super easy to make these personal-size pies, and now my boys can customize their own, so everyone is happy. —Margo Zoerner, Pleasant Prairie, WI
Talk about a great air-fryer recipe!
Pot Roast with Gravy
My family loves this tangy, slow-cooked beef roast with gravy. We always hope for leftovers that I turn into a tasty sandwich spread. —Deborah Dailey, Vancouver, WA
Rice Meatballs
“I first made these meatballs when our children were small, and they just loved them,” notes Mary Kelso of Hannibal, Missouri. “I occasionally use cream of mushroom soup instead of tomato soup, and that variation is delicious too.”
Slow-Cooker Short Ribs
These slow-cooker short ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don’t need to pay any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, KS
Hearty Ragu Bolognese
My robust ragu combines ground beef, sausage and chicken. Serve it over any type of pasta, or baked or fried polenta. It’s even good on its own with a slice of hot buttered garlic bread. —Caroline Brody, Forest Hills, NY
The Best Chicken and Dumplings
Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch harken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It’s one of those types of soup you’ll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, AZ
Flavorful Mashed Potatoes
Earthy herbs bring a full chorus of flavor to creamy red potatoes, making this side dish anything but ordinary. Save it for special occasions or serve as a dressy accompaniment to a weeknight meal. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, NY
Sunday Supper Sandwiches
This delish dish can be prepared in a four-quart slow cooker as well. Simply cover and cook on low for eight to ten hours or until meat is tender. —Libby Walp, Chicago
Apple-Glazed Holiday Ham
Each Christmas I’m asked to prepare this entree. I’m happy to oblige because it’s easy to assemble, bakes for a few hours unattended and is simply delicious. —Emory Doty, Jasper, GA
Frosted Pumpkin Muffins
These pumpkin muffins with cake mix are so good, even picky eaters cannot seem to get enough. They’re also delicious without frosting or nuts. —Samantha Callahan, Muncie, IN
Chicken and Rice Dinner
My family lines up for seconds of this hearty main dish from my mother-in-law, Mary Lou Baumert—a great cook! In this easy tasty recipe, the chicken bakes to a beautiful golden brown.—Denise Baumert, Dalhart, TX
Bistro Mac and Cheese
I like to serve this mac and cheese with a salad and crusty bread. It’s a satisfying meal that feels upscale but will fit just about any budget. And because the Gorgonzola is so mild in this dish, even the kiddos will go for it. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, AZ
Best Shepherd’s Pie
This is the best shepherd’s pie recipe I’ve ever had, and it comes from a friend who was a whiz at pinching pennies without sacrificing hearty flavor. —Valerie Merrill, Topeka, KS
Double check that you know how to store the potatoes and onions needed for this recipe!
Cranberry Apple Sheet Pie
My husband loves pie, so I made one with apples, raspberries and cranberries. This apple cranberry slab pie is so good, I bend the rules and let the grandkids have it for breakfast. —Brenda Smith, Curran, MI
Easy Stovetop Lasagna
My family and I have made this Easy Stovetop Lasagna recipe many times over the past few months. It’s the perfect solution when you feel like lasagna but don’t have time to bake it in the oven! Serve with salad or garlic bread. —Wendy Masters, East Garafraxa, Ontario
Grilled Turkey Drumsticks
Try something different this Thanksgiving and learn how to grill turkey drumsticks! These smoky, tender turkey drumsticks are easy to make, free up space in the oven and cook in a fraction of the time needed for a whole turkey. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tater Tot Casseroles
Ground beef, sausage and cheese make this tater tot casserole with green beans a crowd-pleaser. Cayenne pepper and hot Italian sausage give it a pleasant kick. —Ryan Jones, Chillicothe, IL
Chicken Crouton Casserole
This Chicken Crouton Casserole recipe has practically made my mom famous. When she takes it to get-togethers, it’s loved by all who taste it. Whenever she serves it to family, the dish is empty by the end of the meal. —Beth Gramling, Warren, PA
Peanut-Cashew Marshmallow Pie
This pie appeals to kids and adults! The chocolate crust and caramel topping make it all the more special. I like the nice contrast of the creamy mallow filling with the crunchy peanuts. An added bonus is that this pie can be made ahead of time. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, TX
Herbed Pecan Stuffing
I updated a basic stuffing recipe by using wholesome multigrain bread in place of customary white bread. It adds a hearty, crunchy taste. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, UT
Onion Meatloaf
My husband and I really enjoy this delicious meatloaf made with onion soup mix. You only need five ingredients to assemble this easy entree before popping it in the slow cooker. —Rhonda Cowden, Quincy, IL
“Everything” Mashed Potato Casserole
This “everything” mashed potato casserole seemed to evolve over a year, and it’s a great dish to take to a covered dish event. If I need to keep it warm for a longer time, I sometimes place the mixture into a crockpot and then add the sour cream, bacon, cheese and chives. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, WV
Turkey Leg Pot Roast
Well-seasoned turkey legs and tender veggies make this meal ideal for a crisp fall day. Moist and satisfying, the recipe from Rick and Vegas Pearson of Cadillac, Michigan, couldn’t be more comforting!
Homemade Potato Gnocchi
My Italian mother remembers her mother making this potato gnocchi recipe for special occasions. She still has the bowl Grandma mixed the dough in, which will be passed down to me someday. —Tina Repak Mirilovich, Johnstown, PA
Sausage Pumpkin Soup
Here, autumn spices complement pumpkin and sausage for a unique and comforting soup. Maple syrup imparts just the right amount of sweetness.
Chicken Royale
Treat your dinner guests like kings and queens by serving them this chicken royale recipe. —Nancy Schubert, Lake Forest, IL
Glazed Carrots with Green Grapes
After receiving a slow cooker many years ago and not knowing what to do with the thing, I finally branched out and read up on what it was all about. This is one of the recipes I make that is really enjoyed by all at any time of the year. It is so colorful and a delightful side for any meal. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
This hearty beef and barley soup is a favorite menu item in our house throughout the year. Everyone savors the flavor. —Elizabeth Kendall, Carolina Beach, NC
Chicken-Fried Steaks
My husband asks me to prepare this easy chicken fried steak recipe regularly. I like it because it’s so simple to make. —Denice Louk, Garnett, KS
Traditional New England Clam Chowder
I left a cruise ship with a great souvenir—the recipe for this splendid chowder! It’s a traditional soup that stands the test of time. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Roasted Tuscan Chicken Dinner
When an Italian friend shared many years ago that she often added Italian sausages to her pan of baked chicken, I had to give it a try! The sausages give the chicken an amazing flavor. Over the years, I’ve turned it into a one-dish meal by adding potatoes, onions and peppers, and it has become a family favorite that I often use for holidays, spur-of-the-moment company and Sunday dinners. —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, IL
Pressure-Cooker English Pub Split Pea Soup
This family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of today’s appliances, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for a bit and then it’s “soup’s on!” Finish it with more milk if you like your soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, FL
Ranch Pork Roast
Taste of Home‘s Test Kitchen created this simple savory pork roast with a mild rub that’s perfect for new cooks. The leftover meat is tender and flavorful enough to be used in countless recipes.
Simmered Smoked Links
No one can resist the sweet and spicy glaze on these bite-sized sausages. They’re effortless to prepare, and they make a perfect party nibbler. Serve them on frilled toothpicks to make them extra fancy.
Garlic Herbed Beef Tenderloin
You don’t need much seasoning to add flavor to this beef tenderloin recipe. The mild blending of rosemary, basil and garlic does the trick. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, WA
Challah Bread Pudding
I created this challah bread pudding recipe after my mother-in-law told me that she liked bread pudding. I was on a mission to create a version that was so good she’d ask me for the recipe. It worked! This can be served for breakfast, brunch or dessert. —Marsha Ketaner, Henderson, NV
Canadian Cheese Soup
My family loves Canadian bacon, but I don’t run across a lot of dishes that call for this pork product. Everyone was thrilled the first time I offered this succulent soup. —Jolene Roudebush, Troy, MI
Detroit-Style Pizza
Topped with pepperoni and melted, ooey-gooey cheese, this traditional Detroit-style pizza recipe is just what your pizza night needs. Don’t be surprised when it vanishes in seconds. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pizza Tater Tot Casserole
For a spin on a classic casserole, try this easy version. For a fun twist, just add your family’s favorite pizza toppings! —Sharon Skildum, Maple Grove, MN
French-Fry Bake
When a friend brought this to a gathering at church, I simply had to ask for the recipe—what a fast and fun way to serve potatoes! It’s always good to find a recipe that can sneak in a few extra veggies; the kids never find the carrots hidden inside this one. —Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, IA
Broccoli-Stuffed Chicken
I was born in 1936 to a family of eight. Much of our food came from our garden and the henhouse. Mother served fried chicken every Sunday, but sometimes she surprised us with this broccoli-stuffed chicken. No arguments then as to who got what piece of chicken! —Donald Laugherty, Connellsville, PA
