Easy comfort food recipes to see you through winter
Feel-good food everyone will adore
For those days when you’re craving comfort food and nothing else will do, we’ve rounded up the cosiest, most satisfying recipes around. From easy one-pots to creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, indulgent bakes and perfect pies, these tasty dishes will boost your mood and soothe your soul.
Looking for a big bowl (or plate) of happiness? Click or scroll through our gallery for comfort food recipes guaranteed to please the whole family – from breakfast to dessert.
French toast-style bacon crumpets
An indulgent brunch is a sure-fire way to add cheer to your weekend and these decadent crumpets are just the thing. They're first coated in an egg mixture flavoured with shards of crispy bacon and grated Parmesan, then cooked to squidgy, golden perfection. What's more, they call for just four ingredients and take a mere five minutes to prepare.
Baked artichokes and eggs
This hearty, Spanish-inspired brunch dish from TV chef James Martin combines artichokes, tomatoes, peppers and eggs with paprika, onions and garlic for a warming taste sensation. Serve this moreish midday meal with plenty of crusty bread for mopping up those delicious, tomatoey juices.
Sweet potato, feta and red onion frittata
In this recipe, a simple omelette is given a glamorous upgrade thanks to caramelised onions, cubes of tender sweet potato and salty feta. Fear not, there’s no tricky flipping involved – once the base has set, it's flashed under a hot grill to brown and melt the cheese. Do take care not to overcook it or the eggs will become tough and rubbery.
Get the recipe for sweet potato, feta and red onion frittata here
Cornbread with Manchego and chorizo
Served hot from the oven, this moreish cornbread makes a great side dish. Little pieces of chorizo give it a lovely kick, while sweet, salty Manchego adds plenty of umami flavour. That said, you could swap it for Parmesan or Cheddar, if you prefer.
Baked brie bread bowl
Quick and easy to make, this comforting, cheesy delight is a real crowd-pleaser. Gooey brie is topped with shop-bought fig jam and yet more cheese, before being piled into a hollowed-out sourdough 'bowl'. Rich, oozy and heavy on the carbs – this is what comfort food is all about.
Cauliflower soup with cheese twirls
Warming soups are a hug in a bowl and it doesn't get any more soothing than this creamy, cauliflower number which is served with cheesy pizza dough bites on the side. Make a double batch of the soup and keep in the freezer to have on hand whenever you need something comforting and delicious.
Mozzarella and tomato bread
Homemade bread is one of life’s simple pleasures, particularly when you're craving a dose of carbs. This luscious loaf is stuffed with sweet cherry tomatoes and mozzarella. Eat it warm from the oven with olive oil for dipping, or serve as a tasty side with your favourite pasta dish.
Parma Ham sausage rolls
Perfect as a hot snack or served with a bowl of nourishing soup, here's a rather special sausage roll recipe. The sausage meat is mixed with herbs, garlic and spices, then spread over sweet and salty Parma Ham and wrapped in shop-bought pastry. The result is 16 incredibly moreish sausage rolls.
Miso cod ramen
This nourishing soba noodle bowl is satisfying, warming and full of flavour. The cod is marinated for just 30 minutes in a miso seasoning, then fried until the skin is crisp and lightly charred. Next comes a broth brimming with noodles, soy, oyster and fish sauces, fresh spring onions and pak choy. Bring it all together and you've got a quick and easy, very tasty meal.
Chicken soup and dumplings
When you're in need of some comfort, chicken soup is one of the most restorative foods you can reach for. This creamy, wholesome broth is packed with vegetables and is served topped with fluffy dumplings, which soak up the soup beautifully. It does take a bit of time to cook, but you could easily make a double batch and freeze half.
Tarka dal
There are many versions of this north Indian dish, where the name literally means 'spiced, flavoured lentils'. Our recipe is infused with cumin seeds, turmeric, garam masala and chillies, making it incredibly warming. You could add extra vegetable stock to any leftovers to make a tasty soup, while the garlic-ginger paste will last for three weeks in the fridge.
Stuffed potato skins
The secret to a perfect baked spud is in the long cooking and it's worth every minute when you end up with fluffy potato and crisp, crunchy skin. This simple dish is packed with flavour; feta, spring onions, garlic and tarragon are mixed into the potato flesh, then baked again until golden and bubbling. You can easily adjust this recipe to use up what you have in the fridge, so feel free to get creative.
Coconut chicken noodles
This warming Burmese noodle dish is lightly spiced, rich with coconut and the perfect pick-me-up when you've had a hard day. You can make the chicken curry in advance and just add the crispy fried noodles, hard-boiled eggs, chilli flakes and coriander when you're ready to eat.
Grilled cheese and chutney sandwich
Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe will take your usual cheese toastie to another level, thanks to fiery chilli and an easy, homemade mint and coriander chutney. With chunks of red and green pepper and slices of onion mixed with mozzarella and Cheddar, it's a moreish winner and just the thing for a comforting lunch.
Butternut squash mac 'n' cheese
Classic mac 'n' cheese is given a makeover by adding cubes of roasted butternut squash, as well as seasonings including chilli, nutmeg and mustard. Extra grated cheese and breadcrumbs are scattered over the top before baking, adding a lovely crunch and making this meal all the more satisfying.
Roast paprika chicken
This recipe, from actor Drew Barrymore's cookbook, is the perfect way to jazz up roast chicken. Rub paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper all over the skin, then leave in the fridge overnight, for a crisp, flavourful end result. The chicken is spatchcocked, which means the backbone is taken out, so it cooks more quickly and evenly.
Chinese sweet sticky ribs
If you’re a fan of char siu, you’ll love this dish. The marinade hits all the right sweet, sticky, spicy notes with ginger, garlic and chilli powder, plus hoisin, soy and oyster sauces, while the pork ribs are roasted in the oven and basted regularly for extra flavour. You could also try this recipe with lamb ribs, if you prefer.
Filo fish pie
This is an easy-to-make yet luxurious fish pie with a beautiful silky sauce. We love the combination of white fish, prawns and smoked haddock, which really adds flavour, while the crisp filo topping is a faster alternative to mashed potato and provides a lovely textural contrast. Try it served with mixed greens and a wedge of lemon.
Chicken casserole
This comforting classic from Mary Berry is quick enough to make for a midweek meal, plus it freezes well too. Chicken thighs are cooked with smoked bacon and herbs in stock, then mushrooms and cream are added towards the end for a rich, savoury sauce. It's just begging to be served with a big bowl of creamy mashed potato and buttered greens.
Macaroni cauliflower cheese
Take two favourite comfort foods, mix them together, then add a dash of Indian flavours and you'll end up with this stunning dish. Cauliflower stems are blended to a purée to help thicken the cheese sauce, which is flavoured with cumin, chilli and fresh coriander. If you want to up your veg intake, try adding broccoli, peas and carrots too.
Coconut and lemongrass roast chicken
If you like your food with a bit of heat, this roast chicken recipe is a must-try. Marinating the bird overnight in a paste made from lemongrass, chilli, garlic, onion and coconut milk makes this dish incredibly tasty. It works really well served with rice and stir-fried greens.
Get the recipe for coconut and lemongrass roast chicken here
Mushroom pie
This pie has a hearty filling of mushrooms, chestnuts, walnuts and parsnips, is topped with crisp filo pastry, served with a rich mushroom gravy and is ready in under an hour – what more could you ask for? If you're making it for strict vegetarians, swap the Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce.
Classic lasagne
With its layers of silky pasta, creamy sauce and a rich meat ragù, you really can’t go wrong with lasagne. The cooking time for this recipe is mostly hands-off; you can just leave the meat sauce to slowly simmer away before returning to assemble the dish. If you have any extra, the ragù is fabulous spooned over tagliatelle or you could freeze it for a later date.
Roasted pork belly with pears and thyme
In this delicious recipe, fall-apart pork belly and crispy crackling pair perfectly with sweet pears and vegetables roasted in cider and herbs. There’s a long cooking time but the recipe is very hands-off, and the end result is well worth the wait.
Curried cauliflower cheese filo pie
This recipe sees one of the most comforting foods around turned into a pie. The cauliflower is tossed with curry powder and roasted (rather than boiled) both to intensify its flavour and to give texture. It's then mixed with a rich, cheesy sauce and topped with filo pastry. Do note, you'll need a springform cake tin to bake this dish in.
Classic moussaka
In this classic moussaka recipe, aubergines and potatoes are roasted first to give flavour and colour, while the meat is simmered in red wine, herbs and spices, before being layered with the vegetables and a white sauce. It's then topped with grated cheese and baked until golden and bubbling.
Thai beef curry
This creamy curry uses a shop-bought red curry paste, meaning there's little prep to do and making it an easy dish that still feels a little bit special. Strips of rump steak are simmered in a sweet, fragrant and slightly hot sauce made with roasted peanuts, coconut, lemongrass and chilli. Serve with fluffy rice and be prepared for people to ask for a second helping.
Smoky chicken and black bean stew
This rich stew combining chicken and chorizo with garlic, chilli and paprika always hits the spot. The secret to the depth of flavour and tender, pull-apart chicken is in the long cooking time, so don't skimp on that. It serves six, making it the perfect dinner party dish.
One-pot baked lamb orzo
This dish is quite simply a one-pot flavour sensation. Chunks of tender lamb are cooked with tomatoes, stock, herbs, spices and orzo – a small pasta shape resembling a grain of rice, commonly used in Greek cooking. The final flourish is the addition of black olives, feta and spinach.
Roasted tomato pasta with chilli and garlic
This simple but delicious Italian dish ticks all the comfort food boxes: carby, easy and hugely satisfying. Sweet cherry tomatoes are roasted with lots of olive oil, plus chilli and garlic to make the sauce, with basil and plenty of Parmesan added to serve. Fresh tagliatelle or pappardelle works well in this dish, or you could try dried, shell-shaped pasta, which will collect little pockets of the sauce.
Get the recipe for roasted tomato pasta with chilli and garlic here
Chicken pot pie
This wholesome pie from Mary Berry is packed with tender chicken and colourful vegetables and is topped with a flaky shortcrust pastry lid. You can vary the vegetables according to season and availability and there's no need to make the pastry from scratch – shop-bought is absolutely fine.
Baked rigatoni with meatballs
This hearty pasta recipe sees meatballs rich with Parmesan mixed through a simple tomato sauce along with rigatoni pasta. The dish is topped with shredded mozzarella and baked in the oven until bubbling and crisp at the edges. It's lovely served with a green salad and plenty of garlic bread to mop up the sauce.
Vegan mac 'n' cheese
You'll find it hard to believe that this decadent mac 'n' cheese is vegan. Nutritional yeast, mustard powder and pickled cabbage give it that cheesy, tangy flavour, while the recipe also features almonds, potatoes and squash making it even more satisfying and tasty.
Plantain and chickpea curry
An easy 'chuck-it-all-in' kind of recipe with a creamy coconut base, heat from Scotch bonnet chillies and bulk courtesy of chickpeas and plantain, this vegan curry is simple and speedy to make. It's also hugely satisfying and a great dish to fall back on if you’re trying to eat a more plant-based diet.
Aubergine chilli traybake
As this recipe shows, meaty aubergines take on other flavours really well. This easy vegetarian traybake sees them perched atop a base made from chickpeas, kidney beans, tomatoes and spices, topped with grated cheese and baked until golden and bubbling.
One-pot mushroom pasta
This recipe really is cooked all in one pan, pasta included – the trick is to coat the raw pasta thoroughly in the creamy sauce, so it doesn't stick together. Flat field mushrooms give the sauce a rich, savoury flavour meaning it's bound to be enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Mushroom and lentil pie
This mushroom and lentil pie is utterly satisfying. Lentils provide a filling base, red wine adds richness and dried mushrooms, stock and Marmite provide masses of umami flavour. The dish is made even more irresistible thanks to the creamy root vegetable mash topping.
Potato gratin
You really can't go wrong with a golden potato gratin, particularly when it comes complete with a crispy top and soft, comforting potato base. Save time by using your food processor to grate the potatoes and serve this dish with anything you like, from chicken to fish or a veggie option – it goes with everything.
Smoked sausage pasta
This take on a Swedish comfort food classic swaps the traditional rice for tagliatelle. The creamy sauce is packed with diced smoked sausage, capers for piquancy, paprika for heat and fresh chives to add an extra layer of flavour. It's quick and easy to cook, plus the sauce can be made in advance for an even speedier meal.
Burmese pork curry
This one-pot dish features pork simmered slowly with caramelised onions, fresh ginger and soy sauce. The result is a delicious, sweet and mild curry that can be frozen for up to a month and is great served with rice and stir-fried greens.
Roast leg of lamb with pecorino and garlic
If you fancy giving classic roast lamb a tasty twist, this recipe is a must-try. The pecorino used in the stuffing is a game-changer, with the salty, savoury cheese and sweet, tender meat making an irresistible combination.
Get the recipe for roast leg of lamb with pecorino and garlic here
Roast chicken with ginger mayonnaise
Roast chicken is always high up the list when it comes to favourite comfort foods. In this recipe, the cooked bird has wonderfully crisp skin flavoured with ginger and paprika and is served with a zingy homemade watercress and ginger mayonnaise.
Get the recipe for roast chicken with ginger mayonnaise here
Crayfish pie
The perfect comfort food dish for seafood fans; here a creamy, rich base made with cooked crayfish tails is topped with crisp puff pastry to make a mouth-watering pie. You could make it extra special by using lobster instead, or try a combination of prawns and clams.
Slow-cooked chicken with a crisp corn crust
This full-of-flavour slow-cooked chicken with a crisp corn crust is a wonderfully warming meal. Chicken thighs are simmered in tomato, garlic, harissa, red peppers and a hint of chocolate to produce a hearty stew. The crust meanwhile is a simple gluten-free batter made with fresh or frozen sweetcorn kernels mixed with egg.
Get the recipe for slow-cooked chicken with a crisp corn crust here
Saffron chicken korma
Brighten up your day with this fragrant saffron chicken korma. Tender chicken thighs marinated in Greek yogurt are cooked in garam masala, coriander, saffron-infused milk and ground almonds to make a golden curry with a sweet, mellow flavour. This recipe serves four as a main.
Chilli con carne
A great chilli needs long, slow cooking to bring out all the flavours. Our recipe serves eight, so it's a good idea to eat half and freeze the rest, unless you're feeding a crowd. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, tortilla chips, rice or jacket potatoes and don't be shy with the extra grated cheese.
Shepherd's pie
A thoroughly British classic, minced lamb is cooked with mushrooms, garlic and vegetables until tender, then topped with buttery, creamy mashed potato and baked until golden and bubbling. This dish is easy to prepare and cooks in just 45 minutes. The meat filling can also be made ahead and freezes well.
One-pan spinach lasagne
Ready in just over half an hour, this comforting veggie lasagne is made in one pan, on the hob. There's no white sauce to prepare either, just a rich mixture of cream cheese, cream and Parmesan. Sliced courgettes and spinach are layered with the pasta and toasted pine nuts and fresh basil are scattered over to serve.
Harissa spaghetti
A spicy, vibrant dish ready in under 30 minutes and made with store cupboard ingredients – this could easily become a go-to midweek meal. Harissa is a North African chilli paste, which really packs a punch and gives this dish its standout flavour. The recipe uses chickpea spaghetti to cut down on carbs, but feel free to opt for regular pasta instead.
Butternut squash, potato and cheese pithivier
This decadent dish is a wonderful centrepiece if you're cooking for vegetarian guests. Bring the pithivier to the table whole, then cut through the flaky pastry to reveal layers of potato and butternut squash oozing with Gruyère cheese. Serve with a rocket salad on the side.
Get the recipe for butternut squash, potato and cheese pithivier here
Mushroom and lentil wellington
Mushrooms give this vegan wellington a 'meaty' texture, while the lentils, walnuts and vegetables make it extra-satisfying. Once assembled, it does need to rest for an hour before cooking, so make sure you factor this into your schedule. Whether you're fully vegan or just cutting back on meat, this dish is perfect for a comforting Sunday lunch.
Baked double chocolate pudding
Otherwise known as a 'self-saucing' or 'surprise' pudding, the light outer sponge of this dessert hides gooey chocolate sauce within. Using both dark and milk chocolate, it's indulgent, quick to make and an absolute treat to eat. Serve with either ice cream or whipped cream.
Chocolate and cardamom carrot cake
This show-stopper of a dessert is a twist on a traditional carrot cake, filled with chocolate chips, orange zest and warming cinnamon and cardamom. The cream cheese frosting is a little different too, made with melted butter which has been allowed to brown before setting, which adds a distinct caramel note.
Chocolate fondant
What could be more comforting than a warm pudding oozing with chocolate sauce? Much easier to make than you may think, these fondants are fabulous served with berries, double cream or salted caramel sauce. Even better, they take just 30 minutes, from start to finish.
Banana and peanut butter crumble
Fruit crumble is the ultimate when it comes to comforting desserts and this one brings the wow-factor, combining caramelised bananas and sticky dates with a crunchy peanut butter crumble topping and cardamom custard. If you have leftover topping, try serving it with Greek yogurt for an indulgent breakfast.
Chocolate and chestnut cake
Despite only calling for six ingredients, this cake is rich, fudgy and fabulously chocolatey. The chestnuts – use tinned or vacuum-packed for ease – lend the bake its signature squidgy texture and add nutty depth of flavour, too. Served warm from the oven with a dollop of whipped cream, we defy anyone to resist this dessert.
Chocolate lava French toast
When you're in need of a chocolate fix this easy dessert, which sees crisp slices of fried brioche stuffed with melted dark chocolate, is a must-make. Instead of just dipping the sandwiches in beaten egg, they go into a rich custard made with double cream and vanilla. It's very indulgent and especially lovely served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Chocolate chip cookies
What better antidote to a grey day than a freshly baked, soft and chewy cookie accompanied by a mug of hot chocolate? These easy cookies can be prepared ahead; the dough will sit happily in the fridge for a few days ready and waiting for a chocolate craving to hit.
Spiced pumpkin, olive oil and orange cake
Lift your mood with the scent (and taste) of freshly baked spiced pumpkin, olive oil and orange cake. Using olive oil instead of butter gives the cake a soft, moist crumb, which goes beautifully with the zesty orange and lemon icing. A quick tip: save time by using tinned pumpkin purée instead of roasting and blending your own.
Get the recipe for spiced pumpkin, olive oil and orange cake here
Easy chocolate torte
Few can resist chocolate when comfort food cravings call and this simple yet stunning torte provides the perfect cocoa fix. It can be enjoyed warm from the oven in just an hour and is lovely served with crème fraîche and fresh berries.
Sticky cinnamon buns
These Swedish cinnamon buns could well be your next rainy-day project. They take a while to make, as you need to allow time for the dough to rise, but the mixing can be expedited by using a stand mixer with a dough hook. As they cook, your kitchen will gradually fill with gorgeous, sweet and spicy aromas, making that first bite all the more appealing.
Dark and white chocolate brownies
Intensely chocolatey, dense and fudgy marbled brownies are an instant mood booster, especially when combined with the jammy tang of raspberries, which counter all that richness nicely. Feel free to use frozen raspberries when fresh are out of season.
Hot chocolate cake
This show-stopper cake, with its three layers of light, delicately spiced chocolate sponge covered in rich cocoa buttercream and topped with grated chocolate and marshmallows, is absolutely perfect for a special celebration. Despite its impressive looks, it doesn’t take a huge amount of time to make either.
Plum and blackberry bake
This delightfully fruity bake features a very light, moist almond sponge studded with blackberries and plums and flavoured with cinnamon. It's wonderful eaten warm from the oven with custard or whipped cream and the fruit can be changed according to what you have available.
Plum crumble
This comforting yet healthy take on a fruit crumble comes courtesy of fitness expert Joe Wicks. The recipe uses a mix of nuts and oats for the topping and the fruit can be switched depending upon the season. What's more, it's all made on the hob, so you don't even have to turn the oven on. Try serving it with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.
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