It's Too Cold to Diet: Warm Recipes to Make You Happier (If Not Slimmer) (2024)

Always-comforting rice pudding meets crave-worthy Nutella in this luscious, creamy, warming dessert.

Recipe: Chocolate-Hazelnut Swirled Rice Pudding

It might seem simple on its surface, but this concoction of freshly made pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and fragrant winter herbs is a hearty, comforting, and luxurious combination.

Recipe: Winter Herb and Ricotta Cannelloni

Pierogies filled with soft, fluffy potato are comforting enough on their own, but when topped with tempting bacon and cabbage, they're taken to a whole new level.

Recipe: Pierogies with Sautéed Cabbage and Bacon

These creamy potatoes are the perfect quick, comforting side dish on a chilly day. Microwaving the potatoes cuts down on bake time so you can focus on enjoying, not preparing, your meal.

Recipe: Stuffed Parmesan Potatoes

Comforting chicken and rice is even more delicious when salty, savory ham and gooey cheese are added to the mix.

Recipe: Crispy Ham and Cheese Chicken with Sweet Peas and Rice

The chopped fresh herbs in the biscuits that top this comforting chicken stew add another layer of flavor to the dish.

Recipe: Chicken and Biscuits in a Pot

Warm up with a comforting bowl of this easy freezer-friendly beef stew.

Recipe: Irish Beef and Stout Stew

These appetizer-sized portions are perfect for sharing, but if you're just the kind of person who goes for the crusty edges of the casserole first, it's worth making a batch for yourself — just serve a little salad along with your plate full of them, so you don't feel too terribly guilty.

Recipe: Mac and Cheese Bites

There's no more comforting a side dish than a classic baked potato topped with sweet, creamy, smoky bacon-flecked butter.

Recipe: Baked Potatoes with Bacon Butter

This comforting braised beef dish is easy to make ahead and will satisfy you throughout the week.

Recipe: Braised Brisket with Red Wine and Rosemary

Simple and comforting with a German twist, this one-dish meal delivers easy-to-like flavor in less than an hour — perfect for chilly evenings.

Recipe: Pork Chops with Bacon and Cabbage

This cheesy, savory soufflé transforms comfort food basics — creamy mashed potatoes and bacon — into an elegant but still comforting dish.

Recipe: Mashed Potato Soufflé with Cheese and Bacon

It doesn't get more classic than this. Though this old-school American meal might not be considered the healthiest dinner option today, it still tastes pretty darn delicious.

Recipe: Meatloaf and Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Fresh tomatillos and poblano chiles kick up this comforting Mexican meal.

Recipe: Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas Verde

Could it get any better than the flavor combination of chicken pot pie and buttermilk fried chicken? Actually, yes — when that creamy and comforting mix is a mere 258 calories and 7 grams of fat per serving.

Recipe: Buttermilk Chicken and Cornflake Bake

A Moroccan-inspired mixture of spices adds bold flavor to this comforting pasta dish that uses long, ruffle-edged noodles.

Recipe: Mafalda with Lamb and Mint

This warm bread pudding recipe transforms day-old bread — plus eggs and cream — into an indulgence. This version has Creole roots, with cubes of baguette and a sauce that's flavored by a healthy dose of bourbon.

Recipe: Louisiana Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce

Enjoy this slice-of-heaven cookie warm — just minutes out of the oven. Or bake it ahead and heat up as many wedges as you like just before serving.

Recipe: Warm Chocolate-Chunk Pizza Cookie