7 Must-Try Winter Comfort Foods for the Coziest Season Yet (With Recipes!)
Winter has a way of making us crave comfort, warmth, and the kind of meals that wrap you in a cozy embrace. The cold air invites us to slow down and indulge in the foods that bring us joy, from creamy soups to hearty stews and sweet desserts. Here are seven winter comfort foods that will make your season cozier than ever, with step-by-step recipes and directions to guide you along the way.
1. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
Ah, tomato soup and grilled cheese—a classic combo that never fails to bring warmth to your soul. The soup is silky smooth, rich with the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes and cream, and the grilled cheese? Crispy, buttery perfection.
Ingredients for the Soup:
2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14.5 oz each) of crushed tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Ingredients for Grilled Cheese:
8 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or white)
Butter, for spreading
4 slices of cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Directions:
Start by melting butter in a pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté until they’re soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, letting the aroma fill the air. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Now, add the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Let the soup cook for another 5 minutes, then use an immersion blender to blend it until it’s perfectly smooth (or blend in batches if you don’t have one). Garnish with fresh basil.
While the soup simmers, heat a skillet over medium heat for the grilled cheese. Butter both sides of your bread slices and place a slice of cheese between two pieces. Grill until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melty and gooey, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Pour yourself a bowl of soup, cut the grilled cheese into triangles, and dunk it in! Pure heaven.
2. Slow-Cooked Beef Stew
There’s something magical about a beef stew that simmers for hours, filling your home with rich aromas and promise of a warm, satisfying meal. Tender chunks of beef, root vegetables, and a savory broth—what could be better?
Ingredients:
2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cups beef broth
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
3 carrots, sliced
2 onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup red wine (optional but recommended)
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
Directions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in the hot oil in batches, making sure to sear each side. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, add the onions and garlic, cooking for a couple of minutes until softened. Pour in the red wine, scraping up the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the beef back to the pot along with the beef broth, potatoes, carrots, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the broth has thickened slightly.
For a thicker stew, mix flour with a little cold water and stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving. Let the stew cook for another 30 minutes, and then you’re ready to serve this cozy dish.
3. Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese—comfort in a bowl. But when you add in extra sharp cheddar and Gruyère, you take this classic dish to the next level of indulgence.
Ingredients:
1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
1 tbsp butter (for breadcrumbs)
Directions:
Start by cooking the macaroni according to package directions, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for another 5-7 minutes, until it thickens.
Now, stir in the cheeses, mustard (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Once the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth, add the cooked pasta to the pot and stir to coat the noodles.
For extra crispy goodness, melt a tablespoon of butter in a pan and toss in your breadcrumbs. Stir them around until they’re golden and crispy, then sprinkle them over your mac and cheese before serving.
4. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
This soup is creamy, subtly sweet, and so satisfying. Roasting the squash first brings out the natural sugars, creating a depth of flavor that’s irresistible.
Ingredients:
1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized.
While the squash is roasting, heat a bit of oil in a large pot. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant. Once the squash is done, add it to the pot along with the vegetable broth, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Simmer for about 15 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches. Stir in the heavy cream for a richer texture, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful finishing touch.
5. Pot Pie (Chicken or Veggie)
There’s something so satisfying about a golden crust encasing a creamy filling. Whether you’re making a classic chicken pot pie or a veggie version, this dish is as comforting as it gets.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (or your favorite veggies)
1 cup peas and carrots
1/2 cup onions, chopped
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
2 pre-made pie crusts
Directions:
Start by making the filling. In a large pot, sauté the onions until soft, then add the peas, carrots, and shredded chicken (or veggies). Stir in the flour, and cook for a minute. Slowly add the broth and cream, stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your first pie crust and place it in the bottom of a pie dish. Pour the filling into the crust, then top with the second pie crust. Crimp the edges and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
6. Shepherd’s Pie
This dish is comfort on a plate, with savory meat and veggies topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Simple ingredients, but the result is spectacular.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef or lamb
2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover works great)
1 onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup peas
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Start by cooking the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Remove excess fat, then add the onions and carrots, cooking until tender. Stir in the peas, broth, and Worcestershire sauce, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer the meat mixture to a warm baking dish, then spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Use a spatula to smooth them out, and you can even use a fork to create a little texture on the surface. Bake the shepherd’s pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve with a side of crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal.
7. Apple Crisp
For dessert, there’s nothing like a warm, fragrant apple crisp to end a winter meal. The apples soften perfectly under a sweet, buttery oat topping that’s crispy and golden brown.
Ingredients:
6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith apples work well)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, cold and cubed
Pinch of salt
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9-inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold butter cubes, then use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finish to your winter meal.
There’s no better way to embrace the winter season than with these comforting, soul-warming meals.
Whether you’re curled up by the fire with a bowl of tomato soup and grilled cheese or indulging in the sweet warmth of apple crisp, these recipes are sure to bring comfort and coziness to your home.
So gather your loved ones, put on some cozy socks, and enjoy the warmth of these delicious dishes—winter never tasted so good!
