Winter got you down? Warm up with 12 comfort eats to beat the blues

It’s not just chicken soup that’s good for the soul. Discover the science behind why comfort foods make us feel better, and try some delicious recipe ideas to lift your spirits

Winter can be challenging for many of us, with its short days, cold temperatures, and inclement weather. Many people turn to comfort foods to warm themselves up and soothe their spirits during this time.

Comfort foods are often associated with feelings of nostalgia, home, and satisfaction and can range from classic dishes like macaroni and cheese to warm drinks like hot chocolate.

In this list, we’ll explore some of the most popular comfort foods for winter, why they bring comfort, and some tips for making these dishes even more comforting.

Here’s common comfort foods for winter and why they tend to bring us comfort:

1. Macaroni and Cheese: This classic dish is often associated with childhood memories, making it a nostalgic and comforting meal. The creamy, cheesy sauce and soft noodles provide comfort and warmth.
2. Soup: Soup is a classic comfort food, especially in winter. It’s warm, nourishing, and easy to digest. The steam from the soup can also help clear nasal passages, making it an excellent option for those feeling under the weather.
3. Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate is a perfect winter treat, providing warmth and sweetness. It can also evoke nostalgia, as many of us may have enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day as a child.
4. Stew: Stew is a hearty and filling meal, making it a great option for cold winter days. It’s also an excellent way to use leftover ingredients, making it an economical choice.
5. Chili: Like stew, chili is another hearty and filling option perfect for cold winter days. It’s also customizable, allowing individuals to add their preferred spices and toppings.
6. Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food, often associated with holidays and family gatherings. They’re warm, creamy, and filling.
7. Grilled Cheese: Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food, often associated with childhood memories. The warm, gooey cheese sandwiched between crispy bread provides a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
8. Baked Potatoes: Baked potatoes are a hearty and comforting meal that can be customized with various toppings such as cheese, sour cream, chives, and bacon. They’re warm, filling, and easy to make.
9. Shepherd’s Pie: Shepherd’s pie is a classic dish with ground meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. It’s warm, filling, comforting, and often associated with home-cooked meals.
10. Chicken Pot Pie: Chicken pot pie is a warm, comforting dish made with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all wrapped in a flaky crust. It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for cold winter days.
11. Meatloaf: Meatloaf is a classic comfort food often associated with home-cooked meals. It’s warm and filling and can be customized with various ingredients such as vegetables, cheese, and spices.
12. Lasagna: Lasagna is a hearty and comforting dish with layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for cold winter days.

Did you know?

Comfort foods is that they may be linked to childhood experiences. Studies have shown that people tend to seek out and prefer foods they enjoyed as children, even if they weren’t necessarily considered “comforting” then.

This suggests that our food preferences may be heavily influenced by early experiences and memories, affecting our food choices.

A little history:

The history of comfort foods can be traced back to ancient times when people used food as a source of comfort during times of stress or hardship. For example, the ancient Greeks believed certain foods, such as honey and figs, had healing properties and could soothe the soul.

In medieval Europe, warm, hearty stews and soups were often served during the winter months to provide warmth and nourishment to people with limited access to fresh produce.

The term “comfort food” as we know it today didn’t become popular until the 1960s when it was first used in a newspaper article to describe foods that provide emotional comfort.

Over time, comfort foods have evolved to include many dishes often associated with nostalgia, home cooking, and warm, cozy feelings.

Comfort foods are enjoyed worldwide, ranging from simple dishes like grilled cheese and tomato soup to more complex meals like chicken pot pie and lasagna.