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.
What does comfort food mean?
Comfort foods are foods that provide a sense of serenity. They're most often connected with nostalgia and emotional comfort.
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. 😉
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.)
Comfort Foods are 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.
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 to some delicious examples of comfort foods . . .
15 of The Best Comfort Food Recipes
Cheesy Pancetta Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Butternut Squash Chili
Creamy Polenta with Gorgonzola
Yes, cold things can certainly be a comfort! 😉
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!
BROWSE MORE COMFORT FOOD RECIPES →
Brian
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.
valentina
Moms are the best! Best combo ever!
Brian
You said it Valentina! Hi Mom!
Bobbie Bramstedt
Macaroni & Cheese ..... All that cheesy goodness just makes you happy 🙂
valentina
It sure does!
Sippitysup
It's interesting how many chicken recipes qualify as comfort to so many people. Must mean something. GREG
valentina
So true, Greg. Must be that whole roasting business. 😉 xo
Sue Dabrusky
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!
valentina
Slow cooking something for hours usually means comfort. A memory in each bite -- I love that!
Kara Kraus
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!
valentina
I simply wouldn't decide -- both should be on the menu.
Richard Reed
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
valentina
Sounds so delicious, Richard. You've succeeded in making me starving! 🙂
Diana Fox
Meat loaf with ketchup, molasses, and tobasco served with mash potatoes. Then sandwiches the next day. MMMMM
valentina
Yes please!
Jodi B
Picking just one is hard, but if forced I would say chili!
valentina
Yes, chili is one of the best comfort foods. So rich and filled with spicy flavors!
Alison H.
My favorite comfort food is Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans!
valentina
Makes perfect sense to me, Alison. Delicious!
Jennifer
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!!!!!
valentina
crock pots = comfort foods!