20 Comfort Food Classsics

By Jennifer Beeler
February 11, 2011
Jennifer Davick
Handed down from generation to generation on stained recipe cards and in tattered notebooks, comfort foods are staples for anyone wanting a hearty meal and a little taste of home. Try one of these comforting classics tonight.
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Mama's Fried Chicken

Southern Living

Recipe: Mama's Fried Chicken

Skip the bucket of fast-food fried chicken and remember what it's like to eat "real" fried chicken like Mama used to make. Serve with our Perfect Mashed Potatoes to complete this classic Southern meal.

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Double-Crust Chicken Pot Pie

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Double-Crust Chicken Pot Pie

Lose the centerpiece to your table. This impressive pot pie is enough dazzle guests.

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Southern-Style Collard Greens

Photo: Jim Franco

Recipe: Southern-Style Collard Greens

Crispy bacon, sautéed onion, ham, and garlic perfect these collard greens, making them an essential part of your traditional Southern feast.

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Mom's Signature Roast Beef

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: 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.

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Classic Lasagna

Recipe: Classic Lasagna

This classic lasagna recipe perfectly matches traditional Italian ingredients with a homemade sauce. Layers of cheese, meat, and pasta will satisfy any crowd.

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Classic Chicken and Dumplings

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: 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.

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Easy Brunswick Stew

Photo: William Dickey

Recipe: 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.

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Classic Chicken Tetrazzini

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Classic Chicken Tetrazzini

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

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Old-fashioned Meatloaf

Recipe: Old-fashioned Meatloaf

This Southern meatloaf recipe features Creole and Greek seasonings and a hint of garlic. A few tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce spice up the traditional ketchup topping.

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Mom's Pecan Pie

Recipe: 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.

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Pork Chops, Cabbage, and Apples

Photo: Van Chaplin

Recipe: 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.

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Skillet Cornbread

Recipe: 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.

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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!

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Pecan-Peach Cobbler

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Pecan-Peach Cobbler

Showcase two of the South’s most beloved products—peaches and pecans—in this old-fashioned peach cobbler recipe.

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Crispy Chicken-and-Rice Casserole

Our Crispy Chicken-and-Rice Casserole is a perfect "mobile" dish for a covered-dish supper. Water chestnuts and cornflakes cereal make this casserole crispy.

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Fried Pork Chops with Gravy

Recipe: Fried Pork Chops with Cream Gravy

Any dish with gravy is bound to be delicious and comforting, and these pork chops are no exception.

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Chunky Beef Chili

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Chunky Beef Chili

This hearty beef chili features boneless chuck roast and a medley of traditional chili seasonings. Serve with Skillet Cornbread for a complete meal.

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Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Yukon gold potatoes yield a texture that's just right for holding a pool of flavorful turkey gravy or melted butter. Learn how to whip up Perfect Mashed Potatoes with our 3-Step Guide.

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Fried Lemon-Rosemary Catfish

Recipe: 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.

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Two-Step Pound Cake

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: 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.

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