Nothing beats the comforting taste of a warm, hearty meal–whether homemade or from your favorite restaurant. There are many dishes that could easily qualify as comfort foods, no matter where it comes from or what time of day it is.
Comfort food favorites such as macaroni and cheese, chicken noodle soup, and ravioli are easy to make and will bring warmth from the inside out.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food enjoyed by everyone. It’s an easy meal that can be quickly prepared at home for convenience.
Caution is key when making this dish as it contains many calories. To reduce its calorific intake, try to include vegetables into the recipe for extra nutrition and reduced caloric intake.
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved dish in many households, but there are ways to make it healthier. For instance, swap the cream and milk out for unsweetened nut milk to reduce its calorie count.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is one of the ultimate comfort foods, and can be easily made with either store-bought or homemade egg noodles. Not only is the recipe quick and effortless to prepare, but it’s a meal everyone in your family can enjoy together.
Salt and pepper, along with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, all add to this soup’s flavor. You may even want to add a pinch of crushed bouillon granules for an even richer broth.
Ravioli
Ravioli are pasta squares filled with ground meat, seafood or cheese and served usually with sauce. Popular around the world, ravioli has earned its name due to its tiny square shape.
In the United States, ravioli are typically served as a side dish to accompany a main course; however, they can also be made into a complete meal. They’re usually paired with either marinara sauce or tomato basil sauce for an added layer of flavor and convenience.
For a hearty and comforting dinner, try this baked ravioli casserole. It’s simple to make using pantry items and is sure to please the entire family.
Pizza
Pizza is a beloved comfort food that will satisfy all your appetites. It can be an ideal way to unwind after a long day, or enjoy it during movie night with friends.
According to a recent study, pizza has become one of America’s favorite comfort foods. It ranks nearly twice as highly sought-after as chocolate and ice cream combined.
Pizza, originally invented in Naples, has become a beloved food throughout Europe and the United States. With an array of toppings that appeal to everyone, pizza has become one of the world’s most beloved dishes.
Cheeseburgers
Cheeseburgers are one of the world’s beloved comfort foods. Not only do they provide protein and fat to your diet, but you can customize it to your preferences with different types of meat, sauces and toppings. Cheeseburgers make for an easy nutritious lunch or dinner on-the-go!
Most people enjoy them as a sandwich, sandwiched between two halves of a bun. They typically come with condiments (such as mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise) along with garnishes like lettuce, tomato and pickles.
Many cheeseburgers feature a slice of cheese melted on top. Some also add slices of bacon or avocado.
Beef Stew
If you’re searching for an easy-to-make comfort food recipe, beef stew is sure to please. This one-pot meal is packed with tender meat morsels, potatoes and carrots in every bite.
This recipe calls for searing the beef first, giving it that irresistible crust. Browning also brings out additional flavors in the pot.
Once the meat is done, add vegetables and broth, cover and bake in the oven for 1-1/2 hours.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic comfort food ideal for dinner parties and potlucks, as well as making for an excellent snack when baked with butter and garlic.
Garlic bread is typically made with a French baguette or baton that has been coated in olive oil and minced garlic before baking in the oven.
When selecting bread for toasting, opt for a crusty loaf that’s dense enough to absorb butter but soft enough that it won’t be overly heavy. Doing this helps prevent the spread from sticking to the surface and making it difficult to apply evenly.