Our best-ever comfort food recipes are so easy to make

Feel-good food everyone will adore

For those days when you’re desperate for some comfort food and nothing else will do, we’ve rounded up the cosiest, most satisfying recipes around. From easy one-pots to creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, indulgent bakes and perfect pies, these tasty dishes will boost your mood and soothe your soul.

Mozzarella and tomato bread

Homemade bread is one of life’s simple pleasures, particularly when you're craving a dose of carbs. This luscious loaf is stuffed with sweet cherry tomatoes and mozzarella. Eat it warm from the oven with olive oil for dipping, or serve as a tasty side with your favourite pasta dish.

Chicken soup and dumplings

When you're in need of some comfort, chicken soup is one of the most restorative foods you can reach for. This creamy, wholesome broth is packed with vegetables and is served topped with fluffy dumplings, which soak up the soup beautifully. It does take a bit of time to cook, but you could easily make a double batch and freeze half.

Mushroom and lentil pie

This mushroom and lentil pie is utterly satisfying. Lentils provide a filling base, and dried mushrooms, stock and Marmite provide masses of umami flavour. The dish is made even more irresistible thanks to the creamy root vegetable mash topping. 

Slow-cooked chicken with a crisp corn crust

This full-of-flavour slow-cooked chicken with a crisp corn crust is a wonderfully warming meal. Chicken thighs are simmered in tomato, garlic, harissa, red peppers and a hint of chocolate to produce a hearty stew. The crust meanwhile is a simple gluten-free batter made with fresh or frozen sweetcorn kernels mixed with egg. 

Saffron chicken korma

Brighten up your day with this fragrant saffron chicken korma. Tender chicken thighs marinated in Greek yogurt are cooked in garam masala, coriander, saffron-infused milk and ground almonds to make a golden curry with a sweet, mellow flavour. This recipe serves four as a main.

Spiced pumpkin, olive oil and orange cake

Lift your mood with the scent (and taste) of freshly baked spiced pumpkin, olive oil and orange cake. Using olive oil instead of butter gives the cake a soft, moist crumb, which goes beautifully with the zesty orange and lemon icing. A quick tip: save time by using tinned pumpkin purée instead of roasting and blending your own.

Easy chocolate torte

Few can resist chocolate when comfort food cravings call and this simple yet stunning torte provides the perfect cocoa fix. It can be enjoyed warm from the oven in just an hour and is lovely served with crème fraîche and fresh berries. 

Sticky cinnamon buns

These Swedish cinnamon buns could well be your next rainy-day project. They take a while to make, as you need to allow time for the dough to rise, but the mixing can be expedited by using a stand mixer with a dough hook. As they cook, your kitchen will gradually fill with gorgeous, sweet and spicy aromas, making that first bite all the more appealing. 

Hot chocolate cake

This show-stopper cake, with its three layers of light, delicately spiced chocolate sponge covered in rich cocoa buttercream and topped with grated chocolate and marshmallows, is absolutely perfect for a special celebration. Despite its impressive looks, it doesn’t take a huge amount of time to make either.