What I Crave on Long Days 47 Fall Comfort Foods That Please

ByMandy Applegate

When days stretch longer than expected, food becomes a little reward waiting at the finish line. The season brings 47 comfort foods that hit the spot in the simplest way possible. Each dish feels like a gentle reminder that comfort can be uncomplicated. It’s the kind of food that makes long hours fade fast and evenings feel right again.

A close-up of a beef stew with green peas and chopped parsley, showing a spoon partially submerged in the rich, red sauce.
Beef Stew. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Beef Bourguignon

Close-up of a savory beef stew with chunks of beef, bacon, onion, and vegetables in a rich, glossy sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes.
Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Plates get stacked with rich flavors from chunky Beef Bourguignon that always hits the spot. Each spoonful gives a cozy finish after a busy day. People go back for seconds before anyone slows down. This stew is gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

Pineapple Casserole

Pineapple casserole in a casserole dish with a serving spoon in it.
Pineapple Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Snack tables crowd up with sweet bites like Pineapple Casserole during big family meals. Fruit pairs with creamy layers that bring comfort home. Great for side plates or after-dinner treats. Usually nothing left but maybe one crumb.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple 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.

Dinner feels easy with juicy Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken fresh from slow cooking. Plates fill fast so extras are rare. People like it with bread or spicy dips for more flavor. You need plenty to keep the crowd happy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

Breakfast Casserole

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

Mornings get smoother with thick pieces of Breakfast Casserole on the table. Eggs mix with creamy layers for a warm start. Works well with toast or fruit on the side. This one disappears right after the coffee brews.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

Tortellini Soup

A close-up of creamy tortellini with spinach and fresh basil leaves.
Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bowls get passed around full of hot Tortellini Soup at group dinners. Chewy pockets swim in rich sauce so everybody digs in. Fits late night snacks or early meals. Soup pot empties before anyone asks for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Pumpkin Cake

Close-up of sliced pumpkin cake topped with cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cinnamon, with plates in the background.
Pumpkin Cake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Sweet plates stack up with moist Pumpkin Cake when dessert rolls out. Spiced flavors make it the first thing people reach for. Always works for party slices or solo snacking. This cake leaves nothing but crumbs.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cake

Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Main plates fill with flaky bites of Chicken Pot Pie on long hungry nights. Rich filling gets paired with a golden top for extra comfort. Good alone or with a salad side. The crowd asks for second helpings every time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Best Chocolate Cake

A person holding a slice of chocolate layer cake with frosting from a chocolate cake recipe.
Best Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Big slices are a must with soft Best Chocolate Cake in the middle of the dessert table. Deep flavor makes everybody want a piece. Pairs up with ice cream or coffee any night. The cake tray always runs out in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate Cake

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.

Crowd perks up for cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole on cold mornings. Bites go great with hot drinks and quick chats. Creamy and pleasing inside keeps folks grabbing seconds. The tray empties quicker than you expect.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Three slices of glazed meatloaf are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of brown sauce.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Classic dinners call for thick Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe down the serving line. Saucy slices give home flavor on tough nights. Pair with potatoes or crunchy bread for a full meal. Meatloaf finishes fast every meal.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp snacks like sweet Sweet Potato Fries get picked at all hours. Fries pack big flavor without much fuss. Easy and fulfilling to serve with dips at parties or solo at home. Plates empty quick,ly especially at game night.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Close-up of a savory biscuit with a creamy ham filling, looking like a gourmet twist on a Biscuits and Gravy Casserole, served elegantly on a plate.
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Brunch trays get wiped out when creamy Biscuits and Gravy Casserole goes around. Soft biscuits soak up all the comfort in every corner. Good for slow mornings or quick gatherings. Seconds happen before the first pot is gone.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Creamy Beef Stroganoff

A close-up of fettuccine pasta with creamy sauce, reminiscent of Beef Stroganoff, paired with sliced beef, mushrooms, and sprigs of rosemary.
Creamy Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hearts warm up with deep bowls of Creamy Beef Stroganoff next to noodles. Saucy meat dishes fill up plates when comfort is needed. Always paired best with veggies or bread. Stroganoff gets finished before the mains rotate.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Sausage Casserole

A baked dish containing sliced sausages, potatoes, and green beans in a white casserole dish with a serving spoon.
Sausage Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Trays fill with spicy Sausage Casserole during group dinners. The aroma draws everyone to the table before it even cools. Cheesy layers add crunch so no bites go untouched. Works alone or with bread on the side. Not a crumb left once people dig in.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Casserole

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.

Dessert gets loud when big slices of Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake show up. Creamy cheesecake blends sweet pie for full comfort. Good for sharing or sneaking extra after dinner. First to go at every party.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

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.

Party picks up with juicy Cowboy Sliders stacked tall for easy eating. Sliders mix all the best parts of a burger for quick bites. Game nights and gatherings both wipe out the tray. Always make extra so nobody misses out.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich

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.

Plates get loaded with steamy Turkey Pot Pie at dinner. Flaky crust hides a rich and pleasing filling that everyone wants. It’s a favorite for leftovers after big gatherings. Pot pie never sticks around for late-night snacks.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie

Spicy Lasagna Soup

Close-up of a plate of pasta topped with a red tomato-based sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Spicy Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bowls warm hands with bold Spicy Lasagna Soup, floating pasta and rich sauce. This soup works for lunch or dinner with its hearty feel. People grab bread for dipping right away. No leftovers after the first round.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup

Cowboy Sliders

A close-up of a slider sandwich with ground beef, melted cheese, bacon, and sliced jalapeños on a soft bun. Other sliders and jalapeño slices are visible in the background.
Cowboy Sliders. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Party picks up with juicy Cowboy Sliders stacked tall for easy eating. Sliders mix all the best parts of a burger for quick bites. Game nights and gatherings both wipe out the tray. Always make extra so nobody misses out.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Sliders

Cheeseburger Soup

A pot of cheesy potato and meat stew garnished with chopped parsley and crispy bacon.
Cheeseburger Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bowls fill up with creamy Cheeseburger Soup for easy comfort food. The scent alone makes everyone grab a bowl fast. Soup packs classic flavor into every spoon. Great for pile-on toppings or plain. Pot is empty before anyone asks for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

A close-up of soup with meatballs, carrots, celery, spinach, slivered almonds, and fresh herbs in a clear broth.
Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Soup crowd gets happy with hot Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup served in big bowls. Mini bites and home flavor keep folks coming back. Good for dipping bread or crackers in the broth. Soup runs out before the main meal finishes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

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.

Crunchy and pleasing bites stand out with warm Cabbage Casserole at family dinners. Works as a main or side so people stack on their plates. It brings old-school comfort every time. Empty tins mean you made a hit.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

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.

Pasta lovers, hurry up when creamy Cacio e Pepe hits the dinner table. The aroma alone gets everyone reaching for a plate. Smooth sauce brings a pepper kick with every forkful. Great for sharing on quiet nights. No noodles left once servings start.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

White Bean Soup

A bowl of hearty white bean soup topped with melted cheese and a slice of toasted bread, garnished with fresh parsley.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Thick bowls of hot White Bean Soup give comfort during any long day. The warmth spreads fast once it’s served. Beans soak up broth for rich and filling bites. Always paired best with soft rolls or bread. Pot never sees the next morning.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

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.

Brunch turns special with saucy Eggs Benedict Casserole piled up for sharing. Creamy layers pack big flavor for breakfast crowds. Good for topping with fresh greens or simple fixings. Plates are empty in no time.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Coconut Cream Pie

A slice of coconut cream pie on a plate.
Coconut Cream Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert plates stay busy with thick Coconut Cream Pie in slices ready to go. Fluffy filling draws everyone back for another piece. Good topped or plain whenever cravings hit. Pie tray ends up wiped clean every round.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Plates get heavy with chunky Cowboy Casserole sitting right in the middle of group meals. Rich bites pair with bread or salad nearby. People ask for extras before main dishes come out. Always make double with this one.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Pumpkin Coffee Cake

A stack of pumpkin coffee cake squares with crumb topping and white glaze, arranged on a wooden board.
Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet trays get empty quickly after spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake sits on the counter. Crumbly topping makes people fight for the last piece. Good with hot drinks or cold milk. Cake goes first at every dessert break.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Eggs Benedict Casserole

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

Brunch turns special with saucy Eggs Benedict Casserole piled up for sharing. Creamy layers pack big flavor for breakfast crowds. Good for topping with fresh greens or simple fixings. Plates are empty in no time.
Get the Recipe: Eggs Benedict Casserole

Pasta alla Norma

A pot filled with penne pasta in a tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese, basil leaves, and herbs.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Late dinners feel easy with rich Pasta alla Norma tossed for big flavor. Eggplant blends with the sauce, so the plates fill up fast and smell amazing. This dish works for potlucks or quiet nights. Not a strand left after serving.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

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

Snack tables light up with warm Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins for munching. Sweet and spicy mix gives every bite a kick. Muffins get eaten with chili round or solo. Extras are gone before you pour drinks.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Close-up of a bowl of chicken tortilla soup with crispy tortilla strips, avocado pieces, corn, cheese, and herbs in a rich red broth.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bowls get busy with hot Chicken Tortilla Soup at dinner. Steam rises with a mix of spice and comfort. Works well topped with chips or plain. Good for cold nights or late shifts. Pot clears out before you want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pumpkin Muffins

A stack of pumpkin muffins in paper liners is arranged on a light surface, with small decorative pumpkins in the background.
Pumpkin Muffins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Breakfasts start strong with soft Pumpkin Muffins stacked high. Warm aromas fill the kitchen before anyone even sits down. Spices soak into every bite for cozy mornings. Muffins work for quick snacks all day long. Trays clear before lunch arrives.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Muffins

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs.
Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dinner feels simple and quick with creamy Easy Chicken Casserole on weeknights. Rich layers fill up plates before anyone gets full. Works for leftovers, but it’s rare. The casserole tray is always empty when you clean up.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Coffee Cake

Close-up of eight square pieces of crumb cake with a textured, crumbly topping.
Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet cravings never fail with crumbly Coffee Cake sliced for break time. Cake gives more comfort with every bite. Good with coffee or tea for a soft evening. Every piece gets picked up before you finish your drink.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake

Funeral Potatoes

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Party spreads get extra creamy with cheesy Funeral Potatoes close to the main dish. Crunchy topping grabs all the attention. These potatoes are the top choice at every gathering. Dishes never leave with leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Funnel Cake

A close-up of a funnel cake topped with powdered sugar, resting on a white paper towel.
Funnel Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Snacks get fun with crisp Funnel Cake twisted up and dusted for sweet bites. The scent alone pulls people toward the table. Good for backyard parties or late-night eaters. Plates fill up fast, so extras are rare. Finish first or go home hungry.
Get the Recipe: Funnel Cake

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Close-up of cinnamon swirl bread slices, showcasing a spiral pattern in the texture.
Cinnamon Swirl Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dessert tables smell rich with sweet Cinnamon Swirl Bread right out of the oven. Slices tear apart soft and gooey for snacks or meals. Works with butter or nothing at all. Loaf stays empty long before the day ends.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Roasted Pumpkin Seed

A white bowl filled with roasted, seasoned pumpkin seeds on a light surface.
Roasted Pumpkin Seed. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Snack bowls fill up with crunchy Roasted Pumpkin Seed for munching at parties. Light salt and spice keep hands coming back for more. Seeds get picked up quickly by anyone passing by. These work for meals or between bites. Nothing left after halftime.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin Seed

Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with green bean casserole with a spoon in it.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dinner plates are loaded up with creamy Green Bean Casserole for easy sharing. Crispy and pleasing topping mixes in for big flavor every meal. Good for pairing with meats or solo servings. Platters always need a refill.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro.
Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bowls go quick with spicy Turkey Chili warming up group tables. Slow simmering builds deep flavor that keeps spoons moving. Chili comes packed for full servings with or without sides. Works for lunch and dinner both. Pot is scraped clean every time.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

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.

Dessert makes the rounds with warm Homemade Bread Pudding topped for sweet comfort. Works for big groups or solo snacking at night. Soft pieces soak up sauce for full flavor. Bowl empties before word gets around.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bread Pudding

Cattle Drive Casserole

A slice of cheesy lasagna being lifted from a baking dish, topped with melted cheese and parsley.
Cattle Drive Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hearty crowds dig in for chunky Cattle Drive Casserole at family meals. Layers of beef, potatoes, and cheese turn into pure comfort with every bite. Cheesy mix brings out big smiles at every table. Always pairs up with sides or simple bread. One pan is never enough.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

A stack of pumpkin spiced muffins on a plate.
Pumpkin Spiced Muffins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet trays perk up with spiced Pumpkin Spiced Muffins grabbed for early eats. Soft inside matches with crisp topping for finish. Muffins win at breakfast and snack time. Not a single muffin stays once you bring them out.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

Chicken Noodle Soup

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with wide noodles, chunks of chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs in a clear broth.
Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bowls fill with cozy Chicken Noodle Soup right when you need a recharge. Noodles swim perfect for extra comfort on long days. Great for pairing with sandwiches for dinner. The soup pot never sees leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

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.

Plates build up with saucy Baked Ziti at big family nights. Layers of pasta and melted cheese pull everyone back for seconds. Cheese stretches with every scoop for home vibes. Good alone or next to your best bread. Ziti rarely lasts after first round.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti

Beef Stew

A close-up of a beef stew with green peas and chopped parsley, showing a spoon partially submerged in the rich, red sauce.
Beef Stew. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dinner fits the mood with chunky Beef Stew at the end of a rundown day. Forks and spoons dive in for thick and rich bites. Works as a main or with soft rolls for dunking. Stew disappears as fast as the stress does.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

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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