I came across a study published in the International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science that found that 68 percent of Americans resort to comfort food during times of stress. A 2024 YouGov survey of U.S. adults found that almost half would choose a traditional American comfort dish over any fad or novel new recipe. Not much to say in a TikTok pasta and air-fried everything wild world.
Here’s the thing—these aren’t just meals. They’re memory machines. They bring to mind the welcoming feel of backyard barbecues and family dinners that always ended in laughter. And sure, they are not looking pretty enough to win awards, but what they lack in technicolor shininess, they somewhat make up for in nice vibes.
So here we go on a journey through 15 iconic comfort foods, not only because they fill your stomach, but also because they fill your soul. Ready to get hungry?
Macaroni and Cheese
And is there comfort food more comforting than mac and cheese? This sloppy cheese concoction has a long-standing tradition in the country’s kitchens, and it is easy to see why. With its creamy, silky consistency and undoubtedly delicious taste, it will be enjoyed by everyone without any trouble.
These days, cooks are giving it some thrilling overhauls, with upscale elements like gruyere, truffle oil, and even roasted butternut squash. The result? Pretty preparations that are ideally suited to contemporary taste buds and yet evoke a sensation of harmless childhood nourishment on the side.
Fried Chicken
Perfectly crispy fried chicken is what happiness is all about. It was a southern standard, but this golden brown classic has captured the hearts of this nation with its delicious, juicy center. Fried chicken isn’t stuck in time either.
It is fresher, with health-forward concepts such as air-fried dishes and innovative flavors (maple-sriracha glaze, anyone?), but it does not lose the comfortable feeling that may attract people to it.
Meatloaf
There’s something so beautifully old-school about meatloaf. It is rustic, and one of the types of recipes that tastes better the following day. It is a stretch of basic ingredients into something tasty par excellence.
One might find modern versions of meatloaf made with plants or low-carb options, and this traditional dish remains relevant today by getting a modern makeover without forgetting its vintage origins.
Chicken and Dumplings
And though you may have never tasted the creamy goodness that is chicken and dumplings, oh, is it a treat you are going to be in for! This is the perfect dish on a cold day, like a big hug with tender chicken and dumplings in a savory broth.
It has a rich history rooted in Southern cuisine, with local variations that are both interesting and true to the essence of comfort food.
Pot Roast
Ah, pot roast. With just the reference to these words, the memory of a family dinner on a Sunday is likely to come to mind. Pot roast, simmered with carrots, potatoes, and all that is good, is easily one of the most tender and flavorful dishes going.
Busy weeknight? Put it in the slow cooker, and at dinnertime, you’ll have a dish loaded with flavor that tastes like home.
Biscuits and Gravy
Wake up to buttery biscuits baked all fluffy and covered in creamy, savory sausage gravy, and you can consider yourself a winner in life. This breakfast dish was once a Southern classic but is now also popular throughout the country.
What’s special about it? It walks on the border between indulgence and comfort, and it sticks to your ribs, most appropriately.
Chili
The feisty, spicy best friend of traditional comfort foods is chili. It can be enchanted when you have a pot of this simmering deliciousness on a cold day.
Although historically the recipes relied heavily on beef and beans, nowadays chili demonstrates how diverse it can be with vegetable ingredients, smoky spices, and eye-popping accents such as avocados or cornbread crumbles.
Pizza with An American Spin
The Italian pizza has found a warm place in the heart of American comfort foods, now being put under its spin. Have you ever eaten a Reuben pizza with sauerkraut and corned beef?
What about one topped with crispy mac and cheese? These mash-ups are exciting and nostalgic all at the same time, giving a new youthful twist to everyone’s favorite comfort food.
Chicken Hash Brown Casserole
Comfort food doesn’t get easier than a one-dish wonder. Chicken hash brown casserole is a combination of everything that you love in one creamy, crispy, dreamy recipe.
This dish is reminiscent of potlucks and a welcoming kitchen counter, and its simplicity makes it a must-have at informal events.
Meat Pies and Savory Casseroles
There is nothing quite like the feeling of biting into a hot meat pie, flaky pastry and all, or diving into a casserole that is good and bubbling. These are dishes that are the very definition of comfort, creating something much more than the sum of their parts with straightforward ingredients.
The current tailings are inclined toward environmentally conscious, clean ingredients, demonstrating that tradition and health can be compatible.
Ice Cream and Classic Desserts
Does anything say “Classic American comfort” more than a massive serving of vanilla ice cream or a piece of warm apple pie? These are not just desserts at the end of a meal; instead, they are a party.
They can be vegan or low-sugar, meaning anyone can have dessert without feeling like it is a sin, yet the fun of it remains the same over time.
Chocolate and Cookies
Fun fact: some studies have proven that chocolate makes you happier, because of feel-good chemicals released in your brain.
Couple that with warm, gooey cookies (the nostalgic cookie of ultimate dexterity), and you have a two-fold candy that is tough to top.
Mac and Cheese with a Twist
Mac and cheese may already appear on this list, but wait a minute… because this food is also versatile. Beefed up with bacon, spiced up with jalapeños, and fancy up with lobster, mac and cheese has demonstrated it can go on and on and on without losing its magic.
Potatoes, Every Way
You name it, America’s turned potatoes into it. Mashed, fried, baked, scalloped, hasselback, or crammed to the gills with toppings.
Such starchy superstars are the reason they were inducted into the comfort food hall of fame as perfect examples of foods that are sometimes as versatile as they are always delicious.
Classic Cheeseburgers
The plain cheeseburger cannot be left off any list of American comfort food. No matter the occasion or the fancy quarters, there is a burger to fit the mood or your taste. Add fries as a side, and there you have the dream meal.
The Bottom Line
The classic American comfort foods are more than just meals; they evoke a sense of joy in small moments and stir nostalgia at the table. These recipes have shown they are here to stay, whether they remind you of grandma in the kitchen or open up a whole new way to experience some of our old-time favorites.
These are recipes that unite people, tell stories, and spread the joy of simple, heavy, good food that we all love.
Disclaimer–This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
Don’t Swipe Until You Read This: The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
There’s this moment that sticks with me—standing at a checkout line, swiping my old card like I always did, and thinking, “Wait… why am I not getting anything back for this?” I wasn’t traveling on points. I wasn’t getting cash back. I was spending. Sound familiar?
Look, the truth is, credit cards can work for you—if you choose the right one. And in 2025, you’ve got some advantageous options that can boost your bank account. From travel lovers to grocery haulers, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s break down the best credit cards out there this year—the ones that give back.
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the same things I always do, but my bill keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly, eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
