• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Blogging Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Cozy Comfort Food Ideas That Make Every Night Feel Better

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 2, 2025 · Published December 8, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 21 cozy comfort food ideas are perfect for warming up your evenings. From hearty casseroles to creamy soups, each dish brings a sense of home and satisfaction. Whether you're cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these meals are sure to make any night feel special.

    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

    The Best Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Dip is a simple and tasty dish that comes together in about 40 minutes, with only 10 minutes of cooking time. It's loaded with hot sauce, sour cream, chicken, and blue cheese, making it a great choice for anyone who enjoys a bit of spice. This dip is perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole brings together all the tasty elements of tacos in an easy one-dish meal. With ground beef, salsa, and lots of cheese, it's a great choice for a potluck or a quick dinner during the week. It's comforting and satisfying, making any night feel a little better.

    Get the recipe

    Mashed Potatoes Without Milk

    Mashed Potatoes Without Milk
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These mashed potatoes are easy to make and super creamy, thanks to the butter that adds a nice richness. They come together in less than 30 minutes, making them a perfect side dish for any meal. You might find yourself wanting to enjoy them all by yourself.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Nachos

    Air fryer nachos.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Easy nachos are a fantastic snack choice. Loaded with black beans and a variety of delicious toppings, they come together in less than 10 minutes. Perfect for a quick bite or a fun gathering, these nachos are sure to please everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Salmon Curry

    A bowl of thai salmon curry with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai Salmon Curry combines creamy coconut milk with flavorful spices to create a comforting dish. The salmon is pan-seared to perfection and then simmered in the rich sauce, making it a quick and satisfying option for dinner. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Shakshuka

    Dip being dipped in shakshuka.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish brings together the familiar taste of Shakshuka with a unique Turkish flair. It features eggs cooked in a hearty tomato sauce, topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. It's a warm and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Stew

    A bowl of salmon stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon stew is packed with flavor and has a nice kick, all prepared in less than 30 minutes. Using just a few simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this dish is bound to be a go-to for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Cream of Mushroom Soup

    Gluten-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This gluten-free Cream of Mushroom Soup is a great choice for a cozy dinner that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. It's easy to make and packed with flavor, featuring a creamy base without any flour. Perfect for those chilly nights when you want something warm and comforting.

    Get the recipe

    Cottage Pie with Ground Beef

    Cottage Pie with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: Masala Herb.

    This is a straightforward and delicious pie made with ground beef. It's full of flavor and leaves out the peas, making it a comforting meal that everyone will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Seafood Pasta Bake

    Baked seafood pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features creamy, cheesy pasta mixed with seafood, all baked together in a casserole. It's a warm and satisfying meal that's just right for a cozy evening at home.

    Get the recipe

    Turkey Chili with Wild Rice

    Turkey Chili with Wild Rice
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    Turkey chili with wild rice is a filling meal that will keep you satisfied for hours. It's easy to make and loaded with healthy ingredients. This dish is perfect for cozy nights when you want something warm and comforting.

    Get the recipe

    Twice-Baked Potatoes

    Twice-baked potatoes.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Twice-baked potatoes are a tasty and satisfying dish that's easy to prepare. They come together with just a handful of ingredients, making them perfect for a comforting meal at home. These potatoes are not only filling but also packed with flavor, making them a great choice for any night.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Soup

    A bowl of chicken soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken Soup is a warm and satisfying dish that you can have on the table in just over an hour. It's creamy with a touch of spice, providing the comfort you need after a long day. This soup is great for a cozy dinner, making any night feel a little better.

    Get the recipe

    Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

    One-Pan Italian Turkey Meatballs with Marinara
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    These meatballs are full of flavor thanks to a blend of dried herbs, panko breadcrumbs, and finely chopped onions that help keep them tender. Once you shape the meatballs, the rest of the dish comes together in no time. This is a great option for a cozy dinner that feels comforting and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Mei Fun

    Shrimp mei fun.

    A classic noodle favorite that's very easy to make at home.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Brie

    A baked brie with bread.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baking brie is simple and only takes about 25 minutes. You can use different toppings to make it your own. This delicious appetizer pairs well with bread or crackers, making it a great choice for family dinners or holiday get-togethers.

    Get the recipe

    Tater Tot Breakfast Bake

    Tater Tot Breakfast Bake
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    The Tater Tot Breakfast Bake is a dish that your family will love on weekends. It's filled with eggs, cheese, vegetables, bacon, and ham, making it hearty and satisfying. This meal is simple to put together, and any leftovers can be easily reheated for a quick meal later.

    Get the recipe

    French Fry Casserole

    Leftover french fries casserole topped with sour cream.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Leftover french fries can easily be turned into a delicious casserole that everyone will love. It's cheesy with a hint of spice, making it a great match for chicken, beef, or any protein you have on hand. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in, bringing comfort and warmth to your meal.

    Get the recipe

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a quick and satisfying dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce combines crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika, and oregano for a rich flavor that everyone will love. With just a few common ingredients and minimal prep, this meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting and delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Red Curry Fried Rice

    Fried rice with curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai Curry Fried Rice is a simple and fast dish that you can prepare in just 15 minutes. It's filled with real Thai flavors from ingredients like fish sauce, curry paste, cashews, lime, and cilantro. If you enjoy a bit of heat, adding some Sriracha can give it an extra kick.

    Get the recipe

    The Best Buffalo Cauliflower

    Buffalo cauliflower with blue cheese sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo cauliflower bites are a delicious vegetarian treat that can impress even those who aren't fans of cauliflower. They come together quickly in about 10 minutes and are perfect for dipping in blue cheese sauce or tossing into tacos and on top of pizza. These bites bring a spicy, crispy flavor that makes any meal feel special.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Pesto gnocchi.
      31 Easy 30-Minute Family Dinners
    • Lemon ricotta pasta.
      19 Weeknight Pasta Dishes You’ll Have on the Table in 15 Minutes - or Less!
    • Bolognese.
      23 Ground Beef Dinners So Good You’ll Skip the Restaurant Tonight
    • 21 Simple Starters That Prove Great Food Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

    More about me →

    Readers Love These Recipes

    • instant pot turkey soup in a bowl
      Instant Pot Turkey Soup
    • Salty & Spicy Candied Walnuts
    • cajun alfredo sauce with pasta in a bowl
      Cajun Alfredo Sauce with Pasta
    • Cranberry muffins.
      Cranberry Muffins

    Our Favorite Holiday Recipes

    • duck breasts topped orange sauce
      Duck Breasts with Orange Sauce (Best Sauce for Duck!)
    • Butterball cookies on a blue plate with hazelnuts.
      Butterball Cookies (Snowball Cookies / Russian Tea Cakes)
    • saffron buns with glögg
      Lussekatter - Traditional Swedish Saffron Buns [Authentic Recipe]
    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Herb Crusted Air Fryer Roast Beef

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB