I Rely on 47 Comfort Foods That Feed Me and Everyone

ByMandy Applegate

It turns out having 47 dependable comfort foods means there’s always a plan, even when no one agrees on what to eat. They keep family meals simple, yet they never feel repetitive. These dishes manage to make people stop arguing over what’s for dinner, which is an accomplishment in itself.

A bowl of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings garnished with chopped parsley.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Close-up of seasoned and roasted meat with crispy edges.
Copycat Honey Baked Ham. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Family meals feel extra special when a big roast takes center stage. Slices of Copycat Honey Baked Ham pile up easy for sandwiches or plates. Leftovers get turned into breakfast or soup the next day. Sweet glaze makes every bite memorable. You’ll want extra for snacking.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Close-up of a dish of warm cinnamon rolls topped with white glaze.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cozy breakfasts start strong when you lay out a dish of gooey bites. Cinnamon Roll Casserole keep everyone happy without much work. The soft center travels well to brunch or potlucks. Melted sugar in every bite goes quickly. Seconds usually come without asking.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

Shredded chicken mixed with sliced green peppers and seasoning in a green bowl.
Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Slow cooker meals help use time and keep hungry folks full. Loads of Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken feed a crowd or fill wraps later. Stays juicy long after the pot is done. Makes dinner less stressful. You get leftovers for quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

Aglio e Olio

Close-up of fettuccine pasta tossed with grated cheese, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes being lifted with a fork.
Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple pasta brings everyone together in a hurry. Bowls of Aglio e Olio make meal prep easier than calling delivery. Tastes best with extra cheese or crusty bread. Feeds a group on a busy night. All that’s left is an empty pot.
Get the Recipe: Aglio e Olio

Homemade Bread Pudding

A close-up of decadent bread pudding, topped with creamy vanilla sauce, is being lifted from a serving plate.
Homemade Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing comfort in every scoop, this dessert makes long days sweeter. Homemade Bread Pudding help finish up dinner with smiles. Soft, milky center always wins out. Keeps well for late-night snacks. Guests ask for extra sauce.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bread Pudding

Cabbage Casserole

A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with creamy cabbage gratin, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a serving spoon partially visible.
Cabbage Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Potluck dishes fill tables faster with steady favorites. Square cuts of Cabbage Casserole get snapped up first every time. Light and hearty make a strong combo. Holds up with bread or soup, too. Pans go empty fast.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Pumpkin Cheesecake

A person holding a piece of pumpkin cheesecake on a fork.
Pumpkin Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Slices combine creamy with smooth for big gatherings. Plates holding Pumpkin Cheesecake are cleaned in minutes. A forkful feels like dessert made fancy. Works hot or cold for leftovers. Requests always pop up for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake

Mississippi Pot Roast

A bowl of shredded beef garnished with cilantro and peppers.
Mississippi Pot Roast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Slow-roasted meats keep big groups quiet at the table. Thick pieces of Mississippi Pot Roast work with rice or potatoes. Stays moist after hours in the pot. Good for sandwiches the next day. Crowd always clears the platter.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

Eggs Benedict Casserole

A serving of bread pudding with a creamy sauce and chopped herbs is lifted from a baking dish.
Eggs Benedict Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Brunch gets easier when casseroles take charge. Eggs Benedict Casserole add a bit of fancy to easy mornings. Soft layers work for extra servings. Stays warm for a long time on the counter. Everyone agrees to make it again.
Get the Recipe: Eggs Benedict Casserole

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

BBQ flavor in a slow cooker means less fuss during busy hours. Plates of Slow Cooker Pulled Pork let everyone build their own meal. Goes well in sandwiches or on nachos. Easy enough for game night or lunch. No leftovers by the end.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Turkey Pot Pie

A steaming chicken pot pie with a golden-brown crust, partially cut open to reveal chunks of chicken, peas, carrots, and mushrooms. Sprigs of rosemary garnish the top.
Turkey Pot Pie. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

True comfort comes in crust with creamy filling. Slices of Turkey Pot Pie feed hungry crowds and use up leftovers. Always fills bigger plates. Good for weekday and weekend dinners alike. Not a crumb left most times.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie

Amish Breakfast Casserole

A close-up of a serving of savory bread pudding with bacon and herbs being lifted from a white baking dish.
Amish Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Group breakfasts get easier with oven-ready trays. Amish Breakfast Casserole stack well next to toast or fruit. Holds plenty of flavor without much fuss. Sits warm for hours so nobody misses out. Makes even cold mornings better.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Close-up of fluffy cheddar biscuits topped with herbs on a metal tray, with leafy greens in the background.
Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm biscuits always bring more people to the table. Baskets of Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits disappear before dinner starts. Crumbly bites pair with any main dish. Perfect for snacking later. Friends always ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Marry Me Cookies

A stack of four chocolate chip cookies, with the top cookie partly broken, next to a metal container and a ceramic bowl on a light surface.
Marry Me Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fresh-baked desserts liven up slow evenings. Plates loaded with Marry Me Cookies move fast with coffee or milk on hand. Soft middles never go stale. Doubles as a dessert or quick snack. No leftovers last long with these cookies.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Cookies

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs.
French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Spoons dig deep when the pan is bubbling and gold. Layers of French Onion Casserole add a punch to main dishes. Cheesy top keeps everyone interested. Stays rich enough for a meal by itself. Always gone first at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Lamb Stew

Close-up of beef stew with tomatoes and herbs served over mashed potatoes, garnished with parsley. A fork and spoon rest on the plate.
Lamb Stew. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Comfort comes in bowls full of slow-cooked fare. Ladlefuls of Lamb Stew warm bellies for hours. Hearty and fulfilling flavor keeps people coming back. Pairs well with bread or rice. Fills up plates faster than you think.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Stew

Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies

Close-up of several chocolate brownies with a swirl of orange filling on top, arranged on parchment paper.
Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweet treats fuel group events with a simple twist. Squares of Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies stack on dessert trays and vanish. Moist with every bite. Great with coffee after dinner. The second round goes even quicker.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

A plate of golden-brown, cheesy sausage balls stacked on top of each other, with one ball partially broken to show the inside texture.
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Easy snacks get passed around until there’s nothing left. Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls fit well on brunch tables and quick lunches. Savory bites suit dipping or solo snacking. Hot or cold hits the spot. You can never make enough.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast casserole topped with melted cheese, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped herbs.
Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mornings run smoother when pans come out hot and ready. Slices of Breakfast Casserole fill up plates and work for dinner too. Never feels bland. Stays soft even when reheated. It gets made more than once a week.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken

Bowl of creamy chicken soup topped with tortilla strips, sliced green jalapeños, cilantro, corn, and a dollop of sour cream.
Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Big pots solve weeknight dinner for hungry homes. Bowls filled with Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken taste rich and creamy. Pair with chips for extra crunch. Reliable choice for group meals. Lasts for lunch next day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken

Cowboy Sliders

A close-up of sliders filled with cooked ground beef, melted cheese, bacon, and sliced jalapeños on a white surface, with some jalapeño slices scattered nearby.
Cowboy Sliders. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Small sandwiches help stretch snack time for big crowds. Trays of Cowboy Sliders get snapped up fast at game nights. Fit for dipping or loading with toppings. Handy for busy evenings. Makes everyone linger near the food.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Sliders

Crack Chicken Casserole

Close-up of a baked apple crumble dessert in a ceramic dish, featuring a golden-brown crumbly topping.
Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Creamy bakes win over even the pickiest guests. Scoops of Crack Chicken Casserole disappear in minutes. Layers hit all the comfort food notes. Good enough for lunch or dinner. This is always requested repeats.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole

Corn Chowder

A close-up of a hearty potato and corn chowder with diced vegetables and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with fresh parsley.
Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Warm bowls go a long way when feeding friends or family. Ladles of Corn Chowder fit well next to sandwiches or salad. Smooth broth fills up hungry bellies quickly. Good for chilly evenings. No leftovers the next morning.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chowder

Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars

A square piece of pumpkin dessert bar topped with a swirl of white frosting and pecans sits on a cooling rack.
Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Dessert squares make group meals easier to plan. Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars stack well on trays and clean up easy. Mixes sweet with crunch for extra smiles. Great for snacking between meals. Best when made in double batches.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Big pots help stretch meals from lunch to dinner. Bowls of Marry Me Chicken Soup get filled and refilled before plates are cleared. Creamy broth makes each spoonful shine. Hearty enough for seconds. Friends always come back for more.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Rhubarb Cake

Slice of rhubarb cake dusted with powdered sugar, on a white plate, with a silver spoon beside it.
Rhubarb Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tangy sweets add color to dessert time at busy tables. Rhubarb Cake brighten the plate and often get mentioned after. Good for quick snacks or full meals. Soft crumb makes forks dig deep. Pairs nicely with tea or coffee.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Cake

Chicken Salad Sandwich

A shredded chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, raisins, and a creamy dressing served in a brioche bun.
Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Quick lunches work best for feeding lots of people. Halved Chicken Salad Sandwich go with chips or fruit and fit any time of day. Stays good packed up or eaten fresh. Reliable for busy workdays. Extra filling for big appetites.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich

Basque Cheesecake

A close-up of several slices of a dense, golden-brown custard or cheesecake on parchment paper.
Basque Cheesecake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Unique cakes spark interest at holiday tables. Slices of Basque Cheesecake show off deep color and creamy middle. Good, hot or cold. Everyone asks about the recipe. This dessert lasts through dessert and the second snack.
Get the Recipe: Basque Cheesecake

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy edges make it a fast favorite for weekend meals. Spatulas glide through Hashbrown Casserole for seconds and thirds. Pairs with eggs or just solo. Fills up plates with every cut. This doubles for bigger parties easily.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Cornbread muffins topped with sliced jalapeños in white paper liners, arranged on a wooden surface.
Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Savory muffins help round out potluck spreads. Spots filled by Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins get emptied fast. Sweet with a kick in each piece. Great on its own or with soup. Quick grab for people in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Pumpkin Pie

A slice of pumpkin pie on a plate with cranberries.
Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Traditions stick with big slices and whipped cream. Forkfuls of Pumpkin Pie cap off good meals and keep everyone lingering. Never gets old in group settings. Sweet and creamy works for breakfast too. Always room for another piece.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie

Baked Ziti

A spoon scoops baked ziti pasta covered in melted cheese and tomato sauce from a casserole dish.
Baked Ziti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Oven bakes give busy weeknights an easy dinner solution. Squares of Baked Ziti come out hot and cheesy. Holds up leftovers for lunch the next day. Filling without any extra fuss. Always feeds more than you expect.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti

Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

A slice of apple pie stuffed cheesecake on a plate with a spoon.
Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet layers bring dessert tables to another level. Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake gets lots of attention and quick forks. Combines crowd favorites in each bite. Stays good even after fridge hours. Always in demand for parties.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Turkey Sliders

Close-up of a seasoned bagel sandwich with melted cheese and turkey slider filling, topped with seeds.
Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Game nights get easier with sliders prepped in minutes. Trays of Turkey Sliders work for dips or quick sandwiches. Soft buns mean no mess. Handy for big gatherings. These are always better the next day for snacking.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

Tiramisu Cheesecake

A close-up of a slice of layered tiramisu cake with cream, coffee-soaked sponge, and dusted cocoa powder on top, served on a white plate.
Tiramisu Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy desserts with rich flavor draw people over fast. Forks fight for pieces of Tiramisu Cheesecake at the end of dinner. Soaks up coffee for added fun. Makes dessert time more interesting. Often goes first but lucky if there’s more.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Cheesecake

Loaded Potato Skins

Close-up of loaded potato skins topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and sliced green onions on a white background.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Snacks for groups need crunch and big and delicious flavor. Boats of Loaded Potato Skins fill plates quickly every time. Works for parties or family movie night. Tastes good warm or cold. Top them any way you want.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Pumpkin Roll

A slice of pumpkin roll being sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Pumpkin Roll. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soft cake wrapped around smooth filling wins points at group dinners. Slices of Pumpkin Roll get handed out fast and decorated easily. Stays soft for days. Layers work for lunch or dessert. Always finishes well after meals.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Roll

Million Dollar Casserole

A serving spoon lifts a portion of creamy, baked casserole with a crunchy topping, revealing melted cheese.
Million Dollar Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Creamy casseroles feed hungry tables without a fuss. Spoons into Million Dollar Casserole land big servings every time. Rich filling makes each bite better. Good for family or larger crowds. Brings plenty of requests for a repeat.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

A close-up of several oatmeal cookies stacked and scattered on parchment paper, with one cookie broken in half to show the inside texture.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crispy cookies set snack tables apart from other treats. Rows of Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies offer sweetness without overpowering. Fit dippers for milk or coffee easily. Stay fresh for days. Great for lunchbox snacks too.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

A close-up of a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup garnished with croutons, a sprig of mint, and grated cheese.
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soup pots keep everyone filled and happy. Spoons dip into Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup on cold or busy nights. Works for solo meals or shared dinners. Creamy but light enough for seconds. Always a hit with big eaters.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

Easy Cornbread Casserole

A portion of a cheesy, golden-brown savory cornbread casserole is being lifted from the dish, showing its flaky crust and gooey cheese filling.
Easy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Oven pans cut up quick to feed a crowd. Squares of Easy Cornbread Casserole fall apart soft with every bite. Sweet enough for dessert or next to chili. Saves time on busy nights. Cleared away long before dinner ends.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Pancake Casserole

A baked French toast casserole topped with powdered sugar, sliced strawberries, and blueberries in a white dish.
Pancake Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

No flipping means less stress with big breakfast groups. Pancake Casserole goes down easily next to fruit or syrup. Holds strong for leftovers. Good hot or room temperature. This casserole helps feed everyone on slow mornings.
Get the Recipe: Pancake Casserole

Vegetable Soup

Close-up of a bowl of vegetable soup with spinach, peas, carrots, celery, and large beans, topped with grated cheese. A spoon rests in the bowl.
Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Big pots pull together busy lunches with easy scoops. Ladles of Vegetable Soup fill bowls and keep bellies happy. Fresh enough for seconds. Complete meal with a side of bread. This soup makes cleaning up simple too.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Soup

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Two cupcakes with light brown frosting are shown on a white surface, each in a beige paper liner.
Pumpkin Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweet treats make group snacking fast and simple. Trays of delicious Pumpkin Cupcakes keep hands busy during festive moments. Frosted tops go first. Good for dessert or just nibbling. Quick to clean up once finished.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cupcakes

Cacio e Pepe

Close-up of cooked spaghetti with cracked black pepper and a fork partially visible.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple pasta brings out bold flavors with little work. Bowls of Cacio e Pepe suit last-minute dinner stress. Cheesy heat makes small plates enough. Quick and filling with little mess. This pairs with anything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Mushroom Soup

Mushroom soup that's delightfully creamy, adorned with sautéed mushrooms, a dollop of cream, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of parsley.
Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy bowls fill up dinner spots with earthy flavor. Fresh herbs lift the taste with every spoonful. Spoons into Mushroom Soup last longer than you expect. Good for side or main. Heats takes the chill out. Nobody skips a round.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

A bowl of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings garnished with chopped parsley.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Comfort food classics work for any table size. Bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings draw out slow smiles and big scoops. Soft dumplings and savory broth keep everyone eating. Good for seconds and packed lunches. Requests always pile up for a repeat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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