5 Comfort Food Recipes to Get You Through the Week

When life feels overwhelming, there’s nothing like comfort food to bring warmth and joy to your table. From creamy classics to hearty dishes, these recipes are the perfect pick-me-ups to get you through the week. Let’s dive into some culinary hugs!

1. Classic Creamy Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens.

4. Stir in cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

5. Combine the sauce with cooked macaroni and serve warm.

   
   

2. Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup

• ½ cup milk

• 1 refrigerated pie crust

• 1 egg, beaten

How to Make:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a bowl, mix chicken, vegetables, soup, and milk.

3. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with the pie crust. Seal the edges and cut small slits for ventilation.

4. Brush the crust with the beaten egg.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

   
   

3. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 2 green onions, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make:

1. In a large pot, combine potatoes and chicken broth. Cook until the potatoes are tender.

2. Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender (or mash for a chunkier texture).

3. Stir in heavy cream, cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Serve topped with bacon and green onions.

   
   

4. Spaghetti Carbonara

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti

• 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

2. In a skillet, cook pancetta or bacon until crispy. Add garlic and sauté briefly.

3. In a bowl, whisk eggs and Parmesan cheese.

4. Toss the hot spaghetti with the pancetta mixture. Slowly mix in the egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.

5. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

   
   

5. Chocolate Lava Cake

Ingredients:

• 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 large egg yolks

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• Butter and cocoa powder for greasing ramekins

How to Make:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease 4 ramekins with butter and cocoa powder.

2. Melt chocolate and butter together until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar.

3. Whisk in eggs and egg yolks, then fold in flour until combined.

4. Divide the batter evenly into the ramekins. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are firm but the center is gooey.

5. Let cool for 1 minute, then invert onto plates and serve warm.

With these comfort food recipes, you’ll have all the cozy, delicious flavors you need to carry you through the week. Which one will you try first? Let us know how it turns out!

Warm wishes,The Scarlet Spoon Team ❤️