Comfort Food Favorites You’ll Want to Add to the Meal Rotation!
We all have that meal we look forward to, especially after a long day-something so good that you’re happy just to come home to the leftovers.
Originally published at https://mommyrheum.com
Maybe it’s that delicious stew a loved one has simmering at home for you. It’s that plate or bowl of something special that just makes you feel warm, cozy and uplifted. For me, my comfort food is Golabki, polish stuffed cabbage; an absolute treat that my Dad would grab from the polish butcher on his way home from work.
Over 20 years later, my mouth still waters at the thought of tender cabbage leaves engulfed in savory tomato sauce, wrapped around satiating bites of a meat mixture seasoned and cooked perfectly.
Curiously, I wanted to know about the comfort foods of others and asked contributors of all walks of life and professions to share their comfort food favorites. From classic flavors to cultural treasures, they not only share the comfort foods you’ll want to add to your meal rotation but also their heartfelt connections.
1. Homemade Butter Chicken Connects to Heritage
My favorite comfort food has to be homemade butter chicken with fresh naan. There’s something magical about the rich, aromatic sauce with its blend of spices that instantly transports me back to family gatherings in my parents’ home.
Growing up in an Indian household, food was always the centerpiece of our family connections. I remember standing beside my mother in the kitchen, watching her skillfully blend spices — each one added with precision but never measured. The kitchen would fill with the scent of garam masala, cardamom, and fenugreek, creating an atmosphere that felt like a warm embrace.
Now when I make butter chicken in my own home, it’s not just about satisfying hunger. It’s about maintaining that connection to my heritage and family traditions. The process of preparing it — marinating the chicken, simmering the sauce to perfection, and tearing into that first piece of naan — has become a ritual that grounds me when life gets hectic.
It’s comfort in its purest form: familiar flavors that remind me of where I came from, even as I build my own path forward.
Harmanjit Singh, Founder & CEO, Website Design Brampton
Fun Fact: Butter chicken was accidentally created in the 1950s by Kundan Lal Gujral, who combined leftover tandoori chicken with tomato sauce, butter, and cream.
2. Arroz Caldo Recalls Grandmother’s Kitchen
Comfort Food Is Time Travel, and Mine Takes Me Back to My Grandmother’s Kitchen
For me, comfort food isn’t just about taste-it’s about time travel. One bite, and suddenly, I’m seven years old, standing on tiptoe in my grandmother’s tiny kitchen, watching her make arroz caldo on a rainy afternoon.
That’s the dish for me. A steaming bowl of thick, garlicky rice porridge, slow-cooked until it’s impossibly creamy, with shredded chicken and crispy fried garlic on top. It’s simple, but it feels like a hug. The kind that says, You’re safe. You’re home. You’re loved.
The smell alone-ginger and chicken broth bubbling together-triggers a memory loop of lazy Sundays, hands warmed around a ceramic bowl, and my grandmother reminding me that the secret to good arroz caldo isn’t the ingredients, but the patience to let everything come together.
I still make it the way she did: stirring slowly, tasting as I go, adding a little extra garlic because why not? And every time, it brings me back. That’s the magic of comfort food-it’s not just about flavor. It’s about the stories, the hands that made it before yours, and the feeling that no matter how far you’ve gone, you can always take one bite and find your way home.
Derek Pankaew, CEO & Founder, Listening.com
Tip: Toasting the rice briefly in garlic and ginger before simmering gives arroz caldo an extra depth of flavor.
3. Asian Pilau Evokes Family Gatherings
My favorite comfort food is Asian pilau. It holds a special place in my heart because it brings a sense of warmth and familiarity. The blend of aromatic spices, the fragrance of basmati rice, and the combination of vegetables or meat make it both flavorful and deeply comforting. What makes it even more meaningful are the memories tied to it.
Growing up, my family would often cook pilau together, and it became a dish we shared during family gatherings. Preparing and enjoying it with loved ones always gives me a feeling of connection and tradition. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a comforting hug, no matter the occasion. If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend giving it a shot. It’s a dish that’s sure to bring comfort and a delicious experience to your table-whether you’re enjoying it alone or with friends and family!
Sidra Khurshid, Digital Creator, Pink Dragon Fruit
Fun Fact: “Pilau” is believed to originate from Persian cuisine and spread throughout Asia and East Africa through trade routes, adapting uniquely in each region.
4. Oatmeal Blends Health and Nostalgia
One of my favorite comfort foods as a dietitian is a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey. Oatmeal is comforting and packed with nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It provides a great way to start the day, as it keeps me full and satisfied while offering sustained energy. The addition of fruits like bananas, berries, or apples adds natural sweetness and a burst of flavor, making it a deliciously nutritious option.
What I love most about oatmeal is its versatility; it can be customized based on personal preferences or seasonal ingredients. Whether I’m in the mood for something cozy in the winter or a refreshing summer bowl with yogurt and nuts, oatmeal can adapt to any craving. Plus, it evokes a sense of nostalgia-reminding me of childhood mornings spent at the breakfast table. For me, it’s the perfect blend of health and comfort.
Mayank Pandey, Dietitian, Healthroid
Tip: Cooking oatmeal with milk instead of water yields a creamier, richer texture and adds extra nutrients like calcium and protein.
5. Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Warms the Soul
I have to say, my ultimate comfort food is homemade gluten-free mac and cheese. There’s just something about that creamy, cheesy goodness that instantly makes me feel at home. I grew up eating mac and cheese as a kid, but when I had to go gluten-free, I thought I’d never get to enjoy that same nostalgic taste again. But after a lot of trial and error, I finally perfected a gluten-free version that tastes just as good-maybe even better!
For me, mac and cheese is more than just food; it’s a feeling. It’s warmth on a cold day, a reminder of family dinners, and that little bowl of happiness when I need a pick-me-up. The best part? I can share it with friends and family, no matter their dietary restrictions, and no one even notices it’s gluten-free. It proves that comfort food isn’t just about the ingredients-it’s about the memories and emotions that come with every bite.
Bitty Louk, CEO, No Dash of Gluten
6. Mom’s Pierogies Balance Tradition and Work
My go-to comfort food is my mom’s homemade pierogies, which take me back to those Sunday afternoons when we’d discuss life goals and finances over steaming plates of these potato-filled dumplings. Even now, during stressful periods of managing Dundas Life, I find myself craving these little pockets of joy that remind me of the importance of family traditions and work-life balance.
Gregory Rozdeba, CEO, Dundas Life
Tip: Pierogies freeze beautifully! Make large batches ahead of time, freeze them individually, then boil or pan-fry as needed for quick comfort food.
7. Grilled Cheese Celebrates Simple Pleasures
As a restaurant owner, my ultimate comfort food is a perfectly crafted grilled cheese made with locally-sourced sourdough and a blend of aged Italian cheeses that we use in our restaurant. I love how the crusty bread gets golden brown and buttery while the cheese inside becomes wonderfully gooey and stretchy — it reminds me of testing recipes in our kitchen with my staff. When I’m having a challenging day, making this simple but elevated sandwich helps me slow down and appreciate the basic pleasures that got me passionate about food in the first place.
Allen Kou, Owner and Operator, Zinfandel Grille
Fun Fact: Americans eat approximately 2.2 billion grilled cheese sandwiches per year, with April designated as National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month.
8. Warm Bread Brings People Together
There’s nothing more comforting than warm bread straight from the oven with a generous layer of butter melting on top. It’s one of those foods that doesn’t need anything fancy to be satisfying. The texture, the smell, the crisp crust-everything about it just feels right. It’s also something I associate with slow mornings and good company. Whenever I visit family or meet up with old friends, bread is usually part of the table.
The best thing about it is that it brings people together. I started making my own bread a few years ago, and it turned into something I share with others. It’s the kind of food that gets passed around, broken into pieces and enjoyed without much thought. No matter how busy life gets, having something so simple and familiar reminds me to slow down.
Burak Özdemir, Founder, Online Alarm Kur
9. Borscht Tastes Like Home
Borscht. Not just any borscht-deep red, slow-cooked, loaded with beets, cabbage, and a big spoonful of sour cream melting into the broth. That first bite takes me straight back to my childhood in Ukraine. On cold winter evenings, the family crowded around the table, the smell of garlic and dill filling the air. It’s warmth, comfort, and nostalgia in a bowl.
There’s something about how it tastes better the next day like it’s been waiting to be perfect. It’s not just food; it’s a ritual. Chopping everything by hand, letting it simmer, and finally sitting down to enjoy it. No rush, just pure, home-cooked goodness. Even in Florida, where winter barely exists, a bowl of borscht feels like home.
Natalia Lavrenenko, UGC manager/Marketing manager, Rathly
10. Steel-Cut Oatmeal Energizes and Comforts
As a doctor who’s always promoting healthy eating, I have to admit my favorite comfort food is a bowl of steel-cut oatmeal topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of local honey.
I started this morning ritual during my residency when I needed something that would keep me energized through long hospital shifts, and it’s stuck with me for over 20 years. The combination of whole grains and antioxidant-rich berries not only satisfies my comfort food craving but also aligns with the nutritional advice I give my patients about making healthier choices without sacrificing satisfaction.
Dr. Edward Espinosa, Owner, OptumMD
Tip: Soak steel-cut oats overnight to significantly shorten cooking time in the morning and improve digestibility.
11. Chicken Soup Heals with Family Memories
Aja Chavez, Executive Director of Mission Prep Healthcare shares:
My go-to comfort food is my grandmother’s homemade chicken soup, which she taught me to make using vegetables from her garden when I was growing up in upstate New York. The process of slowly simmering the broth and carefully cutting the vegetables into small, uniform pieces becomes almost meditative for me after a long day of counseling sessions. The warm, familiar scent fills my house and instantly transports me back to her kitchen, reminding me of the healing power of food and family connections.
Lori Leonard, Chief Medical Officer of Mindset & Body Reset adds:
I discovered homemade chicken soup became my ultimate comfort food during my 30 years as a healthcare provider, especially after long shifts supporting patients through their mental health journeys. The warm broth, tender vegetables, and memories of my grandmother’s recipe not only nourish my body but also help me decompress and reflect on the meaningful connections I’ve made with my patients.
12. Savory Crepes Offer Simple Comfort
Savory crepes were my weekend tradition when I was younger, something my parents made as a treat. There’s magic in how a simple batter turns into a golden crepe, ready to be filled with anything you like. My favorite has always been ham and cheese-melted cheese with thinly sliced ham wrapped in a soft crepe.
Even now, I turn to this dish when I want something comforting without much fuss. Cooking crepes feels calming-watching the batter spread in the pan, flipping it just right, and folding it into a perfect handheld meal. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy; sometimes, it’s just about the little things that make a meal special.
Shane McEvoy, MD, Flycast Media
13. Turkey Chili Satisfies Health and Cravings
Even as a health professional, I absolutely love a warm bowl of homemade turkey chili loaded with beans, fresh vegetables, and just enough spice to make it interesting. I discovered this healthier version of traditional chili during my college days in Pittsburgh, and it’s become my go-to comfort meal that satisfies both my nutritionist mindset and my craving for something hearty and wholesome.
Alex Roig, Founder, Dr. Weight Loss
14. Buttered Toast Feels Like a Cozy Hug
One of my favorite comfort foods has to be buttered toast with a little sprinkle of sugar. It’s super easy to make, but there’s something about it that just feels like a cozy hug. It reminds me of those slow childhood mornings when my biggest worry was what cartoon to watch.
The way the butter melts into the warm bread and mixes with the sugar crunch is just perfect. It’s a reminder that comfort doesn’t need to be fancy; sometimes, it comes from the little things that make us feel at home, no matter where we are.
Robert Chen, CIO, DataNumen, Inc.
15. Ice Cream Turns Into Everyday Joy
My favorite comfort food is ice cream. Growing up, it was a special treat reserved for celebrations, making every scoop feel extra special. Now, having ice cream always stocked in my fridge means I can enjoy a little moment of happiness anytime, not just on special occasions. It’s my go-to treat that instantly lifts my mood, whether I’m celebrating a win or just unwinding after a long day. Ice cream has turned from a rare indulgence into a simple, everyday joy.
Rose Sioson, Recipe Developer, Deliciously Rushed
Fun Fact: Vanilla ice cream remains the world’s most popular flavor, despite there being thousands of creative flavors available today.
16. Eula’s Casserole Brings Ultimate Comfort
My ultimate comfort food is pasta, but to get more specific, it’s a dish we call Eula’s casserole. Eula was my grandma; she had a true heart of gold. She was a wonderful cook, and I am not so sure she would be thrilled to know that her name is attached to one of the simplest dishes she made, but we started calling it Eula’s Casserole years ago and it’s too late to change now! It’s the ultimate casserole comfort dish; pasta, chicken and broccoli are all in a creamy sauce with a little bite of Swiss cheese. It’s an old-school style of casserole everybody should have in their comfort recipe box!
Rachel Kirk, Recipe Developer, LaughingSpatula
Tip: For a crispy casserole topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and Parmesan cheese over the top before baking.
17. Fried Chicken and Potatoes Relax and Content
My favorite comfort food is fried chicken paired with creamy mashed potatoes smothered in gravy. The combination is simple yet extremely satisfying-rich, savory, creamy, and buttery. It’s the exact type of food that helps me feel relaxed and content.
For me, it has captured my heart because it reminds me of family get-togethers while growing up. This dish was always part of my family’s weekly Sunday meals, no matter what was happening at the time.
Sabah Drabu, CEO, CookinGenie
18. Mac and Cheese Resets and Inspires
Being in the fast-paced marketing world, my ultimate comfort food is a big bowl of creamy mac and cheese topped with crispy breadcrumbs — it reminds me of late nights brainstorming campaign ideas with my team. When deadlines are tight and stress is high, nothing beats that warm, gooey cheese and perfectly cooked pasta that helps me reset and think more clearly.
Josiah Lipsmeyer, Founder, Plasthetix Plastic Surgery Marketing
19. Salmon Energizes and Boosts Confidence
My favorite “good mood food” is one that is healthy but satisfying — salmon. When I eat salmon I get that full feeling without being weighed down by the all too common food coma aftermath. Salmon makes me feel energized. Also knowing all of its health benefits, I have some awareness that I’m doing something good for my body which is a self-esteem and confidence booster. All of this, plus the fact that it is delicious… it just puts a smile on my face to eat it.
Casandra Carrick, Food Blogger, Looks Delic
Fun Fact: Salmon’s vibrant pink color comes from astaxanthin, an antioxidant-rich carotenoid associated with heart, skin, and brain health.
Final Thoughts
Food has the power to uplift, share our cultures and connect communities. However most importantly it can transport us to some of our deepest memories of feeling safe and loved.
What is that special dish or snack that brings you comfort? Share in the comments below!
Originally published at https://mommyrheum.com on April 5, 2025.
