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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.

RELATED: 21 Super Satisfying Vegan Soup Recipes

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.

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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RELATED: 12 Keto Chili Recipes to Get You Through the Depths of Winter

Maria Siriano/The Probiotic Kitchen

19. Restorative Miso Noodle Soup

Soba noodles and shiitake mushrooms give this classic a hearty upgrade.

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TIEGHAN GERARD/HALF BAKED HARVEST SUPER SIMPLE

20. Baked Coconut-Curry Meatballs

Baking meatballs is way less effort than pan-frying them.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

21. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Thirty-minute recipes are prime for busy weeknights.

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Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Caroline Lange

22. 5-Ingredient Smoked Gouda-Thyme Mac and Cheese

The definition of comfort food.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

26. The Best Damn Tomato Soup

One sip and you'll ditch the canned stuff for good.

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Skinnytaste One and Done

27. Dijon-Maple Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash

And the trusty sheet pan does it again.

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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.

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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.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

30. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Casserole

One bite and boom—you're a kid all over again.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

31. Shepherd’s Pie

You so don't need to wait for St. Patrick's Day to indulge.

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32. Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Set it, forget it, then bust out the tortilla chips.

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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.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

34. The Ultimate Pasta Pie

Aka your kids' new favorite dinner.

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35. Pistachio-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Escarole Salad

You're only 40 minutes away from buttery, melts-in-your-mouth magic.

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36. One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Carrots

Six ingredients, 30 minutes, minimal cleanup.

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Aubrie Pick/Eat What You Love

37. Honey-Mustard Sheet Pan Salmon

Roasted alongside Brussels sprouts, butternut squash and cherry tomatoes to flaky perfection.

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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.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

39. One-Pan Steak with Beets and Crispy Kale

Your broiler does all the heavy lifting.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

40. Chicken Gnocchi Soup

One cozy snuggle in a bowl, coming right up.

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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.

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42. Cacio e Pepe

Presenting the easiest pasta dinner you'll ever make. Seriously—you probably already have all the ingredients.

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43. Shrimp with Cauliflower “Grits” and Arugula

Our favorite cruciferous veggie never stops surprising us.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

44. The Ultimate Chicken Pot Pie

Store-bought puff pastry saves the day.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

45. Pork Dumplings

Something tells us your kids will be eager to help with assembly.

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46. Balsamic Cranberry Roast Chicken

If your family doesn't do turkey, we know *exactly* what to serve in its place for Thanksgiving.

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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?

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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.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

49. Cheater’s Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Good things (read: beef, bacon, veggies) come to those who wait.

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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.

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Aubrie Pick/Kitchen Remix

51. Potato Chip-Crusted Chicken with Arugula Pesto

This ain't your nonna's chicken parmigiana.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

52. Slow-Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Our favorite part is the white cheddar biscuit topper, hands down.

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Erin McDowell

53. Herb-Crusted Pork Cutlets

They pair beautifully with arugula salad (and shoestring fries).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

58. Butternut Squash Carbonara

The gourd is so decadent that you don't need any butter or cream.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

59. Spicy Turkey Enchiladas with Pumpkin Seeds

We have big plans for all that leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

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60. Mexican Posole

Tastes like a soup-chili hybrid—with a generous spritz of lime.

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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.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

62. Polenta and Meatballs

You won't miss the spaghetti one bit.

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Photo: Eric Moran/Styling: Erin McDowell

63. Skillet Chicken Fajitas

You bring the guacamole, we'll shake up the margaritas.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

64. Rotisserie Chicken Ramen

Trust us: This version blows the microwaveable stuff way out of the water.

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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.

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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.

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Erin Kunkel/The Vibrant Life

67. Sticky Orange Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Fennel

The citrus-sesame marinade doubles as a sauce.

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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.

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A New Way to Food

69. Whole Roasted Chipotle Chicken

You won't believe how short the ingredient list is.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Ngoc Minh Ngo/Heirloom

76. Quick Congee

This Asian rice porridge will taste divine topped with herbs, ginger, kimchi, scallions or poached eggs.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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RELATED: 50 Fall Dinner Ideas to Savor All Season Long