101 Best Comfort Food Classics

Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie

This recipe may just replace your old, tried-and-true chicken pot pie recipe. Use refrigerated piecrusts to make this supper an easy, must-have.

• Recipe: Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie

Chunky Beef Chili

Warm and hearty, this beef chili is a must for cold, wintry days. Serve with Skillet Cornbread for a complete comfort food supper.

• Recipe:Chunky Beef Chili
• Recipe: Skillet Cornbread

Classic Chicken and Dumplings

As the name suggests, this is a classic that will be sure to satisfy the whole family. Thyme, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, and bacon drippings are used to flavor this dish.

• Recipe: Classic Chicken and Dumplings

Fried Green Tomatoes

It doesn't get much more Southern than a plate of Fried Green Tomatoes. Great on sandwiches, in salads, or plain, Fried Green Tomatoes is a recipe every Southern cook should master.

• Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes

Mom's Pecan Pie

This easy pecan pie recipe, Mom's Pecan Pie takes only 10 minutes to prep and tastes absolutely divine!

• Recipe: Mom's Pecan Pie

Shrimp and Grits

This dish mixes flavor-packed shrimp, bacon, mushrooms, green onion, and garlic with creamy cheese grits. It’s perfect for brunch or for dinner. The recipe came from Bill Smith, executive chef at Crook's Corner, the landmark Southern restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

• Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Easy Brunswick Stew

Nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of hearty brunswick stew. For extremely tender meat that's easy to shred, try cooking on low heat for a long time. High heat yields a less tender product.

• Recipe: Easy Brunswick Stew

Pecan-Peach Cobbler

Perfect your peach cobbler by topping it with a flaky pecan pastry. Serve warm or cold with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

• Recipe: Pecan-Peach Cobbler

Chicken-fried Steak

Saltine cracker crumbs make a simple, salty breading for this classic meat dish. Serve it with our white cream gravy.

• Recipe: Chicken-fried Steak

Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

You'll spring out of bed for these homemade cinnamon rolls. The sweet Cream Cheese Icing is a perfect finish for the warm, decadent rolls.

• Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Classic Chicken Tetrazzini

Freshly-grated Parmesan adds the cheesy flavor to this Classic Chicken Tetrazzini. This recipe is great for making ahead and freezing.

• Recipe: Classic Chicken Tetrazzini

Baked Potato Soup

A thick and creamy Baked Potato Soup is ideal for cold winter days. Pile on your favorite baked potato toppings: bacon, Cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Try with an easy shrimp-and-pesto baguette.

• Recipe: Baked Potato Soup

Chicken-Andouille Gumbo with Roasted Potatoes

You can't go wrong with this classic Southern dish to fill you up on chilly nights. We made it even heartier by adding roasted potatoes to the traditional mix of andouille sausage, Cajun seasonings, and veggies.

• Recipe: Chicken-Andouille Gumbo with Roasted Red Potatoes

Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Biscuits, fresh berries, and a lavish crown of whipped cream make Classic Strawberry Shortcake irresistible.

• Recipe: Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Buttermilk Biscuits

No Southern breakfast is complete without flaky, buttery biscuits.

• Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Old-fashioned Meatloaf

A great dinner-to-lunch meal, meatloaf is even better served cold as sandwiches the next day. Greek and Creole seasonings give this dish loads of flavor.

• Recipe: Old-fashioned Meatloaf

Mom's Pecan Pie

Any way you serve it―warm or cold, with or without ice cream―pecan pie is always a favorite. To prevent the filling from seeping under the crust, we suggest using two crusts and stacking them.

• Recipe: Mom's Pecan Pie

Mama's Fried Chicken

The sound of sizzling fried chicken will get your mouth watering. Serve with our Perfect Mashed Potatoes to complete this classic Southern meal.

• Recipe: Mama's Fried Chicken

Pork Chops, Cabbage, and Apples

Pork, cabbage, and apples are a classic combination. With plenty of spices and even a beer to add flavor this one-dish meal will become a staple in your household.

• Recipe: Pork Chops, Cabbage, and Apples

Skillet Cornbread

Great slathered with butter or for sopping up stews, cornbread is a must with hearty meals. Try this classic recipe or one of our cornbread variations.

• Recipe: Skillet Cornbread

Chicken-fried Steak

Chicken-fried steak is quintessentially Southern. Using saltine crackers for the coating helps maintain the crispy texture. Serve with Cream Gravy and enjoy!

• Recipe: Chicken-fried Steak
• Recipe: Cream Gravy

Mom's Signature Roast Beef

You can almost hear the dinner bell calling you in for this comforting meat-and-potatoes meal. To make a Cola Pot Roast, substitute 1 (12-oz.) can cola soft drink for beer.

• Recipe: Mom's Signature Roast Beef

Caramel Cake

This old-fashioned cake will seal your reputation as a baker.

• Recipe: Caramel Cake

Classic Lasagna

Made with all the traditional ingredients and a homemade sauce, our Classic Lasagna with layer upon layer of cheesy goodness will become a family favorite. The sauce may be time-consuming, but it's well worth it.

• Recipe: Classic Lasagna

Southern-Style Collard Greens

Collards are a staple in Southern households. This classic side is flavored with bacon, ham, and vinegar and is great paired with chicken or beef.

• Recipe: Southern-Style Collard Greens

Best Carrot Cake

We're not lying when we say this is the best. Layers of delicious carrot cake are moistened with a Buttermilk Glaze and topped off with a sweet Cream Cheese Frosting.

• Recipe: Best Carrot Cake

Fried Pork Chops with Gravy

Any dish with gravy is bound to be delicious and comforting, and our Fried Pork Chops with Cream Gravy is no exception. Enjoy with some Collard Greens and you'll have your family hooked on this tried-and-true meal.

• Recipe: Fried Pork Chops with Cream Gravy
• Recipe: Southern-Style Collard Greens

Perfect Mashed Potatoes

No comfort food supper is complete without a side of mashed potatoes. Learn how to whip up Perfect Mashed Potatoes with our 3-Step Guide.

• Recipe: Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Fried Lemon-Rosemary Catfish

Catfish is an extremely popular meal in restaurants throughout the country, especially when fried. Our fried catfish presents a fresh variation on the traditional recipe with the addition of rosemary and lemon.

• Recipe: Fried Lemon-Rosemary Catfish

Two-Step Pound Cake

This recipe is so easy you may start serving this classic dessert with every meal. Top with ice cream or seasonal fruits for a tasty combination.

Recipe: Two-Step Pound Cake  

Cheddar Cheese Grits Casserole

This eggs, cheese, and grits combination is simple but absolutely delicious, and a true Southern favorite.

• Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Grits Casserole

Praline-Pecan French Toast

Dress up ordinary French toast with a sweet praline mixture and a hint of cinnamon and vanilla.

• Recipe: Praline-Pecan French Toast

Red Wine Beef Stew

Fresh bay leaves add to the rich flavor of this stew. Serve your favorite bread with satisfying Red Wine Beef Stew for a hearty meal. Freeze leftovers to heat and enjoy when there’s no time to cook.

• Recipe: Red Wine Beef Stew

Bayou Fried Shrimp

Cajun seasoning and fish fry mix make an easy, flavorful breading for fried shrimp. Dip in tartar or cocktail sauce. Mix a package of shredded coleslaw with a simple dressing of such as the one in this recipe for an easy side.

• Recipe: Bayou Fried Shrimp

King Ranch Chicken

Fans of creamy, Southwestern flavored King Ranch Chicken Casserole will love this easy slow cooker version of the recipe.

• Recipe: King Ranch Chicken

Banana-Nut Bread

This bread is chock-full of bananas keeping it moist and sweet, and toasted walnuts add a great depth of flavor. Enjoy with a whipped cream cheese spread.

• Recipe: Banana-Nut Bread

She-Crab Soup

Top off a rich-and-creamy bowl of this iconic Charleston soup with a spoonful of sherry at the table.

• Recipe:  She-Crab Soup  

Summer Squash Casserole

This rich and creamy casserole is a great way to get the whole family to eat the squash from your vegetable garden. A topping of herb-seasoned stuffing drizzled with melted butter adds a luscious finish to each bite.

• Recipe: Summer Squash Casserole 

Classic Chess Pie

You can’t get more basic than chess pie. Remarkable for its simplicity and timeless appeal, chess pie is the ultimate Southern pantry pie.

• Recipe: Classic Chess Pie

Chicken-and-Brisket Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew is always a crowd-pleaser in the South. We combine chicken and tender beef brisket in this hearty stew. You won't be able to get enough of it!

• Recipe: Chicken-and-Brisket Brunswick Stew

All-Time Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

If chocolate chip cookies are your favorite cookies, this recipe make soon become your favorite.

• Recipe: All-Time Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

Easy Chicken Gumbo

Cajun seasonings make the flavor of this gumbo complex, but the prep work is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The gumbo and our Okra Pilau can be ready in 48 minutes.

In step one, adding flour to hot oil creates a fast and flavorful roux.

• Recipe: Easy Chicken Gumbo

Waffles Benedict

Can't decide between waffles or eggs for breakfast? Have both! Try our Waffles Benedict—a combination of fluffy buttermilk waffles and rich and gooey eggs Benedict.

• Recipe: Waffles Benedict

Home-style Green Bean Casserole

This green bean casserole gets a much-needed makeover from fresh veggies and a lightened (but super-rich!) homemade sauce. And the best part: It's under 200 calories!

• Recipe: Home-style Green Bean Casserole

Classic Fried Catfish

Red pepper and garlic seal the flavor of the cornbread mixture that coats these catfish fillets. For an extra-crispy crust, use stone-ground yellow cornmeal.

• Recipe: Classic Fried Catfish

Dressed-up Tomato Soup

Steaming tomato soup rates high among popular comfort foods. To serve, we topped the soup with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkled it with chopped fresh parsley. Other tasty additions include chopped fresh basil, chopped fresh chives, chopped fresh rosemary, croutons, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and grated lemon rind.

• Recipe: Dressed-up Tomato Soup

Pam-Cakes with Buttered Honey Syrup

These fluffly buttermilk pancakes are named after their creator, Test Kitchen Pro Pam Lolley. Drench them with our out-of-this-world Buttered Honey Syrup and top off the meal with bacon and fresh fruit.

• Recipe: Pam-Cakes with Buttered Honey Syrup

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

This comforting one-dish dinner is sure to fill the kids up after a long school day and it’s also a snap to prepare. Don’t worry about sneaking in the fresh-cut carrots and celery--the rich and creamy broth topped with warm oven-baked biscuits is so velvety and delicious that the kids won’t even realize they’re eating their veggies!

• Recipe: Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Creole Jambalaya

Smoked sausage, ham, and red pepper add bold flavor in this classic recipe for Creole Jambalaya.

• Recipe: Creole Jambalaya

Million Dollar Pound Cake

Just seven ingredients—and all of them common pantry staples—are all you need for this rich classic. Top with ice cream or seasonal fruits for a tasty combination.

• Recipe: Million Dollar Pound Cake

Home-Style Butterbeans

Bacon, onion, and brown sugar pack these beans with amazing flavor.

• Recipe: Home-Style Butterbeans

Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

This casserole combines true breakfast favorites—sausage, eggs, Cheddar cheese, and hash browns—in one filling and delicious dish.

• Recipe: Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken

Deceptively rich, low-fat Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken with Roasted Vegetables and Rice combines everything we love about healthful comfort food.

• Recipe: Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken

Fresh Corn Cakes

Fresh corn, mozzarella cheese, and chives make up the base of this classic side dish.

• Recipe: Fresh Corn Cakes

Praline Pull-Apart Bread

Make this delicious bread for special occasions. Frozen bread dough makes it an easy fix, and a caramel-flavored sauce poured on top makes it irresistible.

• Recipe: Praline Pull-Apart Bread

Quick Shrimp Chowder

Enjoy slow-simmered flavors without the long wait. Quick Shrimp Chowder is ready to enjoy in about 35 minutes.

• Recipe: Quick Shrimp Chowder

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Spiked with tomatoes and green chiles, creamy layers of chopped cooked chicken and corn tortillas make this Texas casserole too tempting to resist. It’s super-easy to fix for a crowd, and always a hit.

• Recipe: King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Summertime Peach Ice Cream

Your family will ask for this creamy ice cream over and over again. Best of all, the six-ingredient mixture requires no cooking, just stirring.

• Recipe: Summertime Peach Ice Cream

Blueberry Muffins with Lemon-Cream Cheese Glaze

These aren't ordinary blueberry muffins! A tart-and-sugary glaze makes plain blueberry muffins extraordinary.

• Recipe: Blueberry Muffins with Lemon-Cream Cheese Glaze

Green Peas with Crispy Bacon

The addition of mint and orange really brightens this often underrated veggie, while the bacon lends a smoky flavor.

• Recipe: Green Peas with Crispy Bacon

Italian Pot Roast

This hearty pot roast is perfect for a busy weeknight. Just put the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do all the work.

• Recipe: Italian Pot Roast

Hamburger Steak With Sweet Onion-Mushroom Gravy

A savory gravy dresses up these quick, skillet-cooked hamburger steaks. Eliminate prep time by keeping prepared beef patties in the freezer for up to three months.

• Recipe: Hamburger Steak With Sweet Onion-Mushroom Gravy

Beef with Red Wine Sauce

A bed of egg noodles absorbs the rich juices of Beef with Red Wine Sauce.

• Recipe: Beef with Red Wine Sauce

Overnight Coffee Crumble Cake

Say "hello" to your new favorite coffee cake! A Cinnamon-Nut Crumble and Sweet Bourbon Drizzle add the finishing touches to this irresistible coffee cake.

• Recipe: Overnight Coffee Crumble Cake

Chicken-and-Vegetable Stew

Take pleasure in eating well without a lot of fuss. This vitamin-packed stew is light on calories and will have you out of the kitchen in no time (prep time is only about 10 minutes).

• Recipe: Chicken-and-Vegetable Stew

30-Minute Chili

Homemade chili doesn't have to be a labor-intensive meal. Try this easy chili recipe for a satisfying meal tonight.

• Recipe: 30-Minute Chili
• Watch: Quick-Fix Chili

Fried Pecan Okra

Crushed pecans and baking mix form the crisp breading for this classic Southern-style side.

• Recipe: Fried Pecan Okra
• Basic Fried Okra Recipe & Tips

Tee's Corn Pudding

This classic recipe has a rich, soufflé-like texture without the hassle. The result is an impressive side dish the entire family will love.

• Recipe: Tee's Corn Pudding

Extra-Easy Lasagna

It really is as easy as it sounds and is every bit as good as its more time-consuming counterparts.

• Recipe: Extra-Easy Lasagna

Feta-Stuffed Tomatoes

A feta cheese, breadcrumb, and fresh herb mixture fills these large tomatoes for a tasty side.

• Recipe: Feta-Stuffed Tomatoes

Okra-and-Corn Maque Choux

Terrific flavors from the garden and grill come together in this summery twist on a New Orleans favorite.

• Recipe: Okra-and-Corn Maque Choux

Cajun Shrimp Casserole

Packed with veggies, Parmesan cheese, rice, and a cayenne pepper kick, this delicious recipe is definitely worthy of a special occasion.

• Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Casserole

Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

Sliced almonds, water chestnuts, cream of mushroom soup, and Cheddar cheese add a depth of flavor and texture to this satisfying casserole.

• Recipe: Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Destined to become your kids' new favorite meal, this easy casserole recipe combines two classic family favorites: pepperoni pizza and spaghetti. Unbaked, the casserole can stay frozen for up to a month so prepare extra and save for a busy day.

• Recipe: Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Chocolate-Red Velvet Layer Cake

This moist chocolate red velvet cake is filled with layer upon layer of sweet cream cheese frosting.

• Recipe: Chocolate-Red Velvet Layer Cake

Baked Smokin' Macaroni and Cheese

This delicious mac and cheese is light on butter and cheese yet still melts in your mouth. Change the flavor profile of the recipe with combinations such as sweet peas and proscuitto or ham and broccoli.

• Recipe: Baked Smokin' Macaroni and Cheese

Three-Cheese Pasta Bake

Skip the marinara sauce and go for a rich Alfredo sauce instead. The creamy sauce, paired with three types of cheese, creates a family-friendly dish that’s ready in a flash.

• Recipe: Three-Cheese Pasta Bake

Slow-Cooker Beef Brisket

South-of-the-border flavors such as ground chipotle powder and fresh cilantro add zest to Slow-Cooker Beef Brisket.

• Recipe: Slow-Cooker Beef Brisket

Spinach Ravioli Lasagna

The pasta in this dish cooks as the lasagna bakes, making it ideal for busy nights. Ravioli and spinach layered with pesto, Alfredo sauce, and Italian cheeses provide unbeatable flavor.

• Recipe: Spinach Ravioli Lasagna

Ham-Hash Brown Casserole

Reinvent "breakfast for supper" with this easy Ham-Hash Brown Casserole. Country-style hash browns, ham, and Cheddar cheese resemble a breakfast casserole, but plenty of veggies make it a more substantial meal for dinner.

• Recipe: Ham-Hash Brown Casserole 

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Mousse Cake

Starting with a boxed cake mix makes this cake both easy and delicious. Kids and adults alike will love the creamy peanut butter mousse between layers of chocolate cake. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts and serve with a scoop of ice cream.

• Recipe: Chocolate-Peanut Butter Mousse Cake

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Baked ziti is always a family favorite. Try this Baked Ziti with Italian sausage for an easy, make-ahead casserole idea—perfect for weeknight meals.

• Recipe: Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
• Watch: Quick-Fix Casseroles featuring Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Mississippi Mud Brownies

Transform simple brownies into Mississippi Mud Brownies by adding toasted pecans and miniature marshmallows.

• Recipe: Mississippi Mud Brownies

Hearty Potato Soup

This creamy, satisfying soup begs to be served in Italian Bread Bowls on a cool day.

• Recipe: Hearty Potato Soup

Slow-Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

Make your favorite creamy coleslaw to serve with or on this barbecue sandwich. Freeze any leftover meat for up to one month.

• Recipe: Slow-Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

Peppered Beef Soup

Peppered Beef Soup served in Toasted Bread Bowls is reminiscent of a pot roast with all the fixings. The bread bowls are toasty on the outside and infused with broth on the inside.

• Recipe: Peppered Beef Soup

Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili

Made with black beans, lean ground turkey, and an assortment of veggies, this easy chili recipe requires only 20 minutes of hands-on time.

• Recipe: Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili

Slow-Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice doesn’t get any easier than this slow-cooker version. Just chop everything in advance, and the slow cooker will do the rest of the work.

• Recipe: Slow-Cooker Red Beans and Rice
• Watch: Quick-Fix Red Beans and Rice

Pineapple Upside-Down Carrot Cake Recipe  

One quick flip and this moist cake with perfectly caramelized fruit slips from a skillet.

• Recipe: Pineapple Upside-Down Carrot Cake

Turnip Greens Stew

Frozen vegetables provide a shortcut to make savory Turnip Greens Stew. Sautéed ham and chicken broth give the greens plenty of flavor.

• Recipe: Turnip Greens Stew

Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Wafer-thin boneless pork chops can be pan-fried and ready to serve in less than ten minutes. Add seasonings from your cabinet for a made-to-order breading flavor.

• Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Fried Confetti Corn

Cream, bacon, and sweet peppers take this dish from down-home to top shelf.

• Recipe: Fried Confetti Corn

Honey Barbecue Chicken

It doesn’t get much easier than barbecue chicken on the grill. Simply set the meat on the grill and baste with barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes. Use store-bought sauce to save time.

• Recipe: Honey Barbecue Chicken

Pork Chops with Pepper Jelly Sauce

Minced jalapeño pepper adds a subtle kick to these skillet-cooked pork chops.

• Recipe: Pork Chops with Pepper Jelly Sauce

May
Kentucky Hot Browns

In need of a little comfort? Tuck into the classic knife-and-fork sandwich smothered in Mornay sauce for a decadent Southern dish.

• Recipe: Kentucky Hot Browns

Banana Pudding  

This pudding delivers a velvety rich custard, ripe banana flavor, vanilla wafers so soft they melt in your mouth, and an irresistible golden-baked meringue topping. All this, and it's lower in fat and calories than traditional versions. These make great individual party desserts, or make it in an 8-inch square pan. We love it with extra wafers.

• Recipe: Banana Pudding

Black Bean Chili

Ready in only 30 minutes, this quick, meatless chili is made with black beans, meatless burger crumbles, and petite diced tomatoes. (You can substitute ground beef for the meatless burger crumbles, if desired.) Top with a dollop of sour cream, corn chips, and chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.

• Recipe: Black Bean Chili

Creole Bread Pudding

The nutmeg- and vanilla-flavored Bourbon Sauce makes this Creole Bread Pudding irresistibly delicious. Garnish with currants for a pretty presentation.

• Recipe: Creole Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

Pecan-Coconut Granola

This sweet-and-nutty granola is great as cereal, with yogurt, or as just a snack.

• Recipe: Pecan-Coconut Granola

King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese

Combine two cheesy Southern favorites in one satisfying dish for a meal both kids and adults will love.

• Recipe: King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese

Roast Chicken

Show your culinary skill with this recipe for savory Roast Chicken. Roasted with lemon, dried rosemary, and seasoned pepper, the taste of this chicken will speak for itself.

• Recipe: Roast Chicken