27 irresistible winter comfort foods to warm you up inside

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When it gets cold outside, you want food that makes you feel warm and happy inside. This list has 27 winter comfort foods that are perfect for chilly weather. The foods include hearty soups, cheesy casseroles, and other filling main dishes, perfect for eating together during these snowstorm days.

These recipes are easy to make and tastes great. With flavors ranging from classic to unique, these are exactly the kind of meals you’ll want to eat on a cold winter’s night at home. With this collection, your whole family will find great comfort foods to help you stay warm when it’s freezing outside!

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.
Minestrone Soup with Sausage in white bowl with spoonful.
Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Minestrone Soup with Sausage combines hearty vegetables, protein-rich sausage, and pasta in a savory tomato broth. Ready in just over an hour, this soup provides a comforting taste with a satisfying depth of flavor. The blend of Italian herbs and spices ensures each spoonful warms you from the inside out. It’s a robust meal in a bowl that’s perfect for chilly winter evenings.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup with Caramelized Onions and Raisins

Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup with Caramelized Onions and Raisins takes about 45 minutes to prepare and is infused with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander. The sweetness of raisins complements the nuttiness of the cauliflower, while caramelized onions add a layer of savory depth. This soup offers a creamy texture and a fusion of flavors that are sure to delight your palate. It’s a unique twist on classic comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup with Caramelized Onions and Raisins

Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger is a soul-warming dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It features tender chicken, fresh cabbage, and zesty ginger, creating a comforting yet light flavor profile. The ginger adds a gentle heat that’s perfect for warming up on a cold day. This soup is not only nourishing but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

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

Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Ukha Russian Fish Soup is a traditional dish that can be prepared in about an hour. It’s a clear, yet richly flavored soup made with fresh fish, root vegetables, and a hint of dill. The taste is clean and comforting, with the fish providing a delicate sweetness. Ukha is a staple of Russian cuisine and brings warmth to any winter table.
Get the Recipe: Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Chicken Pastina Soup

Chicken Pastina Soup is a classic comfort food that’s ready in under an hour. It features tiny star-shaped pasta, tender chicken, and vegetables in a clear broth. The soup has a gentle, homey taste that’s both soothing and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of childhood and simpler times.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pastina Soup

Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a decadent and savory start to any day, requiring about an hour to bake. This casserole layers buttery croissants with eggs, cheese, and your choice of breakfast meats. The result is a fluffy, rich, and satisfying dish with a delightful contrast of textures. It’s a luxurious way to warm up on a brisk winter morning.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Cheese arepa on a plate with toppings.
Colombian Cheese Arepas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian Cheese Arepas

Colombian Cheese Arepas are a quick and easy treat, taking about 30 minutes to make. These cornmeal cakes are stuffed with melty cheese and have a crispy exterior. The arepas offer a comforting, slightly sweet corn flavor that pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the cheese. They’re a versatile snack that can be enjoyed any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Cheese Arepas

Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup with Salad Topper Crunch

Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup with Salad Topper Crunch offers a creative way to use the whole vegetable, taking about 45 minutes to make. This soup is velvety and rich, with a nutty, earthy flavor from the broccoli stems. The added crunch from the salad topper provides a pleasing contrast. It’s a comforting and eco-friendly choice for a cold day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup with Salad Topper Crunch

Moroccan Carrot Soup with Chermoula

Moroccan Carrot Soup with Chermoula takes roughly 45 minutes to prepare and is a vibrant, spice-infused dish. The sweetness of carrots is balanced by the bold flavors of chermoula, a Moroccan herb sauce. This soup is both creamy and zesty, offering a unique taste experience. It’s a warm and inviting option that’s sure to spice up your winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Carrot Soup with Chermoula

Pork tenderloin on a cutting board next to a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot is a fuss-free meal that cooks for about 8 hours. The pork loin turns out incredibly tender and is flavored with a blend of herbs and spices. This dish is both juicy and aromatic, making it a satisfying centerpiece for a winter dinner. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that promises to please.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Argentinian Empanadas

Argentinian Empanadas are a delightful treat that can be ready in about an hour. These pastry pockets are filled with a mixture of vegetables and spices, delivering a savory and slightly spicy flavor. They’re baked to a golden perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Empanadas are a portable and hearty option for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas

Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is a classic casserole that bakes for about 30 minutes. It combines tender chicken and broccoli in a creamy cheese sauce. The taste is rich and savory, with a hint of nuttiness from the cheese. This dish is a cozy and indulgent way to enjoy your vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Gravy being poured over sausages and mashed potatoes.
Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy

Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy is a pub-style dish that takes about an hour to prepare. Juicy sausages and creamy mashed potatoes are smothered in a rich Guinness gravy. The flavors are deep and robust, with a slight bitterness from the beer that complements the savory sausages. It’s a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs require about an hour to cook to perfection. The chicken is seared and roasted in a cast iron skillet, resulting in crispy skin and juicy meat. The taste is simple yet profoundly comforting, with the natural flavors of the chicken taking center stage. It’s an easy and reliable dish for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie is a rustic and hearty dish that bakes for about 30 minutes. Ground lamb is layered with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. The flavors are rich and comforting, with a savory meatiness from the lamb. This pie is a warm hug on a cold winter’s night.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

A wooden cutting board with pita bread, hummus, tzatziki and tzatziki sauce.
Chicken Shawarma Plate. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken Shawarma Plate

Chicken Shawarma Plate can be assembled in about an hour, including marination time. It features spiced, grilled chicken served with an array of sides like hummus and salad. The chicken is aromatic and flavorful, with a smoky char from the grill. This plate offers a taste of the Middle East and a satisfying, balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate

Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu requires about 8 hours of slow cooking for deep, rich flavors. The lamb becomes fork-tender, and the sauce is seasoned with herbs and tomatoes. This ragu has a robust taste that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Served over pasta, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake takes about an hour to put together and is a zesty twist on pasta night. It combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and tender chicken. The baked pasta has a gooey texture and a bold, tangy flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings the heat to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Small baking dish with scalloped potatoes.
Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Easy Scalloped Potatoes are a creamy and comforting side dish that takes about an hour and a half to bake. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a rich, garlicky cream sauce. The potatoes are tender, and the top layer is golden and crispy. This classic dish is a perfect accompaniment to any winter meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas take about 4 hours to cook, with the chicken becoming tender and flavorful in the slow cooker. The enchiladas are rolled with a spicy filling and smothered in cheese and sauce. The taste is a delightful balance of heat and creaminess. It’s a hands-off dish that’s perfect for a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Belgian Endive Soup

Belgian Endive Soup is a unique dish that can be ready in just under an hour. The endive’s slight bitterness is mellowed by cooking, resulting in a subtle, nutty flavor. This creamy soup is both light and satisfying, with a smooth texture that’s perfect for a cold evening. It’s a refined choice for those seeking something different in their winter comfort foods.
Get the Recipe: Belgian Endive Soup

A bowl of soup with apples and sprigs of thyme.
Creamy, Vegan Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Apples. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Creamy, Vegan Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Apples

Creamy, Vegan Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Apples takes about an hour to prepare and is a delightful blend of earthy and sweet. Jerusalem artichokes and apples create a unique flavor profile, enhanced by creamy plant-based ingredients. The soup has a silky texture and a taste that’s both comforting and gourmet. It’s a warm and wholesome soup that caters to a variety of dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Vegan Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Apples

Barley, Kale and Romano Beans Soup

Barley, Kale, and Romano Beans Soup is a nourishing meal that cooks in about an hour. The combination of whole grains, leafy greens, and beans offers a hearty and healthy soup. Its taste is rustic and satisfying, with a chewy texture from the barley. This soup is a robust way to warm up and fuel your body during the winter months.
Get the Recipe: Barley, Kale and Romano Beans Soup

Greek Vegetarian Moussaka

Greek Vegetarian Moussaka requires about an hour and a half to bake and is a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Layers of roasted vegetables, lentils, and creamy béchamel sauce come together to create a rich and flavorful experience. The taste is savory with a hint of sweetness from the vegetables. Moussaka is a comforting and hearty option for a plant-based diet.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka

Chicken bacon ranch casserole in baking dish.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is ready in just under an hour and is a crowd-pleasing comfort dish. It combines the classic flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing in a cheesy, creamy casserole. The taste is indulgent and savory, with a satisfying crunch from the topping. This casserole is a guaranteed hit for a cozy family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken And Corn Noodle Soup

Chicken And Corn Noodle Soup is a homestyle dish that takes about 30 minutes to cook. It’s a simple yet delicious soup with tender chicken, sweet corn, and soft noodles. The flavors are mild and comforting, making it a perfect choice for when you need a little warmth and comfort. This soup is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic winter favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken And Corn Noodle Soup

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole takes about 50 minutes to bake and is a decadent, cheese-laden dish. With its combination of chicken, bacon, ranch, and pasta, the flavor is rich and satisfying with a creamy texture. It’s a comforting and addictive casserole that’s sure to warm you up on the coldest of days. The dish is ideal for those looking for a hearty, all-in-one meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

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