Best 10 Comfort Food Recipes of 2011

Baked Macaroni and Cheese; Alton Brown

Baked Macaroni and Cheese; Alton Brown

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Whether it’s a bit chilly outside, you’re feeling a little blue or it’s been just that kind of day, sometimes you simply need a dish of pure, unadulterated comfort food. Find our top 10 comfort food recipes below and cook up a few to salvage any rainy day.

10. Chicken Fried Steak — Beef, not chicken, is breaded, fried and later topped with a creamy thyme gravy.

9. Fettucine Alfredo — Silky heavy cream, nutty parmesan cheese and butter add texture and flavor to this timeless Italian dish.

8. Braised Short Ribs — After simmering in a red wine-tomato sauce, the short rib meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender.

7. Southern Fried Chicken — Ready in fewer than 25 minutes, this traditional chicken features Paula’s blend of House Seasoning: salt, black pepper and garlic powder.

6. Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip — This gamed-day dip is a go-to appetizer pick, featuring tangy sour cream and spicy red pepper flakes.

5. Creamy Macaroni and Cheese — Sharp cheddar cheese offers a salty bite and timeless flavor to this indulgent dish.

4. Chicken Parmesan — Pounded chicken breasts are sautéed then baked with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce dotted with kalamata olives.

3. Chicken and Dumplings — To prepare this hearty bowl, gently cook soft dumplings in chicken stew until they float.

2. Good Eats Meatloaf — Loaded with fresh vegetables and such traditional spices as cayenne pepper and chili powder, this juicy meatloaf is topped with a catsup-cumin glaze.

1. Baked Macaroni and Cheese — Alton tops his cheesy pasta with panko breadcrumbs to add crunch and texture to this decadent dish (pictured above).

Next Up

Chilled-Out Takes on Comfort Food Favorites

Some of our most beloved hot comfort food favorites have ice-cold, chilled-out alter egos that are well worth your time this summer.

Pasta Pie Is the Ultimate Fall Comfort Food

You’ll want a big slice of them all.

Our Best Recipes for Instant Pot Comfort Food

Feed the whole family. Don't mess up the whole kitchen.

6 Beefy Comfort Foods You’ll Crave Year-Round

A delicious dish is never far away with these meaty recipes.

How to Make Whatever Dinner You're Craving — Even If You Don't Have the "Right" Protein

Want chicken parm but only have tofu and pork chops in the fridge? These recipes prove that flexibility can still be satisfying.

The One Dish Every Vegan Needs on Their Thanksgiving Dinner Table

Your favorite comfort food casserole but make it vegan.

Not to Brag, But I Created a Truly Magic 5-Ingredient Chicken Soup

Thanks to an unusual (but easy) technique, the broth is insanely flavorful.