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.
Grandma’s Cornbread
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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