6 Comfort Foods You Should Be Making, Not Buying
When you’re in need of a feel-good meal, these homemade recipes are second to none. See you later, takeout.
Reviewed by Dietitian Lisa Valente, M.S., RD
Welcome to Thrifty. A weekly column where nutrition editor and registered dietitian, Jessica Ball, keeps it real on how to grocery shop on a budget, make healthy meals for one or two, and make earth-friendly choices without overhauling your entire life.
Whenever it rains or snows here in Vermont, my motivation to make a light, healthy meal plummets. At the end of a busy week, the last thing on my mind is a salad. On days like those, I just want a feel-good, pick-me-up in the form of a cozy meal I can sink into the couch with. For the most part, the creamier or cheesier the dish, the better.
Related: 6 Soups You Should Be Making, Not Buying
But wanting something comforting doesn't have to mean relying on takeout or pre-packaged foods—although on really busy weeks it's okay to cut yourself some slack. Typically homemade meals will save you money and be a little bit better for you. Here we break down some of the most universally-loved comfort foods that we recommend making from scratch. Next time you want a rich, cozy meal, try cooking one of these delicious recipes at home.
Mac & Cheese
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
Pictured Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
Mac & cheese seems to be one of those timeless dishes that follows everyone from childhood into their adult years and beyond. The creamy cheese sauce and noodles are filling, flavorful and versatile enough that they can be made to meet any mood. One way to boost the nutrition of your mac & cheese is to make it from scratch. You can stick with our classic Baked Mac & Cheese, or get creative with additions like butternut squash, beets and broccoli rabe (we snuck some spinach into that Baked Mac & Cheese recipe but you can make it without if you prefer). Try using whole-wheat pasta or a legume-based pasta for a little extra protein and fiber. You can also adapt it to different dietary preferences, like our Vegan Mac & Cheese recipe with all of the flavor and none of the dairy or our Cauliflower Mac & Cheese if you want a low-carb version.
Pizza
Pictured Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Pizza
If you only think of pizza as takeout, it's time to change your perspective. Pizza is adaptable, nutritious and can be made in as little as 10 minutes when you need a meal fast. If you have the time, you can make the dough from scratch, but store-bought works just as well (bonus points for using whole-grain dough). Adding the sauce and toppings yourself allows you to load up on vegetables and craft unique flavor combinations—like fig, arugula and gorgonzola. Cooking at home can help save money compared to getting pizza delivered. Plus, I can confirm that cold pizza is a perfectly acceptable breakfast.
Lasagna
Pictured Recipe: Cheesy Spinach-Zucchini Lasagna
I don't think I've ever not been in the mood for lasagna. It's one of those things that I could probably eat every time it's suggested. The layers of noodles, melty cheese and tangy tomato sauce are perfect in their own right, but there are plenty of ways to elevate the dish by making it from scratch. You can add in vegetables, like Spinach & Mushrooms and butternut squash, or opt for plant-based with our Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna that couldn't be easier to whip up. Making this dish yourself helps you control the flavors and add ingredients to boost the nutrition beyond plain lasagna for a healthy meal everyone around your table will love. Think you don't have time to make homemade lasagna? All of these lasagna recipes, including our Easy Lasagna, require only 30 minutes of active time.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Lydia Pursell
Pictured Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken
Chicken noodle soup isn't just for when you're under the weather. And we truly believe that it is actually good for the soul. Though turning to canned or packaged soups may be tempting, there are perks to making your own. First, you miss out on the amazing smells that come from homemade soup simmering on the stove or in the slow cooker. Then there's the sodium in canned soups, which can have twice as much sodium compared to our Classic Chicken Soup recipe—1,185mg of sodium compared to just 560 mg. Making soup from scratch also allows you to control the nutrition, including adding vegetables like this Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Noodle Soup. Just set it and forget it. You can even make a big batch and freeze some for an easy meal on the next rainy day.
Ice Cream
Pictured Recipe: Orange Creamsicle Nice Cream
Hear me out—it's easier than you think to make this dessert from scratch. If you have an ice cream maker, the possibilities and flavor combinations are endless! My personal favorite is our Blueberry-Swirl Buttermilk Ice Cream. However, there are several other options for a delicious frozen dessert—no ice cream maker required. Our easy recipes, like Tart Cherry Nice Cream and Pina Colada Nice Cream only take 10 minutes of active time and are made with fruit. Simply mix, freeze and enjoy!
Enchiladas
Pictured Recipe: Turkey Enchiladas
Growing up, enchiladas were a staple comfort food dinner for my family. My mom would leave a big pan of cheesy turkey enchiladas on the stove for people to serve themselves on hectic weeknights. Making your own enchiladas or burritos at home lets you choose your proteins, like beef, chicken or turkey, and pack in the veggies. All between layers of sauce and cheese of course—remember this is comfort food! Not to mention, you will have delicious leftovers.
The Bottom Line
Sometimes you just need some comfort food to come down after a long day—we've all been there. But next time you're in the mood for something cozy, consider ditching takeout and opting for one of our homemade recipes. Whether it's for a rich, creamy dinner (is there such a thing as too much mac & cheese?) or a better-for-you take on dessert, delicious taste is only one of the reasons to cook these comfort foods from scratch. It can also help save you money, customize the flavors and control the nutrition so you can enjoy foods you love while meeting your goals.