9 Comfort Food Recipes to Soothe the Soul

Despite the weirdness of the world, we keep cooking. Grab a cozy blanket, fire up Netflix, and wind down with these classic comfort food recipes.

With the weight of the world resting on our shoulders, we're relying even more heavily on the joys of food–making it, enjoying it, and sharing it.

Below is a handful of our favorite comfort food recipes, so that you can fill your belly and your heart with something delicious today.

1. Gnocchi

First up: gnocchi.

Timeless, tasty, and teeny, gnocchi noodles are basically the ultimate comfort food. They require a little bit of prep and attention to detail, which is perfect for getting you out of your head for a few hours. Plus, cooking a homemade meal for yourself can be so fun! Especially if you have the right tools for the job.

There are many gnocchi recipes that we love, but here are a few to help you get started:

• - IMPASTIAMO's Gnocchi Portofino

• - IMPASTIAMO's Gnocchi with Pomodoro Sauce

• - NYT's Spinach Gnocchi

• - Crisp Gnocchi With Brussels Sprouts and Brown Butter

2. Lasagna

When in doubt, go with a classic! Lasagna hits all the comfort food requirements: doughy pasta, meaty tomato sauce, melty cheese, all coming together in a rich mouthful that will send you right to the couch after eating.

When times are tough, head to your kitchen, whip up a batch of homemade lasagna, and invite your closest friends over for an Italian themed dinner party. 10/10 would recommend...

Here are a few of our favorite lasagna recipes:

• Lasagna Alla Genovese

• Classic Italian Lasagna

• Lasagna Alla Norma

• Lasagna Napoletana

• Radicchio Pasticcio (Italian Chicory Lasagna)

3. Ramen

Everyone knows that a piping hot bowl of ramen is just good for the soul.

Ramen is considered to be traditional Japanese comfort food, and it's quickly becoming American comfort food as well. It's reasonably inexpensive, can be customized in tons of different ways, and it also takes time and dedication to make it right. Taking a little extra time to make homemade ramen will be healing in many different ways.

Here are a few of our favorite ramen recipes:

• Easy Japanese Ramen Noodles

• Curry Ramen with Roast Chicken and Turmeric

• Miso Ramen Recipe 味噌ラーメン

• Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen) 冷やし中華

4. Instant Pot Polenta

There’s no denying that polenta is a prime example of comfort food, but the time required to stir it on the stovetop to prevent it from sticking to the pan or bubbling over may not be comforting to all home cooks. The solution? Cook it in your favorite multi-cooker!

5. Dumplings

Dumplings... a beloved comfort food in many, many different cultures and cuisines. Filled with your choice of veggies, meat or cheese, dumplings are quite simply little packages of love–and we could definitely all use a little more of that these days. 🥟

6. Martha Stewart's Macaroni & Cheese

Nothing says "comfort food" quite like a hot bowl of gooey macaroni and cheese–right?? Good for the body, mind, and soul, Martha Stewart's mac-and-cheese recipe will be just think to pull you out of a funk tonight.

7. Cacio E Pepe

Cacio e pepe is basically grown-up white cheddar mac and cheese, which is probably why it’s our go-to comfort food for quick weeknight dinners and dinner parties alike.

8. Bread Pudding With Salted Brown Sugar Sauce

There's something so cozy and comfortable about warm, custardy bread pudding. You'll want to use a brioche or challah that's rich and buttery, to match the sweet-meets-savory-meets-caramelized sauce.

9. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding Pie

No roundup of comfort food recipes would be complete without a chocolate pie (or two)–and this one is going to taste like a hug in a pie shell.

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What's your favorite comfort food? Let us know in the comments below!