Jocelyn Adams of Grandbaby Cakes shared the sweet story of her Big Mama's Egg Pie with us here , and it's one you'll want to read ASAP. Recipe: Classic Beef Chili. On a fall day, a hearty chili hits the spot. This hearty beef chili features boneless chuck and a medley of traditional chili seasonings, like cumin, chili powder, and garlic.

A dash of oregano and thyme makes this Southern beef chili anything but ordinary. Topped with crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, and as much shredded cheese as your heard desires for a meal you'll make again and again. Recipe: Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili.

This slow-cooker turkey chili recipe makes it easy for you to get those classic Southern comfort flavors with a minimum hands-on effort. This chili recipe is perfect for a cold day and packed with major flavor. Recipe: Mississippi Mud Cake. There's no better way to feed dessert to the whole family than with an easy sheet cake like this fudgy, marshmallow-topped creation.

Recipe: Beef Stroganoff. Even though this classic comfort food dish is easy to prepare and made of simple ingredients, it inherently feels like a special occasion dish, even if it's just a cold winter night.

Recipe: German Chocolate Cake. Our resident confection extraordinaire Pam Lolley created this gorgeous new recipe for classic German chocolate cake, and you're going to love it more any you've tried before.

Recipe: Tomato Gravy. Even though it's usually made with canned tomatoes, we developed this version of the old-school classic with fresh tomatoes for a summery taste that will be delicious over biscuits or even grits or pork chops.

Recipe: Slow-Cooker French Onion Soup. There aren't many things a warm batch of classic French onion soup can fix, and this slow-cooker version saves you from standing by the stovetop for hours. Recipe: Cake with Chocolate Frosting. This classic cake is so easy you might never buy a box of mix again.

Recipe: Easy Brunswick Stew. Nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of hearty, flavorful Brunswick stew. This easy recipe comes together in just an hour so you can serve it up on a weeknight.

Overloaded with chicken thighs, chicken sausage, Yukon Gold potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery, this stew will satisfy your entire family. Recipe: Smoked Turkey-and-Andouille Gumbo. When the temperature drops, you can bet that plenty of homes in Louisiana will have a pot of gumbo ready. Recipe: Homemade Orange Rolls.

There's nothing that brightens up a Saturday morning more than a batch of fresh-from-the-oven orange rolls. Recipe: Twice-Baked Potatoes. Although these baked potatoes are the ideal side dish, a few quick and easy toppings can transform them into an incredible main dish. Recipe: Mamie Eisenhower's Chocolate Fudge.

If you have an old-fashioned fudge recipe in your collection, we're guessing it looks a little something like this hallmark recipe. Recipe: Easy Chicken and Dumplings. Chicken and dumplings is a quintessential Southern comfort food at which every Southern chef should try their hand.

We've made it easy to start. With deli-roasted chicken, cream of chicken soup, and canned biscuits, this quick and tasty version of the classic recipe comes together with minimal effort, but maximum flavor and comfort.

When it comes to chicken and dumplings recipes, its hard to pick a favorite. We adore the tried-and-true versions that our grandmothers spoon-fed us, and the more innovative versions with unexpected additions like gnocchi, sweet potato, and cornbread.

Even with new and exciting twists on the classic, this savory, steaming, and traditional chicken and dumplings recipe is worth holding on to.

Recipe: Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie. We made old-fashioned sweet potato pie even more delicious with the addition of browned butter. Recipe: Old-School Green Bean Casserole. Every part of this old-school casserole is homemade, so canned soup required.

While it's a staple during the holiday season, we think this classic side dish is a great addition to your menu year-round. Recipe: Candied Yams. Lightly spiced and oh-so-sweet, candied yams are a mainstay on Southern Thanksgiving tables. Recipe: Sock It To Me Cake.

We're revisiting this s recipe that was a Southern host favorite. Recipe: Baked Ziti with Sausage. Classic and comforting, cheesy baked ziti casserole is always a family favorite. This easy Southern comfort casserole comes together with homemade tomato sauce with crumbly, flavorful, and savory sausage.

Double the sauce, and freeze it for a quick and delicious homemade pasta sauce. Then, pour the rest over baked ziti, top with mozzarella cheese, and enjoy homemade baked ziti. Recipe: Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas. Southerners love their black-eyed peas especially on New Year's Day!

Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Pie. When the farmers' market is bursting with fresh tomatoes in the summer, the first thing we rush to make is tomato pie. Recipe: Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie. No other dish describes comfort quite as well as chicken pot pie.

Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes. It doesn't get much more Southern than a plate of Fried Green Tomatoes. Great on sandwiches, on top of salads, or plain eaten off a plate and dipped in sauce, this is a recipe that every Southern could should learn — and make weekly.

Always pick firm green tomatoes that will hold their texture during the fry process. We dip our fried green tomatoes in a blend of self-rising cornmeal mix, salt, pepper, and all-purpose flower.

Each fried green tomato is hand-dredged in buttermilk, tossed in the crispy coating, and then fried to golden perfection in popping vegetable oil. The crispy coating flakes off with each perfect bite. Recipe: Homemade Mashed Potatoes.

We have a feeling that you'll be licking the bowl clean after you make these perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes. Yukon gold potatoes yield a texture that's just right for holding a pool of flavorful turkey gravy or melted butter.

These potatoes are perfect for all occasions, from weeknights to special occasions. No potluck, church supper, or pot roast is complete without a bowl of steaming mashed potatoes, served with a large wooden spoon. Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits.

In the South, Biscuits are to breakfast what tires are to a car: no Southern breakfast is complete without flaky, buttery biscuits. Actually, make that no Southern meal is complete without flaky, buttery biscuits.

Don't be afraid to make your own — homemade buttermilk biscuits are worth the labor. Once you try homemade buttermilk biscuits steaming from the oven, you'll think twice before buying store-bought canned biscuits again.

We've found the perfect biscuit recipe that makes the process easy. This versatile biscuit recipe only takes five ingredients to make, and you can amp it up with any of our four flavor variations, like cinnamon-raisin, black pepper bacon, feta oregano, or pimiento cheese.

Recipe: Shepherd's Pie. Southerners are well versed in comfort food, but this old-fashioned recipe has roots over the pond.

Recipe: Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole. Our chicken and Rice Casserole is savory, creamy, filling, and everything that a classic Southern casserole should be. This staple casserole can be dressed up for special occasions, but its crowd-pleasing flavor is perfect for a weeknight or family dinner.

Roasted sliced almonds, water chestnuts, and fresh breadcrumbs give it that irresistible crunch that will keeps you coming back for seconds. Using a long-grain and wild rice mix and toasted almonds in the classic chicken casserole makes it a little bit dressier, and fit for company during the holidays.

You can also prepare this recipe in advance — it keeps in the freezer for up to one month. Recipe: Best Cornbread Dressing. Nothing tastes more like home than a warm scoop of cornbread dressing and don't dare call it stuffing!

Recipe: Company Pot Roast with Creamy Mushroom Grits. A flavorful pot roast is, perhaps, the most underrated classic Southern comfort food. Not only is a well-cooked pot roast tender and savory, but it is also incredibly versatile.

Eat it hot from the slow cooker, or cold, piled between two slices of French bread. Our test kitchen carefully developed this flavorful roast to be the only roast recipe you'll ever need. Bacon, garlic, and red wine imbue humble chuck roast with robust flavors and character.

Rich beef-bourguignon flavor grows as the meat transforms from simple to extraordinary in your slow cooker. Serve sliced or in chunks over Creamy Mushroom Grits. Recipe: King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Our favorite casserole? King Ranch, of course. Our favorite side dish? Dare we say mac and cheese? All of the flavors of one of our favorite casserole recipes come together in the filling comfort mac and cheese. Packed with cellentani pasta, buttery onions and peppers, diced tomatoes, and two blends of creamy cheese, this mac and cheese dish sets a high standard for all other sides and main dishes.

Serve this five-star dinner dish to your family, and it will become a quick favorite. One reviewer raves, "This is the best casserole I have ever made and I have been cooking for over 30 years… My family loved it, and we did not have any leftovers!

I make it weekly now. Recipe: Chicken-and-Brisket Brunswick Stew. Some recipes are quick. Brunswick stew is not one of these recipes. But trust us, the results are worth every minute. You'll wind up with enough to feed a crowd, or enough to freeze for several great meals to come. Flavors of sautéed onions and garlic, beef soup based, fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, mustard, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce come together in a two-hour long simmering period that results in this craveable classic stew of tender chicken, filling vegetables, and intensely delicious barbecued beef brisket.

Purchase your barbecued brisket from your favorite local shop, and stir in to make this comfort dish fit for your family. Recipe: Minute Chili. Do you want delicious chili but don't want to wait all day? Our Minute Chili recipe will have you enjoying one of our quick-fix suppers in no time.

This simple-to-make chili recipe only has six ingredients, but you'll marvel at its slow-cooked flavor. Simmering the ground beef is probably the hardest part; once you've finished that, you just pour everything else in, and stir.

If you prefer an Italian-style take on Minute Chili, spice this up and use 1 pound of ground sausage and 1 pound of ground beef. Whether you prefer a traditional chili or you would like to enjoy some Italian-infused flavors, this easy-to-make chili will always be ready when you are.

Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup. Instead of waiting for a whole chicken to cook, we sped this comfort food classic up by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Recipe: Southern-Style Collard Greens. A true Southern chef knows that part of what makes Southern-smoked meat taste good are the perfect side dishes. And a true Southern chef also knows that this perfect side is often collard greens.

Packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, collard greens are a type of cabbage that does not develop into a head of lettuce. This recipe fixes the greens up with some traditional Southern flavors. Crispy hickory-smoked bacon, bacon, sautéed sweet onion, smoked ham, apple cider vinegar, and garlic perfect these savory Southern-Style Collard Greens, making this side dish an essential part of your traditional Southern feast.

Recipe: Peppered Beef Soup. A steaming hot bowl of hearty soup served out of a toasted bread bowl warms our hearts in such a distinct and fulfilling way. This comfort soup requires some prep work, but the soul warming worth every minute.

Sirloin tip beef roast is coated in flour and seared for a crispy finish, and a healthy load of vegetables gives the soup simmering flavor. Make a huge pot, and freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months.

Add a bit of canned broth when reheating to reach desired consistency. For a decadent finish, serve in Toasted Bread Bowls. Recipe: Caramel Cake. This old-fashioned recipe has remained, over the years, as one of our best-ever homemade cakes. Our caramel cake has competed against plenty of fancier and more complicated cakes, but it still satisfies our sweet cravings in ways that other cakes never do.

Rich and moist from a container of sour cream, dense from butter and eggs, and sweet from sugar, the cake is simple and satisfying. What makes this classic Southern cake stand out is the homemade caramel frosting spread between and on top of the cake's layers. This traditional cake will seal your reputation as the family's best baker.

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken. This slow-cooker version of the fan favorite King Ranch Chicken Casserole is sure to please your whole family. What's more comforting than chicken, cheese, and tortillas? Layers of tender shredded chicken, onions, bell peppers, creamy soup, diced tomatoes, green chiles, garlic, and chili are separated with flaky tortillas and sharp shredded Cheddar cheese.

Put this recipe in your slow cooker in the mid afternoon, and it'll be ready just in time for dinner. It is filling and oh-so-rich, so you will not need to spend time making a fancy Southern side dish.

Try serving it with a simple garden green salad, or roasted broccoli, for an easy and delicious weeknight meal. Recipe: Two-Step Pound Cake. Pound cakes are one of the easiest cakes to bake.

This classic dessert is one of those sweet treats that you can whip together with minimal effort. This staple cake comes together with only 6 ingredients that everyone keeps on hand; you can jazz it up to suit any occasion.

While you're enjoying the buttery, crumbly cake, have you ever wondered where it gets its name? The original recipe dates back to the s, and calls for a pound of flour, a pound of butter, a pound of sugar, and a pound of eggs.

Now, that's a lot of cake. A lot of soft, dense, sweet, and absolutely perfect cake. Test Kitchen Tip: Sift the flour prior to adding to the mixing bowl for a smooth cake that will best absorb icing. Recipe: Baked Smokin' Macaroni and Cheese. If you're craving the ooey, gooey cheesy comfort of mac and cheese, but looking for a lighter option, this baked macaroni dish is perfect for you.

The cheesy sauce comes together with Gouda, milk, flour, and oil and coats the cellentani pasta in flavor you'll want to lick straight from the bowl. This delicious mac and cheese is light on butter and cheese, yet still melts in your mouth.

We love this recipe so much that we asked for more like it! Try one of our four flavor variations for a perfect twist on the traditional flavor, like pepper jack, sweet pea and prosciutto, pimiento, or ham and broccoli.

Recipe: Chicken-Andouille Gumbo with Roasted Red Potatoes. You can't go wrong with this classic Southern dish to fill you up on chilly nights. We made it even heartier by adding roasted potatoes to the traditional mix of Andouille sausage, Cajun seasonings, and veggies.

The key to any great gumbo all starts is all in the roux. This recipe calls for a caramel-colored roux, but some Southern chefs prefer to add a subtle burnt flavor to their gumbo pots by slow simmering the flour and oil until its deep, dark, and smooth like chocolate.

Make sure you monitor the roux at all times — if you burn your roux, the whole gumbo will taste wrong. If you're in a rush, don't turn the heat higher. Instead, use deli roasted chicken in place of skinned and boned chicken breasts.

Recipe: Tee's Corn Pudding. This classic Southern recipe has a rich, soufflé-like texture that tastes fancier than the recipe really is — but we won't tell your guests that. With a scoop of sugar, a dash of flour, plenty of eggs and a heavy serving of cream and butter, this fresh corn casserole comes together with fresh corn kernels.

It's an fancier version of our favorite side dish: homemade, crispy, buttery cornbread. A perfectly Southern side for holiday potlucks and dinners like Thanksgiving and Christmas, this southern corn pudding also works great at summertime barbecues and Easter brunches.

This recipe only requires five ingredients: chicken breasts, butter, cream of chicken soup, onion, and refrigerated biscuit dough. Reviewer JENNIROO says, "My husband is a meatloaf connoisseur.

I, on the other hand, can't stand the stuff. However, his arrival home from the war in Iraq prompted me to make this as his homecoming meal: good old-fashioned, USA comfort food. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes Alas, I picked this recipe out of all the others and made it.

My very first attempt at making meatloaf! It was easy to follow and my husband almost fainted when he realized what he was getting for dinner! He LOVED it and even more amazing, I the world's biggest anti-meatloaf person loved it as well.

Yes, you can create good, old-fashioned comfort food by opening just six cans. You can also doctor it up with a little cumin, chili powder, cilantro, and garlic powder as reviewer SSCHULTE14 suggests.

Serve with avocado, cheese, lime, or crushed tortilla chips. Baked potatoes are always a comfort food, but bake them twice, and you have the ultimate comfort food. What makes this mac and cheese irresistibly creamy?

The addition of cottage cheese and sour cream. The buttery bread crumb topping takes it over the top. Everyone thinks their lasagna recipe is the best, but RBLAIR 's backs it up with over 1, five-star ratings. Double the recipe and freeze the seconds to bring to a friend or family member!

Learn to make hibachi at home with this quick and easy recipe that can be easily tweaked to suit your tastes: " I enjoy using left-over teriyaki chicken in my fried rice, but you can use any meat you want or no meat at all! You need this essential Cajun dish in your toolkit.

It's an easy, one-pot meal that's packed with protein and flavor — what more could you ask of comfort food? You don't have to go to a restaurant to find good French onion soup. This dish is actually quite simplistic in nature — a hearty beef broth and caramelized onions are topped with a slice of crusty French bread and bubbling cheese.

This leveled-up grilled cheese will leave people talking. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Over 6, home cooks have rated this recipe five stars, meaning it's definitely in our comfort food hall of fame.

You may want to cover the dish as it cooks to prevent it from drying out. Skip the frozen food aisle, and go for this down home pot pie instead.

Add a green salad and French bread, and you have found the magic path to a man's heart. As far as chicken casseroles go, poppy seed chicken is one of the greats. It consists of a creamy chicken filling and a crushed cracker and poppy seed topping. Get the Vegetarian Matzo Ball Soup recipe.

Though we went above and beyond by making fresh pasta and grinding our own meat here, Hamburger Helper is all about the convenience, so you can easily swap in store-bought pasta pick a shape that will really hug the sauce and pre- ground beef. Get the Copycat Hamburger Helper recipe.

Beef stew is a comfort food essential. It's a perfect meal all on its own, but we also love beef stew served over some al dente egg noodles. Want something a little heartier?

Try ladling a bit of stew over some garlic mash. Get the Beef Stew recipe. This homemade sloppy Joe recipe is the ultimate comforting weeknight win. Particularly if you find yourself asking, how far can I stretch this package of ground beef? Get the Sloppy Joes recipe.

If you're looking for a super-simple, comforting, no-frills bowl of spaghetti and meatballs, you've come to the right place.

And if you're feeling adventurous, it's also a great jumping-off point to make your own version of this classic dish! Get the Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. The exact origin story of the wonderful and beloved Mexican burrito is unknown, but it's believed to have first appeared on an American restaurant menu at El Cholo Spanish Cafe in LA during the s.

Today, it takes many forms—from egg-filled breakfast burritos to deep-fried burritos aka chimichangas to smothered, "wet burritos. Get the Cheesy Baked Burritos recipe. Making fried chicken and waffles at the same time is quite a feat, but this soul food classic is worth the effort. We think the best course of action is to get your chicken in a buttermilk brine, whip up your waffles and pop 'em in a ° oven to stay warm.

THEN take out your chicken, bread, and fry. This casserole is a total guilty pleasure. If you're trying to lighten it up, ground turkey or chicken would be a delicious swap out for the beef. If green veggies are more your thing we're impressed! Get the Tater Tot Casserole recipe.

Our recipe is special for two reasons: Firstly, we use white wine or sherry instead of red wine, and secondly, we use a combo of chicken stock and beef stock.

Nothing beats the warm comfort of caramelized onions , toasty bread, and melty Gruyère. Get the French Onion Soup recipe. Buttered noodles are the perfectly simple and always comforting dish of our childhood that we never grew out of.

For those nights when you need something fast and have no time or energy to cook, keep it a relaxed affair: A bowl of these noodles will feed you in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Get the Perfect Buttered Noodles recipe.

A big bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce and a slice of garlic bread is the ultimate classic comfort food recipe. Use this meal to find comfort after a crazy day, as any day can be better with satisfying carbs. The splash of cream gives the meaty tomato sauce an indulgent and thick consistency.

These creamy meatballs are the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. Serve them alongside homemade spaetzle for a delicious take on classic German meatballs. A sprinkle of fresh dill is the perfect finish.

Chicken and noodles are just what the doctor orders when you're under the weather any time of year. Rather than opening up a can of soup, enjoy some cooking therapy by preparing homemade dumplings and shredding a roasted chicken.

Chocolate chip may be the most beloved cookie ever, so we didn't mess with perfection. It's got just the right amount of butter for crispness around the cookie's edges and brown sugar for a chewy center.

You'll definitely be making this classic comfort food recipe again and again. Few side dishes compare to a warm scoop of silky potatoes. Though if you want to eat them as a main dish, that's fine too! Cream cheese and half-and-half go in to make these potatoes even more indulgent.

Whether you enjoy yours as-is, with a pat of butter, or topped with a pool of gravy, you might like to try one of our four flavor options. Let your appetite steer your mix-in decision of bacon -cheddar-chive, herb-garlic, and chile pepper taco seasoning.

This tried-and-true meat loaf recipe combines sautéed vegetables , two types of ground meat, and bread crumbs for a moist, flavorful classic comfort food main dish.

A classic ketchup -and-brown-sugar glaze will have the whole family's mouths watering. Fried foods are a go-to for many seeking comfort food. Fish and chips aka French fries became a delicacy in the UK more than years ago, and with one bite, it's easy to understand how the dish became a staple on menus worldwide.

This fish recipe features a cup of beer in the batter, resulting in a light, airy, and crisp exterior after a swim in the fryer.

No dessert says summer like strawberry shortcake. So whether it's peak strawberry season or you simply need a taste of summer, this strawberry dessert recipe is a classic comfort food treat. Prepared as a layer cake instead of as individual biscuits, it's a showstopper that will look stunning on your table.

This classic comfort food recipe will make those around your dinner table feel like they ordered from a fancy Italian restaurant. Plus, it's easier than you'd think! Juicy chicken in this Italian rice dish makes it a meal and complements the aromatic rosemary and Marsala wine sauce.

This easy beef stroganoff recipe will definitely cure your comfort food needs in a pinch. The creamy sauce with earthy mushrooms and tender chunks of beef are perfect on top of cooked egg noodles.

Bonus: It takes only 30 minutes to make from start to finish. Perfectly golden and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this from-scratch fried chicken recipe is the ultimate Southern comfort food but it hits the spot no matter where you live.

The buttermilk brine brings a whole new level of flavor to the chicken. Your family is sure to devour this one right away. It doesn't get more indulgent than a big bowl of fettuccine Alfredo.

Toss in butternut squash and smoked sausage for a complete dinner in just 25 minutes. Chicken noodle soup really does soothe the soul. This traditional chicken noodle soup recipe is packed with all the expected ingredients including carrots, celery, herbs, and of course noodles. While many people might find this to be an unusual dish, Southerners know that tomato pie is a bright and delicious comfort food.

This recipe uses heirloom tomatoes for a stunning look and fabulous flavor. Apples are a common ingredient among Southern desserts, and this apple crumble is a perfect way to enjoy them.

Caramelized apples and a cinnamon-kissed streusel make for the most inviting fall dessert. Beau Beaullieu and Andy Soileau's New Iberia Kiwanis Club team has taken first place 11 times at the World Championship Gumbo Cookoff. This is the recipe for their mélange gumbo that won in , , and Enough said.

This classic lasagna recipe perfectly matches traditional Italian ingredients with a homemade sauce. Layers of cheese, meat, and pasta make the tastiest trio. When there's a holiday gathering in the South, there's a green bean casserole on the table.

This recipe takes you back to the classics for a rich, delicious side dish. People all around the United States love this sweet, rich dessert, and our recipe is an easy-to-make classic version that is sure to be a hit at any get-together.

Nothing is more satisfying than a big bowl of hearty Brunswick stew. Using frozen vegetables and prepared meats make it super easy to throw together. Freshly-grated Parmesan adds the cheesiest flavor to this casserole recipe that's great for making ahead and freezing. This Southern meatloaf recipe features Creole and Greek seasonings and a hint of garlic.

A few tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce spice up the traditional ketchup topping. Feel free to use store-bought pie crust if in a pinch, because the filling is the star here anyway.

Great slathered with butter or for sopping up stews, cornbread is a must with hearty meals. Try this classic recipe and you'll never go back. Showcase two of the South's most beloved products—peaches and pecans—in this old-fashioned peach cobbler recipe.

You won't find a better weeknight meal than crispy chicken drenched in a savory pan gravy and herby rice. Any dish with hearty potatoes and tasty gravy is bound to stay in the weeknight rotation, and these pork chops are no exception.

This hearty beef chili features boneless chuck roast and a medley of traditional chili seasonings. Serve with these cast-iron cornbread sticks for a complete meal. Yukon gold potatoes yield a texture that's just right for holding a pool of flavorful turkey gravy or melted butter.

Catfish is an extremely popular fried treat throughout the South, and our fried catfish recipe is simple and oh-so crispy. This recipe is so easy you may start serving this classic dessert with every meal. Make a double batch of hearty chili over the weekend, then serve it over polenta, stuffed into bell peppers, or spooned over crunchy nachos all week long.

There are so many different and delicious ways to serve fried chicken, but one of the easiest—and surely the most comforting—is sandwiched between a soft potato roll.

Don't forget to add a heaping spoonful of tartar sauce and sliced pickles, too. The bread basket is one of the best parts of any comfort food meal. Fill yours with these buttery, flaky biscuits that are so easy to make no rolling required!

Brush the tops with more buttermilk before baking for that perfect golden-brown finish. Whether unadorned or paired with their other half—sautéed shrimp—creamy, cheesy grits are a side dish that everyone will love. We added two cups of grated cheddar cheese to the savory grits for extra richness, and we don't think anyone will complain.

With its buttery crust and ultra-savory filling, chicken potpie is the ultimate comfort food. This version doesn't stray too far from the classic—in fact, it's even better, thanks to the inclusion of butternut squash and cremini mushrooms.

Once you try this comfort food recipe, you'll realize how simple it is to whip up a batch of homemade pancakes. The batter—made with flour, sugar, buttermilk, eggs, lemon juice, and leaveners—comes together in a snap and you're on your way to a perfect stack.

It doesn't have to be St. Patrick's Day to prepare this classic Irish comfort food. Hiding beneath buttery mashed potatoes is a hearty and comforting combination of ground beef chuck, onion, and mixed frozen vegetables.

We love the old-fashioned feel of this family-friendly chicken dish. Top the comforting filling will large spoonfuls of biscuit dough. Try this take on the classic pasta casserole. It's made with three kinds of cheese—mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese.

The latter is richer and silkier than ricotta cheese and makes for a truly unforgettable comfort food dinner. This burger is layered with indulgent ingredients and rich, beefy flavors for a superb comfort food dinner. Serve with our homemade fries and we bet you won't ever go through the drive-thru again.

Whether you serve it over pasta or sandwiched in a hoagie roll, chicken Parmesan is an easy and comforting bite. You can make the breaded chicken cutlets in advance and store them in the freezer until you're ready to pile on the sauce and cheese.

Start any dinner at home with a stellar, comforting appetizer: luscious cheese fondue. It's a romantic recipe that is sure to surprise your date , and you'll be surprised at just how easy it is to prepare. Our recipe for this popular seafood pasta dish is simple to master and easy to love. We elevate it from the ordinary by using homemade shrimp stock, which adds even more savory, salty flavor.

An all-American recipe, this poultry-and-potatoes dinner is the definition of comfort food. Toss carrots, shallots, potatoes, and lemon halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper, arrange in a roasting pan, and top with the chicken before putting it in the oven.

No comfort meal is complete without buttery, creamy mashed potatoes. The secret to this comforting side dish is to mix the cooked spuds with hot milk and melted butter, which prevents them from becoming gummy. We like to call this grown-up mac and cheese, but we have a feeling your little ones will love it, too.

All you need for this Italian pasta dish is spaghetti or bucatini, butter, Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, lemon, and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper.

What's not to love about this comforting bowl? It's soothing if you have a cold, but also a cozy meal during winter, and delicious year-round.

This one is our favorite soup recipes because it uses a whole chicken, which is more economical than buying pieces. This comfort food recipe will teach you how to make French fries completely from scratch and achieve a crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside result.

Tonight's supper comes in the form of a one-pot beef roast with garlic, carrots, and Yukon Gold potatoes. It only requires 15 minutes of prep work but needs eight hours to cook on low in the slow-cooker , so put it together in the morning and it will be ready by dinnertime.

It consists of a creamy chicken filling and a crushed cracker and poppy seed topping. Take it from reviewer Melissa DeVall who says, "This is one of my favorite comfort foods.

It's easy to make and is still good leftover. Whether made for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, pancakes are always a comfort food.

This pancake recipe has nearly 15, five-star ratings, so it's safe to say it's been vetted and approved by our community of home cooks.

Baked potato soup is everything you could ask for in a comfort food: hot, rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

This version of a traditional Mexican stew is loaded with poblano peppers, hominy, pork loin, bacon, jalapenos, cilantro, and more.

Reviewer naples says, "Make this. Exactly as the recipe directs. Just make double what you think you'll need. The best fried chicken recipes, like this one, use simple ingredients to create a crispy, golden-brown result.

Check out our favorite sides for fried chicken to complete your meal. LOVED this! It was the zoodles instead of noodles that bumped this one up a notch over chicken noodle," says Allrecipes Allstar Soup Loving Nicole. You won't find a juicier chicken at the store: "If you don't try this, you're missing out.

If you do try this, I venture to say that, you will be very pleasantly surprised! Here's an old family recipe for a classic Southern comfort food. I am somewhat embarrassed to say that we had leftovers for breakfast this morning! Jumbo pasta shells are filled with three kinds of cheese and baked in mushroom and pasta sauce.

It's definitely a special occasion meal you'll want to keep on hand. Curry powder brings a deep, earthy flavor to this hearty soup consisting of chicken, rice, cream, and a little chopped apple. The best part? It comes together in about an hour.

We're rounding out our list of comfort food recipes with a classic: beef stroganoff. This version is ready in just 30 minutes, start to finish.

You'll want to add it to your weeknight dinner rotation. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising.

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These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data. Or, go sweet and build an over-the-top, completely wonderful ice cream sundae , courtesy of chef Dan Kluger.

The spread also includes Short Rib Chili , Yogurt Rice , Jamaican Stew Peas and Spinners , and dozens of other delicious recipes. Read on for the rest and know that you're only a few steps away from a comfort food dish that will make you smile.

To create a vegetarian lasagna that's packed with flavor rather than watery and bland , start by roasting mushrooms and red peppers with a quick garlic-infused oil. While the vegetables are cooking, stir together a quick ricotta filling with plenty of Parmesan for extra umami.

Using no-boil lasagna noodles and good-quality store-bought tomato sauce cuts down on cook time without sacrificing taste. A sticky glaze of soy sauce and brown sugar gets subtle heat from fresh jalapeños to give these fried wings the perfect level of spice, sweetness, and salt.

Potato starch creates a shatteringly crisp exterior on the wings and stays crunchy for hours—even after they have cooled. The combination of cold, chewy homemade soba noodles with steaming-hot crispy duck and dashi-enriched dipping sauce is an unparalleled delight.

Timing is key when making this dish — cook the soba just before you serve. Work ahead by steeping the dashi and seasoning the duck the night before or the morning of cooking. For the purest flavor, seek out hon mirin "real mirin" , which has no added sweeteners or salt. This creamy, soul-warming soup from the legendary Ina Garten's cookbook, Modern Comfort Food , captures everything there is to love about chicken pot pie.

Plenty of aromatic vegetables, a rich, silky broth spiked with tarragon and cream sherry, and plenty of tender chicken or leftover Thanksgiving turkey deliver pure comfort in every spoonful.

The flaky, buttery puff pastry croutons made from store-bought dough! are an irresistible finishing touch. Most traditional chocolate chip cookie recipes start by creaming softened butter with sugar. Here, the butter is melted in a skillet until golden brown and nutty first. This simple step does require a bit of extra time mainly for chilling the butter , but the result is an intensely toasty butterscotch note that makes these thin, chewy cookies irresistible.

Using two kinds of bittersweet chocolate chips and a chopped bar adds luscious layers to the cookies. A final sprinkle of flaky salt enhances their flavor even more.

Most polenta recipes require nearly an hour of patient stirring; this streamlined version comes together off the heat, with a final whisk just before serving. The result is an almost effortless, exquisitely creamy polenta that's the perfect base for slow-roasted pork and vegetables.

Adding water to the skillet helps cook the eggs evenly without burning the bagel halves, resulting in a lightly toasted bagel wrapped around a perfectly runny yolk.

Savory smoked salmon and creamy avocado complete this classic breakfast. When chef Shaun Searley prepares these crispy potatoes at The Quality Chop House , he starts with King Edward potatoes, which have a fluffy texture.

Be sure to start a day ahead so the cooled confited potatoes slice cleanly. The portioned potatoes can then be stored in the freezer for up to a month before frying.

In Senegal at the Keur Moussa monastery, a typical meal includes poulet mafé, a thick peanut sauce with chicken, root vegetables, and cabbage served over rice, fonio, or millet couscous. His advice: "Be patient when cooking mafé.

Let the stew simmer slowly until the oil rises to the surface. Thiam's version uses fish sauce, which brings a subtle umami that adds complexity to the stew. Loaded with fresh shrimp, crab, and lobster, and layered with a rich mixture of cheeses, this macaroni and cheese gets an extra boost of spice from liquid shrimp-and-crab boil.

The boil seasoning lends its long-cooked flavor to the casserole without overcooking the delicate seafood. This recipe comes from Monica Williams , chef Kia Damon's auntie and former drill instructor for the United States Marine Corps.

Cookbook author Molly Stevens fillets chicken breast for crispy grown-up chicken nuggets dredged in panko and fried in olive oil and butter. If it's too thin, it'll dry out before the breading has time to brown. The key to frying them is monitoring the heat; the nuggets should sizzle when you lower them into the pan.

There's nothing better than coming home to a simmering pot of this hearty stew on a cool fall or winter day. Hearty chunks of beef turn tender after a low and slow trip in your favorite Dutch oven; potatoes join the party during the tail end of cooking to retain their texture.

Cut potatoes into similar-size pieces to guarantee they cook evenly. Charring the tomato and onion before adding them to the red chile sauce is a quick way to create rich, slow-cooked flavor. Thick-cut fresh tortilla chips soak up the sauce and runny egg yolks without getting soggy.

A wooden skewer, dowel, or chopstick is the only special tool needed to make this crispy scrunched phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and drizzled with sugary syrup.

A splash of fresh lemon juice adds bright, zesty flavor to the syrup that balances both the sweetness of the pastry and the rich, buttery walnuts.

The recipe is from Roberta Kochakian of Los Angeles, who is descended from a family of Armenian Genocide survivors and has devoted much of her life to chronicling traditional Armenian recipes and cooking techniques.

A soothing hot pot is the perfect excuse to set out ingredients and casually dine at the table. Although this recipe can be executed at the stove, donabe is traditionally prepared on a portable burner at the table.

Cook the tofu and vegetables first, then soak up the delicious broth with chewy ramen noodles as a second course. Taking a cue from chef Mei Lin, we're adding spicy pork, creamy egg yolks, and crunchy sesame to classic rice congee.

Low and slow cooking is the key to its great texture; adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle bubble that results in tender grains. Toasting and grinding whole spices instead of relying on pre-ground spice powders adds unparalleled depth of flavor to this spicy chickpea dish from western India.

This dish is a specialty of Hina Mody, Restaurant editor Khushbu Shah's auntie who emigrated from the Indian state of Gujarat. I've tried and adored all of these versions, but the dinner hummus of my dreams is capped with a generous layer of chicken and cauliflower. Light, airy, and slightly sweet, the fried bara is perfect for sopping up this spicy shrimp curry.

A quick Scotch bonnet hot sauce is intense on its own, but drizzled sparingly over the curry it adds the perfect punch of heat and acidity. A combination of chipotle-spiked béchamel and mild Comté cheese melt together to create the rich, creamy center in this pressed "toastie" sandwich.

Briefly heating spices and dried chiles in oil or ghee allows their flavors to bloom, creating a flavorful tadka that serves as the backbone of this dish. It also adds a crispy, spicy finish to the creamy mixture of mung beans, lentils, and pigeon peas. Depending on the region, that soup could be green from jalapeños and tomatillos if you're in Guerrero or red from guajillo or ancho chiles in areas such as Mexico City and Jalisco.

Then, choose from a selection of toppings: finely chopped onions, sliced avocado, lime, radishes, lettuce, queso fresco. Go big, or keep it simple. That's the true beauty of posole: No two bowls look or taste exactly alike. Inspired by älplermagronen, Alpine farmers' macaroni, this Swiss twist on a Thanksgiving classic gets rich flavor from Gruyère and a lush creaminess from Raclette.

Traditional versions of this dish are served with applesauce; as a nod to that flavor play, we've added some shallots that are quickly pickled in apple cider vinegar to balance the cheesy richness. While many brownie recipes call for creaming the butter and sugar before adding the eggs, pastry chef Lee Lee Reid whips eggs and sugar together to aerate them, leading to the ultimate brownie consistency.

A brownie will only be as good as the cocoa and chocolate used, so be sure to source the best. Snow crab, especially the legs of the crab, yields tender, clean chunks of meat, perfect for topping these steamed savory rice bowls. To gently cook the crabs, steam them for 20 to 25 minutes over high heat, let cool slightly, and remove the meat.

This comforting, creamy rice porridge shines with punchy, savory toppings for a hearty meal. Traditional toppings for khao tom can include Chinese sausage, dried shrimp, or eggs, but writer Kat Thompson's favorite version of this dish is topped with fermented mustard greens and crispy bacon.

This Khao Tom recipe is from Oranij Promsatit, Thompson's beloved Thai teacher and family friend. It's bolstered by a robust ginger and turmeric base, which offers deep, earthy flavors along with anti-inflammatory prowess.

Tempering the toppings in hot oil, a technique known as making a tadka, brings out their flavors and is the perfect counterpoint to the cooling yogurt in this simple, comforting dish.

Be sure to use plain whole-milk yogurt, not a strained, Greek-style yogurt, for the creamiest porridge-like texture.

Learn to make hibachi at home with this quick and easy recipe that can be easily tweaked to suit your tastes: " I enjoy using left-over teriyaki chicken in my fried rice, but you can use any meat you want or no meat at all!

You need this essential Cajun dish in your toolkit. It's an easy, one-pot meal that's packed with protein and flavor — what more could you ask of comfort food?

You don't have to go to a restaurant to find good French onion soup. This dish is actually quite simplistic in nature — a hearty beef broth and caramelized onions are topped with a slice of crusty French bread and bubbling cheese.

This leveled-up grilled cheese will leave people talking. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Over 6, home cooks have rated this recipe five stars, meaning it's definitely in our comfort food hall of fame.

You may want to cover the dish as it cooks to prevent it from drying out. Skip the frozen food aisle, and go for this down home pot pie instead. Add a green salad and French bread, and you have found the magic path to a man's heart.

As far as chicken casseroles go, poppy seed chicken is one of the greats. It consists of a creamy chicken filling and a crushed cracker and poppy seed topping. Take it from reviewer Melissa DeVall who says, "This is one of my favorite comfort foods.

It's easy to make and is still good leftover. Whether made for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, pancakes are always a comfort food.

This pancake recipe has nearly 15, five-star ratings, so it's safe to say it's been vetted and approved by our community of home cooks. Baked potato soup is everything you could ask for in a comfort food: hot, rich, creamy, and full of flavor. This version of a traditional Mexican stew is loaded with poblano peppers, hominy, pork loin, bacon, jalapenos, cilantro, and more.

Reviewer naples says, "Make this. Exactly as the recipe directs. Just make double what you think you'll need. The best fried chicken recipes, like this one, use simple ingredients to create a crispy, golden-brown result. Check out our favorite sides for fried chicken to complete your meal.

LOVED this! It was the zoodles instead of noodles that bumped this one up a notch over chicken noodle," says Allrecipes Allstar Soup Loving Nicole. You won't find a juicier chicken at the store: "If you don't try this, you're missing out. If you do try this, I venture to say that, you will be very pleasantly surprised!

Here's an old family recipe for a classic Southern comfort food. I am somewhat embarrassed to say that we had leftovers for breakfast this morning! Jumbo pasta shells are filled with three kinds of cheese and baked in mushroom and pasta sauce. It's definitely a special occasion meal you'll want to keep on hand.

Curry powder brings a deep, earthy flavor to this hearty soup consisting of chicken, rice, cream, and a little chopped apple.

The best part? It comes together in about an hour. We're rounding out our list of comfort food recipes with a classic: beef stroganoff. This version is ready in just 30 minutes, start to finish.

You'll want to add it to your weeknight dinner rotation. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising.

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It doesn't get much more Southern than a plate of Fried Green Tomatoes. Great on sandwiches, on top of salads, or plain eaten off a plate and dipped in sauce, this is a recipe that every Southern could should learn — and make weekly. Always pick firm green tomatoes that will hold their texture during the fry process.

We dip our fried green tomatoes in a blend of self-rising cornmeal mix, salt, pepper, and all-purpose flower. Each fried green tomato is hand-dredged in buttermilk, tossed in the crispy coating, and then fried to golden perfection in popping vegetable oil.

The crispy coating flakes off with each perfect bite. Recipe: Homemade Mashed Potatoes. We have a feeling that you'll be licking the bowl clean after you make these perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes.

Yukon gold potatoes yield a texture that's just right for holding a pool of flavorful turkey gravy or melted butter. These potatoes are perfect for all occasions, from weeknights to special occasions.

No potluck, church supper, or pot roast is complete without a bowl of steaming mashed potatoes, served with a large wooden spoon.

Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits. In the South, Biscuits are to breakfast what tires are to a car: no Southern breakfast is complete without flaky, buttery biscuits.

Actually, make that no Southern meal is complete without flaky, buttery biscuits. Don't be afraid to make your own — homemade buttermilk biscuits are worth the labor.

Once you try homemade buttermilk biscuits steaming from the oven, you'll think twice before buying store-bought canned biscuits again. We've found the perfect biscuit recipe that makes the process easy. This versatile biscuit recipe only takes five ingredients to make, and you can amp it up with any of our four flavor variations, like cinnamon-raisin, black pepper bacon, feta oregano, or pimiento cheese.

Recipe: Shepherd's Pie. Southerners are well versed in comfort food, but this old-fashioned recipe has roots over the pond. Recipe: Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole. Our chicken and Rice Casserole is savory, creamy, filling, and everything that a classic Southern casserole should be.

This staple casserole can be dressed up for special occasions, but its crowd-pleasing flavor is perfect for a weeknight or family dinner. Roasted sliced almonds, water chestnuts, and fresh breadcrumbs give it that irresistible crunch that will keeps you coming back for seconds.

Using a long-grain and wild rice mix and toasted almonds in the classic chicken casserole makes it a little bit dressier, and fit for company during the holidays. You can also prepare this recipe in advance — it keeps in the freezer for up to one month.

Recipe: Best Cornbread Dressing. Nothing tastes more like home than a warm scoop of cornbread dressing and don't dare call it stuffing!

Recipe: Company Pot Roast with Creamy Mushroom Grits. A flavorful pot roast is, perhaps, the most underrated classic Southern comfort food. Not only is a well-cooked pot roast tender and savory, but it is also incredibly versatile.

Eat it hot from the slow cooker, or cold, piled between two slices of French bread. Our test kitchen carefully developed this flavorful roast to be the only roast recipe you'll ever need. Bacon, garlic, and red wine imbue humble chuck roast with robust flavors and character.

Rich beef-bourguignon flavor grows as the meat transforms from simple to extraordinary in your slow cooker. Serve sliced or in chunks over Creamy Mushroom Grits.

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese. Our favorite casserole? King Ranch, of course. Our favorite side dish? Dare we say mac and cheese? All of the flavors of one of our favorite casserole recipes come together in the filling comfort mac and cheese.

Packed with cellentani pasta, buttery onions and peppers, diced tomatoes, and two blends of creamy cheese, this mac and cheese dish sets a high standard for all other sides and main dishes. Serve this five-star dinner dish to your family, and it will become a quick favorite.

One reviewer raves, "This is the best casserole I have ever made and I have been cooking for over 30 years… My family loved it, and we did not have any leftovers! I make it weekly now. Recipe: Chicken-and-Brisket Brunswick Stew. Some recipes are quick.

Brunswick stew is not one of these recipes. But trust us, the results are worth every minute. You'll wind up with enough to feed a crowd, or enough to freeze for several great meals to come.

Flavors of sautéed onions and garlic, beef soup based, fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, mustard, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce come together in a two-hour long simmering period that results in this craveable classic stew of tender chicken, filling vegetables, and intensely delicious barbecued beef brisket.

Purchase your barbecued brisket from your favorite local shop, and stir in to make this comfort dish fit for your family.

Recipe: Minute Chili. Do you want delicious chili but don't want to wait all day? Our Minute Chili recipe will have you enjoying one of our quick-fix suppers in no time.

This simple-to-make chili recipe only has six ingredients, but you'll marvel at its slow-cooked flavor. Simmering the ground beef is probably the hardest part; once you've finished that, you just pour everything else in, and stir.

If you prefer an Italian-style take on Minute Chili, spice this up and use 1 pound of ground sausage and 1 pound of ground beef. Whether you prefer a traditional chili or you would like to enjoy some Italian-infused flavors, this easy-to-make chili will always be ready when you are.

Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup. Instead of waiting for a whole chicken to cook, we sped this comfort food classic up by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Recipe: Southern-Style Collard Greens. A true Southern chef knows that part of what makes Southern-smoked meat taste good are the perfect side dishes.

And a true Southern chef also knows that this perfect side is often collard greens. Packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, collard greens are a type of cabbage that does not develop into a head of lettuce.

This recipe fixes the greens up with some traditional Southern flavors. Crispy hickory-smoked bacon, bacon, sautéed sweet onion, smoked ham, apple cider vinegar, and garlic perfect these savory Southern-Style Collard Greens, making this side dish an essential part of your traditional Southern feast.

Recipe: Peppered Beef Soup. A steaming hot bowl of hearty soup served out of a toasted bread bowl warms our hearts in such a distinct and fulfilling way. This comfort soup requires some prep work, but the soul warming worth every minute. Sirloin tip beef roast is coated in flour and seared for a crispy finish, and a healthy load of vegetables gives the soup simmering flavor.

Make a huge pot, and freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. Add a bit of canned broth when reheating to reach desired consistency. For a decadent finish, serve in Toasted Bread Bowls. Recipe: Caramel Cake. This old-fashioned recipe has remained, over the years, as one of our best-ever homemade cakes.

Our caramel cake has competed against plenty of fancier and more complicated cakes, but it still satisfies our sweet cravings in ways that other cakes never do. Rich and moist from a container of sour cream, dense from butter and eggs, and sweet from sugar, the cake is simple and satisfying.

What makes this classic Southern cake stand out is the homemade caramel frosting spread between and on top of the cake's layers. This traditional cake will seal your reputation as the family's best baker.

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken. This slow-cooker version of the fan favorite King Ranch Chicken Casserole is sure to please your whole family. What's more comforting than chicken, cheese, and tortillas? Layers of tender shredded chicken, onions, bell peppers, creamy soup, diced tomatoes, green chiles, garlic, and chili are separated with flaky tortillas and sharp shredded Cheddar cheese.

Put this recipe in your slow cooker in the mid afternoon, and it'll be ready just in time for dinner. It is filling and oh-so-rich, so you will not need to spend time making a fancy Southern side dish. Try serving it with a simple garden green salad, or roasted broccoli, for an easy and delicious weeknight meal.

Recipe: Two-Step Pound Cake. Pound cakes are one of the easiest cakes to bake. This classic dessert is one of those sweet treats that you can whip together with minimal effort.

This staple cake comes together with only 6 ingredients that everyone keeps on hand; you can jazz it up to suit any occasion.

While you're enjoying the buttery, crumbly cake, have you ever wondered where it gets its name? The original recipe dates back to the s, and calls for a pound of flour, a pound of butter, a pound of sugar, and a pound of eggs.

Now, that's a lot of cake. A lot of soft, dense, sweet, and absolutely perfect cake. Test Kitchen Tip: Sift the flour prior to adding to the mixing bowl for a smooth cake that will best absorb icing.

Recipe: Baked Smokin' Macaroni and Cheese. If you're craving the ooey, gooey cheesy comfort of mac and cheese, but looking for a lighter option, this baked macaroni dish is perfect for you. The cheesy sauce comes together with Gouda, milk, flour, and oil and coats the cellentani pasta in flavor you'll want to lick straight from the bowl.

This delicious mac and cheese is light on butter and cheese, yet still melts in your mouth. We love this recipe so much that we asked for more like it! Try one of our four flavor variations for a perfect twist on the traditional flavor, like pepper jack, sweet pea and prosciutto, pimiento, or ham and broccoli.

Recipe: Chicken-Andouille Gumbo with Roasted Red Potatoes. You can't go wrong with this classic Southern dish to fill you up on chilly nights. We made it even heartier by adding roasted potatoes to the traditional mix of Andouille sausage, Cajun seasonings, and veggies.

The key to any great gumbo all starts is all in the roux. This recipe calls for a caramel-colored roux, but some Southern chefs prefer to add a subtle burnt flavor to their gumbo pots by slow simmering the flour and oil until its deep, dark, and smooth like chocolate.

Make sure you monitor the roux at all times — if you burn your roux, the whole gumbo will taste wrong. If you're in a rush, don't turn the heat higher. Instead, use deli roasted chicken in place of skinned and boned chicken breasts.

Recipe: Tee's Corn Pudding. This classic Southern recipe has a rich, soufflé-like texture that tastes fancier than the recipe really is — but we won't tell your guests that. With a scoop of sugar, a dash of flour, plenty of eggs and a heavy serving of cream and butter, this fresh corn casserole comes together with fresh corn kernels.

It's an fancier version of our favorite side dish: homemade, crispy, buttery cornbread. A perfectly Southern side for holiday potlucks and dinners like Thanksgiving and Christmas, this southern corn pudding also works great at summertime barbecues and Easter brunches.

The result is an impressive Southern side dish that the entire party will love. We like to add chopped fresh chives to the top.

Recipe: Double-Crust Chicken Pot Pie. Chicken Pot Pie is the comfort food sent down to the South straight from heaven. A creamy filling of vegetables and chicken covered by not one but two flaky crusts makes this double-crust chicken pot pie one of our best-ever chicken pot pies. One reviewer raves, "Best Chicken Pot Pie I've ever had!

This meal is appropriate for any occasion! I've made this for friends and family and they we very impressed and pleased. Recipe: Old-Fashioned Chicken And Dumplings.

As the name suggests, this classic chicken and dumplings recipe is a comfort food sure to satisfy the whole family. A warm bowl of chicken and dumpling soup can turn around even the rainiest day.

Handmade dumplings come together with just a few ingredients, and add rustic flavor to the deliciously creamy dish. Boiling and cooking the chicken at home saves cost and creates a rich broth that you can only get from scratch, but adds time.

If you're in a rush, pick up a deli-roasted chicken. Recipe: Pecan Pie. Every Southerner knows that no Southern dessert table is complete without a syrupy sweet Pecan pie.

Because pecan pie is such an integral part of a Southerner's diet, it's important that when you bake a homemade pecan pie with fresh Georgia Pecans, it comes out right. Our test kitchen tried over and over again to make the perfect Southern pecan pie, but attempt after attempt, there's just no better pecan pie than our Pecan Pie recipe.

This traditional pecan pie recipe is versatile and delicious. For a rich, holiday flavor, try using dark corn syrup. For a lighter and clearer pie, use light corn syrup. Both variations received high marks in our Test Kitchen.

Recipe: Shrimp and Grits. If we had to compile a list of the "top ten most Southern dishes ever," Shrimp and Grits would certainly rank in the top three. This original Shrimp and Grits recipe is from Bill Smith, executive chef at Crook's Corner, a landmark Southern restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Our favorite part about Shrimp and Grits that it is so quintessentially Southern that it works for any meal — breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or even as a midnight snack. Nobody ever turns down buttery, rich Shrimp and Grits. Packed with crispy bacon, buttery shrimp, fresh mushrooms, chopped green onions, garlic, lemon juice, and cheese, this dish is as impressive as it is delicious.

Recipe: Pecan-Peach Cobbler. This classic Southern dessert combines two of our favorite Southern-grown products: peaches and pecans. Great for summer, fall, and every season, this sweet cobbler suits any occasion.

Covered in a golden-brown, latticed crust made easy from refrigerated piecrusts, the filling is where the real flavor lies. Gooey, sugar-covered peaches envelope crunchy local pecans. Test Kitchen Tip: Make sure that you take the extra minutes to toast your pecans.

Toasted pecans have a much more delicate flavor and crispy texture than their raw counterparts, which often taste waxy. Serve this classic Southern dessert with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream for a dessert that everyone will love. Recipe: Chicken-fried Steak.

There's a reason that chicken-fried steak has such an iconic reputation down South. This classic Southern comfort dish has that savory, melt-in-your-mouth taste that every Southern chef seeks. Make this iconic Southern chicken-fried steak recipe and savor every bite of this simple and delicious dish.

It comes together with minimal ingredients, too — you'll only need steak, salt, pepper, flour, eggs, chicken broth, milk, and cracker crumbs. Serve with green beans, mashed potatoes, and plenty of gravy.

Now, next time you go to your favorite meat-and-three restaurant, you're free to order something new — you can get your chicken-fried steak fix from your own kitchen. Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing.

This holiday-worthy breakfast staple is as comforting as it is cinnamony. If you love store-bought cinnamon rolls made from a can, then you have got to make the homemade version — you will jump for joy after tasting how much better the homemade version is.

Our homemade cinnamon rolls have all of our favorite Southern ingredients, like pecans, brown sugar, milk, and cinnamon. The homemade dough mixture rises to fluffy, golden-brown perfection; topped with cream cheese icing, these cinnamon rolls are literally heaven in a pastry.

They're so good, we bet you won't mind putting in the effort on any average Saturday! Recipe: Classic Chicken Tetrazzini. Make a classic family comfort food with this creamy chicken casserole.

This family-friendly casserole dish takes less than one hour to make, and provides a filling one-dish meal. With plenty of butter, a rich sauce thickened with flour, milk, white wine, and chicken bouillon, this classic Chicken Tetrazzini is pure comfort food.

Folded in Parmesan cheese provides an even richer element of flavor. Older, drier Parmesan will add a richer, nuttier, more sophisticated flavor; lower-quality Parmesan provides the same cheesy texture without such a strong flavor.

Test Kitchen Tip: This recipe freezes beautifully. Recipe: Baked Potato Soup. A thick and creamy baked potato soup is perfectly ideal for cold winter days. Pile on your favorite baked potato toppings, like cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

Rich mashed potatoes serve as the base for this creamy baked potato soup. Flavored with onion, butter, ground white pepper, and milk, this heart-warming comfort soup comes together in less than an hour.

Make a big pot, and freeze the rest for an easy weeknight meal. To complete the meal, serve this baked potato soup with a roll for dipping, like our easy Yeast Roll.

Recipe: Classic Strawberry Shortcake. With juicy strawberries spooned over sweet and tender biscuits, these old-fashioned strawberry shortcakes are the perfect dessert for all lovers of classic Southern comfort dishes.

Fresh strawberries, sugar, almond extract, and whipping cream tucked between two slices of homemade shortcake biscuits — these are the elements that compose this easy take on a deliciously sweet strawberry shortcake. this classic Southern dessert is both light on the palette and just sweet enough to satisfy the strongest sweet tooth.

If the berries are very sweet, decrease the sugar to suit your taste. Recipe: Old-fashioned Meatloaf. This classic comfort meatloaf recipe is as close as we could get to how your momma used to make. In fact, it might be your momma's recipe.

This Southern meatloaf recipe features Creole and Greek seasonings and a hint of garlic. A few tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce spice up the traditional ketchup topping. One reviewer raves, "This meatloaf has an excellent flavor; best meatloaf I have ever had! I served carrots and broccoli as a side along with mashed potatoes.

My daughter, very picky eater, loved it. I did add a little bit of brown sugar to the sauce on top to reduce the tartness of the tomato sauce.

Recipe: Utterly Deadly Southern Pecan Pie. Although there are plenty of pecan pie recipes out there, we can vouch for this one — and so can mom. Any way you serve it — warm, cold, with ice cream, or with a dollop of whipped cream — pecan pie is always a favorite, and this recipe proves it's best made in a cast iron skillet.

Recipe: Skillet Cornbread. The ultimate side dish for any hearty Southern meal, cornbread is great slathered in butter or used for sopping up stews.

This classic yet easy comfort food recipe comes together with savory irresistible bacon drippings, creamy buttermilk, white cornmeal, and a dash of salt. Like all great Southern breads, it comes from the oven in a steaming cast-iron skillet.

Adapted from Hoppin John's Lowcountry Cooking by John Martin Taylor, our go-to comfort corn bread recipe is timeless and well loved by our readers for its moist texture and just-sweet-enough taste.

For a flavorful variation, try one of our creative cornbread variations. Recipe: Mom's Signature Roast Beef. You can almost hear the dinner bell calling for you in this comforting meat-and-potatoes meal. With chopped onions, plenty of garlic, tender carrots, hearty potatoes, and, of course, slow-roasted beef that falls apart when your fork hits it, this recipe for classic beef roast shows you just how mom used to make it so darn good.

Marinate the beef in a bottled dark beer seasoned with savory spices for at least 8 hours before searing it in your large, heavy-duty roasting pan. You'll need to slow cook it for at least four hours to get that tender, home cooked texture.

You can also replace the beer with Cola for a classic Cola Pot Roast. Recipe: Classic Lasagna. A classic, beefy lasagna recipe perfectly matches these traditional, zesty Italian ingredients and creamy homemade ricotta sauce. Tall layers of ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, ground beef, and pasta will seriously satisfy your casserole cravings.

Seasoned with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and garlic powder, this lasagna is anything but bland. Plus, any leftovers for lunch the following day are always welcome.

Recipe: Ultimate Carrot Cake. Now, there are two types of people in this world. People who like Carrot Cake, and people who don't. And after trying this classic, rich, and moist Carrot Cake recipe, we think there will be only one type of person in this world.

Truly our best-ever Carrot cake recipe, make this classic favorite for a crowd and you might not have any leftovers to bring home.

Made with grated carrots, pieces of Granny Smith apple, and sweetened coconut, the resulting cake layers are moist, sweet, and soft. It's important to cool the cakes completely before frosting, otherwise the frosting will just melt right off.

To expedite the cooling process, you can put the cakes on their wire racks in the freezer don't worry, it's not cheating , checking until they're thoroughly cool. Recipe: Fried Pork Chops with Cream Gravy.

Any dish with gravy is bound to be delicious and comforting, and these pork chops are certainly no exception. Crispy fried in a coating of flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and buttermilk, these fried pork chops are ready in minutes for a quick, flavorful meal that even the pickiest of eaters will love.

With a gravy that comes together from the flavor-packed pan drippings, this classic Southern dinner is well worth working into your weekly menu.

To make this dish like a Southern grandmother, cook it in a cast iron skillet. For variation, feel free to substitute the pork chops for chicken breasts or cube steak. Serve with a light green vegetable, like crispy green beans. Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Grits Casserole.

You simply cannot go wrong with this eggs, cheese, and grits combination. It's unassuming but absolutely delicious, and a true Southern favorite. It comes together with ingredients that all Southerners have on hand — milk, butter, grits, eggs, and cheese. This creamy grits casserole can be served as is for a casual morning breakfast or as a main dish.

Add a sprinkle of crumbled breakfast sausage or diced baked ham for added bulk. Don't limit this crowd-pleaser to breakfast or brunch. Serve it on the side of a main meat, such as shrimp or brisket for a classic, rich, and comforting Southern supper.

Recipe: Praline-Pecan French Toast. Dress up your ordinary French toast breakfast recipe with a sweet praline mixture and a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. Find freshly baked French bread at your local grocer, and you've got the basis for a decadent breakfast worthy of Saturday-morning company.

The twist: A short-order breakfast special gets an easy hands-off finish in the oven. One online reviewer claims that this Praline-Pecan French Toast recipe is, "sinfully delicious.

Recipe: Summer Squash Casserole. Summer squash casserole is the most versatile Southern side dish. It pairs well with everything from fried chicken at a summertime Sunday lunch to roast turkey at Thanksgiving.

Recipe: Classic Chess Pie. You can't get more basic than classic Southern chess pie. This old-fashioned pie typically has two distinctive ingredients, cornmeal and vinegar, plus other on-hand ingredients such as sugar, flour, eggs, milk and vanilla.

This version is made easy with the use of refrigerated piecrusts. Ever wonder where the name "Chess Pie" came from?

The topic is subject to much folklore. One theory is that the original Chess Pie contained cheese, but over the years, cheese disappeared from the recipe. The word "chess," remained as the name. But our favorite explanation is straight from a storybook: a cook was asked what she was baking that smelled so great.

Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies. In our list of favorite Southern comfort foods, Chocolate Chip Cookies are always in our top ten classic dessert dishes. For lovers of tried-and-true classics, whip up a catch of these all-time favorite chocolate chip cookies.

They're the best of the best — our test kitchen has proven it. Although there are a lot of chocolate chip cookie recipes out there, this one stands above the rest in texture, flavor, and sweetness.

Recipe: Classic Fried Catfish. Fried fish are a Southern staple, and the same applies to fried catfish. Spices like ground red pepper, garlic powder, and salt bring out the naturally salty flavors from the catfish in a deliciously spicy batter.

A mixture of yellow cornmeal and flour provide the ultimate crispy crust on your fried catfish filets. Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup with Cheddar Cheese. Simple, Southern, and oh-so satisfying, hot tomato soup is the perfect diner time comfort food on a cold winters' day especially when paired with a crispy, gooey grilled cheese.

This easy-to-fix tomato soup starts with plum tomatoes.