Cozy Comfort Food Recipes to Kick Off Your Weekend

Image 1: Tomato Soup with Basil and Grilled Cheese

Weekends are made for unwinding, and what better way to start than with cozy dishes that warm the heart and soul? These comfort food recipes are perfect for relaxing nights at home, sharing with loved ones, or simply treating yourself to something delicious. Let’s dive in and bring the weekend vibes to your table!

1. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 28 oz canned tomatoes

• 1½ cups vegetable broth

• ½ cup heavy cream

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 slices bread

• 4 slices cheddar cheese

How to Make:

1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.

2. Add tomatoes and broth, simmering for 15 minutes. Blend until smooth.

3. Stir in cream, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. For the croutons, make grilled cheese sandwiches, cut into cubes, and serve on top of the soup.

   
   

2. Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup beef broth

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced

• ½ cup milk

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a skillet, cook meat and onion until browned. Add vegetables, tomato paste, and broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Boil potatoes until tender. Mash with milk, butter, cheese, salt, and pepper.

4. Spread meat mixture in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes. Bake for 20 minutes until golden.

   
   

3. Cheesy Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

• 12 oz ziti pasta

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

How to Make:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook pasta until al dente and mix with marinara sauce.

3. In a baking dish, layer pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers.

4. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

   
   

4. Chicken and Waffles with Honey Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken tenders

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup flour

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 waffles (homemade or store-bought)

• 2 tbsp butter, softened

• 2 tbsp honey

How to Make:

1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for 1 hour.

2. Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and fry until golden.

3. Mix butter and honey to make honey butter.

4. Serve fried chicken over waffles with honey butter drizzled on top.

   
   

5. Gooey Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter, melted

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 cup chocolate chips

How to Make:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda, and chocolate chips.

3. Spread the dough in a greased oven-safe skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden but still soft in the center.

4. Serve warm with ice cream on top for ultimate indulgence.

Comfort food is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug in culinary form. We hope these recipes bring a little extra joy to your weekend. Which one will you try first? Don’t forget to share your creations with us!

Cheers,The Scarlet Spoon Team ❤️