All those fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds in a plant-based diet is no doubt good for your health, but even the most committed vegans out there crave comfort food classics once in a while, like gooey Mac and cheese or a juicy burger. So whether you're looking to warm up on a chilly day with a bowl of noodle soup or step up game night with sloppy joes made with a vegan twist, these plant-powered comfort food recipes are sure to satisfy.
Spiked Pumpkin Hot Chocolate
Brit + Co
Before we get into peppermint hot chocolate season, give this pumpkin hot cocoa a try. It features a dose of dark rum but if you want to leave that out, it will still taste amazing.
Lebanese Eggplant Moussaka
Brit + Co
Roasted eggplants get an extra dose of flavor with a tomato sauce featuring onion and garlic. Chickpeas also add another texture.
Avocado Fries
Birt + Co
These fries add some healthy fat into your diet while also keeping things gluten-free. Sounds good to us.
Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese
Brit + Co
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food as far as we're concerned. Making it in the slow cooker makes it easier than ever.
Halloween Jalapeño Poppers
Brit + Co
This might be your average comfort food but it's got two of the most important elements: dough and cheese. The spice adds a nice flavor contrast as well.
Red Sauce Rigatoni
Brit + Co
Pasta dishes make for excellent weeknight dinners because they're easy, warm, and filling.
World Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies
Brit + Co
The next time you go to bake cookies, get a lesson from chocolatier Jacques Torres with this recipe. Our favorite part of the recipe? Adding a little bit of salt on top.
Baked Vegan Ziti
Brit + Co
There's no need to use the stove top for this streamlined baked ziti recipe that only requires a few ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight meal.
Pressure Cooker Split Pea Soup
Savory Tooth
This easy and soul-warming soup — perfect on a cold, rainy day — gets a flavor boost from smoked paprika.
1-Hour Vegan Pot Pies
Minimalist Baker
Don't be put off by the time and labor required to make this recipe: These savory, rich and creamy veggie-packed potpies topped with flaky vegan biscuits are totally worth it!
Best Vegan White Mac and Cheese
The Savory Vegan
When only creamy, decadent mac and cheese will satisfy your desire for classic comfort food, this recipe featuring vegan cream cheese and vegan parmesan hits the spot. Plus, it's ready in 20 minutes! Add your favorite veggies, like broccoli, peas or carrots, to get more "plants" into your dish.
Vegetarian Pho Noodle Soup
Omnivore's Cookbook
With a complex and flavorful broth spiked with ginger, cloves, star anise, white peppercorns and coriander seeds, this Vietnamese-inspired soup is pure comfort in a bowl.
Vegan French Onion Soup
Connoisseurus Veg
This vegan version of classic French onion soup evokes the rich, satisfying flavor of the original, thanks to the savory broth made with caramelized onions, red wine and soy sauce and croutons topped with gooey cashew cheese.
Veggie Burgers
Brit + Co
Loaded up with your favorite toppings and condiments, these easy kidney bean burgers will be your new game night go-to. Bonus points: The recipe requires only five ingredients!
Vegan Chickpea Curry
Brit + Co
Tuck into a bowl of creamy coconut milk-infused chickpea curry spiked with Indian spices—so yummy over basmati rice!
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
Pinch of Yum
This super satisfying one-pot meal features a layer of creamy mashed potatoes atop gravy-laden veggies that have been sautéed with red wine and fresh herbs. Make it vegan by using olive oil instead of the butter and a splash of nondairy milk in the potatoes.
Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes
Gena Hamshaw Food52
An old-school favorite gets a new school update: Sweet, tangy spiced lentils take the place of ground beef in this hearty plant-based take on sloppy Joes. Try it with a side of vegan slaw—yum!
Double Chocolate Banana Pumpkin Bread
Brit + Co
Banana bread is already delicious, but add in chocolate *and* pumpkin and you have something that is unbeatable.
Let us know your favorite plant-based comfort food in the comments, and follow us on Pinterest for more recipe ideas!
This post has been updated.
This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.
Chris Andre
Materials + Tools:
- 1 roll of tin foil
- 2 packages of crescent rolls
- 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional
Chris Andre
Instructions:
Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.
Chris Andre
Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.Chris Andre
Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.Chris Andre
Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.Chris Andre
Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.Chris Andre
Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.Chris Andre
Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.Chris Andre
Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.Chris Andre
Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.Chris Andre
Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.Chris Andre
Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.Chris Andre
Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.Chris Andre
Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!Chris Andre
A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!
DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried
Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.
This post has been updated.
When it's cold outside and all you want to do is curl up in front of the fire pit, nothing hits the spot like comfort food. Sometimes though, cozy meals can be quite heavy. Luckily, comfort food doesn't *have* to weigh you down.
If you're in the mood to make a recipe that will make you feel more at ease, these are the meals for you. These 38 comfort food recipes have all the flavors you crave, but include healthier ingredients so you can have the best of both worlds!
Chelsea’s Messy Apron
Lighter Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli Alfredo
This Alfredo has all of the flavors you love, but relies on some healthier substitutes. Low-fat milk and chicken broth take the place of heavy cream, pork bacon is swapped for turkey, and nutrient-rich broccoli is thrown in the mix for an added healthy boost.
Brit + Co
Chili Mac n' Cheese
When two of the best comfort foods come together, they form this tasty Chili Mac n' Cheese. It's a breeze to whip up on a weekday – add some more veggies in the mix if you want to make it healthier.
Just a Taste
Baked Turkey Meatballs with Quinoa
Meatballs and pasta are delicious, but are best saved for special occasions. These baked turkey meatballs with quinoa, full of lean protein and whole grains, are a lighter version that you can enjoy on a more regular basis.
Cozy Cravings
Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac n' Cheese
A classic comfort food recipe (like broccoli cheddar soup) offers yet another layer of cheesy goodness when you swap the soupy part for a creamy mac and cheese. Try sneaking some shredded carrots into the dish for some extra veggies.
Cilantro Parsley
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This instant pot recipe makes for a super easy, flavorful, and delicious fall dish. Add all your favorite veggies for some extra nutrients, and to make it taste like a taco in a bowl!
Abbey’s Kitchen
Gluten-Free Tuna Noodle Casserole
Crispy root veggie chips save the day in this gluten-free tuna noodle casserole. They add just the right amount of crunch on top, without having to rely on bread crumbs.
Brit + Co
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Every ingredient gets so nice and tender in this instant pot beef stew. With plenty of veggies and a good balance between broth, this recipe is a must-make for warming up this fall and winter.
Brit + Co
Pastina
Pastina is the ultimate comfort food recipe because it's chockfull of broth, butter, and cheese. It'll soothe your head cold, or your upset stomach. If you aren't sick, pastina is still a great dish to maximize coziness!
Brit + Co
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
This classic childhood chicken noodle soup is upgraded when you make it in your slow cooker. This recipe in particular is great for busy days, because you can have it cook during the day then enjoy the rich flavors after you get off work.
The Petite Cook
Sweet Potato Chicken Cottage Pie
Chicken takes the place of red meat, and sweet potato takes the place of white, for a hearty, healthy meal.
Brit + Co
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
This Whole 30-approved loaded baked potato soup recipe is delicious and is a healthy comfort food that you won't be able to turn down. Add all your favorite baked potato garnishes right on top and you're in store for a delicious meal that goes with rainy days *and* chilly evenings.
Brit + Co
Mushroom Risotto
This easy mushroom risotto recipe will take your kitchen by storm. Once you've made it, you'll already be planning your next risotto dinner.
Brit + Co
Meatloaf
Meatloaf immediately takes us back to our mom's kitchen, eating hot meatloaf at dinner and a cold meatloaf sandwich for lunch the next day. It's already hiding some carrots, but feel free to mix in any other veggies you'd like to.
Vikalinka/Brit + Co
Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce
Comfort foods like this chicken with garlic mushroom sauce recipe are a definite way to create cozyvibes at mealtime.
Cook's Hideout
Cauliflower Risotto
Risotto is delicious, but it can be a pain to make. This cauliflower version isn’t just healthier — it’s easier to cook, too.
Whole Food Bellies
Whipped Feta and Cauliflower Mash
Skip the mashed potatoes in favor of mashed cauliflower. It’s a creamy, rich-tasting side dish that’s lower in carbs, flavored with feta and herbs so you’re left feeling satisfied.
Cook Nourish Bliss
Sweet Potato and Kale Brown Rice Casserole
Many of us grew up on cheesy rice casseroles, and this recipe offers up a healthier take. It’s made with nutritional powerhouses like sweet potato, kale, and brown rice.
Brit + Co
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
The slow cooker beef strroganoff makes this comfort food recipe worlds easier. Not to mention, this dish is *so* full of flavor. Add even more vegetables to get in that healthy kick you're seeking.
Half Baked Harvest
Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Craving a spicy kick to your chicken tortilla soup? Add jalapenos, cumin and red enchilada sauce for a flavor you won't forget.
Kirbie's Cravings
Cauliflower Gnocchi
Cauliflower gnocchi isn’t just a lighter version of the classic comfort food recipe – it’s a praise-worthy dish on its own, especially when it's topped with colorful kale pesto.
Vodka and Biscuits
Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie gets a lil' bit of a lighter makeover in this comfort food recipe. It’s a dairy-free take on the classic that opts for grass-fed meat instead of the usual.
Well Plated
Spaghetti Squash Boats with Chicken
Spaghetti squash replaces pasta while chicken and bacon add some big flavors to the mealtime mix for a cozy dish that’s healthy, but truly satisfying.
Wry Toast
Skillet Chicken Parmesan
Lighten things up by baking the chicken instead of frying it, and serving it on a bed of greens instead of pasta for a healthy comfort meal.
Emilie Eats
Sweet Potato Spaghetti with Lentil Sauce
Spiralized noodles are all the rage when it comes to healthy food, and they come in real handy in this dish. Topped with a chunky lentil-based Bolognese, this a cozy meal full of essential nutrients.
Killing Thyme
Vegetarian Italian Wedding Soup
A cozy bowl of soup is the perfect meal on chilly days. This Italian wedding soup is comforting, but not heavy — it uses vegetarian meatballs instead of red meat.
Healthy Seasonal Recipes
Healthy Sloppy Joes
These sloppy Joes don’t come from a can – they’re made from scratch, without any added sugars.
Baker by Nature
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Sometimes you just need a hands-off meal, but don’t want to rely on getting takeout. This slow cooker turkey chili is just the thing — loaded with veggies, beans, and lean ground turkey to keep you full and satisfied.
The Sassy Life
High Protein Mac n' Cheese
Sometimes our favorite comfort foods just need a little nutritional boost. This mac n' cheese uses protein-enriched pasta, then makes a cheesy sauce from light shredded cheese and fat-free cottage cheese, so you get a ton of protein and flavor, with less fat and calories.
Ambitious Kitchen
Lightened Up Chicken Pot Pie
It’s easier than you might think to remake this classic comfort food recipe. It’s made with a whole wheat crust and non-dairy milk, plus the same veggies and lean protein that make the original so tasty.
Brit + Co
Ginger Butternut Squash Soup
Aside from the fact that this ginger butternut squash soup is colorful and only has 110 calories, it also only requires five ingredients and 30 minutes. Talk about a win-win.
Reclaiming Yesterday
Fried Quinoa with Chicken
Lighten up the go-to takeout meal with quinoa and extra veggies. If you want some extra flavor with less salt, add a drizzle of low-sodium soy sauce on top.
Nyssa's Kitchen
Gluten-Free Smothered Pork Chops
Served with herb whipped parsnips and kale, you’ll rave over these smothered pork chops. In addition to healthy vegetable sides, they’re made with a dairy-free caramelized onion sauce, which makes it a healthier take on the comfort food classic.
Averie Cooks
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
You may not associate salmon as a comfort meal but after you try this recipe, you'll rely on it time and time again.
Kathryn's Kitchen Blog
Pumpkin French Toast
Comfort food doesn't have to begin and end with dinner. You can easily recreate this pumpkin French toast recipe so you can have a comforting option for breakfast.
Pink Owl Kitchen
Skillet Peach Cobbler
We're willing to argue that this skillet peach cobbler recipe is one of the delicious comfort foods you can make. Sure, it's more of a dessert than an actual meal but you can keep the cozy vibes going with a warm, peach slice of this recipe.
Vanilla and Bean
Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup
Any time you have roasted flavors in a soup, you're bound to have a delicious and savory meal.
Whole and Heavenly Oven
Apple Cider Chicken Thighs with Root Vegetables
Sheet pan meals deserve all the awards they can receive because they're easy to make and contain juicy flavor that
Woman Scribbles
Beef Teriyaki with Mushrooms and Broccoli
This yummy protein-filled bowl is a top notch comfort food. You'll fall in love with the savory glaze that covers the beef and may want to use it for future meals!
Follow us on Pinterest for more healthy comfort food recipes!
This post has been updated.
Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.
If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.
Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!
When's the best time to do holiday shopping?
Kaboompics / PEXELS
The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.
Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS
Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.
Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.
Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.
Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!
Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS
If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.
The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.
Where should I shop for gifts?
Ron Lach / PEXELS
You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.
In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.
Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS
Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.
Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.
Kaboompics / PEXELS
Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.
At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.
We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:
What are the best kinds of gifts to give?
Kaboompics / PEXELS
The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.
“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”
Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS
Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!
“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”
When is Black Friday?
Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS
Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.
When is Cyber Monday?
Kindel Media / PEXELS
Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!
The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!
What is Red Cup Day?
Starbucks
Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.
Starbucks
Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:
- Peppermint Mocha
- Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
- Caramel Brûlée Latte
- Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
- Chestnut Praline Latte
- Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
- Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai
What do the red cups look like for 2024?
Starbucks
Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.
Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?
Starbucks
Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.
When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?
Starbucks
Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!
Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.
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This post has been updated.