19 classic comfort food recipes mom would recommend trying out

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Comfort food has a special way of bringing warmth and nostalgia to the kitchen table, often reminding us of mom’s home cooking. These 19 recipes are handpicked classics that embody the simple, satisfying essence of comfort food that moms everywhere would approve of. Whether you’re looking to recreate cherished family memories or simply need a hearty meal to unwind, these dishes are sure to hit the spot.

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Grandma’s Cornbread

Overhead shot of cornbread in a cast iron skillet with a single slice cut out.
Grandma’s Cornbread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A timeless classic, Grandma’s Cornbread is a staple comfort food that moms often recommend. In about 25 minutes, you can enjoy its golden crust and soft, buttery interior, made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk. Its slightly sweet and savory taste pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cornbread

Black sesame sourdough buns

Sesame buns with sesame seeds on a wooden cutting board.
Black sesame sourdough buns. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Black sesame sourdough buns are a twist on the traditional, with a rich flavor that moms would approve of for a comforting bake. The nutty taste of black sesame pairs with the tangy sourdough, requiring a few hours for fermentation. It’s a soft, chewy bun that’s perfect for a satisfying snack or alongside a meal.
Get the Recipe: Black sesame sourdough buns

My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free)

A cake topped with peaches and flowers.
My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

For a gluten-free dessert, moms often suggest my grandmother’s peach Swiss roll. This light, fruity roll takes about an hour to prepare and features fresh peaches wrapped in a delicate almond flour sponge cake. Its tender crumb and natural sweetness offer a comforting end to any meal.
Get the Recipe: My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free)

Argentinian Empanadas

Empanadas on a plate.
Argentinian Empanadas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Moms know best when it comes to hand-held delights like Argentinian Empanadas. With a prep and cook time of about an hour, these pastries are filled with a mix of vegetables and spices. The flaky crust and warm, spiced filling make them a hearty choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas

Homemade matzo ball soup

Close up on 3 matzo balls in soup.
Homemade matzo ball soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Homemade matzo ball soup is a mom-recommended comfort food with roots in Jewish tradition. Ready in about 40 minutes, it combines fluffy matzo balls in a rich chicken broth. This soothing, savory soup has a hint of warmth that’s perfect for those seeking comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Homemade matzo ball soup

Mujadara

White casserole dish with middle eastern mujadara.
Mujadara. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Mujadara is a comforting dish of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions that moms often suggest for a simple, satisfying meal. It takes about an hour to prepare and creates a dish with earthy flavors and a pleasing texture that the whole family can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

A bowl of chicken and dumplings with a spoon and parsley.
Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings, a classic comfort food, is a dish moms love to recommend. It’s a quick 30-minute recipe that brings the heartiness of tender chicken and soft dumplings in a creamy broth to your table, evoking a sense of home-cooked warmth.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios

Overhead view of citrus salad with citrus.
Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios is a refreshing comfort food that moms might suggest for a zesty twist. Ready in just 20 minutes, it combines the sweetness of citrus with a spicy kick, topped with crunchy pistachios, for a salad that’s as invigorating as it is comforting.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios

Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Overhead view of blue bowl of soup.
Ukha Russian Fish Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ukha Russian Fish Soup is a mom-approved comfort dish that brings a taste of Russia to your kitchen in about an hour. The clear broth, made with fresh fish, root vegetables, and herbs, offers a light but deeply satisfying flavor, complemented by the freshness of dill.
Get the Recipe: Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut

Red cabbage on a white plate.
Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut is a tangy staple that moms often recommend for adding zest to meals. With a quick prep time and about 48 hours of pickling, you can enjoy this crisp condiment made with cabbage, carrots, and apples alongside your favorite dishes.
Get the Recipe: Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut

Buckwheat kasha with camarelized mushrooms and onions

Three bowls of buckwheat kasha with mushrooms and greens.
Buckwheat kasha with camarelized mushrooms and onions. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Moms often recommend buckwheat kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions for a hearty and comforting side dish. Ready in 30 minutes, the nutty buckwheat and savory vegetables create a warm, filling experience with a comforting taste and texture.
Get the Recipe: Buckwheat kasha with camarelized mushrooms and onions

Chocolate gluten-free rugelach

Chocolate croissants on a plate with a cup of coffee.
Chocolate gluten-free rugelach. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chocolate gluten-free rugelach is a sweet comfort food moms love to suggest for those with dietary restrictions. Taking about an hour to bake, these pastries have a tender, flaky crust with a rich, chocolatey center, ensuring everyone can indulge in a little treat.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate gluten-free rugelach

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

Two bowls of beet soup on a wooden table.
Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht is a beet-based soup with a vibrant flavor that moms often recommend for a comforting meal. Ready in about an hour, it features nutritious vegetables like beets, cabbage, and potatoes, offering a warm, slightly tangy taste.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

Lemon Cake Pie

A slice of lemon pie with raspberries on top.
Lemon Cake Pie. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Lemon Cake Pie combines the best of both worlds and is a dessert moms often recommend for a comforting treat. In about 45 minutes, you can enjoy a fluffy lemon cake atop a tart lemon custard, with a flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pie

Tomato Tart

A pie with tomatoes and thyme on top.
Tomato Tart. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Tomato Tart is a savory comfort food that moms often suggest when tomatoes are at their peak. It takes about 35 minutes to bake and features ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and cheese on a buttery crust, creating a dish that celebrates fresh flavors.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Tart

Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies

A tray of cookies with rosemary sprigs on it.
Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies are a comforting treat that moms often recommend for a light, aromatic snack. They take about 20 minutes to bake and combine the flavors of lemon zest and rosemary in a crumbly, buttery cookie.
Get the Recipe: Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms is a classic comfort food that moms often recommend for a hearty meal. In about 30 minutes, you can enjoy seasoned beef patties in a savory mushroom gravy, offering a rich flavor and tender texture.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a mom-recommended dish for its ease and comforting flavors. In about 30 minutes, you can have a smoky and slightly spicy meal of chicken and vegetables seasoned with paprika, all roasted together on one pan.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Paprika potatoes and mushrooms

Overhead view of plate of potatoes and mushrooms.
Paprika potatoes and mushrooms. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Paprika potatoes and mushrooms is a side dish that moms often recommend for its simple comfort. Ready in about 25 minutes, it combines the earthiness of mushrooms with hearty potatoes and the warmth of paprika, resulting in a comforting, savory dish with a hint of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Paprika potatoes and mushrooms

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