5 Comfort Foods Recipes To Give You The Taste Of Home

It’s happened to all of us, that homesickness that seems to go straight to our guts. That sinking feeling in your stomach when you really miss a home cooked meal from your family. And while it can be a hard feeling to get over, there is something that can help, comfort food. Here are 5 comfort food recipes to give you that taste of home in every bite.

These garlic mashers are a great way to cure your homesickness.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

When life gives you potatoes, you mash em! I know, not funny, but garlic mashed potatoes are a super comfort food when you are missing home. They are full of starches and the cream has a calming hormone in it that makes you feel a little better. When you need something fast, easy and comforting, garlic mashed potatoes are a must have. 

Ingredients

• 4 lbs russet potatoes
• 2 large pinches salt
• 2 cups half and half cream
• 6 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
• 1 cup parmesan, grated

Directions

Begin by peeling your potatoes and place them in a large pan. Add your salt and cover with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil over medium high heat. Bring to a rolling boil then reduce the heat. Cook until potatoes are crumbling and they come apart with a fork. Next,heat your half and half and garlic in a saucepan over medium low heat until lightly simmering. Remove from heat and set to the side. Take your potatoes and drain them. Mash and add your creamy garlic mixture and your parmesan. Stir and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy. 

This baked mac n cheese is a great way to give you that taste of nostalgia.

2. Mac N Cheese

Nothing says there is no place like home than a creamy mac n cheese. Especially one that comes fresh out of the oven and is ready to dive into. The soft bite of cheddar coupled with the elbow pasta creates a special sense of home. This recipe, while simplistic in style, brings that sense of home back to you in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 package of elbow pasta
• ½ cup of butter, unsalted
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups half and half
• 4 cups cheddar, grated
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch pepper
• 1 pinch paprika

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 325F. Grease a baking dish and set to the side. Take a large pot and bring to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, but make sure you cook it for one minute less than the directions since we will be baking it. In the meantime, grate your cheese into a bowl and melt your butter. Whisk together with your cheese. Slowly pour your pasta into the baking dish and pour over your cheese butter mixture over the top once it is fully melted. Note, you can speed up the process by melting it on medium low heat in a small saucepan. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from heat,  serve and enjoy. 

Tomato soup is a great warm to you up from your homesickness.

3. Tomato Soup

Do you remember those sick days with your family? And how they would make you some tomato soup? Not only is this recipe great for when you’re feeling under the weather it gives you that sense of rustic warmth that can only be found with sweet tomatoes. This recipe is great on it’s own or with some grilled cheese. Cure yourself of your homesickness with this tomato soup recipe. 

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp butter, unsalted
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 can of tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 pinch garlic salt
• 1 pinch oregano
• 1 pinch basil
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Directions

Begin by melting your butter in a saucepan over medium high heat. Add in your onion and tomatoes along with your salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, remove from heat and use a blender to blend until smooth. Serve into bowls and add remaining seasoning. Serve and enjoy. 

This grilled cheese is a great way to warm your soul.

4. Grilled Cheese

When you’re missing home and craving something that is warm, soft and cheesy, this grilled cheese recipe is a must try. The perfect soft crunch of toasted bread coupled with the soft creamy cheese makes for a perfect snack or comforting meal. 

Ingredients

• 8 slices of bread of your choice
• 4 tbsp butter, unsalted
• 4 slices of cheddar
• 4 slices of Gouda
• 4 slices of Havarti

Directions

Start by buttering one side of your bread slice. Take a skillet and heat on medium low heat. Place your buttered bread slices in the skillet butter side down. Stack your cheeses one side until melted. Stack your other piece of bread and flip. This should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Serve and enjoy. 

This recipe is a great way to ward off the cold and fill you with a sense of comfort.

5. Spaghetti And Meatballs

This recipe list would not be complete without the king of comfort food, spaghetti and meatballs. And while this comfort food may take a little more prep than other comfort food recipes, the flavors are well worth it. I’m sure I’m not the only one after a hard day and remembering my parents making me some delicious spaghetti and meatballs for a weekday meal. Treat yourself with the sense of home for your next dinner with this recipe. 

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, lean
• 3 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 pinch oregano, dried
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 pinch garlic salt
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 handful basil
• ½ cup parmesan, grated

Directions

Begin by heating your oil up in a large pot over medium high heat. Add your ground beef and cook until brown for around 8 minutes. Break it up as it cooks into smaller chunks. Next, add in your onion and cook until soft before adding your garlic, tomato paste, and seasonings. Cook for an additional minute. Set on a low simmer for 25 minutes. Cook the pasta to the directions on the packaging drain. Serve and enjoy. 

There is nothing like home cooking to soothe a homesick soul. When you’re looking to get that taste of home for your next dinner, there is a recipe for everyone to enjoy on this list.