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    Home Β» Recipe Roundups Β» What is Comfort Food?

    What is Comfort Food?

    Nov 18, 2014 Β· by Valentina Β· 100 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    What is Comfort Food? The answer will be different for everyone -- and for many reasons. Mood, weather, personality, memories, family, and friends are some of the many things that play into what your comfort foods might be.

    Braised Brisket Stew with Fingerling Potatoes

    What does comfort food mean?

    Since we've all had different experiences in our lives, everyone likely has their own comfort food.

    Why exactly do we grab for a particular food in our pantry, or cook a certain recipe at a certain time? 

    • It can evoke feelings.
    • It's a food that can be calming and soothing.
    • Your comfort food might bring you back to a pleasant childhood memory.
    • It's something that will warm you up in cold weather.
    • A meal that might help mend a broken heart.
    • A food that simply makes you feel good, for no particular reason.

    Soothing and Calming

    Some people think of comfort foods as something soothing when they're sad or upset.

    You know, like if you've had a really rough day, so you grab the pint of coffee ice cream, that you hope to have while you watch mindless TV? Not that I know who that would be. πŸ˜‰ 

    Comfort Foods can Evoke Feelings

    For others, a comfort food is something that might evoke a nostalgic or sentimental feeling.   For example, you love making waffles on lazy weekends because you remember your dad doing the same when you were growing up.  (Also me.)

    Warming

    Typically served warm or hot, think saucy and creamy, warming spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom are a few) or melting cheese.

    Foods in this category are generally cooked in the cooler months of fall and winter. After all, they warm us up and they're cozy. They simply make us feel good.

    And, Comfort Food has become its Own Category

    And then, there's simply a group of foods or meals that seem to have created their own special category called "Comfort Foods." 

    These are typically one-pot meals that roast, simmer, or braise for a long time. (Why do you think slow cookers and crock pots are so popular?)

    "Soups and Stews" might as well change their category name to Comfort Foods, as they can be all of these things. 

    Macaroni and cheese, pies, bread puddings, cookies right out of the oven. . . its foods in this vein that qualify for this category.

    Below are some of my favorite comfort food dishes, or those that I believe fit into the category.

    Let's jump in.

    The Best Comfort Food Recipes

    top view of curried lentil stew with carrots and fresh thyme sprigs

    Lentil Stew with Coconut Milk

    Spicy Sriracha Spaghetti and Meatballs in cast iron skillet
    Braised Brisket Stew in cast iron skillet

      Spicy Sriracha Spaghetti and Meatballs
    Braised Brisket Stew
    Hatch Chile Cornbread Casserole

    Steaming Hatch Chile Cornbread on a purple plate
    Black Garlic Pappardelle Pasta in terracotta bowl

    Black Garlic Pappardelle Pasta
    Smoky Three Pepper Corn Chowder

    Smoky Three Pepper Corn Chowder in colorful striped bowl topped with avocado
    Chipotle Breakfast Nachos with Eggs, in a green bowl.

    Smoky Breakfast Nachos with Eggs
    Vegetarian Cassoulet

    Giant spoonful of Vegetarian Cassoulet with carrots, beans, spinach
    Chocolate Chipotle Smoky Bacon Brisket Chili in skillet


    Brisket Chili with Bacon and Chipotles

    Cheesy Pancetta Brussels Sprouts Bake with a spoonful held above a cast iron skillet with an orange spoon.

     Cheesy Pancetta Brussels Sprouts Bake

    Knockwurst and Baked Beans in a red Dutch Oven, spilling over the sides.

    Knockwurst and the Best Baked Beans

    white speckled-rimmed bowl with suqash chili and oregano sprig

    Roasted Butternut Squash Chili
    A lovely, hearty vegetarian Chili that's perfect for fall and winter. Curried Tomato Beef Stew

    Beef Curry Stew in a green bowl with hot chili on top
    Welsh Rarebit on toast on a blue and white floral plate

    Welsh Rarebit: Cheese Concoction

    Skillet Spiced Sweet Potato Braised Chicken

    Sweet potato chicken in cast iron skillet
    Cinnamon Ice Cream Recipe-cinnamon sticks-creamy-brown | cookingontheweekends.com

    Cinnamon Ice Cream (Yes, cold things can be a comfort too. πŸ˜‰

    Peach Cobbler with Blueberries

    white bowl with peach cobber (gluten-free)

    So what is comfort food for you, and what do you think are the best comfort food recipes?

    I want to know so please tell me in the comments!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. camille kane

      November 18, 2014 at 7:02 am

      you had me at cuban stew!!!

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:49 pm

        I hope you try it, Camille. It's high on my comfort food list!

        Reply
    2. Janet M.

      November 18, 2014 at 7:12 am

      My favorite is grilled cheese and tomato soup. It was the Saturday lunch when I was growing up and just one bite takes me back.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:51 pm

        This is a very popular combination on this comment list. Not surprised at all, as it's FABULOUS!

        Reply
    3. Arthur Martin

      November 18, 2014 at 7:24 am

      Kale Soup. It reminds me of my childhood. Once the weather started to turned cold it was soup time. My mother made this with kale, meat, potatoes, onions, garlic and some seasonings in a wonderful tasting broth. Always had nice crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. This is what we called a stick to your ribs meal.

      Reply
      • Bob Heck

        November 18, 2014 at 8:10 am

        Hi Valen,
        Growing up my family got hooked on Pasta as a comfort food. Not with marinara sauce but butter, salt and sometimes garlic. My wife and I would get up at 2:00 a.m. hungry or we thought we were hungry, just wanting a bowl of noodles and butter.
        Still works today, many year later for me and my girls.
        Bob

        Reply
        • valentina

          November 19, 2014 at 12:54 pm

          BUTTER! There's nothing better to have with pasta, as far as I'm concerned. So delicious!

          Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:53 pm

        Arthur, this soup sounds so incredible. Hearty, packed with flavor and good for you! I love it!

        Reply
    4. Char Slovenz

      November 18, 2014 at 7:30 am

      Mashed potatoes.. I guess because they are soft and warm and remind me of home .

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:56 pm

        Sounds perfect, Char. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    5. Patt Montgomery

      November 18, 2014 at 8:16 am

      I love pozole soup. I can eat it everyday almost.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:59 pm

        LOVE it!

        Reply
    6. Ken Downing

      November 18, 2014 at 8:21 am

      My fave comfort food is a curried chicken stewp I make. It's a soup, but it's thick like a stew, so it's a stewp! Chunks of chicken thigh meat, lots of veggies, and a mild curry seasoning to give it extra 'healing power'

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 1:00 pm

        I must add the word "stewp" to my culinary dictionary. It's excellent. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    7. Darlene Nelson

      November 18, 2014 at 8:24 am

      Macaroni and Cheese. It's warm, comforting and reminds me of my childhood.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:38 pm

        How is mac & cheese not in my 20 in this post!? It really should be on every comfort food list. YUMMY!

        Reply
    8. Linda McThrall

      November 18, 2014 at 8:25 am

      Black-eyed peas and cornbread. My grandmother had an enormous garden. Each summer we would visit, pick peas, shell peas, cook peas to go with homegrown tomatoes, fried okra and cornbread. Now my mouth is watering. Thanks, Valentina!

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:37 pm

        What a lovely memory, Linda. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    9. Deb|EastofEdenCooking

      November 18, 2014 at 8:42 am

      I vacillate between spaghetti and chicken pot pie... and then there is a steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup that never fails to please.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:36 pm

        Deb, all of these are right up my alley, too. Wishing I had them at this very moment.

        Reply
    10. Deanna Smith

      November 18, 2014 at 8:43 am

      Meat loaf - Great as a meal. Makes Fantastic sandwiches.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:35 pm

        True & true!

        Reply
    11. mike w

      November 18, 2014 at 9:02 am

      shrimp wiggle . . . mashed potatoes w/shrimp, peas and butter. it's good and ...... i like to say the name

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:35 pm

        who wouldn't love it with a name like that!? πŸ™‚

        Reply
    12. Jennifer

      November 18, 2014 at 9:20 am

      Comfort food to my husband and son, would probably be chili simmering in my iron pot on the stove. But for me, It would be ANYTHING in a crock pot that I put together in the morning and came home to in the evening- a finished dinner for my boys!!!!!

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:35 pm

        crock pots = comfort foods!

        Reply
    13. Alison H.

      November 18, 2014 at 9:23 am

      My favorite comfort food is Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans!

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:34 pm

        Makes perfect sense to me, Alison. Delicious!

        Reply
    14. Jodi B

      November 18, 2014 at 9:30 am

      Picking just one is hard, but if forced I would say chili!

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:33 pm

        Yes, chili is one of the best comfort foods. So rich and filled with spicy flavors!

        Reply
    15. Diana Fox

      November 18, 2014 at 9:51 am

      Meat loaf with ketchup, molasses, and tobasco served with mash potatoes. Then sandwiches the next day. MMMMM

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:32 pm

        Yes please!

        Reply
    16. Richard Reed

      November 18, 2014 at 10:35 am

      Ham Bone and white Navy bean soup. It was served over sweet corn bread and topped with ketchup. Soak the beans over night. Drain the excess water off the beans. Put in a large pot add an onion (diced), garlic to taste a ham bone with some meat still attached, water to cover and cook until the beans are soft. Remove bone, salt and pepper to taste. Serve over sweet corn bread sliced horizontally, place in the bottom of a large bowl, top with ketchup to taste and enjoy. My parents were from the South and this was comfort food for them and our entire family

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:32 pm

        Sounds so delicious, Richard. You've succeeded in making me starving! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    17. Kara Kraus

      November 18, 2014 at 10:46 am

      Oh, so hard to decide between:
      "Beef Mushroom Burgundy" (melt in your mouth tender)
      OR
      "Smoked Gouda Rigatoni" (rich and creamy grownup version of Mac and Cheese)

      Both are bursting with flavor and absolutely the best ever comfort food on a cold winter night!

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:31 pm

        I simply wouldn't decide -- both should be on the menu.

        Reply
    18. Sue Dabrusky

      November 18, 2014 at 10:55 am

      There are so many"comfort"foods. One of my all time favorites is Mac and Cheese it's hot and cozy and fluffy and fuzz around the edges and a great reminder of my childhood, what could possibly top that. Another favorite is Cholent great beef and beans cooked for hours until the beans are soft and the meat is so tender it literally melts in your mouth! YUM, YUM!!!!!!! Great childhood memories in every bite that you never want to end!

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:31 pm

        Slow cooking something for hours usually means comfort. A memory in each bite -- I love that!

        Reply
    19. Sippitysup

      November 18, 2014 at 2:33 pm

      It's interesting how many chicken recipes qualify as comfort to so many people. Must mean something. GREG

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:30 pm

        So true, Greg. Must be that whole roasting business. πŸ˜‰ xo

        Reply
    20. Bobbie Bramstedt

      November 18, 2014 at 3:57 pm

      Macaroni & Cheese ..... All that cheesy goodness just makes you happy πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:29 pm

        It sure does!

        Reply
    21. Brian

      November 18, 2014 at 4:49 pm

      Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup would have to be my go-to comfort food. Always loved coming inside to this after shoveling the driveway as a kid. Thanks Mom.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:29 pm

        Moms are the best! Best combo ever!

        Reply
        • Brian

          November 20, 2014 at 4:06 pm

          You said it Valentina! Hi Mom!

          Reply
    22. Cathy | She Paused 4 Thought

      November 18, 2014 at 5:59 pm

      Grilled cheese and tomato soup. My mom would always make me that when I was home from school sick.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:29 pm

        Cathy, this combo is ranking very high in the comfort food department. Go figure. πŸ˜‰ YUM!

        Reply
    23. Kelly @ Tasting Page

      November 18, 2014 at 6:09 pm

      Can I pick any one of your amazing recipes on this post as my favorite comfort food? I'd be very comforted with any of these!

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:28 pm

        Yes! πŸ˜‰

        Reply
    24. Frances Foster

      November 18, 2014 at 11:23 pm

      My favorite comfort food is a puerto rican dish pollo gizzado ( chicken stew). It has a tomato sauce base, potatoes, chicken, green olives, and spices it goes over white rice. It always reminds me of my mom and is just so comforting and so good, makes you feel better no matter what. Everyone who tries it loves it even if they cant say it so they just call it that puerto rican chicken stew you make that I love. Just spreading my moms love around.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:28 pm

        That sounds amazing! And it doesn't get much better than spreading a moms love around!

        Reply
    25. amo

      November 19, 2014 at 10:40 am

      Home made Chicken Noodle Soup Primavera. Egg noodles swimming in a fragrant broth bursting with lightly sauteed zucchini and garlic ... the aroma alone is enough to transport you to nirvana. Then the bonus, you get to eat it. Heaven.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:14 pm

        I love this!

        Reply
    26. Sarah Morales

      November 19, 2014 at 12:26 pm

      My favorite comfort food is roast chicken... reminds me of my Mom, it was my favorite growing up.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 12:40 pm

        The world of comfort foods would be incomplete without roasted chicken. It's one of my favorites!

        Reply
    27. Linda M

      November 19, 2014 at 12:46 pm

      I would say Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy. My Grandmother's fried chicken and cream gravy was so good. I rarely fry, so to have it now would be a big treat. Our traditional Thanksgiving Dinner is a table full of comfort too. All the recipes handed down from generation to generation.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 11:31 pm

        You had me a fried! Oh, and cream! πŸ˜‰

        Reply
    28. Donna Currie

      November 19, 2014 at 12:49 pm

      It's a tossup between mac 'n cheese and meatloaf with mashed potatoes right now. But that buttermilk roasted chicken you have up there looks pretty darned fabulous.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 11:30 pm

        Thanks for visiting my site, Donna! I think your two are at the top of most comfort food lists. And with good reason! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    29. Sharyl Wolter

      November 19, 2014 at 2:30 pm

      Mac and cheese for me. Love, love the creamy pasta cheesy dish.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 11:30 pm

        Creamy & cheesy -- what could be better!? πŸ™‚

        Reply
    30. afoodobsession

      November 19, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      pasta with Sunday Sauce, meatballs, sausage, braciole with ricotta and lots of pecorino..this was the meal growing up that took on the most importance, the Sunday meal, eating it is like getting a big hug from my deceased parents and when I make it for my family it's like an extention of my youth..and makes me feel safe, secure, and all sorts of warm inside...and i make it on Sundays or during the week...and when I need a "(( hug))..."

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 19, 2014 at 11:29 pm

        I absolutely LOVE this! Thanks so much for re-posting your FB comment here. Not only does this sound incredibly comforting and delicious, but it's such a lovely description of the power of food.

        Reply
    31. Lyndsey

      November 20, 2014 at 9:27 am

      Comfort food to me is that which reminds me of home, of safety, of security, of love. Things like spaghetti and meatballs, tuna casserole, Malt-o-Meal, pork chops with mushroom gravy.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 28, 2014 at 5:34 am

        Lyndsey, all of these sound yummy and comforting.

        Reply
    32. Linda K.

      November 20, 2014 at 2:21 pm

      My favorite comfort food is cream of mushroom soup.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 28, 2014 at 5:33 am

        Oooh, I love that -- especially mixed with rice and chicken. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    33. Joan

      November 20, 2014 at 5:56 pm

      My comfort food is either mac and cheese or potatoes.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 28, 2014 at 5:35 am

        I'm thinking potatoes came to be for comfort. πŸ˜‰

        Reply
    34. Linda S.

      November 21, 2014 at 3:20 pm

      Eggplant parmesan, or risotto with porcini mushrooms.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 22, 2014 at 10:38 pm

        I could eat risotto everyday! YUM!

        Reply
    35. Nikki

      November 22, 2014 at 11:15 am

      potato pancakes because they taste amazing and just make you happy lol

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 22, 2014 at 10:36 pm

        Potato pancakes are high on my list, too. Reminds me of my mom and Aunt cooking for the holiday's when I was a kid. And you're right, they can make a person happy! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    36. Trish

      November 22, 2014 at 12:22 pm

      A bowl of my mom's broccoli soup....with a delicious chicken broth and melted cream cheese, this is one of the best winter soups from my childhood.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 22, 2014 at 10:34 pm

        Sounds delicious, Trish. And pretty healthy, too boot!

        Reply
    37. Melissa M

      November 22, 2014 at 2:18 pm

      The best comfort food to me was my mother's chicken and Dumplings. They just warm you from the tummy out! And anything my mother cooked was always best.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 22, 2014 at 10:34 pm

        I love that, "from the tummy out." πŸ™‚

        Reply
    38. Kate @ Babaganosh.org

      November 22, 2014 at 8:26 pm

      My favorite comfort food is mashed potatoes. This might sound weird, but in my Russian family, mashed potatoes were part of Sunday breakfast, and it is also the dish my mom made for me when I was sick... so it brings up happy Sunday breakfast memories as well as makes me think about being taken care of πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 22, 2014 at 10:15 pm

        I really love this Kate. One food with two lovely memories. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    39. cat

      November 22, 2014 at 9:31 pm

      good old Mac and cheese

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 22, 2014 at 10:15 pm

        Which ironically never gets old! πŸ˜‰

        Reply
    40. deana c

      November 24, 2014 at 5:21 am

      My favorite comfort food is homemade mac and cheese because my mother used to always make me this on my birthday. It makes me think of her.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 24, 2014 at 2:19 pm

        I think Mac & Cheese way up on the comfort food lists! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    41. Barb

      November 25, 2014 at 9:58 am

      My favorite comfort food is french fries with different toppings ,its my favorite because there is a topping for every mood ,when i am super upset i put french fries on a fried balogna sandwich

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 25, 2014 at 4:24 pm

        Barb, fries on a sandwich -- I LOVE it! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    42. Daniel M

      November 25, 2014 at 3:58 pm

      my fav comfort food is lasagna, it always cheers me up

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 25, 2014 at 4:24 pm

        Lasagna is a great one! Love lasagna!

        Reply
    43. Sandy

      November 26, 2014 at 8:58 pm

      One of my favorite comfort foods was such a simple treat. When I was very young my mother would stew ripe garden tomatoes and onions with a little water,salt ,pepper and a touch of sugar. This was always enjoyed when I was sick. Mom would serve it on hot buttered toast. This was the only time I was allowed to eat in bed , so for me it was a double pleasure. It was made just for me ! Such memories .
      Tomatoes are one of my favorite meals to this day !!

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 26, 2014 at 9:52 pm

        Sandy, this is such a good one. And in reading your comment, I realized how great it's been having people think about memories like this. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    44. alli

      November 27, 2014 at 11:02 am

      Bean and cheese burritos. Perfectly seasoned beans, fresh tasty cheese and a light savory tortilla. It's an old standby, a best friend, and brings you back to what really matters...carbs, dairy and some bean protein.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 27, 2014 at 9:46 pm

        I love this, Alli! So many foods are my "best friends." πŸ˜‰ xo Hope to see you soon! xo V

        Reply
    45. Annette

      November 27, 2014 at 2:11 pm

      My favorite comfort food is Chicken and Dumplings.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 27, 2014 at 9:47 pm

        That's on my list, too. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    46. Lorena Keech

      November 27, 2014 at 7:36 pm

      My favorite comfort food is homemade beef and noodles. It is so rich and warming and because it is my mother's recipe, it reminds me of her.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 28, 2014 at 5:37 am

        I think almost every comment includes "mom" or "mother." I can only hope I'm giving my boys similar memories. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    47. Brian E.

      November 27, 2014 at 9:36 pm

      Thanks for the giveaway… Irish Soda Bread, using my Mom's recipe...reminds me of being a kid, watching my Mom cook & bake in the kitchen.

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 28, 2014 at 5:30 am

        Moms are the best. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    48. Ralph Smith

      December 01, 2014 at 10:24 am

      To me, comfort foods are warm, colorful and flavorful. Often they also inspire happy memories of a certain person, place or event.

      Reply
    49. ken Miller

      May 10, 2019 at 5:26 am

      I am very moody and at the same time I love cooking. So whenever I felt upset its obvious that I am gonna create new dish lolz

      Reply
      • valentina

        May 10, 2019 at 8:23 am

        The new dish is the silver lining. πŸ˜€ Thanks for sharing. Have a lovely weekend.~Valentina

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Valentina, certified chef, owner, recipe developer and photographer at Cooking on the Weekends. I'm also a mom of two boys and a Los Angeleno. I use seasonal whole foods to create unique and comforting recipes for casual entertaining.

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