Easy comfort food recipes to see you through winter (2024)

Mary Berry's Complete Cookbook/DK

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.

MOB Kitchen/Pavilion Books

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 justfour ingredients and take a mere five minutes to prepare.

Get the recipe for French toast-style bacon crumpets here

Dan Jones/Quadrille

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.

Get the recipe for baked artichokes and eggs here

Dora Kazmierak/Kyle Books

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

Jean Cazals/Kyle Books

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.

Get the recipe for cornbread with Manchego and chorizo

Andrew Bui/Union Square

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.

Get the recipe for baked brie bread bowl here

Waitrose & Partners/loveFOOD

Warming soups are a hugin 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.

Get the recipe for cauliflower soup with cheese twirls here

How To Bake/Bloomsbury

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 tastyside with your favourite pasta dish.

Get the recipe for mozzarella and tomato bread here

Tim Atkins/Prosciutto di Parma

Perfect as a hot snack or servedwith 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.

Get the recipe for Parma Ham sausage rolls here

wagamama Feed Your Soul/Kyle Books

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.

Get the recipe for miso cod ramen here

Cravings: Hungry for More/Michael Joseph

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.

Get the recipe for chicken soup and dumplings here

Indian in 7/Kyle Books

There are many versions of this north Indian dish, where thenameliterally means 'spiced, flavoured lentils'. Ourrecipe 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.

Get the recipe for tarka dal here

Kris Kirkham/Mitchell Beazley

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.

Get the recipe for stuffed potato skins here

Martin Poole/Ebury Press

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.

Get the recipe for coconut chicken noodles here

Pete Cassidy/Kyle Books

Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe will take your usual cheesetoastie 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.

Get the recipe for grilled cheese and chutney sandwich here

Joff Lee/Ebury Press

Classicmac 'n' cheeseis given a makeover by adding cubes of roasted butternut squash, as well as seasonings includingchilli, 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.

Get the recipe for butternut squash mac 'n' cheese here

Graydon Herriott/Ebury Press

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 acrisp, flavourful end result. The chicken is spatchco*cked, which means the backbone is taken out, so it cooks more quickly and evenly.

Get the recipe for roast paprika chicken here

Louise Hagger/Quadrille

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.

Get the recipe for Chinese sweet sticky ribs here

Mike English/Bluebird

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 thecrisp 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.

Get the recipe for filo fish pie here

Laura Edwards/BBC Books

This comforting classic from Mary Berry isquick 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.

Get the recipe for chicken casserole here

Simple Spice Vegetarian/Mitchell Beazley

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 upyour veg intake, try addingbroccoli, peas and carrots too.

Get the recipe for macaroni cauliflower cheese here

Louise Hagger/Quadrille

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 fromlemongrass, 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

UK & Ireland Mushroom Producers/loveFOOD

This pie has a heartyfilling of mushrooms, chestnuts, walnuts and parsnips, is topped with crisp filo pastry, served with a rich mushroom gravy andis 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.

Get the recipe for mushroom pie here

Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

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.

Get the recipe for lasagne here

The Really Quite Good British Cookbook/Nourish Books

In this delicious recipe, fall-apart pork belly and crispy crackling pairperfectly with sweet pears and vegetables roasted in cider and herbs. There’s a long cooking timebut the recipe is very hands-off,and the end result is well worth the wait.

Get the recipe for pork belly with pears here

Elena Heatherwick/Ebury Press

This recipe sees one of the mostcomforting foods around turnedinto a pie. The cauliflower is tossed with curry powder and roasted (rather than boiled) both to intensify its flavour and to give texture. It'sthenmixed with a rich, cheesy sauce and topped with filo pastry. Do note, you'll need a springform cake tin to bake this dish in.

Get the recipe for curried cauliflower cheese filo pie here

Taverna/Square Peg

In this classic moussaka recipe, aubergines and potatoes are roasted first to give flavour and colour, while themeat is simmeredin 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.

Get the recipe for classic moussaka here

One Pot Feeds All/Kyle Books

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 feelsa 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.

Get the recipe for Thai beef curry here

Mowie Kay/Ryland Peters & Small

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.

Get the recipe for smoky chicken and black bean stew here

Dan Jones/Ebury Press

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.

Get the recipe for one-pot lamb orzo here

Helen Cathcart/Hardie Grant

This simple but delicious Italian dishticks 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​

Mary Berry's Complete Cookbook/DK

This wholesome pie from Mary Berry is packed with tender chicken and colourful vegetablesand 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.

Get the recipe for chicken pot pie here

Quentin Bacon and Pat O'Rourke/Abrams

This hearty pasta recipe sees meatballs rich with Parmesan mixed through a simple tomato sauce along withrigatoni 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.

Get the recipe for baked rigatoni with meatballs here

Leon Fast Vegan/Conran

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.

Get the recipe for vegan mac 'n' cheese here

Matt Russell/Bloomsbury

An easy 'chuck-it-all-in' kind of recipe with a creamy coconut base,heat from Scotch bonnet chilliesand bulk courtesy ofchickpeas 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.

Get the recipe for plantain and chickpea curry here

Andrew Burton/BBC Books

As this recipe shows, meaty aubergines take on other flavours really well. This easy vegetarian traybake sees them perched atopa base made from chickpeas, kidney beans, tomatoes and spices, topped withgrated cheeseand baked until golden and bubbling.

Get the recipe for aubergine chilli traybake here

One Pot Feeds All/Kyle Books

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 tobe enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Get the recipe for one-pot mushroom pasta here

Slow/HQ

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 thecreamy root vegetable mash topping.

Get the recipe for mushroom and lentil pie here

Mary Berry Cooks up a Feast/DK

You really can't go wrong with a golden potato gratin, particularly when it comes complete with acrispy top andsoft, 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.

Get the recipe for potato gratin here

The Little Swedish Kitchen/Michael Joseph

This take on a Swedish comfort food classic swaps the traditional rice for tagliatelle. The creamy sauce ispacked 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.

Get the recipe for smoked sausage tagliatelle here

Cristian Barnett/Bloomsbury

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.

Get the recipe for Burmese pork curry here

Laura Edwards/Mitchell Beazley

If you fancygivingclassic 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 makingan irresistible combination.

Get the recipe for roast leg of lamb with pecorino and garlic here

Waitrose & Partners/loveFOOD

Roast chicken is always high up the list when it comes to favourite comfort foods. In this recipe, the cooked bird has wonderfullycrisp skin flavoured with ginger and paprikaand is served with a zingy homemade watercress and ginger mayonnaise.

Get the recipe for roastchicken with ginger mayonnaise here

Susan Bell/White Lion Publishing

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 usinglobster instead,or try a combination of prawns and clams.

Get the recipe for crayfish pie here

Ottolenghi Simple/Ebury Press

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 producea 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

BBA Photography/Shutterstock

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 fouras a main.

Get the recipe for saffron chicken korma here

Elena Eryomenko/Shutterstock

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 theextra grated cheese.

Get the recipe for chilli con carne here

Anna Shepulova/Shutterstock

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 iseasy to prepare and cooks in just 45 minutes.The meat filling can also be made ahead and freezes well.

Get the recipe for shepherd's pie here

Louise Hagger/Hamlyn

Ready in just over half an hour, this comfortingveggie lasagne is made in one pan, on the hob. There's no white sauce to prepareeither, just a rich mixture of cream cheese, cream and Parmesan. Sliced courgettes and spinach arelayered with the pasta and toasted pine nuts and fresh basil are scattered over to serve.

Get the recipe for one-pan spinach lasagne here

Graydon Herriott/Ebury Press

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.

Get the recipe for harissa spaghetti here

Image courtesy of Trewithen Dairy

This decadent dish is a wonderful centrepiece if you're cooking for vegetarian guests. Bring thepithivier to the table whole, then cutthrough 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

Romina Callwitz/Page Street Publishing Co. 2022

Mushrooms give this vegan wellington a 'meaty' texture, while the lentils, walnuts and vegetables make it extra-satisfying. Once assembled, it doesneed 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 acomforting Sunday lunch.

Get the recipe for mushroom and lentil wellington here

Irina Pospikh/Shutterstock

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. Servewith eitherice cream or whipped cream.

Get the recipe for baked double chocolate pudding here

Edd Kimber/Kyle Books

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, whichadds a distinct caramel note.

Get the recipe for chocolate and cardamom carrot cake here

Waitrose & Partners/loveFOOD

What could be more comforting than a warm pudding oozing with chocolate sauce? Much easier to make than you may think, thesefondants are fabulousserved with berries, double cream or salted caramel sauce. Even better, they take just 30 minutes, from start to finish.

Get the recipe for chocolate fondanthere

Kris Kirkham/Bloomsbury

Fruit crumble is the ultimate when it comes tocomforting 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.

Get the recipe for banana and peanut butter crumble here

Charlotte Bland/Bloomsbury

Despite only calling forsix ingredients, this cake is rich, fudgy and fabulouslychocolatey. 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.

Get the recipe for chocolate and chestnut cake here

Louise Hagger/Hamlyn

When you're in need of a chocolate fix this easy dessert, which seescrisp 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.

Get the recipe for chocolate French toast here

beats1/Shutterstock

What better antidote to a grey day than a freshly baked, soft and chewy cookie accompanied by amug 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.

Get the recipe for chocolate chip cookies here

Zaitoun: Recipes and Stories from the Palestinian Kitchen/Bloomsbury

Lift your mood with the scent (and taste) of freshly baked spiced pumpkin, olive oil and orange cake. Usingolive oil instead of buttergives 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

Fay's Family Food/Penguin

Few can resist chocolate when comfort food cravings call and this simple yet stunningtorte provides the perfect cocoa fix. It can beenjoyed warm from the ovenin just an hour and islovely served with crème fraîche and freshberries.

Get the recipe for easy chocolate torte here

Soulful Baker/Jacqui Small

These Swedish cinnamon buns could well beyour 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 graduallyfill with gorgeous, sweet and spicy aromas, making that first bite all the more appealing.

Get the recipe for sticky cinnamon buns here

EVERYDAY COOK/Hodder & Stoughton

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 raspberrieswhen fresh are out of season.

Get the recipe for dark and white chocolate brownies here

Susanna Blåvar/Sphere

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.

Get the recipe for hot chocolate cake here

Jonathan Lovekin/Ebury Press

This delightfully fruity bake features avery 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.

Get the recipe for plum and blackberry bake here

David Loftus/HQ

This comforting yet healthy take on a fruit crumble comes courtesy of fitness expert Joe Wicks. The recipeuses 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 turnthe oven on. Try serving it with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.

Get the recipe for plum crumble here

Want more of the same, but a little healthier? Check out our collection of comfort food recipes that are deceptively light