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    Home » Trending

    25 easy comfort food recipes for busy holiday weeks

    Published: Nov 5, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Busy days call for food that feels like a warm hug. These 25 easy comfort recipes bring cozy flavors without the stress. Simple steps, quick prep, and flavors that always hit the spot. Perfect for those holiday weeks when time is short but comfort is needed most!

    Cauliflower Cheese

    Cauliflower Cheese. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    There’s something about simple comfort food that makes busy weeks feel easier. With Cauliflower Cheese, you get that cozy flavor everyone loves without extra steps or fuss. Each bite feels like a little pause in the middle of a packed day.
    Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheese

    Roasted Eggplant Soup

    Roasted eggplant soup in bowls.
    Roasted Eggplant Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Sometimes lighter comfort hits just right. Roasted Eggplant Soup blends simple ingredients into something rich and cozy without much effort. A perfect pick for when you want easy warmth in a bowl.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant Soup

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    Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

    Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    When you want comfort without overdoing it, Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese strikes the right balance. The flavor is mellow, creamy, and perfect for sharing. It’s a meal that makes even hectic evenings feel a little easier.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

    Curry Chicken With Onion

    Curry Chicken with Onion inside golden pan.
    Curry Chicken With Onion. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

    A quick dinner that feels complete is always welcome. Curry Chicken With Onion blends simple spices and tender bites for a meal that doesn’t need anything extra. Every plate ends up empty.
    Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken With Onion

    Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

    Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Keeping things easy doesn’t mean giving up comfort. Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese brings that same creamy texture everyone looks for, just without the extra gluten. Guests won’t even notice the difference.
    Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

    Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

    Blue cheese steak crostini on a metal platter drizzled with balsamic reduction.
    Blue Cheese Steak Crostini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Hosting doesn’t have to mean complicated prep. With Blue Cheese Steak Crostini, you get something quick that still feels like a special treat. Friends will think you spent hours when it really only took minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

    Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Some sides just belong on every table. Garlic Mashed Potatoes bring comfort in its simplest form and pair with just about anything you’re cooking. They never last long once served.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

    Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
    Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

    A little spice and creaminess go a long way toward easy comfort. Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs deliver quick, satisfying flavor that feels more special than it should for the time it takes. They make dinner simple without feeling repetitive.
    Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

    Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup

    A bowl of creamy orange soup is placed on a black plate, garnished with a swirl of cream and a sprig of herb. A spoon rests inside the bowl. Small sprigs of thyme are scattered on the marble surface nearby.
    Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

    Letting dinner take care of itself is a gift during busy weeks. Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup does just that with a smooth texture and gentle flavor. You’ll be glad to come home to it.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup

    Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes

    Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Changing up a familiar favorite can make dinner more fun. Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes add a hint of depth that keeps things interesting without adding effort. They’re an easy upgrade for any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes

    Beef Quesadillas

    Stack of beef quesadillas on a plate.
    Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Few things beat a meal that comes together without much thinking. Beef Quesadillas give you that crispy, cheesy bite that works for lunch or dinner. Everyone ends up reaching for seconds before you know it.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

    Creamy Mushroom Soup

    Wild rice and mushroom soup in a white bowl with sprigs of sage.
    Creamy Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

    There’s an ease to meals that come together without much planning. Creamy Mushroom Soup keeps things simple while giving you that deep, earthy flavor everyone loves. One pot and dinner feels handled.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Soup

    Sausage Mac and Cheese

    A bowl of macaroni and cheese with sausage and parsley.
    Sausage Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    There’s nothing complicated about good food that fills you up. Sausage Mac and Cheese mixes hearty flavors with all the comfort of a classic. One bowl and dinner suddenly feels complete.
    Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese

    Kerala Fish Curry

    Fish curry in an earthenware baking dish.
    Kerala Fish Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Variety keeps busy weeks from feeling dull. Kerala Fish Curry brings light, coastal flavor in a dish that comes together fast. It’s a go-to when you want something fresh but still comforting.
    Get the Recipe: Kerala Fish Curry

    Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes

    Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Easy doesn’t have to mean plain. Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes combine quick cooking with a pop of fresh flavor that fits right into any menu. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes

    Loaded Mac and Cheese

    Loaded Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Sometimes you just want to go all in. Loaded Mac and Cheese takes the classic to another level with plenty of extras that make it crowd-worthy. Every bite feels like the best part of a holiday meal.
    Get the Recipe: Loaded Mac and Cheese

    Comforting Beet Lentil Soup

    Comforting Beet Lentil Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Healthy and comforting don’t have to be opposites. Comforting Beet Lentil Soup brings depth and color to your table while staying simple to make. It fits seamlessly into any busy week.
    Get the Recipe: Comforting Beet Lentil Soup

    Kimchi Mac and Cheese

    Kimchi Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Adding a little twist to a classic can make dinner feel brand new. Kimchi Mac and Cheese balances creamy comfort with just the right amount of heat. You’ll want it in your rotation once the holidays get busy.
    Get the Recipe: Kimchi Mac and Cheese

    Flavourful Red Curry Thai Coconut Chicken Soup With Sweet Potatoes And Peppers

    Flavourful Red Curry Thai Coconut Chicken Soup With Sweet Potatoes And Peppers. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Meals that warm you up without slowing you down are a win during holiday weeks. Flavourful Red Curry Thai Coconut Chicken Soup With Sweet Potatoes And Peppers hits that balance with bold, bright flavor. You’ll end up making it more than once.
    Get the Recipe: Flavourful Red Curry Thai Coconut Chicken Soup With Sweet Potatoes And Peppers

    Adzuki Bean Coconut Curry

    Adzuki Bean Coconut Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    When you’re short on time but want something filling, Adzuki Bean Coconut Curry checks every box. The mix of beans and coconut gives a rich, smooth finish that feels like comfort in a bowl. Cleanup stays just as easy.
    Get the Recipe: Adzuki Bean Coconut Curry

    Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

    Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Sometimes the best dinners come from the simplest ingredients. Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese gives you that rich, cheesy comfort in just a few easy steps. It’s the kind of dish that quietly becomes a family favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

    Vegetarian French Onion Soup

    Vegetarian French Onion Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    There’s comfort in something slow and warm that doesn’t take over your day. Vegetarian French Onion Soup gives you rich flavor without the fuss of a big meal. A bowl feels like a quick break from the rush.
    Get the Recipe: Vegetarian French Onion Soup

    Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

    Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.
    Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Weeknights run smoother when cleanup stays simple. Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese cooks in one pan and tastes like something you’d make on a slower day. You’ll find yourself making it long after the holidays pass.
    Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

    The Best Baked Feta Recipe

    The Best Baked Feta Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    When you want a meal that practically makes itself, The Best Baked Feta Recipe always delivers. The mix of creamy cheese and roasted flavors keeps things interesting without extra work. Perfect for those moments when easy still needs to taste amazing.
    Get the Recipe: The Best Baked Feta Recipe

    Mashed Potatoes With Greek Garlic Beet Greens

    A bowl of mashed potatoes with garlic and thyme.
    Mashed Potatoes With Greek Garlic Beet Greens. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    A little color can go a long way at the table. Mashed Potatoes With Greek Garlic Beet Greens offer something fresh and comforting all at once. Even the simplest meal feels more complete beside them.
    Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes With Greek Garlic Beet Greens

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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