7 Irresistible Cold Weather Comfort Food Recipes (2024)

Need a pick-me-up? A bowl of comfort might just be the remedy. These are some of the best cold weather recipes we’ve tried.

During the fall and winter months, I find myself with a perpetual mug in-hand.

(Coffee and herbal teas are my vices of choice.)

I also seem to go into nesting overdrive and want to cook more than usual, which my family is thankful for. I guess I starve them all summer on salads and BLT’s. 🙂

The bottom line is, when it’s cold outside, we like to EAT.

And I’m always on the lookout for cold-weather comfort foods that will satisfy!

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7 of the Best Comfort Food Recipes to Make This Fall and Winter

Of course, it’s easy to suffer burnout on the same ‘ol chili and stew over and over all fall and winter long.

So I’ve done some searching and have compiled a list of seven amazing dishes from across the web that we deem as the best comfort food recipes for cold weather.

Some of these may have never crossed your mind as comfort food recipes, but in my book they all qualify – and they’re delicious!

Check out these great dinner ideas for cold nights and get cooking this weekend:

1. Autumn Squash Soup

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Photo Credit: To Eat, Drink and Be Married

This recipe from To Eat, Drink and Be Married features butternut squash and apples and I can almost smell it simmering in my kitchen! Note to self: I finally have a use for that immersion blender I bought ages ago!

You’ll have to try this one for a simple lunch or light dinner menu… and promise me you won’t forget the croutons.

2. Easy Chicken Pot Pie Potato Skins

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Photo Credit: Whole and Heavenly Oven

So, a baked potato and a chicken pot pie had a baby…and this is what it looks like.

It’s like the cutest, most delicious comfort food combo I’ve ever seen. Get the full recipe at: Whole and Heavenly Oven.

3. Honey Dijon Roasted Pork Tenderloin

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Photo Credit: The Seasoned Mom

Will you just LOOK at the crust on that tenderloin! It’s a thing of beauty. I’m not even sure I can eat it, I just want to make it and admire it on my table and pretend like I’m a TV chef.

Back in reality – my crew will totally gobble this up in a heartbeat. Take a look at the full recipe at The Seasoned Mom.

I think it would be great with Italian Oven Roasted Vegetables or a side salad.

4. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

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Photo Credit: Finding Time to Fly

This recipe had me at slow cooker. Any time I can whip up something with loads of flavor and minimal effort, it will usually make it into my permanent recipe rotation.

This easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup(from Finding Time to Fly) will taste like it’s from your favorite restaurant but at a fraction of the price!

5. Thick and Beefy Danish Goulash

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Photo Credit: Favorite Family Recipes

If this doesn’t scream comfort food for cold weather, I’m not sure what does! AND it can be made on either the stove top or in the slow cooker.

I also love the idea of serving it over the mashed potatoes, kind of like a Shepard’s Pie in reverse! Find out how to make it here at: Favorite Family Recipes.

6. Pineapple Barbeque Chicken

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Photo Credit: Diethood

You can bring your summer barbecueindoors with this Pineapple Barbeque Chicken recipe (from Diethood) that bakes in just 40 minutes in the oven. And you can make it with 3 basic ingredients!

You might like to serve it with a side of steamed green beans and these easy Hawaiian Homemade Sweet Rolls. Save the juice from the pineapple in the chicken recipe — it’s one of the ingredients for the rolls!

Read this post for where to buy the best chicken – delivered to your doorstep.

7. Cheesy Ham and Potato Chowder

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Photo Credit: Spicy Southern Kitchen

This one became a favorite cold weather dish for us last winter.

It involves ham AND bacon drenched in thick and cheesy goodness. How can you go wrong with that?

Seriously, even my two picky eaters (they know who they are, ahem) really liked this soup. You can view the full recipe at Spicy Southern Kitchen.

Bonus recipe: Instant Pot Pasta e. fa*gioli

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This classic soup gets a makeover in the Instant Pot. I love how easy it is to throw together and it’s a crowd-pleaser when we have company.

Serve it with my rustic french bread loaf and you won’t be sorry.

Like these comfort food recipes for winter?

If these ideas inspired you, you might want to learn more about how to save money with consistent meal planning. Check out our Money Saving Meal Planner.

Winter is a great time to get organized in the kitchen!

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Also check out:

Crockpot Freezer Meals: Our Family Favorites for meals you can prep in one hour and eat all week in the slow cooker!

Sweet and Tangy Homemade Meatballs: These can be made in the slow cooker OR on the stovetop for a quick main dish.

Easy Oven Roasted Chicken: Make this simple recipe with pantry spices – a healthy and delicious alternative to store-bought rotisserie chicken.

ButcherBox: Is online meat delivery ever affordable? Read my review- for curious, hungry families.

7 Irresistible Cold Weather Comfort Food Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the ultimate comfort food? ›

For instance, the flank steak with cheesy hash brown waffles will be an immediate favorite, along with the pierogi and meatball skillet, French bread pizzas, and creamy cauliflower soup. For Ree Drummond, chicken pot pie is the one comfort food that just can't be beat.

What is the best comfort food of all time? ›

Our 20 all-time favorite comfort foods
  • 1 of 20. Chicken noodle soup. Joshua Resnick / shutterstock.com. ...
  • 2 of 20. Chicken pot pie. Charles Brutlag / shutterstock.com. ...
  • 3 of 20. Chicken tenders. ...
  • 4 of 20. Chili. ...
  • 5 of 20. Chocolate chip cookies. ...
  • 6 of 20. Cinnamon buns. ...
  • 7 of 20. Cornbread. ...
  • 8 of 20. Fries.
3 days ago

What is Gordon Ramsay's comfort food? ›

Potato and Butternut Squash Gratin with Crispy Shallots

Butternut squash lends an autumn twist to this comforting, classic dish. Steeping the cream in aromatics imparts an exciting depth of flavor, while Gruyere cheese leaves a nutty, savory finish to this creamy, decadent dish.

What comfort food to have when feeling under the weather? ›

You may have heard a healthcare provider (or maybe even Mom) talk about the BRAT diet. That's short for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast—all carbohydrate-rich, easy-to-stomach, and easy-to-digest foods. Bananas pack a lot of nutrients and healthy calories into a not-too-sweet package.

What is America's #1 comfort food? ›

Become a Jetsetter
  • 1 Chicken and Waffles.
  • 2 Spaghetti and Meatballs.
  • 3 Chicken Fried Steak.
  • 4 Mac and Cheese.
  • 5 Hotdish.
  • 6 Chicago Deep Dish Pizza.
  • 7 Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.
  • 8 Matzo Ball Soup.
Mar 1, 2020

What do you consider the ultimate comfort food? ›

What Are the Top 10 Comfort Foods?
  • Burgers & French fries.
  • Cake and cheesecake.
  • Candy.
  • Chicken soup.
  • Grilled cheese.
  • Grits.
  • Ice cream.
  • Mac 'n' cheese.
Apr 11, 2023

What is the most loved meal in the world? ›

Here is the top 10:
  • Pizza.
  • Burger.
  • Ramen.
  • Paella.
  • Pierogi.
  • Moussaka.
  • Boeuf Bourgignon.
  • Eisbein.
May 24, 2023

What is the No 1 most delicious food in the world? ›

Rendang, Indonesia

Source Often called "the world's most delicious dish," Rendang is prepared by simmering beef with coconut milk with a mixture of the best of spices including turmeric, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, chillies, and galangal.

What food is loved by everyone? ›

Nearly as versatile a food as rice, potatoes are loved by everyone no matter where they live. They can take many forms: from French fries to mashed potatoes to gnocchi, potato lovers can rest easy knowing their favorite delicacy is incredibly easy to find and eat.

What is Gordon Ramsay's favorite junk food? ›

Gordon Ramsay is famous for his no-holds-barred persona on shows like "Kitchen Nightmares." He has five kids, competes in Ironman competitions, and almost became a professional soccer player. His favorite fast-food order is a double cheeseburger "animal style" from In-N-Out.

What is an English comfort food? ›

Cottage pie. Bangers and mash. Fish and chips. You'll love these British comfort food recipes.

What is the difference between comfort food and happy food? ›

There are HAPPY FOODS and there are COMFORT FOODS. Happy foods ACTUALLY affect your mood on a chemical level in your brain after eating them. Comfort foods make you THINK you feel a little happier while eating them. A group of happy foods are ones that include folate (folic acid or Vitamin B9).

What is the best food for cold weather? ›

What to Cook When It's Insanely Cold Outside
  • Fire-Roasted Tomato Bisque.
  • Slow Cooker Glazed Pork Ribs with White Beans.
  • Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie.
  • Beef Stew in Red Wine.
  • Classic Cheese Fondue.
  • Chicken and Spaghetti Casserole.
  • Ricotta Gnocchi Gratin.
  • Rich Baked Chocolate Puddings.
Jun 19, 2017

What food do you like to eat to warm yourself up in winter? ›

Nutritious Foods to Keep You Warm In Cold Weather
  • Thermogenesis and Body Heat. In general, foods that take longer to digest can help raise your body temperature and make you feel warmer. ...
  • Eat Bananas. ...
  • Drink Ginger Tea. ...
  • Eat Oats. ...
  • Drink Coffee. ...
  • Eat Red Meat. ...
  • Eat Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Eat Butternut Squash.

What foods boost your mood in the winter? ›

The rich amounts of vitamin C in oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes can help fight fatigue and depression. Cherries and dark berries are also great mood enhancers. Loaded with antioxidants, berries are rich in folate (also known as B9 or folic acid), which helps the brain produce serotonin and dopamine.

What is the most soothing food? ›

Research has linked foods like avocado, oranges, or oysters to reduced feelings of anxiety. Drinks like water and 100% fruit juice can also be beneficial if you have a lot of anxiety and stress. Those foods and drinks contain antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that help alleviate anxiety symptoms.

What are the best foods to eat for ultimate health? ›

Top 10 Foods for Health
  • Whole grains. ...
  • Beans and lentils. ...
  • Fish. ...
  • Berries. ...
  • Winter squash. ...
  • Soy. ...
  • Flaxseed, nuts and seeds. ...
  • Organic yogurt. Men and women between 19 and 50 years of age need 1000 milligrams of calcium a day and 1200 milligrams if 50 or older.

What comfort food makes you feel good? ›

Comfort foods, the study found, actually do make us feel less sad. So what were the top seven items on my poll? Mac and cheese hit the No. 1 spot, followed by beef stew, apple pie and ice cream, chicken and dumplings/chicken pot pie, meatloaf with mashed potatoes, bread pudding and fried chicken.

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