45 Comfort Food Suppers
There's nothing like feeling cozy when the sun goes down and enjoying a warming supper dish. Whether it's cold outside or not, suppertime is a special part of the day when you want to reflect and wind down ready for bed. It's not a time for formal, fancy meals, although comfort food can be gourmet. Supper dishes are best if they're not too complex to make but they don't have to be basic. They can range from snacks in front of the television to heartier fare. While you may serve supper straightaway, some recipes require some stovetop simmering or oven baking for hours. Whatever comforting supper dish you make, and we're offering 45 recipe ideas below, you want the flavors to feel as if they're nourishing your body, mind, and every element of your being. Supper is a treat and so you want the taste to be bold and moreish.
1. TikTok-Inspired Cheesy Chicken Cobbler
You've got to love TikTok recipes for introducing so many creative ways to refresh old-school dishes. A classic cobbler made with chicken and cheese is certainly different than most traditional recipes. What's great too is that there aren't any fancy ingredients that are difficult to get hold of. In fact, you might have at least most of them in your fridge and pantry already. Easy to make, just be sure not to stir in the biscuit mix or the chicken broth and soup either, so that you get that delicious doughy topping.
2. Classic Shepherd's Pie
Plunge a serving spoon into homemade shepherd's pie for culinary comfort food that's perfect for suppers on cold nights. This real winter warmer is traditionally made with lamb, although you can use ground beef if you prefer. The dish is then called cottage pie. You don't have to add breadcrumbs on top, but as the cheese melts over the mashed potato, it adds a great crunch. For a smoother mash, use a sieve or a ricer but don't blend russet potatoes. A nice touch is to also bake individual servings in smaller ovenproof dishes.
Recipe: Classic Shepherd's Pie
3. Fig Grilled Cheese
Supper dishes aren't supposed to be complicated to make, but that doesn't mean you can't elevate them to enhance the eating experience. A great example is this grown-up grilled cheese that you can enjoy as you curl up on the sofa to watch TV. The combination of sourdough bread, Gruyère cheese, and fig jam or fig butter is tangy, tart, sweet, and salty. The Swiss cheese melts so well, making it ideal for this dish. Cover the pan to keep the heat in if you want the cheese to melt some more.
Recipe: Fig Grilled Cheese
4. Cozy Squash Casserole
Sometimes all you need for supper when the sun goes down is a comforting casserole. Butternut squash has a nutty, pumpkin-ish taste and with each forkful, you're getting all that root vegetable goodness. The spinach not only looks vibrantly green against the orangey veg but complements the flavor. And no, you won't miss the fact that there's no meat. What finishes it off perfectly is adding tangy Parmesan to the buttery, breadcrumbed topping with dried sage which goes ridiculously well with squash, and some onion powder. The crunchy topping is a game-changer.
Recipe: Cozy Squash Casserole
5. Bay, Beer, And Bacon Crab Soup
A Southern seafood supper in a bowl is just the remedy for a cozy evening. It's creamy, rich, and tastes luxurious yet down-to-earth. Lump crab meat works best because the pieces are larger and less likely to flake up in the soup. While this version is made with a light beer, you can add a stronger-tasting amber, lager, or IPA if you prefer. Serve with crackers or a slice of toasted sourdough or rye to dip in and mop up the velvety bacon, crab, and beer broth.
Recipe: Bay, Beer, And Bacon Crab Soup
6. Easy Swedish Meatballs
If you've ever made a shopping trip just so you can enjoy some IKEA Swedish meatballs then this recipe is for you. Meaty bites made from pork and beef are fantastic in a creamy sauce. Make sure to use Dijon mustard with the other spicy ingredients otherwise the sauce will lose some of its piquancy. Mix the meatballs using your hands to combine them well. Sear them before baking in the oven so they get that lovely crisp texture on the outside. Serve with mashed potatoes and a fruity condiment such as lingonberries.
Recipe: Easy Swedish Meatballs
7. Traditional Shrimp Étouffée
Feel warm inside with a spicy Creole favorite that's super simple to make with straightforward ingredients. Up the spice however you like with some Tabasco, cayenne pepper, or a hot Cajun seasoning. A good tip is to simmer the sauce beforehand so that when it's suppertime all you need to do is heat it up and throw in some peeled, deveined shrimp. Since these only take minutes to cook, this is a quick dish to make if you want it to be. Serve with rice, mashed potato, or in a bread bowl.
Recipe: Traditional Shrimp Étouffée
8. 1-Skillet Kielbasa And Potatoes
You really can't go wrong with this simple, one-skillet dish of meat and potatoes. Another great advantage is that you're not going to have lots of different pots and pans to wash up. It's robust and warming and the fresh-tasting, vinegary sauerkraut contrasts sio well with the fried Polish sausage and crispy baby potatoes. To complement the distinct flavor profile, serve with some fresh dill and sour cream dolloped on top. This is a carb-filled and protein-rich dish, so add some veggies if you want to make it a fuller supper.
Recipe: 1-Skillet Kielbasa And Potatoes
9. Smoky Bean Soup
Smoky, tomatoey, and spicy flavors instantly feel like they're nourishing for the body and the mind. Meanwhile, butter beans and black beans are filling and turn this chili-style soup into a hearty supper bowl. To develop real depth of flavor make sure you sauté the onion, celery, and carrot for a full 10 minutes and don't have the heat up too high. This releases all the essence of the mirepoix before you add some heat. Add less chili powder for less of a kick or add in cayenne pepper to do the opposite.
Recipe: Smoky Bean Soup
10. Classic Lasagna With A Twist
Comforting suppers don't have to be super-stodgy. If you're craving lasagne for an evening meal, then swap out the ground beef that is traditionally used for turkey sausage to lighten the saturated fat load. The crushed tomatoes, carrots, and zucchini packs a veg punch and avoids having to use store-bought sauce which is often full of additives. Another twist is to use cream cheese and ricotta with mozzarella and Parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce. Resting the dish once it's cooked is important so that the layers settle a little.
Recipe: Classic Lasagna With A Twist
11. Easy Chana Masala
Some of the best Indian recipes are either vegetarian or vegan, and this plant-based dish is no exception. It's substantial without being too heavy, and spicy without being too hot. However, to add extra heat use a serrano pepper in place of a jalapeño. Make sure to grate the ginger, mince the garlic with a garlic press, and deseed your chili. A squirt of lemon juice lifts the flavors of this chickpea curry, so don't miss this final step. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with rice or naan bread.
Recipe: Easy Chana Masala
12. Traditional Toad In The Hole
This banging British supper is made with bangers which are English sausages. They're enveloped in a soft and crispy cooked batter known as a Yorkshire pudding. Made with milk, eggs, and flour it's also an affordable recipe that uses common ingredients for a family meal The mustard powder, rosemary, and thyme add a herby heat that ensures that the batter isn't too plain tasting. Traditionally this comfort-food classic is served with onion gravy. However, if you're a fan of sweet-and-salty flavors then add a drizzle of maple syrup instead.
Recipe: Traditional Toad In The Hole
13. Comforting Matzo Ball Soup
When you need a pick-me-up after a long day then this chicken broth soup quickly warms and lifts the spirits. And if you don't fancy making matzo dough balls when you get home, remember you can make them beforehand. Then all you need to do is pop them in the liquid, cover, and let them fluff up. Schmaltz is used traditionally but you can use olive oil instead. And make them smaller if you want them to fit on your spoon. Swiss chard and fresh herbs add color and flavorful vibrancy.
Recipe: Comforting Matzo Ball Soup
14. Traditional Lomo Saltado (Peruvian Stir-Fried Beef)
Sirloin steak and fries reimagined. This dish is a stir-fry that has the rich juiciness that you usually get from a stew. The tender meat and soft potatoes marry wonderfully with the tangy salty sweetness of the ingredients. Tomatoes, bell peppers, and aji amarillo create a comforting flavor profile, with ginger bringing the warmth. Just be mindful not to overcook the steak strips and eat this dish straightaway while the textures are tasty, served with salad or rice.
15. Rachael Ray's Macaroni And Cheese With A Twist
You don't need anyone to tell you how fabulous macaroni cheese is as a supper dish. If you're needing a cheesy, gooey carb-fest after dark then this is the dish for you. And what makes this version stand out is that it's got some green goodness too with kale added to the cheese sauce. For a velvety texture make sure you stir in a handful of cheese before adding more so it's properly blended. Nutmeg and cayenne pepper are wonderfully warming too.
16. Moussaka
If you don't fancy turning your culinary skills to making a béchamel sauce at suppertime but want a cheese sauce dish then this Greek classic is ideal. Forget making a roux, you make the sauce with yogurt with cheese, and eggs added. If carbs sound a bit heavy then you might like the fact that this lasagne-esque meal is made with eggplant, not pasta. Traditionally, ground lamb is used, but you can use ground beef if you prefer. Broil after baking for a few minutes for a perfect golden brown top as the Parmesan melts and bubbles.
Recipe: Moussaka
17. Guinness Stew
The aromas of treacly Guinness and tender chuck steak simmering away make any house feel like a cozy home. However, you might prefer this as an early supper dish rather than a late one as it's also made with coffee. Although you could experiment and add decaff. You can most of your prep done in advance too, so it's just a matter of a few simple steps to get your stew on. It's made for dunking a robust hunk of buttered bread into a hearty bowlful with a slice of Irish cheese on the side.
Recipe: Guinness Stew
18. Easy Loaded Potato Skins
What's brilliant about these loaded potato skins is that the fillings are mixed with all of the mash from the potatoes and have a melted cheese top. That means you get a super-loaded bite that's a perfect TV snack. If you want to stay curled up on the sofa rather than sit at the table then these cheesy, bacon taters are easy to eat and packed full of flavor. And unlike a regular baked potato, you're not going to run out of toppings before you've finished.
Recipe: Easy Loaded Potato Skins
19. 30-Minute Lamb Stew
There aren't many stews that you can cook in 30 minutes, and there are definitely few that have feta cheese crumbled over either. This one does, and the creaminess of the eggplant and the strong taste of the ground lamb pair exquisitely. If the skin of the vegetable seems tough then peel it. However, since it's good for you, try and choose smaller, younger eggplants that are softer-skinned. Meanwhile, the cinnamon is wonderfully warming. Perfect for supper, it tastes even better if it's leftovers made a day or two before and simply warmed up.
Recipe: 30-Minute Lamb Stew
20. Best Baked Cauliflower With Cheese
Simple ingredients often make the best dishes for supper and cauliflower cheese is no exception. Instead of making a classic sauce, you add grated cheese to heavy cream that's been heated with spices. This certainly makes this dish easier to rustle up. You can even steam the florets in the microwave if you cover them. It's the paprika and onion powder that boost the flavor with this version. Don't forget to grease your baking dish so that you can serve up every last mouthful and none of it sticks.
21. Spanakopita
With eight layers of phyllo pastry and vibrantly green spinach filling this dish looks super sophisticated and impressive for a supper dish. However, it's not too complex to make and you don't need a long list of complicated ingredients either. What's important is that you keep the sheets of pastry damp while you're working with them. Score the top layer so that you have clearly marked portions and eat what you make as it doesn't reheat so well. This sounds like a great excuse for seconds. Serve when it's not piping hot and has cooled a little.
Recipe: Spanakopita
22. Frito Pie
Making chili is simple and it's this that becomes the filling of the ultimate comfort-food pie that doesn't have pastry. If this sounds like too much effort though for a meal at the end of the day then there's nothing wrong in using chili from a can. Be sure to brown the meat before adding other ingredients to lock in all the flavor. It's best to make this on the night you want to enjoy it too otherwise your base layer of Fritos is going to lose its crispiness. Chili, cheese, and chips just work.
Recipe: Frito Pie
23. Best Beer Chili
Beans, beef, Italian sausage, and beer are the ingredients that give this nourishing suppertime dish its rich flavor and robust character. It's up to you how much heat you want to add more jalapeños and red pepper flakes to elevate this. You can also use a hot pepper or add hot sauce for an extra kick. Eat this chili as is, in a bowl, with some grated cheese on top, or add it as a topping to a baked potato or some nachos for a more substantial carb-filled meal.
Recipe: Best Beer Chili
24. Cheesy Potato Casserole
What's great about a casserole is that you can bung it in the oven and leave it until it's ready to serve. There's no slaving over a hot stove, which means it's ideal to make for a relaxed supper. The chicken soup sauce with hash browns, and cheese, make this recipe easy too, while the taste is creamy. Even making the crunchy topping is simple as you only need to sprinkle on crushed chips and warm them in the oven. The different textures ensure the casserole has some crunch and isn't too sloppy.
Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole
25. Gordon Ramsay's Shepherd's Pie With A Twist
A twist on a classic pie recipe from the world's most famed British chef creates a wonderfully comforting dish. Instead of lamb, use venison which is flavorful yet light with a traditional gamey taste. Rutabaga is also added to the pie topping, to complement the mashed potato. These two ingredients add a wonderfully warming sweetness that's complemented by a bitter note. The melted parmesan on top is even better if you create rough peaks in the mash with a fork so that you get crunchy edges when it's broiled.
Recipe: Gordon Ramsay's Shepherd's Pie
26. Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto
Culinary magic is crafted when you combine arborio rice and butternut squash to make risotto. Fresh sage is an absolute must to create herby perfection against the creamy, velvety texture. Use shallots for a sweeter taste and if you want to skip the wine add more stock, grape juice, or apple cider vinegar. What you'll love about this recipe is it saves you from having to continuously stand over a stove and stir. Hint: Only add the liquid when the rice has a nutty aroma and has turned opague.
27. Creamy Dauphinoise Potatoes
Creamy carbs are the ultimate indulgence and the culinary equivalent of a comforting hug. The softness of the potato along with the luxury of the heavy cream is a total treat. And while this dish is often served as a side, it's perfect just as it is for supper. To stop the potatoes from tasting gummy, soak the slices in cold water before layering them up to get rid of some of the starch. The thyme and garlic evoke the flavors of France, while this version adds some cheese for a tangy finish.
Recipe: Creamy Dauphinoise Potatoes
28. King Ranch Chicken Casserole
The best suppers are those that you can easily put together. If you've got some cooked chicken left over, a few tins of soup, and some corn tortillas then you've got the makings of a superbly hearty dish. It's more like a lasagna since it's layered and how many layers you do is up to you. The only cooking you have to do is fry a bit of onion and bell pepper. That's it. What completes this dish and makes it so heartwarmingly great is a bubbling layer of melted cheese.
Recipe: King Ranch Chicken Casserole
29. Stir-Fried Udon Noodles
The Asian equivalent of comfort food is a big bowl of thick udon noodles. They're so satisfying to chow down on for a filling supper. You can customize this dish, using more or less bok choi and shiitake mushrooms depending on how many portions you need. You can also change up the veggies. Broccoli and red pepper go perfectly. Use refrigerated, rather than dry, noodles because they're less gluey and separate more easily. For a plant-based version, leave out the oyster sauce and use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey.
Recipe: Stir-Fried Udon Noodles
30. Hearty Chicken And Rice Casserole
A meal that comes in one dish is exactly what you want at suppertime. You don't want to be adding sides and faffing around. Digging a big spoon into this casserole you'll get to taste the succulence of chicken thighs and the creaminess of crème fraiche marrying with the softness of the rice. The white wine in the sauce and the cheese sprinkled on top add another dimension of comfort food deliciousness. Creating your filling on the stove means your kitchen will be full of mouthwatering aromas too.
31. Spicy Lentil Soup
When it's cold outside and you want a bowlful of nourishment then spicy lentils work wonders at warming you up. Full of goodness, these legumes boast plenty of health benefits and they're moreish. This is a simple dish to prep, as you don't need to soak the lentils but just rinse them. Forget the red pepper flakes if you want a non-spicy version. To serve, drizzle on some olive oil and crushed red pepper. Don't forget to take out the bay leaf but don't leave it out as it adds so much flavor.
Recipe: Spicy Lentil Soup
32. Old-School Slow Cooker Birria (For Tacos And More)
This traditional recipe has found a new generation of fans who love the meaty, chili, stew-like taste. The melt-in-the-mouth beef and pureed adobe-style sauce boast depth of flavor. Be sure to use the bone-in short rib to enhance the broth. Enjoy with tortillas, rice, or mashed potato or cut the carbs and just slurp up the soup and shredded birria. For a Mexican-inspired flavor boost squeeze on some lime juice and throw on some cilantro, chopped onions, and a dash of hot sauce.
33. Comforting Turkey Pot Pie
Fresh herbs take this turkey version of a chicken pot pie to the next level. Rosemary and sage elevate the taste of the creamy filling tremendously. What makes this dish easy to make for supper is the fact that you're using ready-made pastry and meat that's already cooked. A great way to thicken up the gravy is by adding flour and while you can use regular stock, bone broth takes the flavor deeper. Have some foil at the ready in case you need to protect the pastry edges as it bakes.
Recipe: Comforting Turkey Pot Pie
34. White Bean And Kale Soup
This hearty soup can be made in advance and warmed up when you need nourishing. Flat kale works best, as it's less bitter but you can use the curly variety if you prefer. A great tip to thicken the broth is takinh some of the soup out and pureeing it before adding it back into the pot. If you're not bothered about making a plant-based supper then you can replace the veggie stock with chicken broth. Add other vegetables if you like, such as red bell pepper and broccoli.
Recipe: White Bean And Kale Soup
35. Sweet Potato Casserole
When you don't know if you want something sweet or savory, have a scoop of this delicious mix of the two. To speed up the prep time, don't oven-bake the sweet potatoes. Stab them a few times and stick them in the microwave instead. They'll be easier to peel after cooking. You don't need any peculiar ingredients either but if you don't have any pecans or just aren't too keen then swap these out for walnuts instead. To get a silky-smooth texture the trick is to use the paddle attachment on your blender.
Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole
36. Beef And Cornbread Tamale Pie
If you love a hot tamale and you adore pie at the end of the day this dish is a winner. It's not complex to make either, just so wary of not overcooking the beef before adding the other ingredients. You want the cornmeal crust nice and thick but not too stodgy. For toppings, think about what you love on tacos and go with these. You might like sour cream and hot sauce, or perhaps some black olives, cilantro, and jalapeños. And there's always room for extra cheese.
Recipe: Beef And Cornbread Tamale Pie
37. Old Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie
Imagine your fork breaking open crisp pastry and submerging into a creamy, herby filling full of juicy chicken and wholesome veggies. Probably the number one dish in the U.S. that's equated with comfort food is the chicken pot pie. If you want this dish to be more indulgent use cream as well as milk for the sauce. Use ready-made pastry, frozen mixed veggies, and cooked chicken that's shredded to make this an easy dish to make for supper. Adding egg wash to the pastry achieves that classic golden-brown crust.
Recipe: Old Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie
38. Meaty Rotel Queso Dip
Chips and dips can be substantial enough for a supper dish. This cheesy, tomato-based sauce is given some extra oomph with pieces of chorizo turning it into a meaty dish with a little heat. If you prefer, you can make this dip in a Crock Pot rather than on the stove. Either way, just be sure to take off the casing around the meat before chopping it up. When the cheese has melted you're good to go. Serve with tortilla chips or some raw veggies for a healthy bite as well.
Recipe: Meaty Rotel Queso Dip
39. Skillet Mushroom Chicken
This creamy, herby sauce with succulent chicken and umami mushroom flavors is a one-pot wonder. Use bone-in or bone-out chicken thighs for this recipe, with or without skin. Use dried parsley if you don't have any fresh, and make the sauce with half-and-half if you want to cut down on the heavy cream. Mop up the garlicky sauce with a hunk of bread or some velvety egg noodles for a supper that tastes luxurious and yet is super simple to make. This recipe doesn't use any fancy ingredients, they just work together perfectly.
Recipe: Skillet Mushroom Chicken
40. Classic Mapo Tofu
Chinese homestyle cooking doesn't get much better than this spicy, pork and tofu bowl of flavor. Chili, Thai pepper, and spicy bean sauce add heat while the meat creates a stew-like heartiness, and the silken tofu cuts through the fire with some creaminess. Tone down the spices if you want a more mellow version but try not to miss out on blanching the tofu as it creates a softer texture. Get everything prepped beforehand because you're stir-frying and need ingredients that're good to go to make this quick-cook supper dish without burning anything.
Recipe: Classic Mapo Tofu
41. Joshua Weissman's Mom's Pot Roast
On weekends, when you've got time for a dish to be simmering on the stove for hours a go-to suppertime classic has to be a pot roast. Just think about that melt-in-the-mouth chuck roast that's been braising in flavorsome stock until tender. The carrots, herby gravy, and soft onion slices complement this meaty classic that everyone loves. When you want a traditional, warming choice that everyone loves then this is the recipe for you and it tastes like family, home, and yesteryear all at the same time.
42. Irish Nachos
If you love nachos but want a variation that's got a heavier stodge load then what about swapping out the tortilla chips for cooked slices of potato? Genius. Once your taters are cooked and you've melted cheese on top then it's up to you what toppings you want to add. Use whatever cheese you like and a mix is always good. This recipe adds chopped cooked bacon, sour cream, and sliced scallions. If you want to add some heat then splash some hot sauce on top too. Other great options are hummus and also salsa.
Recipe: Irish Nachos
43. 30-Minute Twice Baked Potatoes
You hardly need a recipe for baked potatoes. Once they're fluffy inside cut them open and add toppings. However, if you want to transform this humble dish into a smoother, creamier supper carb and cheese moment then baking them twice is a must. While you have to put them in the oven the second-time round, you can speed up the cooking time by blitzing them in the microwave the first time. Make sure to leave a rim of potato inside so the skin doesn't break. Serve with chives and sour cream.
Recipe: 30-Minute Twice Baked Potatoes
44. Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff
Meat can be a little heavy for supper, but without it, you can still enjoy a decadently creamy supper dish. And a vegetarian take on a classic at that. Mushroom stroganoff with wide egg noodles that taste like silky ribbons and white wine and Greek yogurt sauce is divine. Use whatever mushrooms you like but ideally a mix that can really make this star ingredient shine. Have some stock ready in case you need to thin out the sauce and make sure the mushrooms are beautifully caramelized before adding any of the liquid.
Recipe: Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff
45. 15-Minute Thai Red Curry With Shrimp
It's true that to get a complex depth of flavor with a curry you may want to spend time perfectly grinding spices and simmering your dish. If you've got some ready-made red curry paste, coconut milk, and cooked shrimp then you can make this Thai-style dish in no time. Serve with rice for a more filling supper, and if you can't get hold of traditional jasmine rice then any variety will do. Finish with a squirt of lime juice and a sprinkling of coriander if you like.