Feeling a little overwhelmed, a little “locked in,” going a little stir-crazy? Yeah, I think all of us are. But nothing like “comfort food” to add a bit of joy to our existence nowadays. So I have pulled together some of my favorite cozy recipes for you.
For the most part, I tend to veer away from those heavy, calorie-ridden meals. But ’tis the season to throw caution to the wind and indulge in some of life’s little pleasures.
Believe it or not, there is scientific truth behind the idea that food provides a sense of comfort and satisfaction. Emotional associations are drawn from pleasurable experiences that have involved food. And many times they are connected to our past. These might evoke a sense of security and contentment from when you were a child. They might create a yearning to return to a time when life was not so crazy.
Most of these recipes you can make extra and freeze. Which is a good thing right now for all of us to have a surplus of food in the freezer.
Easy Crockpot Lasagna
A no-fail lasagna recipe that is super simple because it removes the loathed step of pre-cooking lasagna noodles. You will find layers of flawlessly cooked noodles, a mixture of cheeses and of course, a sauce flavored through and through with spices, fresh herbs, and flavor galore. Slow cooking this Easy Crockpot Lasagna for a good half a day makes for the ultimate comfort food satisfaction.
Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs
Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs seem to always be a family favorite in any household. Extra-large and tender meatballs swim in a sea of mouth-watering marinara sauce. This made-from-scratch recipe will prove to have you coming back time and again to re-make this forever beloved dish.
Homemade Chicken and Noodles
These Homemade Chicken and Noodles are full of tender chunks of white meat in thick and flavorsome stock. The noodles are made from scratch and make this dish heartier than any “regular” pot of soup. And to top it off, pile it on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes and you’ve created the ultimate comfort food.
Tomato Basil Soup
A healthy-ish recipe that is both hearty and comforting and has loads of nutrients and antioxidants. But more than that, this “warm and cozy” soup will bring back nostalgic memories of your childhood, sitting at the kitchen table with a bowl of tomato soup, school called off and everyone stuck inside. That child in you is gonna LOVE this Tomato Basil Soup. All it needs is an ooey, gooey grilled cheese sandwich dunked in it.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
The saltiness of black forest ham, the gooeyness of Swiss cheese, the crunch of a panko coating and, of course, the creamy dijon mustard sauce, all of this rolled into the “never grows old” classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. You’ll love this recipe because it is baked not fried which lends itself to a much healthier version.
Beef Stroganoff (Flambé)
Here is pyro-cooking at its best because you end up lighting Brandy on fire (but PLEASE be careful.) Smoked paprika gives this dish a depth of smoky flavor while sour cream and heavy cream create a rich and luscious sauce. Serve this Beef Stroganoff on a bed of buttery egg noodles and you have the ultimate comfort food!
Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
Tender and juicy chicken breasts are stuffed to the brim with everyone’s forever favorite dip: spinach artichoke. Fresh mozzarella, tangy goat cheese, and grated parmesan elevate this dish to cheesy perfection. Pull up a chair, grab a fork and delight yourself in one of the best Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Breast recipes.
Chicken and Waffles with Peppadew Jam
Peppadew Jam brings a new twist to Chicken and Waffles. This sweet and spicy sauce kicks up a classic recipe with a little bit of heat. A cornflake coating is what makes this chicken extra crunchy. All of this is sandwiched between a crispy yet tender homemade waffle.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
These Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are loaded with a tremendous amount of butter, cinnamon, and sugar that oozes with goodness. A buttery cream cheese icing melts into all its crevices. To top it all off, add a dollop of cherry and/or apple filling. And there you have it – scrumpdillyicious!!
I pray you and your family will all stay safe and healthy during this time of uncertainty. And I hope you find comfort in making some of these cozy “comfort food” recipes that I have collected over the years.
Can’t wait to try these
Thank you
Thanks so much Nancy for stopping by. Let me know what you think if you end up trying any of these Fall recipes. Gotta love comfort food!!
These all look fabulous. You really take great photos!
Thanks Mimi! Hope you’re staying safe and healthy.
WOW WOW WOW.
Love you and Can’t wait to try these!!!
Awwww! Thanks my friend. Some of these recipes remind me of “old times ” with your family. Miss you.
What a great list and your photos are always such a joy to look at!
Thank you so much Abbe. I really appreciate you stopping by and checking out these recipes.
There’s definitely something so comforting about all these recipes. Now to just figure out which one to make first! Yum.