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Need something comforting and cozy to lift your spirits? These 20 sweet and savory comfort food recipes are exactly what you need, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
I don’t know about you, but lately I’ve been craving comfort food more than anything else.
For me, comfort foods are full of nostalgia. Sometimes they make me think of my grandmother, other times they make me think of meals we enjoyed growing up.
And sometimes they’re just foods that are full of carbs and lots of cheese.
In case you’re also in need of some comforting meals, I’ve pulled together 20 of my favorite comfort food recipes. We’ve got easy dinners that will remind you of childhood and rich desserts that will fuel your soul as well as your body.
Tips for sharing meals with friends and neighbors
Whenever I have a friend or neighbor in need of a meal, comfort foods are my immediate go-to.
Whether they are going through a loss, celebrating a new baby, or recovering from surgery, I know that sharing a comforting meal is sure to lift their spirits and help them feel supported.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when taking a meal to your friends and neighbors:
- Disposable pans are the way to go. This is not the time to use your favorite casserole dish. Trust me, you don’t want to have to worry about getting it back later. Instead, grab a pack of disposable aluminum pans to keep on hand for whenever you are cooking a meal for someone.
- Help stock the freezer. If you’re making a recipe that makes a large batch, such as a casserole, consider dividing it into two smaller pans. They can eat one pan right away and put the other in the freezer for the future.
- Think about what’s most accessible. If you’re cooking for just one person, they may not want to bake an entire casserole. Instead, consider portioning the food into meal prep containers so they can reheat smaller portions in the microwave or freeze some portions for later.
- Don’t forget about snacks. If you have time, bake up a comforting dessert, such as a batch of cookies, or grab a few snacks from the grocery store. They’ll appreciate having something to nosh on between meals.
20 sweet and savory comfort food recipes
Whether you’re cooking for someone else or for your own family, you’ll want to make these comfort food dinner recipes over and over again. These are some of our favorite recipes that my family asks for all of the time.
And since we can’t forget about sweets, I’ve included some of my favorite comfort food desserts, too.
Comforting dinner recipes
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Chicken spaghetti casserole is an easy, cheesy, crowd-pleasing meal! Chicken, pasta, Rotel, and a creamy sauce come together for a comforting weeknight meal.
Bisquick Chicken Pot Pie
If you grew up on chicken pot pie, you’ll love this recipe! A creamy, hearty filling is packed with rotisserie chicken and veggies and finished off with an easy drop biscuit topping.
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
This recipe combines two comfort foods into one: cheeseburgers and tater tot casserole! This is a great make-ahead recipe that freezes well.
One Pot Mac & Cheese
This one-pot macaroni and cheese comes together in a matter of minutes right on the stovetop. Serve it as a side dish or bulk it up with some extra protein and veggies to turn it into a full meal.
French Onion Pasta
Homemade Cheeseburger Helper
If you’re like me and you grew up eating hamburger helper out of the box, you’ll love this throwback! We’re packing all of the nostalgic flavor of the original into a homemade version that tastes even better.
Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce
This spaghetti sauce is cooked low and slow in your slow cooker, so dinner is ready when you get home from work. This spaghetti sauce also freezes well, so you can make it ahead and portion it out for meals later on.
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, and plenty of veggies come together in a creamy soup that will warm you from the inside out. Serve a bowl of this chicken and wild rice soup alongside crusty bread or a salad.
Homemade Sloppy Joes
Sloppy joes are an easy weeknight meal that will take you right back to childhood! Leftovers freeze well, so feel free to make a double batch and freeze some for an easy meal later on.
Pepperoni Bread
Made with frozen bread dough, this Pepperoni Bread is an easy and fun recipe to make. Serve it as an appetizer or as an entree alongside a big salad for a fun take on pizza night.
Cozy, nostalgic desserts
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
These are a totally retro dessert that your family will love! This no-bake recipe has a peanut butter and graham cracker base and is topped with chocolate.
New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies
My favorite chocolate chip cookies are big, dense, chocolatey and chewy. This New York Times chocolate chip cookie recipe is truly the best – I have yet to try a better cookie!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
Your favorite childhood sandwich is now in cookie form! These peanut butter thumbprint cookies are filled with your favorite jam for a fun take on a pb&j.
Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Everyone loves a Rice Krispie treat. This version uses brown butter for a slight twist on the classic.
Chocolate Dump Cake
The fastest, easiest way to enjoy chocolate cake is with this chocolate dump cake recipe! It makes a rich, fudgy cake that requires only minutes of prep time.
Homemade Banana Pudding
Rich, homemade vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafer cookies are layered to create the ultimate comforting dessert.
Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
This ice cream sandwich cake is a kid’s dream come true! Made with ice cream sandwiches, fudge sauce, Oreo cookies and Cool Whip, this easy dessert is one of the best summer treats you can make.
Butterscotch Pudding
Forget packages of store-bought butterscotch pudding. The homemade stuff is the real deal! Rich and creamy with deep caramel notes, you’ll want to make this one again and again.
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings
These are just like what grandma used to make! Apples are wrapped in pastry and cooked with a spiced syrup in this incredible dessert.
Cherry Pie
Cherry pie is a classic for a reason! With a crisp, flaky crust and juicy, sweet cherries, this pie is one you will crave all year round.
