10 Comfort Food Recipes to Warm Your Soul

 

You know that feeling when the weather outside is frightful but the food is so delightful? There's nothing quite like cozying up with a warm bowl of comfort food on a chilly day. Maybe it's a pot of creamy tomato soup, a bubbling pot of mac and cheese, or a sweet treat like gooey chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven. Comfort food just makes everything better.

In this article, we're sharing 10 of our favorite comfort food recipes guaranteed to warm your soul. These are the dishes that remind us of childhood, of simpler times, of warmth and home. So grab your fuzzy slippers and your coziest blanket, light a candle, and get ready to be transported to your happy place with these delicious comfort food recipes. Winter never tasted so good!

Classic Mac and Cheese

Nothing says comfort like a bowl of classic mac and cheese. This ooey, gooey dish takes you back to childhood and simpler times. To make the perfect mac and cheese, follow these steps:

1. Cook the pasta. Boil 1 pound of elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, usually 7 to 9 minutes. Drain, reserving some of the cooking water.

2. Make the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 to 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper until the cheese melts and is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of the reserved pasta water.

3. Combine and bake. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta, mix well and pour into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Top with more shredded cheddar cheese and bread crumbs or crushed crackers. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

4. Optional add-ins. Mix in cooked and crumbled bacon, ham, broccoli, or caramelized onions for extra flavor. Use a blend of cheddar and Gruyere or Gouda for a nuttier flavor. Nutmeg, paprika or cayenne pepper will spice it up.

A classic comfort food like mac and cheese is meant to be enjoyed, so grab a spoon and dig in! Your taste buds and inner child will thank you.

Hearty Beef Stew

Nothing beats a hearty beef stew on a cold winter day. This comfort food classic is perfect for warming your soul.

To make beef stew, you'll need:

• 2 pounds of chuck roast or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 tablespoons of flour

• Salt and pepper

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 3 celery stalks, sliced

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup of red wine (optional)

• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tablespoon dried)

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces

• Season the flour with salt and pepper, then toss with the beef to coat.

• Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook the beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes total. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

• Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

• Add the wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Add the tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Bring to a boil.

• Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the beef is almost tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

• Add the potatoes, cover, and continue simmering until the potatoes and beef are tender, about 30 minutes more. Discard the bay leaves before serving.

Dig in and enjoy this hearty, delicious meal! Your soul and stomach will thank you.

Creamy Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese Croutons

Ingredients

For the soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the grilled cheese croutons:

• 4 slices bread

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or blend in batches in a blender and return to the pot. Simmer for 5 more minutes.

4. Meanwhile, assemble the grilled cheese sandwiches. Spread 1 tablespoon of the butter on each slice of bread. Place 2 slices of bread butter-side down and top each with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Place the remaining bread slices on top, butter-side up.

5. Melt 1 tablespoon of the remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 sandwiches and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining butter and sandwiches.

6. Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into 1-inch cubes. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the grilled cheese croutons. Enjoy your creamy comfort!

The combination of a smooth tomato soup and gooey grilled cheese croutons is pure coziness in a bowl. This simple yet satisfying meal is sure to warm you up on a chilly day. Buon appetito!

Chicken Pot Pie

Nothing says comfort like a homemade chicken pot pie. This classic dish is the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day.

Ingredients

To make chicken pot pie, you'll need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded

• 2 cups frozen mixed veggies (like carrots, peas, and green beans)

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream

• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 (14 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts, thawed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Roll out one pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie pan.

2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute.

3. Slowly whisk in the broth, cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 2 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and stir in the chicken, vegetables, onion, and garlic. Pour into the pie crust.

5. Top with the remaining pie crust and cut away excess dough, sealing the edges with a fork. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

6. Bake 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake 40 more minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

7. Allow to stand 10 minutes, then serve and enjoy your comforting chicken pot pie! The flaky crust, creamy filling and chunks of chicken and veggies are sure to satisfy.

Comfort food at its finest, this chicken pot pie is a dish you'll want to make again and again. Your friends and family will surely appreciate its hearty, homemade goodness.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing says comfort like a warm batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies. When the craving strikes, here’s a recipe to satisfy your soul.

Ingredients

To make about 2 dozen classic chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need:

• 2 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar

• 3⁄4 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl or a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla and then the eggs one at a time until combined.

4. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix in the chocolate chips.

5. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are light brown. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Enjoy your chocolatey comfort! The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Homemade chocolate chip cookies are always a crowd-pleaser and sure to lift your spirits. Baking a batch to share with friends or family is a thoughtful way to spread some comfort and joy.

Conclusion

So there you have it, 10 comfort food recipes guaranteed to warm your soul. Whether you're craving something sweet, savory, or a little bit of both, this list has you covered. The next time you're feeling down or the weather outside is frightful, whip up one of these cozy dishes. Before you know it, your mood will be lifted and your belly will be full. Comfort food is meant to be enjoyed, so take your time and savor each bite. You deserve to treat yourself every now and then. Now if you'll excuse us, we have a sudden hankering for mac and cheese. Time to get cooking!