11 Mouthwatering Comfort Food Ideas for Your Down Days

friends having some comfort food

So I know I recently wrote a post on healthy snacks but I’m a foodie in all aspects of the word which means I also LOVE me some yummy comfort food.

Let’s be real…there’s always a time and place for it.

Hey I’m not advocating for careless eating here! Buuuut…I believe a balanced life should include all the regular rules for healthy living (you know good sleep, exercise etc) AND treating yourself to some comfort food when you need it.

Because let’s face it,  sometimes you just need it . Especially on those days when LIFE happens and you need a pick-me-up in the form of a nice, juicy burger for example!

So here is a list of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes. I strongly believe in learning to make your fav foods at home so you don’t always have to go to a restaurant or a store when a craving hits.  These are my go-to dishes when you need some food to make you feel all warm and gooey inside, especially on those days when you may not feel that way on the outside.

Bon appetit!

1. Green Pea Soup

Photo & Recipe by: Toshi’s Table

Aah a big bowl of warmth!

It’s funny, I’m not a huge fan of soups in general and I never thought I’d include soup as a comfort food but I just had to include this one.

Nutritious and perfect for when you have a cold or you just need something to get you through those cold AF winter days.

Here is the recipe: Creamy Green Pea Soup

2. Mushroom Kale Lasagna

Photo & Recipe by: Flavorful Eats

An all time favorite!

Lasagna has become one of my go-to dishes for a quick, hearty and filling meal.

It’s so fun to assemble and absolutely delicious!

Of course I love regular lasagna with meat but I’ve been exploring different veggie versions as well and this recipe is one of my favs. 

It still gives you that typical lasagna feel with an added healthy kick thanks to the mushrooms and veggies. Sometimes I also like to add some spinach or eggplant to mine

Here is the recipe: Mushroom Kale Lasagna

3.Mac & Cheese

Photo & Recipe by: Chenee Today

When you say comfort food, you HAVE to include mac and cheese.

With this creamy filling and beautifully browned cheesy toping, what more could you want in life seriously??

Here is the recipe: Southern Baked Mac & Cheese

4. Turkey Burger

Photo & Recipe by: Killing Thyme

I’m a burger girl through and through.

There’s honestly nothing like biting into a nice juicy burger. It’s a whole experience in my opinion.

This recipe has my vote because it has all the standard ingredients for a delicious burger and it uses turkey instead of beef. I’m all for comfort food but I’m always down to try a more nutritious twist to my fav foods. And with how much I love burgers, I kindof have to🤣.

Quick pro tip: Once I discovered adding fried eggs to burgers…it changed the game for me! I highly recommend!

Here is the recipe: Best Turkey Burger

5. Homemade Chicken & Waffles

Photo & Recipe by: Two Kids and A Coupon

I’ve been obsessed with brunch food lately. I literally want it all the time and chicken and waffles is one of my go-tos.

It’s the perfect brunch food…or breakfast for dinner. It’s good for any time really!

Here is the recipe: Easy Homemade Chicken & Waffles

6. Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Photo & Recipe by: Simply Made Eats

Yum! 

One of my fav comfort snacks!

I was pleasantly surprised by this recipe. My bread of choice for grilled cheese is usually brioche but the sourdough here adds some crunchiness that adds some serious oomph to this sandwich in my opinion.

I also like to spruce things up by adding some dried cranberries to mine.

Here is the recipe: The Best Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich

7. Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya

Photo & Recipe by: The Cinnamon Jar

This recipe reminds me of my fav African rice dish from my childhood which is probably why I like it so much.

The combo of rice, chicken and chorizo makes this a most wholesome comfort food option. Also, nice touch with the pineapple!

Here is the recipe: Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya

8. Chicken Pesto Pasta

Photo & Recipe by: Love From The Oven

My best friend put me on to this dish and I’m so glad she did.

I was already a fan of regular chicken Alfredo but the pesto makes this so much more different…but in the best way!

Here is the recipe: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

9. Sweet Cornbread

Photo & Recipe by: Kim Schob

Another southern gem.

I don’t know what it is about southern food. It just hits all the right spots.

But yes…cornbread…an absolute must-have comfort and soul food option😉🤣.

Here is the recipe: Homemade Sweet Cornbread with Honey Drizzle

10. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo & Recipe by: I Heart Eating

This brings you all the comfort you need on your down days, happy days, boy trouble days…any day really.

The warm, sweet, buttery goodness will bring a smile to your face all day everyday.

It’s a classic snack but I think it really does the trick don’t you?

Here is the recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

11. Mexican Pasta Bake

Photo & Recipe by: Chew Out Loud

I’m noticing as I’m writing this post that many variations of pasta are apparently my comfy food of choice.

I never realized🤣 . 

I approve of this recipe because it has the ooey gooey goodness of mac and cheese, some earthy flavor from the black beans and the olives add a nice kick to the whole thing. It all works beautifully together!

Here is the recipe: Mexican Pasta Bake

I hope these comfort food ideas help you feel a little better next time you’re in need of some. Happy eating!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *