19 Classic Comfort Foods That Will Make You Thank Grandma

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19 Classic Comfort Foods That Will Make You Thank Grandma

Craving a taste of home? We all have those days when fancy dishes don’t hit the spot. This collection introduces 19 classic comfort food recipes, the kind Grandma used to make. Get ready for simple, nostalgic dishes that are guaranteed to warm your soul.

A pan of chicken biryani garnished with fresh cilantro.
Uzbek chicken plov. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pistachio Hamantaschen Cookies

Slices of pistachio-flavored cookies drizzled with green tea glaze, presented on a round black plate.
Pistachio Hamantaschen Cookies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Pistachio Hamantaschen cookies recipe brings a nutty twist to the traditional Jewish cookie, filled with rich pistachio paste. It requires about 40 minutes to prepare and combines flour, sugar, eggs, and pistachios, resulting in a sweet, crumbly treat. These cookies are often enjoyed during Purim, but their delightful taste makes them a year-round comfort. The unique shape and filling offer a taste of heritage and nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Hamantaschen Recipe

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a one-pan wonder that takes about 30 minutes to cook. With chicken, bell peppers, and onions seasoned with paprika, it delivers a smoky and slightly sweet flavor profile. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packs a nutritious punch, perfect for a wholesome family dinner. The simplicity and savory taste will remind you of home-cooked meals at grandma’s house.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Grandma’s Cornbread

Overhead shot of cornbread in a cast iron skillet with a single slice cut out.
Grandma’s Cornbread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grandma’s Cornbread is a classic Southern staple that takes roughly 25 minutes to bake. It’s made with cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and eggs, resulting in a dense yet tender texture. The cornbread has a subtle sweetness and a moist crumb, perfect alongside chili or as a stand-alone snack. It’s the kind of simple, satisfying fare that feels like a warm hug.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cornbread

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms is a satisfying meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. The dish features seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom gravy. With a savory and meaty taste, it’s comfort food at its best, reminiscent of the classic diner-style meals grandma used to love. Serve it over mashed potatoes for the full experience.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll

A cake topped with peaches and flowers.
My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll is an easy vintage dessert that can be prepared in under an hour. It combines sweet peaches and a light sponge cake, rolled into a delicate swirl. The taste is fresh and fruity, with a soft, airy texture that melts in your mouth. This dessert is a testament to grandma’s baking prowess, perfect for summer afternoons.
Get the Recipe: My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll

Tomato Tart

A pie with tomatoes and thyme on top.
Tomato Tart. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Tomato Tart is a vibrant dish that takes about 1 hour to complete. With a flaky pastry crust, ripe tomatoes, and fresh herbs, it’s a celebration of garden produce. The tart is savory with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes, and it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s a dish that speaks of sunny days and family picnics.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Tart

Uzbek chicken plov

A pan of chicken biryani garnished with fresh cilantro.
Uzbek chicken plov. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Uzbek chicken plov is a hearty one-pot rice dish that’s ready in about an hour. Main ingredients include chicken, rice, carrots, and onions, spiced with cumin and coriander for an aromatic experience. The flavors are rich and warm, evoking memories of family gatherings. It’s a staple comfort food that fills the kitchen with an inviting scent.
Get the Recipe: Uzbek chicken plov

Lemon Cake Pie

A slice of lemon pie with raspberries on top.
Lemon Cake Pie. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Lemon Cake Pie offers a unique combination of creamy pie and fluffy cake in about 1 hour. The main ingredients are simple: lemons, sugar, flour, and eggs, creating a dessert that’s tangy and sweet with a light texture. It’s a refreshing end to any meal, capturing the essence of old-fashioned dessert tables. This pie is a delightful nod to simpler times.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pie

Argentinian Empanadas

Hands pulling two halves of a cheese empanada.
Argentinian Empanadas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Argentinian Empanadas are savory pastries that take about 50 minutes to prepare. Filled with a mixture of vegetables and spices, they boast a flavorful and hearty filling encased in a buttery crust. The taste is robust, with a perfect balance of spice and texture. These empanadas are a portable piece of comfort, reminiscent of family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas

Black sesame sourdough buns

Sesame buns with sesame seeds on a wooden cutting board.
Black sesame sourdough buns. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Black sesame sourdough buns are a unique twist on traditional bread, requiring several hours for fermentation. They’re made with sourdough starter, black sesame seeds, and flour, resulting in a nutty flavor and a chewy texture. The buns have a distinct appearance with a deep, rich taste that pairs well with both sweet and savory spreads. It’s a modern take on grandma’s classic bread recipes.
Get the Recipe: Black sesame sourdough buns

Paprika potatoes and mushrooms

Roasted potatoes and mushrooms on a white plate.
Paprika potatoes and mushrooms. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Paprika potatoes and mushrooms is a rustic dish that can be ready in about 30 minutes. It features potatoes and mushrooms tossed with smoky paprika and garlic, creating a comforting and earthy flavor. This simple yet satisfying side dish has a homey taste that complements any main course. It’s reminiscent of the hearty, no-fuss family meals.
Get the Recipe: Paprika potatoes and mushrooms

Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies

A tray of cookies with rosemary sprigs on it.
Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies are a fragrant treat that bake in about 20 minutes. The combination of lemon zest and fresh rosemary gives these cookies a bright, herbal flavor. They’re buttery and crumbly, perfect for pairing with tea or coffee. Each bite of these cookies is like a whisper of nostalgia, bringing back fond memories.
Get the Recipe: Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies

Buckwheat kasha with camarelized mushrooms and onions

Three bowls of brown rice with mushrooms and greens.
Buckwheat kasha with camarelized mushrooms and onions. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Buckwheat kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions is a filling dish ready in about 45 minutes. Buckwheat groats, mushrooms, and onions come together to create a nutty and savory flavor. The kasha has a comforting, earthy taste with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized vegetables. It’s a traditional Eastern European comfort food that warms the soul.
Get the Recipe: Buckwheat kasha with camarelized mushrooms and onions

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

Two bowls of beet soup on a wooden table.
Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht is a vibrant soup that cooks in about 1 hour. Beets, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage meld together to form a hearty and nutritious dish. The soup has a slightly sweet and tangy taste, with a beautiful ruby color. It’s a staple that brings the warmth of Eastern European kitchens to your table.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

Mujadara

A bowl of brown rice and greens with a wooden spoon.
Mujadara. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Mujadara is a Middle Eastern classic that’s ready in about 40 minutes. Lentils, rice, and caramelized onions create a simple yet richly flavored dish. It has a comforting, earthy taste with a hint of sweetness from the onions. This dish is a humble reminder of the power of simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba

Stir-fried chicken and vegetables on a plate with a fork and a glass of drink on the side.
Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba can be cooked in about 30 minutes using the pressure cooker. It combines chicken, vegetables, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices for a quick and flavorful dish. The taste is savory with a hint of spice, ideal for a hearty dinner. This recipe showcases the convenience of modern cooking with traditional flavors.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba

Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Overhead view of blue bowl of soup.
Ukha Russian Fish Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ukha Russian Fish Soup is a clear, brothy soup that takes around 40 minutes to prepare. Made with fish, root vegetables, and fresh herbs, it has a light but satisfying flavor. The soup is traditionally enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream, adding a creamy contrast. It’s a taste of Russia’s culinary heritage, perfect for cold evenings.
Get the Recipe: Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes

Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes are a comforting dish that can be made in about 30 minutes. They consist of grated potatoes mixed with flour and buttermilk, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. The pancakes have a mild, starchy taste that pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings. This recipe is a tribute to the simple, hearty fare of Ireland.
Get the Recipe: Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes

Homemade matzo ball soup

Close up on 3 matzo balls in soup.
Homemade matzo ball soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Homemade matzo ball soup is a Jewish comfort food that takes about 40 minutes to make. The soup features light, fluffy matzo balls in a clear chicken broth with carrots and celery. It’s known for its soothing qualities and a taste that’s both delicate and rich. This dish is a staple at holiday feasts and a symbol of warmth and tradition.
Get the Recipe: Homemade matzo ball soup

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