80 Cold Weather Recipes That Will Warm You Right Up
Winter is coming, and all you want to do is hide under a blanket until the sun sets later than 6 p.m. again. You could hibernate and survive on takeout for the next few months, or you could master these 80 cold weather recipes that will defrost your heart and stomach. Think hearty soups, casseroles, bakes and beyond.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
1. Mac and Cheese with Crispy Parmesan-Phyllo Crust
This baked comfort food classic is so decadent, it literally wears a crown...of flaky pastry.
Emily Dorio/The Saltwater Table
2. Charred Cauliflower with Crunchy Garlic Chile Oil
The crisp char on this cauliflower replicates the flavor of steak, but it’s totally vegetarian and oh so satisfying.
Tieghan Gerard/Half Baked Harvest Super Simple
3. Spinach and Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells
When you consider the hidden greens, this stuffed pasta skillet is actually pretty healthy. (OK, OK, healthy-ish.)
Eric Wolfinger/The Mexican Keto Cookbook
4. Cast-Iron Pork Chops with Cacao-Spiced Rub
This restaurant-worthy recipe is keto-approved, so you can warm up while staying low-carb.
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Aran Goyoaga
5. Spicy Lemon-Ginger Chicken Soup
Beat winter colds before you catch them with this simple soup that has anti-inflammatory properties.
Colin Price/Two Peas & Their Pod Cookbook
6. Honey Mustard Sheet-Pan Chicken with Brussels Sprouts
Barely any prep work is necessary for these juicy, crispy chicken thighs that bake with a side of veggies. It's the ideal meal for a cozy night in.
Paul Brissman/Antoni In The Kitchen
7. Antoni Porowski’s Moroccan-Style Pasta Bolognese
Queue up the latest season of Queer Eye and start simmering Antoni’s lamb-based meat sauce.
Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Erin McDowell
8. Butternut Squash Risotto with Crispy Leeks
Risotto is one of the best comfort foods, and when it’s topped with homemade crispy leeks, you’re in for a real treat.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
9. White Turkey Chili with Avocado
There’s nothing like a lazy night in eating a huge bowl of chili. (And this recipe is light enough that you can have seconds without feeling bogged down.)
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
10. Shrimp and Pasta Stew
Part stew, part saucy pasta, each bite of this dish will make you forget about the freezing temperatures.
i am a food blog
11. Spicy Chili Crisp Grilled Cheese
The simple addition of grocery-store chili oil amps up an old school sandwich.
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Half Baked Harvest
12. 30-Minute Coconut Milk Braised Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rice
Seasoned chicken is bathed in creamy coconut milk to create this ultimate night-in dinner. (Add a side of rice, naan or quinoa for a hearty meal.)
Photo:Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
13. Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage
Pop open a package of cheese tortellini, a box of chicken stock and a few other supermarket ingredients to whip up a cozy winter feast.
Half Baked Harvest
14. Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon
Forget everything you thought you knew about salmon. This creamy recipe is an indulgent riff on chicken Florentine.
Pinch of Yum
15. Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
Chicken pot pie may be the ultimate comfort food, but topped with biscuits, this dish is on another level.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
16. Pan-Fried Cod with Orange and Swiss Chard
Warming food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. This cod recipe takes advantage of winter produce to create a light but super satisfying dinner.
Love & Lemons
17. Eggplant Parmesan
This baked eggplant parm is easier (and healthier) than the traditional fried version, plus you get all that residual heat from your oven to warm up the house while your meal is cooking.
Damn Delicious
18. Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup
Double this belly-warming recipe and save half in your freezer for a long day.
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Maria Siriano/The Probiotic Kitchen
19. Restorative Miso Noodle Soup
Soba noodles and shiitake mushrooms give this classic a hearty upgrade.
TIEGHAN GERARD/HALF BAKED HARVEST SUPER SIMPLE
20. Baked Coconut-Curry Meatballs
Baking meatballs is way less effort than pan-frying them.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
21. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
Thirty-minute recipes are prime for busy weeknights.
Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Caroline Lange
22. 5-Ingredient Smoked Gouda-Thyme Mac and Cheese
The definition of comfort food.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
23. Skillet Steak with Asparagus and Potatoes
Say it with us: I'm not afraid to cook steak at home.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
24. Cheater’s White Wine Coq au Vin
It's elegant enough to serve to guests—though they'll never know it took you under an hour to make.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
25. Pork Scallopini with Lemon, Capers and Radicchio
Almost all the ingredients needed to cook this 20-minute beauty are pantry staples.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
26. The Best Damn Tomato Soup
One sip and you'll ditch the canned stuff for good.
Skinnytaste One and Done
27. Dijon-Maple Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash
And the trusty sheet pan does it again.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
28. Swedish Meatballs
Stick them with toothpicks for a savory appetizer or serve them over mashed potatoes for a full-blown meal.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
29. 30-Minute Cheater’s Beef Stroganoff
Buttery pappardelle. Tender button mushrooms. Melt-in-your-mouth beef tenderloin. Consider our souls officially warmed.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
30. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Casserole
One bite and boom—you're a kid all over again.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
31. Shepherd’s Pie
You so don't need to wait for St. Patrick's Day to indulge.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
32. Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Set it, forget it, then bust out the tortilla chips.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
33. Slow-Cooker French Onion Soup
There's no bad day a crock of caramelized onion broth and melted Gruyère can't fix.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
34. The Ultimate Pasta Pie
Aka your kids' new favorite dinner.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
35. Pistachio-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Escarole Salad
You're only 40 minutes away from buttery, melts-in-your-mouth magic.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
36. One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Carrots
Six ingredients, 30 minutes, minimal cleanup.
Aubrie Pick/Eat What You Love
37. Honey-Mustard Sheet Pan Salmon
Roasted alongside Brussels sprouts, butternut squash and cherry tomatoes to flaky perfection.
Photo: Jon Cospito/Styling: Erin McDowell
38. Baking-Sheet Pizza with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
When it comes to cheese, the more the merrier. That's why this pie is loaded with Parmesan, mozzarella and provolone.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
39. One-Pan Steak with Beets and Crispy Kale
Your broiler does all the heavy lifting.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
40. Chicken Gnocchi Soup
One cozy snuggle in a bowl, coming right up.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
41. Sheet-Pan Lemon Butter Veggies and Sausage
Dig into a rainbow of produce from radishes to eggplant to bell peppers.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
42. Cacio e Pepe
Presenting the easiest pasta dinner you'll ever make. Seriously—you probably already have all the ingredients.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
43. Shrimp with Cauliflower “Grits” and Arugula
Our favorite cruciferous veggie never stops surprising us.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
44. The Ultimate Chicken Pot Pie
Store-bought puff pastry saves the day.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
45. Pork Dumplings
Something tells us your kids will be eager to help with assembly.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
46. Balsamic Cranberry Roast Chicken
If your family doesn't do turkey, we know *exactly* what to serve in its place for Thanksgiving.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
47. 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak
One serving only has 230 calories, so why not make room on your plate for a side of white rice to go with it?
Paul Brissman/Antoni in the Kitchen
48. Antoni Porowski’s Chile-Maple Roast Chicken
You truly can't go wrong with dried chipotle chiles, maple syrup and a whole lot of butter.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
49. Cheater’s Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Good things (read: beef, bacon, veggies) come to those who wait.
Kelsey Preciado/Unbelievabowl Paleo
50. Warm Ginger-Scallion Pork and Kale Salad
Keep it paleo by using coconut aminos or substitute soy sauce or tamari instead.
Aubrie Pick/Kitchen Remix
51. Potato Chip-Crusted Chicken with Arugula Pesto
This ain't your nonna's chicken parmigiana.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
52. Slow-Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Our favorite part is the white cheddar biscuit topper, hands down.
Erin McDowell
53. Herb-Crusted Pork Cutlets
They pair beautifully with arugula salad (and shoestring fries).
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
54. Tomato Soup in Grilled Cheese Bread Bowls
Not only is it topped with a mini sandwich, but the inside of the bowl is also lined with melted cheese.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
55. Sticky Asian Meatballs with Udon Noodles
The sauce is sweet and savory, thanks to ginger, hoisin, honey and soy sauce.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
56. Soba Noodles with Peanut Sauce
Load them up with whatever wilted veggies are hiding in your crisper drawer.
Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Jodi Moreno
57. Harissa Chickpea Stew with Eggplant and Millet
If you're all out of millet, swap in quinoa or farro instead.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
58. Butternut Squash Carbonara
The gourd is so decadent that you don't need any butter or cream.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
59. Spicy Turkey Enchiladas with Pumpkin Seeds
We have big plans for all that leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
60. Mexican Posole
Tastes like a soup-chili hybrid—with a generous spritz of lime.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
61. General Tso’s Cauliflower
This vegetarian twist on a takeout classic can fool even the most devout of meat eaters.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
62. Polenta and Meatballs
You won't miss the spaghetti one bit.
Photo: Eric Moran/Styling: Erin McDowell
63. Skillet Chicken Fajitas
You bring the guacamole, we'll shake up the margaritas.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
64. Rotisserie Chicken Ramen
Trust us: This version blows the microwaveable stuff way out of the water.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
65. Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin
Think of it as a healthier potatoes au gratin, only with parsnips, squash and sweet potatoes.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
66. Baked Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
The risotto cooks in the oven, meaning you won't have to stir it for hours on the stove.
Erin Kunkel/The Vibrant Life
67. Sticky Orange Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Fennel
The citrus-sesame marinade doubles as a sauce.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
68. 15-Minute Cheater’s Pad Thai
TBH, you'd spend more time waiting for it to be delivered than if you just cooked it yourself.
A New Way to Food
69. Whole Roasted Chipotle Chicken
You won't believe how short the ingredient list is.
PHOTO: CHRISTINE HAN/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
70. Buckwheat Gnocchi with Cabbage, Potatoes and Fontina
Homemade pasta fit for a dinner party in 40 minutes? Color your guests wowed.
Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Jake Cohen
71. Pomegranate-Sumac Chicken with Roasted Carrots
The traditional buttermilk chicken brine is spiked with sweet-tart pomegranate molasses, key in Middle Eastern cooking.
PHOTO: CHRISTINE HAN/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
72. Sausage, Corn and Poblano Chowder
This spicy one-pot wonder is sure to warm your bones to the core, but feel free to add jalapeño or crushed red pepper to make it hotter.
Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell
73. Spicy Bucatini Amatriciana
If you can't find guanciale (salt-cured pork jowl) near you, use pancetta or bacon instead.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
74. Slow-Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
Not only does the Crock-Pot do all the work, but it's also one of the most kid-friendly dinners ever.
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
75. Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms and Bacon
Call it a side if you insist, but this cozy dish has main meal written all over it. A fried egg on top couldn't hurt either.
Ngoc Minh Ngo/Heirloom
76. Quick Congee
This Asian rice porridge will taste divine topped with herbs, ginger, kimchi, scallions or poached eggs.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
77. Slow-Cooker Whole Chicken with Potatoes
Roast a chicken in the oven and you'll have to babysit it all day. Use the Crock-Pot instead and you're free.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
78. Roasted Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese
Can't decide between gooey pasta and roasted veggies? Allow us to introduce the best of both worlds.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
79. Cheater’s White Pizza with Béchamel Sauce
You won't even need to fuss with store-bought pizza dough, thanks to handy naan flatbread.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
80. Slow-Cooker Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Grab a blanket (and some vino), settle by the fireplace and enjoy.