Winter is a very good season of the year. The crisp air, the changing leaves, and the festive decorations make it a magical season. But when the cold air hits, it’s time to break out the comfort food. Nothing beats a warm and cozy meal on a chilly winter night. From hearty soups to delicious casseroles, there are plenty of comforting winter meals that will keep you toasty and full.
Whether you’re looking for a classic dish to make for the family or a comforting meal to curl up with on the couch, these five winter meals are sure to hit the spot. So, grab your kitchen mittens and get ready for some delicious, comforting winter meals.
Winter Vegetable Stew
There are few things better than the smell of stew simmering on the stove. This winter vegetable stew is hearty, healthy, and utterly delicious. You can make it with or without meat, so everyone can enjoy it. It’s a great option for a family dinner or a cozy date night at home.
Be sure to make plenty, as it’s likely to get gobbled up quickly. Adding greens, such as spinach or Swiss chard, gives this stew more vitamins and nutrients while keeping it thick and hearty.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own vegetable broth to give the stew extra oomph. However, store-bought vegetable broth works just as well. This stew is wonderful served with crusty bread or a baguette that you can dip in the broth.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
There are few things better than a big bowl of mac and cheese, especially on a chilly winter day. Whether you prefer the classic kind or want to switch things up with a different flavor, there’s a mac and cheese for every taste.
With the addition of a few extra ingredients, you can take your mac and cheese from ordinary to extraordinary. This recipe for creamy macaroni and cheese has a surprise ingredient that ups the comfort food factor: hot dogs.
Instead of adding ham or bacon, this mac and cheese has chopped up hot dogs that add both flavor and texture. This dish is great for kids and grownups alike.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal for the family or something to make for date night in front of the TV, this mac and cheese is sure to hit the spot.
Baked Ziti
Ziti is a delicious pasta dish traditionally made with Italian sausage. This baked ziti has a few more veggies thrown in to create a more well-rounded meal. This ziti is wonderful on its own or served with a salad or some garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
However, if you’re looking for a more substantial meal, you can add a protein, like beans or ground meat. This baked ziti is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. It’s easy to make, inexpensive, and sure to please almost everyone. This baked ziti has a creamy, tangy sauce that is sure to warm you up on a chilly winter night. If you want to switch things up, you can also try making baked manicotti, another pasta dish that is just as delicious.
Chicken Pot Pie
Pot pie is a classic comfort food that is sure to warm you up on even the coldest of days. This chicken pot pie has all the components of a traditional pot pie, but in a lighter and healthier version. Instead of a thick and heavy pastry crust, the pot pie has a homemade wheat and oat crust that is much healthier than the traditional version.
This crust is wonderfully crisp and crumbly and is the perfect vessel for all the delicious ingredients in the filling. This chicken pot pie is wonderful served with a salad or a side of veggies. It’s an excellent dinner-party dish because it can be made ahead of time, making clean-up a breeze. This is a great dish to make on a cold winter night. It’s comforting, delicious, and sure to bring everyone to the table.
Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a classic British dish that is sure to warm you up on even the coldest of days. This shepherd’s pie has all the classic flavors of the original, but in a healthier, vegan version. This shepherd’s pie has a mashed potato topping, rather than ground meat, that gives it a lighter, yet still hearty, feel.
This dish is wonderful served with a salad or some green vegetables. It’s a great dish to feed a crowd or to bring to a party. This shepherd’s pie is easy to make and can be either vegan or non-vegan, depending on your tastes. It’s a great take on a classic dish that tastes just as good, if not better, than the original version. If you want to change it up a bit, you can also make a broccoli shepherd’s pie.
Conclusion
There are few things better than the smell of warm, creamy comfort foods being baked or cooked on the stove. Whether you prefer a classic dish or want to switch things up with a different flavor, there are plenty of winter meals that are sure to hit the spot.
Whether you’re looking for a classic dish to make for the family or a comforting meal to curl up with on the couch, these five winter meals are sure to hit the spot.
