Soul soothers: 21 comfort food classics that never go out of style

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There’s something truly special about comfort food. It has the power to transport us back in time, remind us of loved ones, or simply offer a warm embrace on a chilly day. These comfort food picks are all about those classic dishes that never go out of style and have a special place in our hearts.

Dive into this collection where we bring back the memories with each bite. From the creamy delights of mac ‘n cheese to the savory richness of a slow-cooked stew, these are the recipes that have stood the test of time. They’re dishes that bring warmth, happiness, and a touch of nostalgia.

Chicken & Cheddar Dumplings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.
Chicken & Cheddar Dumplings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shrimp & Corn Chowder

Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle in a bowl.
Shrimp & Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Loaded with shrimp, sweet corn, and a rich, velvety broth, a pinch of chipotle makes this Shrimp & Corn Chowder about as good as chowders can get!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp & Corn Chowder

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Big, meaty chicken thighs are cooked with onions and garlic to make a wholesome and delicious dish, and that gravy? OMG!!! It’d make an old shoe taste great – but serve it on mashed potatoes instead!
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup

A closeup of a bowl of Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup.
Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re a soup fan, you’ll flip over this soup! It’s creamy, thick, delicious, and loaded with cauliflower and sweet potato. It’s stunning to look at, too, and after just one spoonful, you’ll be hooked!
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup

Steak & Potato Soup

Steak & Potato Soup in a black bowl.
Steak & Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Loaded with tender steak and potatoes and with a broth that’s good to the last drop, this Steak & Potato Soup is stick-to-your-ribs goodness in a bowl!
Get the Recipe: Steak & Potato Soup

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak is meaty, beefy, and oh-so delish, and this version has practically no carbs. It’s a win-win!
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone

Two bowls of soup on the counter.
Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fire up the smoker and smoke tomatoes – the undisputed star of this easy soup! If you’re a fan of tomato soup, this will blow your mind! It’s thick, silky, creamy, and most of all, flavorful!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hungarian Goulash is a thing of beauty. It’s meaty, flavorful, and when slowly cooked, it’s so tender. This goulash is perfect as is, or top it with a dollop of sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Made in 1-dish and baked in the oven, this delish dish features juicy chicken breasts, tons of veggies, and tangy feta. It’s about as easy and good as dinner can get!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cool nights call for hot, comfort food, and there’s not much better than this Pasta with Ricotta and Tomatoes. The fresh pop of tomatoes and creamy ricotta play really nicely together in this hearty, cheesy, and delicious dish that’s as good as a side as it is an entree.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Made entirely in your Instant Pot, this easy meal has a thick, rich, and smoky gravy that transforms humble chicken thighs into a delish dinner!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Sweet Potato Casserole

Loaded with fluffy sweet potatoes and just the right amount of sweetness, this crunchy-topped Sweet Potato Casserole is perfect with your holiday feast!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Chicken & Cheddar Dumplings (featured image)

Love chicken and dumplings? Try this tasty twist with amped up dumplings with cheddar!
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Cheddar Dumplings

White Chicken Chili

Two cast iron bowls filled with White Chicken Chili.
White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Loaded with all your favorite Southwestern flavors, White Chicken Chili is easier to make than you might think! Creamy, spicy, and chunky, it’s a tasty dish for sure!
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Big beefy flavor, plenty of garlic, and a sauce that’ll knock your socks off is what this Garlic & Wine Braised Short Ribs dish is all about!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Leftover Roast Beef Stew

What do you do with leftover roast beef? This Leftover Beef Stew is meaty, chunky, and the sauce is oh-so good! Repurpose those leftovers into something delish!
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Stew

Pesto Orzo Salad

Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take your taste buds on a trip to Italy with our mouthwatering Pesto Orzo Salad! This easy-to-make dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavors, from the fragrant basil pesto to the juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy cheese. Grab a fork and savor the taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Chicken Taco Casserole

Get your fiesta on with this creamy, saucy, and cheesey Chicken Taco Casserole! Perfect for meal prepping or whenever you’re in the mood for flavor, say “Ole!” and dig into to this amazing dish today!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Casserole

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

What’s more comfort food than cheese and pasta? These giant shells are stuffed with a tasty combination of cheeses, and with a delish sauce, this tomato-free dish is all about flavor!
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is an easy, tasty dish that can be on the table in under 30. It’s also a great chocie for meal prepping – add your favorite sides, and treat the family to a delicious meal tonight!
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

4 ingredient slow cooker chicken on a black platter.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re pressed for time but want to get dinner on the go, this easy set-it-and-forget-it chicken dish to the rescue! It’s so easy and so good and it’s ready when you are!
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

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