20 Comfort Food Classsics

By Jennifer Beeler
Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas
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

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

Southern Living

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

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

Southern Living

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

Photo: Van Chaplin

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

Beth Dreiling / Styling Cari South / Food Styling Angela Sellers

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

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

Southern Living

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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