Comfort Foods and Classic Recipes: Timeless Dishes Made from Scratch

Nothing says home quite like comfort foods and classic recipes passed down through generations. Whether you’re whipping up a pot of slow-cooked chili, baking a homemade pot pie, or pulling warm biscuits from the oven, these dishes nourish more than just your body; they feed the soul. This collection brings together the flavors you crave and the recipes you’ll return to again and again.

Looking for more made-from-scratch ideas? Visit our Cooking from Scratch page for pantry staples, homemade baking mixes, and classic recipes that keep real food at the heart of your kitchen.

Homemade chicken pot pie with golden crust in glass pie dish

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Classic Recipes That Stand the Test of Time

These homestyle dinners bring everyone to the table. They bring a sense of nostalgia for us older folk and create new core memories of family as we gather around a table with our little ones. There’s a special place for food in our memories, and we want to help you fill it with delicious from-scratch recipes!

  • Michigan Pasty– Flaky, hand-held meat and veggie pies inspired by Yooper tradition.
  • Chicken Pot Pie– Classic comfort food with a golden crust and creamy chicken filling.
  • Instant Pot Chicken– Tender, juicy chicken made fast and easy in the Instant Pot.
  • Prime Rib Roast– A special-occasion roast with big flavor and simple steps.
Warm bowl of homemade minestrone soup with vegetables and pasta

Homemade Soups, Stews, and Casseroles

Soups, stews, and casseroles are some of my favorite meals. They are usually easy to make and the BEST in the wintertime when it’s freezing outside. Not that we can’t enjoy a good soup in the summer, but it hits a little differently in the winter, am I right?

One thing I love about soups is that you can make them ahead of time and pressure can them. Then your family can have an easy, nutrient-packed, homemade meal, as fast as heating it up on the stove. No mess and no fuss for busy days when you don’t want to skimp on nutrition.

Casseroles are some of our favorite dinners and make great leftovers! All those flavors mixed together in one casserole dish make everything taste better. And the next day, sometimes it tastes even better! Grab some of these recipes and try them for yourself.

  • Minestrone Soup– Hearty, veggie-packed soup perfect for chilly nights or meal prep.
  • Penne Pasta Bake– Cheesy, bubbly, and easy to make—your new go-to pasta night dish.
  • Taco Bake– Layers of seasoned meat and cheese baked to bubbly perfection.
Cheesy Dorito casserole baked in a cast iron pan

Easy One-Pot and Crockpot Meals for Busy Moms

One-pot and crockpot meals have a special place in a busy mom’s heart. Something that you can toss into one pan, pot, or cooker, and let go while you get other things done is magical!

I love that you can throw a frozen meal into the crockpot, and let it slow cook all day while you’re at work, homeschooling, or tending to whatever else is on your to-do list, and it’s done when you’re ready to eat. The best part, it makes the house smell delicious all day long, so everyone is excited for what you have cooking for tonight.

Let’s not forget those Instant Pot recipes. That handy tool is there for us when we forget about dinner and need something delicious, pressure-cooked FAST. Another thing that’s great about one-pot meals is that they’re easy to freeze ahead of time, making whole-food cooking a priority even on super busy days.

Flaky homemade hot pockets filled with cheese and meat on baking tray

Classic Kid Lunches Made Healthier from Scratch

Lunch doesn’t have to be processed or packed with preservatives to be a hit with kids. These from-scratch takes on classic favorites—like homemade hot pockets, chicken nuggets, and grilled cheese are made with real ingredients and big flavor. They’re easy to prep, freezer-friendly, and perfect for growing kids (and their hungry moms, too). Whether you’re packing a lunchbox or serving it hot at home, these recipes bring comfort and nutrition together in every bite.

Juicy rib roast marinating in a dry rub ready to cook

Our Favorite Cooking Tools for Comfort Foods

Tools and supplies make or break the enjoyment and ease of cooking sometimes. It seems silly to say, but when you don’t have the right tools in the kitchen, cooking is not as easy or enjoyable! Do yourself a favor and check out some of our favorite kitchen gadgets that will help you get things done more efficiently on those busy days of cooking.

  • Measuring Cups– Essential for baking and cooking from scratch—accuracy starts here.
  • Measuring Spoons– The tiny tools that make a big difference in every recipe.
  • Double Dutch Oven– Perfect for baking bread, slow roasting, or hearty soups—the homestead multitasker.
  • Cast Iron Pan– A kitchen workhorse for searing, baking, frying, and everything in between.
  • Instant Pot– Cuts down cooking time without sacrificing that from-scratch flavor.
  • Trivet– Protect your counters and serve straight from hot pots—simple and smart.
  • Glass Casserole Dish– A must-have for bakes, sides, and make-ahead meals with easy cleanup.
  • Crockpot– Slow cooking magic—set it in the morning, enjoy comfort food by dinner.

Explore More From Our Scratch Kitchen

Whether you’re building out your weeknight meal plan or looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug, we’ve got more made-from-scratch goodness waiting. Explore our other categories for pantry staples, homemade baking mixes, and even scratch desserts to round out your meals.

Hearty homemade chili served in bowls

Frequently Asked Questions About Comfort Food Recipes

What makes a recipe “comfort food”?

Comfort foods are usually warm, filling dishes that evoke nostalgia or bring a sense of emotional satisfaction. Think casseroles, soups, baked goods, and hearty dinners.

Can comfort foods be made healthier?

Yes! Many classic recipes can be adapted using whole ingredients, less sugar, or healthier fats while still delivering the same great taste and comfort.

Are these recipes good for freezing or meal prep?

Absolutely. Most casseroles, soups, and baked goods freeze beautifully, making them perfect for batch cooking and saving time.

I’m new to cooking — are these recipes beginner-friendly?

Many of our comfort food recipes are simple, with step-by-step instructions, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Make Comfort Food a Part of Your Weekly Routine

If you’ve been craving real food made from scratch — the kind that brings your family to the table and fills your home with good smells — this is your place. From quick weekday favorites to slow weekend meals, we’re here to help you cook with confidence and bring back the joy of homemade classics.

Bookmark this page and check back often — we’re always adding more favorites!

Warm bowl of homemade minestrone soup with vegetables and pasta