When I’m having a bad day, there’s one thing that can turn it around – comfort food. I’m not sure if it’s the process of preparing the recipe, or sitting down and taking the time to enjoy what I made. Regardless, it’s my happy place. If you’re having a bad day, try any of these comforting recipes to make the day better.
“I created this burger because I just love the big grilled onion burgers at the county fair,” explains Jody Wood (Marysville, WA). “So I just had to make one at home!”
Jody’s Grilled Onion Cheeseburgers is one of those simple recipes that pack a big punch of flavor. No condiments are needed for this burger.
The seasoning on the meat is perfect without overpowering the natural flavor of the meat. The cheese is nice and gooey and the caramelized onions add a hint of sweetness. I loved using the onion bun too. It just adds to the flavor.
Nothing says comfort food more than macaroni and cheese. Jean Goss (Beaumont, TX) shared her Mi-Mi’s Mac and Cheese Please which has six different types of cheese. Oh my!
“Sometimes box macaroni and cheese will just not satisfy the craving for homemade macaroni and cheese,” says Jean. “Try this ooey gooey goodness to serve with your favorite meatloaf.”
If you don’t like the texture of baked macaroni and cheese with egg, you’ll love this one. It is a very ooey gooey mac and cheese that’s full of flavor.
Cream cheese is a noticeable and different cheese but blends well with the other cheeses and helps make it creamy. This is an easy and tasty way to prepare baked mac and cheese.
“It’s one of those recipes that needs to cook all day,” reveals Julia Ferguson (Greenwood, IN) of her Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce And Meatballs. “So one of these winter days when you don’t want to get out and you want something hearty and flavorful make this for your family. The aroma coming from the kitchen will keep their stomachs growling all day.”
This recipe is perfect for Sunday dinner. Simmering the sauce for so long really brings out the robust tomato and garlic flavors.
Sprinkling Parmesan cheese at the end brings another depth of cheesy flavor. The tender meatballs soak up all the yummy sauce while cooking. Proof that good things come to those who wait.
Jackie Messina’s (Chardon, OH) Crock Pot Beef Roast has a ton of flavor without a ton of work.
“I usually make mashed potatoes to go with the roast,” shares Jackie. “The juice is really good on the meat and on the potatoes.”
Dump everything into the Crock Pot, walk away for a few hours, and dinner practically cooks itself. The result is a fork-tender fall apart roast. I definitely recommend going with Jackie’s suggestion of serving with mashed potatoes. Drizzling the gravy over them makes this meal comfort food to the max.
Dessert can be comfort food too. When I take a bite of banana pudding, childhood memories start flooding back. Sherry Wilkins’ (Cabot, AR) Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding is super simple and a wonderful treat.
“If you don’t care for the taste of boxed banana pudding then this recipe is for you,” thinks Sherry. “It is the way my mother always made it. I love to eat it while it is still warm.”
The from-scratch vanilla pudding is smooth and creamy. When you layer the pudding between vanilla wafer cookies and sliced bananas, this classic Southern dessert is a fantastic treat. Enjoy warm or cold … both ways are delish.
If you’re trying to turn your day around, hopefully, one of these recipes will make things better. Or, check out our Comfort Classics collection for more recipes. Happy Pinching!