Scrolling through recipes in search of the ultimate cold night, comfort dish? We’ve got you covered.
WATCH: Fast Ed makes chicken divan
Sometimes only your favourite food will make you feel better – and that’s usually when you turn to those well-loved nostalgic dishes you enjoyed in your childhood.
With 35 of our favourite recipes listed, you’ll recognise some classics like cob loaf and some lesser-known dishes like bolognese mac ‘n’ cheese. Whichever your preference, you won’t regret having a crack at one of these warming meals.
From super-quick soups and hearty stews to steaming puddings and succulent pies, here’s our top picks.
1. Apple berry crumble
Everyone needs a brilliant crumble in their bag of tricks! It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert, and you can even eat the leftovers as an indulgent brekkie granola.
2. Aussie meat pie
The filling for this classic pie is slow-cooked casserole style. If you’re short on time, prepare it earlier on, then add pastry on the day.
3. Beef and dark ale stew
A six-ingredient one-pot-wonder made with osso bucco, a beautiful cut of beef perfect for slow cooking.
4. Baked cauliflower cheese with crispy breadcrumbs
Swap your usual roast spuds for this creamy, crunchy beauty.
5. Bolognese Mac-n-Cheese
Forget butter in your white sauce – use a good extra virgin olive oil instead. It’s still rich and flavoursome, but won’t leave you feeling as heavy.
6. Vertical potato bake
With its crispy top and creamy base, this is the perfect balance of cheese and herb flavours.
7. Potato bake with sour cream, brie cheese and chives
You’ve never made spuds like this before! Sure it sounds decadent….and it is, but just go with it because everyone will love it.
8. Easy baked custard tarts using ready-made pastry
Crisp pastry and smooth, creamy custard, make a brilliant combo!
9. Baked meatballs with fresh tomato sauce
Trick the gang into eating healthy with this comforting dish.
10. Self-saucing sticky date and banana pudding
This fluffy pud hides a gooey, melting-caramel centre. Served warm with plenty of cream – this one’s not for sharing.
11. Chicken noodle soup
Easy-to-make homemade stock adds punch to your bowl of Asian-flavoured comfort.
12. Chicken pad thai
This popular dish is easy to make and will taste restaurant-quality with this stellar recipe.
13. Karen Martini tiramisu
Whip up this special occasion dish the next time you have guests around, or simply want to indulge in a late-night dessert.
14. Roast pumpkin soup with Thai flavours
Hearty, filling and oh-so tasty. Grab a bowl and get ladling to be warmed from head to toe.
15. Cheese and herb pie
Who says a pie needs meat? This hearty, veggie meal will fill you up in an instant and is oh so satisfying.
16. Baked brie pull-apart cob loaf
This pull-apart cob loaf is perfect finger food for parties, or as a quick and easy weekend dish for the whole fam to dig into.
17. Easy apple and caramel self-saucing pudding
Is there anything more comforting than a slice of this traditional favourite with a dollop of ice cream? We’ll take a large piece, please!
18. Oven-baked chicken divan
This throwback meal gets a revamp with a tasty mornay sauce, topped with cheesy breadcrumbs. Talk about moreish.
19. Easy curry beef stew
20. Chicken macaroni bake
Nothing says comfort food like a cheesy tray bake and this chicken macaroni bake hits all the right notes and then some.
21. Classic minestrone
Don’t wait for ‘when in Rome’ – do as the Romans do and dish up this cornerstone of Italian cuisine at your dinner table.
22. Beef ragu
The key to this thick, hearty sauce is fall-apart beef combined with tasty Italian sausage, all simmered until tender.
23. Cottage pie
Bring a little country into your kitchen with this tasty twist on a family favourite. Parsnips are a classic winter vegetable and they have a starring role in this filling meal.
A fresh take on everyone’s favourite pasta dish, but this recipe uses a slow-cooker. Topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese, all we can say is, yum!
25. Slow cooker chicken stew with rosemary and barley
Serve with steamed green vegetables for a nutritious, comforting meal you don’t have to feel guilty about. Top each bowl with a decorative sprig of fresh rosemary and, if you’re still feeling peckish, a slice of homemade bread.
Adding chunks of Caramilk to the batter will give you oozy yum as you dig into this sensational pud, while the sugar-and-spice nuts add seasonal crunch. So good!
27. Lamb shank ragu with handkerchief pasta
Slow cooking just got simpler. No more stirring or simmering, just pop the tomatoes, lamb, wine and herbs in a dish and roast for two hours. Serve as is or with pasta.
Sticky and crumbly all at once, this classic pud will top off any meal in style. Don’t fancy raspberry jam? Use your favourite flavour instead.
Stay toasty indoors and treat your tummy when the chill hits with this hot and hearty one-pot meal.
30. Smoked cheese lasagne
You can always use norma cheddar, but the smoked version of the cheese does wonders to the bechamel sauce.
31. Pumpkin mac ‘n’ cheese
While it’s hard to beat a classic macaroni cheese recipe which combines cheese, butter, and macaroni, this spicy pumpkin spin-off is worth a try.
32. Easy chicken pie
Quick, easy and budget-friendly. What more could you want? You can also make this recipe vegetarian by using mixed vegetables and vegetable stock.
33. Meatball minestrone
Feeling famished? This hearty concoction of meatballs, barley, beans, veg and herbs will satisfy the emptiest of bellies. Don’t forget to dunk in the foccacia – yum!
A tummy-warmer made with tender meat that falls off the bone and barley is just the ticket to satisfy.
35. Cowboy casserole
Like a cottage pie but extra naughty thanks to the potato gems. Served with sour cream, guac and hot sauce. Can i get a yeehah!
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