The holiday season is pretty synonymous with comfort food recipes. Find me a holiday party not serving some version of mac and cheese, or a Friendsgiving sans spinach and artichoke dip. Doesn’t exist! And the term “comfort food” itself is pretty on point: Upon shoving giant forkful of said hot and cheesy recipe into my mouth, I am instantly overwhelmed by a sense of happiness and peace. I do, in fact, feel comforted. (That being said, I did not feel very comfortable post-meal thanks to my lactose -semi-intolerance.)
So I went on a hunt to find comfort food recipes that are somewhat healthy and won’t leave me (or you) feeling ill post-meal. And for those lucky ducks out there with a fully formed tolerance to all things creamy and delicious, I’ve rounded up a few absolutely gluttonous recipes, too. Because what’s life without indulging in some of the most delicious ingredients mother nature has to offer?
These recipes are perfect for your Friendsgivings, your holiday potlucks, office shindigs and so much more. From cauliflower mac and cheese to Italian wedding soup, these recipes are just like a warm bear hug—but even better because they taste absolutely delicious.
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
There’s nothing more comforting than a baked, cheesy pasta, like this recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Damn Delicious
Beef and Barley Stew
We’re official in stew season and I couldn’t be more excited to test out this cozy recipe.
My Name is Yeh
Blueberry Cream Cheese Donuts
Start off your morning the right way with this recipe.
Girly Girl Cooks
Individual Chicken Pot Pie
I like the idea of an individual pie so I don’t go overboard on a regular-sized recipe.
The Defined Dish
Texas-Style Mac and Cheese
Doesn’t this photo want to make you lick your screen??? Delicious.
Oh Sweet Basil
Cinnamon Buns
Iced topping is a requirement for this recipe.
In Good Flavor.
Cioppino
Pair this recipe with a few slices of bread (for dipping, duh) and you’re good to go.
Elly Says Opa
Skillet Pasta With Red Pepper Sauce and Eggplant
The perfect vegetarian comfort food recipe.
Eat Healthy Eat Happy
Quick Curried Veggie Brown Rice Bowl
This comfort food recipe is sneakily healthy but obviously delicious.
My Name is Yeh
Chocolate Peanut Butter Breakfast Mousse
Chocolate peanut butter for breakfast? Count us in.
That Low Carb Life
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
A mac and cheese recipe with all the flavor but without the guilt.
Rachel Cooks
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup with Noodles
This recipe had me at “creamy.”
Gimme Some Oven
Butternut Squash Soup
A simple yet very effective comfort food recipe.
Foodie Crush
Havarti Grilled Cheese with Sweet Bacon and Brown Sugar Pecans
If it’s dripping in cheese, we’re in.
Gimme Some Oven
Gnocchi Mac and Cheese
Because we could all use a few different types of mac and cheese at the holiday party.
Damn Delicious
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Don’t knock this recipe until you try it.
Brooklyn Supper
Chocolate Pudding Pie with Rum
What makes a comfort food recipe even more comforting? Booze.
The View from Great Island
Baked Eggs in Puff Pastry with Tomato
Everyone loves a good yolk breaking moment, and this recipe delivers.
Pinch of Yum
Creamy Garlic Herb Mushroom Spaghetti
Creamy pasta is the ultimate mood lifter.
Damn Delicious
One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
If you couldn’t tell, mac and cheese varietals are a consistent theme in this recipe round-up.
Broma Bakery
S’Mores Marshmallows
Eat these babies plain or add them to hot chocolate for a truly decadent experience
Gimme Some Oven
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
A healthier version of regular chicken pot pie? Either way, we’re in on this recipe.
Two Peas and Their Pod
Three Cheese Skillet Nachos
Every good holiday party needs a killer nacho plate, like this recipe.
Broma Bakery
Dulce De Leche Cake
Impress your friends and family with this delicious cake recipe.
Foodie Crush
Prosciutto Eggs Benedict
Yes, even “fancy” food can be comforting too, like this eggs benedict recipe.
Love Grows Wild
Ham and Potato Chowder
Potatoes are amazing in every shape and form, including as a soup.
How Sweet It Is
Chicken Tacos
An easy weeknight meal that still provides all the flavor of your favorite comfort food recipes.
Broma Bakery
Hot Chocolate Pancakes
Definitely top this recipe with a few (or a ton of) marshmallows.
Jelly Toast
Chocolate Marshmallow Banana Toast
Dessert for breakfast? Don’t mind if I do.
Jelly Toast
Vanilla Mint Milkshake
Comfort food, in drinkable form.
A version of this article originally appeared in December 2015.