As the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, there’s nothing like curling up with a warm, comforting bowl of goodness. Whether you’re looking for a hearty soup to thaw your frozen bones or a rich casserole to satisfy your cravings, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 cozy cold day recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
From classic comfort foods like creamy chicken and wild rice soup and homemade chicken noodle soup, to more adventurous options like spicy lentil and sausage stew and cheesy broccoli potato soup, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab a blanket, put your feet up, and get ready to cozy up with these delicious recipes.
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This comforting soup combines the heartiness of wild rice with the creaminess of a rich chicken broth, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed wild rice blend
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the mixed wild rice blend and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the rice is tender.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Hearty Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting and flavorful stew, packed with tender beef, sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. This recipe is perfect for a cozy evening meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 large parsnips, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion, garlic, sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add beef broth and red wine (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer pot to preheated oven and cook for 2-1/2 hours, or until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Slow Cooker Chili with Beans
Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare? This slow cooker chili recipe is the perfect solution, packed with flavorful beans, tender beef, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (16 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker with the chili powder, cumin, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with optional jalapenos or hot sauce.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Warm up with a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and always satisfying. This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to soothe a cold or just brighten up a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup egg noodles
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little water until softened.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Add the noodles and thyme; cook for an additional 8-10 minutes or until noodles are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup
Warm up on a chilly day with this creamy and comforting Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup. This recipe combines the flavors of broccoli, potatoes, and cheddar cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large potato, peeled and diced
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add chicken broth, potato, and broccoli. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potato is tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer soup to a blender and blend in batches.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Lentil and Sausage Stew
This hearty stew combines the comforting flavors of sausage and lentils with a kick of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sausage (such as chorizo or Italian), sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, broth, tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Classic French Onion Soup
Classic French Onion Soup Recipe
A rich and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or as an elegant appetizer, this classic French onion soup is a staple of French cuisine. With caramelized onions, beef broth, and melted cheese, it’s a comforting treat that will warm your heart and belly.
Ingredients:
– 3 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
– 6 cups beef broth
– 4 slices of baguette, toasted
– 2 tablespoons grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook until they’re caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 20-25 minutes).
3. Add the salt, white wine (if using), and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Preheat your broiler.
5. Ladle the soup into oven-proof bowls and top each bowl with toasted baguette and melted Gruyère cheese.
6. Broil until the cheese is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Beef and Barley Soup
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a chilly day or a weeknight dinner, this beef and barley soup is a simple yet satisfying meal that combines the rich flavors of beef, vegetables, and barley.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add barley, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until barley is tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Pumpkin Sage Pasta with Brown Butter
This recipe combines the warmth of pumpkin puree, the earthiness of sage, and the nutty flavor of brown butter to create a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for the fall season.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as pappardelle or fettuccine)
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
3. Add pumpkin puree and chopped sage to the browned butter. Stir to combine.
4. Add cooked pasta to the pumpkin-butter mixture and toss to coat, adding some reserved pasta water if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping
Elevate your comfort food game with this simple yet indulgent recipe that combines the classic combo of macaroni and cheese with a crunchy, buttery topping.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a separate pot, combine flour and paprika. Gradually add in milk, whisking continuously, until smooth.
4. Add melted butter, cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir until cheese is fully incorporated.
5. Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated.
6. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your mashed potato game with this simple yet rich recipe that combines the comforting flavors of garlic and butter.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, garlic, salt, and pepper, and mash the mixture with a potato masher or a fork until it’s smooth and creamy.
3. Gradually add the heavy cream or whole milk, stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this flavorful and comforting one-pot dish, loaded with juicy tomatoes and fresh basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or linguine)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp. dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until tomatoes release their juices.
4. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried basil. Bring to a simmer.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss to coat.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a crowd or a cozy meal at home. This slow cooker pulled pork is tender, flavorful, and falls apart easily.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the pork shoulder to the mixture and rub it all over with the spice blend.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the BBQ sauce.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and serve on a bun.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Dutch Oven Pot Roast with Gravy
A classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. This slow-cooked pot roast is fall-apart tender, infused with rich flavors, and served with a savory gravy.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 pound beef pot roast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Dutch oven to medium-high heat.
2. Season the pot roast with salt and pepper. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add beef broth, red wine (if using), and thyme. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C).
5. Roast for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes.
6. Strain the pan juices and serve with the pot roast.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
A classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for a chilly evening. This homemade chicken pot pie is filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce, all wrapped up in a flaky crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 large celery stalk, sliced
– 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, corn, and green beans)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chicken, carrots, celery, and frozen vegetables until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the flour, melted butter or margarine, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir until combined.
4. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Pour the filling mixture into the pie crust.
6. Brush the edges of the crust with beaten eggs.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cheesy Potato and Corn Chowder
A hearty and comforting soup that combines the natural sweetness of corn with the richness of cheese, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large potato, peeled and diced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add potato, corn, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Coconut Curry with Chickpeas
This vibrant curry combines the creaminess of coconut milk with the spiciness of red pepper flakes and the satisfying texture of chickpeas. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, and ginger; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, red pepper flakes, and chickpeas; cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in coconut milk; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let curry simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Start your day with a comforting bowl of warm apple cinnamon oatmeal, perfect for a cozy morning treat. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon to create a deliciously satisfying breakfast.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup water or milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
– 1/2 apple, diced (about 1/2 cup)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a medium pot, bring the water or milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the oats, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until combined.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and reached your desired consistency.
4. Add the diced apple and honey or maple syrup (if using). Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the apple is tender.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream
Make the most of cold winter days with this indulgent hot chocolate recipe, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. This classic treat is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk (whole, skim or a non-dairy alternative)
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, warm the milk over low heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Gradually whisk the dry mixture into the warmed milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Tips:
– Adjust sweetness and richness to your liking by adding more sugar or cocoa powder.
– For an extra-special treat, try using high-quality dark chocolate chips or shavings for added flavor.
Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes
Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes are a classic dessert that never goes out of style. These gooey, chocolatey cakes are perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 3 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces high-quality dark or semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins and dust with sugar.
2. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and flour.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, melted chocolate, and butter until smooth.
5. Add vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture and stir to combine.
6. Pour batter into prepared ramekins and bake for 12-13 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in ramekins for 1 minute before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-13 minutes
Summary
Get cozy on cold days with these comforting recipes! From hearty soups like Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, Hearty Beef Stew with Root Vegetables, and Classic French Onion Soup to creamy pasta dishes like One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta and cheesy baked mac and cheese. There are also delicious slow cooker recipes like Slow Cooker Chili with Beans and Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Additionally, enjoy sweet treats like Warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal and Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes. Whatever your craving, there’s something here to warm you up on a chilly day.
Leave a Reply