Winter Warmers: 6 Comfort Food Recipes For Cold Days

By Leisa Millar

Boston Beans and (Vegetarian) Sausage Casserole.

When that little snowflake icon appears on weather forecasts, it can mean only one thing: time to dig out the comfort food recipes!

You know the dishes we mean – a steaming bowl or plateful of food that can act as a real pick-me-up on a chilly day, warming us up and giving us some much-needed extra energy.

Think carbs. Think cheese. Think flavour.

Here, we round up our favourite versions of six classic comfort food recipes that fit the bill perfectly.

You can thank us when you’ve thawed out!

1. Boston Beans and (Vegetarian) Sausage Casserole

This one-pot wonder won’t only delight your tastebuds – future you will be glad of the reduced washing up! It couldn’t be simpler to whip up this flavour-packed meal, which includes chipotle and paprika. Plus, this version uses vegetarian sausages, so it’s great for those reducing their meat intake.

Get the Boston Beans and (Vegetarian) Sausage Casserole recipe here.

A bowl of yellow dal curry sits on a blue tablecloth beside a knife and fork and accompaniments of rice and pickle.

Simple Red Lentil Dal.

2. Simple Red Lentil Dal

Dal is an amazing all-rounder: cheap to make, packed with nutrients, and hot in more ways than one! It can also be stored and served in a variety of different ways, so you can cook it once and enjoy it again and again.

Get the Simple Red Lentil Dal recipe here.

Chicken Pad Thai.

3. Chicken Pad Thai

A steaming bowl of tasty veg and noodles is the perfect thing to warm you up on a cold day. This great recipe is also an ideal way to use up chicken and veggies left over from a Sunday roast, helping to reduce waste and save some money, too!

Get the Chicken Pad Thai recipe here.

A bowl of mac 'n cheese topped with halved cherry tomatoes and with a fork resting on the side sits on a white table cloth. There's a glass of lemon water and another plate of food out of focus behind it.

Peperami Mac ‘n Cheese.

4. Peperami Mac ‘n Cheese

Mac and cheese is a sure-fire winner if you’re feeding diners both young and old. If you’re feeling adventurous, try this spicy sausage take on it – it’s out of this world!

Get the Peperami Mac ‘n Cheese recipe here.

Black oven dish with handles, full of golden fish pie, mash on top arranged in stepped rows, fish and leeks in creamy golden sauce underneath.

Leek and Haddock Fish Pie.

5. Leek and Haddock Fish Pie

A warming fish pie may feel like an indulgent treat, but white fish is a great low-fat alternative to meat. A pinch of saffron elevates this version to a whole new level.

Get the Leek and Haddock Fish Pie recipe here.

Vegetable lasagne with golden cheesy topping on a plate with salad.

Meat-Free Lasagne.

6. Meat-Free Lasagne

Another meat-free hero rounds off our list, and this one comes with celebrity clout! This recipe by top chef Phil Vickery features chickpeas, beans and parmesan, meaning it packs a protein punch to power you up when the temperature drops.

Get the Meat-Free Lasagna recipe here.