There’s nothing like comfort food to get you through the loooong winter months ahead. While you can’t go wrong with our favorite healthy takes on pasta, soup and mashed potatoes, sometimes you just need a few more options. We’ve got you covered with these 22 healthy comfort food recipes for everything from breakfast to dessert!
1. Healthy Fettucine Alfredo: Pureed cauliflower and just a splash of cream are the keys to this lightened up, yet still creamy, Alfredo sauce. (via Pinch of Yum)
2. Baked Chicken Fingers: No need to heat up a vat of oil to make crispy chicken fingers, panko breadcrumbs and a very hot oven do the trick! (via Table for Two)
3. Rosemary and Thyme Chickpea Pancakes (Socca de Nice): A traditional dish from France (Socca) and Italy (Farinata), this naturally gluten-free, grain free “pancake” can be topped to your heart’s content — a terrific option to quell pizza cravings. (via Food to Glow)
4. Southwestern Quinoa and Black Bean Casserole: Packed with protein and whole grains, this casserole is terrific eaten by the sporkful or scooped up with tortilla chips. (via Pinch of Yum)
5. Vegan Buffalo Bites (Vegan): No chicken or processed meat substitutes here, just cauliflower! Battered and baked then tossed in a classic Buffalo wing sauce, these babies would definitely fit into the lineup at your next tailgate. Bonus: a totally vegan “blue cheese” dip recipe is also included. (via 86 Lemons)
6. Dorito-flavored Popcorn (Dairy-free): All the flavors of nacho cheese Doritos, but no dairy — Nutritional yeast lends just enough “cheesiness” to this crave-worthy popcorn! (via Whole New Mom)
7. Potato-Crusted Vegetarian Quiche Recipe with Zucchini, Tomatoes and Feta (Vegetarian): A shredded potato crust that calls to mind breakfast potatoes means the usual buttery base won’t be missed at all! (via Cookin’ Canuck)
8. Healthy Donuts: Baked, not fried, this healthier take on our favorite morning treat is made with spelt and garbanzo flour in place of the usual all-purpose stuff! (via Brit + Co.)
9. Root Chips: These gorgeous chips can be baked or fried, your choice — a lovely, colorful change of pace from the usual potato chip. (via Spoon Fork Bacon)
10. Light{er} Creamy Homemade Macaroni & Cheese: This kid-tested and -approved recipe sneaks a generous helping of spaghetti squash puree into the creamy cheese sauce, lightening things up a bit. (via Hidden Ponies)
11. Lentil, Mushroom & Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie (Vegan): Just as comforting as its meaty counterpart, this budget-friendly shepherd’s pie is chock full of vegetables, whole grains and legumes. A hearty, enjoyable dish for omnivores and veggies alike! (via theKitchn)
12. Crispy Apple Turnover: These perfectly-portioned, apple-packed turnovers are super simple to prepare with the help of frozen puff pastry. (via Prevention)
13. Healthy Tater Tots: Feed your inner Napoleon Dynamite with this healthy tots recipe. To achieve the perfect crisp-soft texture combo, they’re quickly pan fried in a thin layer of cooking spray before getting popped in the oven. (via Bon Appetit)
14. Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs: Spaghetti squash stands in for pasta in this tasty homemade meatball and sauce recipe. (via Food Network)
15. Wonton Soup: Homemade dumplings float in delicately-seasoned broth to create an irresistible and oh-so-comforting wonton soup, no takeout order required! (via Canuck Cuisine)
16. Collard Wraps with Herbed Cashew Spread and Roast Peppers: Using a collard wrap in place of a flour tortilla alone is a great trick for lightening up your next burrito! This recipe always receives rave reviews, and make a terrific appetizer. (via Food52)
17. Spring Asparagus Pancetta Hash: This hash has the perfect balance of flavors; topped with a poached egg, it’s a fantastic way to start the day. Bookmark this recipe for your next spring brunch! (via Smitten Kitchen)
18. Yuca Fries: Crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, these baked “fries” are sure to be a hit — with or without the lemony jalapeño aioli on the side! (via Brit + Co.)
19. Roasted Garlic and Chevre Lasagne (Low Carb, Gluten-free): Eggplant, zucchini and onions pack in some veggie power and stand in for noodles in this naturally gluten-free lasagne recipe. (via All Day I Dream About Food)
20. Magic One-Ingredient Ice Cream, 5 Ways: The classic one-ingredient ice cream recipe is terrific and all, but sometimes you want to go beyond plain vanilla, or rather, banana. Five terrific options from peanut butter-honey to strawberries and cream, and, yes, even Nutella, mix things up a bit. (via theKitchn)
21. Oven-baked Potato Pancakes: These oven-baked potato pancakes may break with the usual fried latke tradition, but they’re no less delicious! (via Hungry Couple NYC)
22. Rainbow Pizza: Taste the rainbow with a slice of this whole wheat, veggie-topped pizza! (via The Daily Meal)
What’s your favorite healthy comfort food? Share with us in the comments!
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Heather Sage
Heather Sage is a gluten-free recipe developer and freelance writer living in Orlando by way of the Silicon Valley. When she isn’t playing around with alternative flours in the kitchen, she can be found tackling DIY projects around the house or exploring her neighborhood. Check out her gluten-free recipe blog, A Sage Amalgam.
