Grandma’s kitchen was the heart of the home, a place where the aroma of cooking could turn any day around. Her recipes were simple, yet each dish was rich with tradition and memories.

Each of these 20 classic recipes carries the essence of those cherished times, when family gathered around the table. They’re more than just meals; they’re a legacy of comfort passed down with care.

These comfort food classics remind us of the power of home-cooked meals to unite and comfort us. They are a nod to the love infused in every chop, stir, and serve that makes up the fabric of family history.

Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios

A Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios combines fresh oranges and grapefruits with a kick of chili, topped with crunchy pistachios. This dish, ready in about 20 minutes, brings a zesty and refreshing taste with a spicy twist that invigorates the palate. The main ingredients are simple yet vibrant, making it a perfect starter or side. It’s a balance of sweet, tangy, and heat that’s sure to awaken your senses.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios

Lemon Cake Pie

Lemon Cake Pie merges the brightness of lemon and the richness of pie in a dessert that takes about an hour to prepare. Main ingredients include fresh lemons, butter, and eggs, creating a taste that’s tangy and sweet with a smooth texture. This comforting classic has a unique dual texture: a creamy, custard-like filling atop a fluffy cake layer. Each bite is a reminder of the simple yet delightful flavors of grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pie

Black sesame sourdough buns

Black sesame sourdough buns are a unique twist on traditional bread, requiring several hours for fermentation and baking. They feature the nutty depth of black sesame seeds combined with the tang of sourdough. These buns have a distinct, rich flavor and a satisfying chewy texture. They’re perfect as a hearty accompaniment to any meal or enjoyed on their own.
Get the Recipe: Black sesame sourdough buns

Paprika potatoes and mushrooms

Paprika potatoes and mushrooms dish is a hearty, earthy combination that takes roughly 40 minutes to cook. The main ingredients are potatoes, mushrooms, and paprika, which create a comforting and savory flavor profile. This dish has a smoky taste with a hint of sweetness and a satisfyingly soft yet chunky texture. It’s a simple, rustic side that pairs well with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Paprika potatoes and mushrooms

Mujadara

Mujadara is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that takes about an hour to prepare. It’s a hearty blend of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, seasoned with a mix of spices. The dish offers a comforting taste with a hint of earthy flavors, complemented by the sweetness of the onions. It’s a simple yet nutritious meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara

Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies

Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies combine the zesty tang of lemon with the aromatic hint of rosemary in a buttery treat, ready in about 30 minutes. These cookies have a crumbly texture and a subtly sweet taste with a whisper of herbs. Main ingredients are lemon zest, fresh rosemary, butter, and sugar. They’re a delightful twist on a classic shortbread, perfect for teatime or as a light dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies

Chocolate rugelach

Chocolate gluten-free rugelach are a chocolaty, nutty treat that takes about an hour and a half to make. These pastries feature a gluten-free dough filled with chocolate and nuts, offering a rich and indulgent taste. They have a flaky texture with a sweet, cocoa-rich filling. It’s a comforting, bite-sized dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate gluten-free rugelach

My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll

My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll is a gluten-free dessert that’s ready in about an hour. This delicacy wraps juicy peaches in a light, spongy cake, creating a sweet and fruity flavor. The main ingredients are peaches, eggs, and a gluten-free flour blend. It’s a delightful, summery treat that brings a touch of nostalgia to the table.
Get the Recipe: My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free)

Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut

Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut is a tangy, crunchy condiment that can be prepared in just about 10 minutes, plus resting time. With cabbage and carrots as its main ingredients, it has a sour and slightly sweet flavor. This sauerkraut is a perfect addition to sandwiches, salads, or as a standalone snack. It’s an easy way to add a burst of flavor to any dish.
Get the Recipe: Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht is a robust soup that takes about two hours to simmer to perfection. It’s packed with beets, potatoes, and carrots, yielding a deep, earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness. The vibrant red color and the comforting warmth make it a satisfying meal. This classic dish is a staple in any comfort food repertoire, offering both nutrition and taste.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

Argentinian Empanadas

Argentinian Empanadas are a savory pastry that takes about an hour to prepare. Filled with a mixture of vegetables, these empanadas have a flavorful, spiced filling encased in a flaky crust. The main ingredients are onions, bell peppers, and a choice of spices. They’re a handheld delight that offers a taste of Argentina’s rich culinary tradition.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas

Chicken And Corn Noodle Soup

Chicken And Corn Noodle Soup is a comforting bowl that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a hearty combination of chicken, corn, and noodles in a savory broth. This soup has a homestyle taste that’s both nourishing and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out on a chilly day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken And Corn Noodle Soup

Homemade matzo ball soup

Homemade matzo ball soup is a classic that takes about an hour and a half to cook. This soup features fluffy matzo balls floating in a clear, savory chicken broth with vegetables. The taste is simple yet deeply comforting, with each matzo ball soaking up the flavors of the broth. It’s a timeless dish that evokes the warmth of family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Homemade matzo ball soup

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings are a copycat recipe that takes about 45 minutes to make. This dish combines tender chicken and soft dumplings in a creamy sauce. The main ingredients are chicken, flour, and milk, creating a taste that’s creamy and comforting. It’s a homestyle favorite that brings the coziness of Cracker Barrel into your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Air Fryer Apple Crisp is a quick dessert that’s ready in about 25 minutes. This dish features tender apples with a crispy, crumbly topping made from oats and cinnamon. It offers a warm, sweet taste with a hint of spice. It’s a perfect treat for those who love the classic flavors of apple pie but want it in a fraction of the time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Ukha Russian Fish Soup is a light, yet satisfying dish that takes about an hour to prepare. It’s a clear broth filled with fish, potatoes, and herbs, offering a delicate and fresh flavor. The main ingredients are fish like pike or perch, fresh dill, and potatoes. This soup is a traditional Russian favorite that’s both comforting and invigorating.
Get the Recipe: Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms is a hearty meal that can be cooked in about 30 minutes. It features seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom gravy. The taste is savory with a hint of umami from the mushrooms. This dish is a classic comfort food that’s both filling and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a one-pan meal that’s ready in about an hour. This dish combines chicken, bell peppers, and onions with a smoky paprika seasoning. It’s a colorful, aromatic meal that offers a smoky taste with a slight kick. It’s an easy and delicious way to serve a complete meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Grandma’s Cornbread

Grandma’s Cornbread is a classic Southern comfort food that takes about 25 minutes to bake. Made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, it has a tender crumb and a slightly sweet, buttery flavor. This cornbread is perfect as a side to chili or stew, offering a delightful texture that’s both moist and crumbly. It’s a simple yet essential dish that never fails to please.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cornbread

Tomato Tart

Tomato Tart is a vibrant dish that comes together in about an hour, including baking time. It features ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and cheese on a flaky pastry crust. The taste is a harmonious blend of sweet tomatoes and savory cheese, with a hint of fresh basil. It’s a summery dish that captures the essence of a homegrown garden in every slice.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Tart