Raw, Vegan, Gluten-Free Lasagna That Doesn’t Suck

Basil Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese

Have a significant other, friend, or child who refuses to eat Brussels sprouts? This is an easy way to sneak it into a meal. (via Brit + Co)

Mac and Cheese Muffins

This is the all-time best way to serve mac and cheese to a crowd. No messy baking dish, just individual portions that guests can serve themselves. (via Brit + Co)

Microwave Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Short on time? Whip up this easy, delicious mac and cheese recipe in your microwave. We’d even serve it for a dinner party. Your guests will have no idea the oven stayed off. (via Brit + Co)

Big-Hearted Mac and Cheese with Artichokes

Artichoke hearts give the perfect salty, briny tang to a mac and cheese recipe. What can we say? We heart it. (via The Kitchn)

Easiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese

We love recipes with surprising ingredients, and this mac and cheese does not disappoint. The key to its creamy goodness? Cottage cheese! Who knew? (via Smitten Kitchen)

Baked Macaroni

We’d make this mac and cheese solely on the basis that it’s baked in a cast iron skillet. Comfort food to the max! (via A Beautiful Mess)

Sweet Peas and Shells Alfredo

Let’s be honest, Alfredo is just another name for mac and cheese. It might be a bit classier, but it’s basically the same thing. (via Shutterbean)

Vegan Mac and Cheese

If you’re sensitive to dairy, but can’t give up on this dish, try this version. We promise you won’t miss the milk! (via Love & Lemons)

Layered Italian Baked Mac and Cheese

Say "ciao" to ordinary mac and cheese! These Italian-inspired layers bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table, making it a cheesy masterpiece worth savoring. (via Vikalinka)

Vegetarian Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Brie Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Easy Beer Mac and Cheese

Yes, you read that right — beer in mac and cheese. We're guessing this is going to be a game day favorite all through football season. (via How Sweet Eats)

Roasted Summer Vegetable Mac and Cheese

Channel summer with this deliciously crispy mac and cheese recipe. All those veggies make it health food in our book. (via How Sweet Eats)

Lightly Cheddared Spinach Ricotta Mac and Cheese

If you don’t like heavy mac and cheeses, try this version made mostly with ricotta, and just a sprinkling of cheddar on top. (via Food52)

Lobster & Shrimp Mac and Cheese

The buttery lobster and shrimp make this version of mac and cheese incredibly decadent. (via Table for Two)

Truffled Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

Something about adding truffle oil makes a basic mac and cheese recipe seem more grown-up. Making it with whole wheat pasta doesn’t hurt either. (via Turntable Kitchen)

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Because sometimes, you just can't beat a classic. This baked mac and cheese recipe brings you the timeless flavors you know and love, baked to perfection. (via Completely Delicious)

Roasted Red Pepper Harissa Mac and Cheese

Spice up your mac game with the bold flavors of roasted red pepper and harissa. It's a fiery twist that'll have your taste buds dancing in delight. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Creamiest Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Set it, forget it, and come home to a pot full of pure comfort. This slow-cooked sensation is the epitome of creamy dreams, making it the perfect fix for your laziest (and cheesiest) days. (via The Girl On Bloor)

Cheddar And Gruyere Mac and Cheese with Polish Kielbasa

Add a kick to your mac with this savory twist. The combo of cheddar, gruyere, and Polish kielbasa creates a total flavor explosion. (via Vikalinka)

Bacon & Pea Mac and Cheese

Adding bacon and peas to your favorite mac and cheese recipe makes it a full meal instantly. Well, maybe you need a side salad, too. (via The Kitchy Kitchen)

Easy 30-Minute Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Short on time, but craving a bowl of cheesy goodness? Look no further! This lightning-fast stovetop version guarantees a speedy fix without sacrificing flavor. (via Averie Cooks)

Vegan Southwest-Inspired Mac and Cheese

Even the most cheese-loving person will be reaching for seconds with this Southwest-inspired vegan masterpiece. It's so good, you won't believe it's dairy-free! (via The Edgy Veg)

Smoky Bacon Mac and Cheese

Clearly we can’t get enough bacon. Can you blame us? (via Food52)

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

If you want a fall flavor, but pumpkin isn’t your thing, try this butternut squash version. It’s just as tasty! (via Always Order Dessert)

Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Balls

A bit more labor intensive than the macaroni muffins, these mac and cheese balls are worth it for the crispy fried exterior. Oh, right, and they have bacon. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)

Blue Cheese Mac and Cheese

This recipe has that distinct funky tang that could only come from blue cheese. It might not be for everyone, but we love it.(via How Sweet Eats)

One-Bowl Microwave Macaroni and Cheese

If you still believe the boxed mac is best, but want to give up all the processed ingredients, make this microwave recipe. It’s healthier, so you don’t have to feel bad eating it. (via The Kitchn)

White Cheddar Truffle Mac and Cheese

Elevate your mac game with the decadent duo of white cheddar and truffles. This dish is so posh, it might just outshine your favorite little black dress at the next dinner party. (via The Girl On Bloor)

Creamy Vermont Mac and Cheese

Take your taste buds on a journey to Vermont with this creamy concoction. Loaded with the finest cheeses, it's a trip to dairy heaven without ever leaving your kitchen. (via Averie Cooks)

Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumb Topping

Crunchy, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying. This baked mac and cheese takes the classic to new heights with a golden breadcrumb topping that'll have your guests fighting for the last spoonful. (via Vikalinka)

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Sometimes simple is best. This classic homemade mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, bringing you back to the basics with every creamy bite. (via Clean Cuisine)

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut squash takes center stage in this vegan twist on the classic mac. Creamy, dreamy, and entirely plant-based, it's comfort food without the guilt! (via The Edgy Veg)

Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Up your veggie intake with this cauliflower-packed mac and cheese recipe. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Spicy Macaroni and Cheese

Along with a host of veggies, chili powder gives this cheesy recipe an extra kick. (via Kurry Leaves)

Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese

For our lactose-intolerant friends, fear not! This dairy-free delight proves that you don't need milk to create a bowl of cheesy perfection. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower

Another veggie that’s easy to disguise in mac and cheese? Cauliflower! When it’s baked, it has almost the same consistency as the noodles. (via Shutterbean)

Mediterranean Mac and Cheese

Adding in chickpeas and onions gives this recipe some Mediterranean flair. You could also use couscous instead of elbow macaroni. (via Food52)

Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon

It wouldn’t be fall without the addition of pumpkin to every single recipe, ever! Luckily, this pumpkin mac and cheese is good enough to enjoy year-round. (via Lauren’s Latest)

Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

Get your protein fix with this hearty variation. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and cheesy goodness make for a mac and cheese meal that's both comforting and substantial. (via Completely Delicious)

20-Minute Stovetop White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

Jackfruit is that magical produce that seems to perfectly replicate meat in almost any dish. Thanks to its growing popularity, it's become relatively easy to find in grocery stores. Just make sure you buy a young green jackfruit in water, not brine or syrup. This is the key to achieving proper flavor and texture. Then all you need to do is sauté and add A LOT of barbecue sauce. (via Minimalist Baker)

Mushroom Stroganoff

Balance cozy carbs with nourishing vegetables in this mushroom stroganoff and you get the best of both worlds.

Vegan Chickpea Curry

When you mix chickpeas with eggplant, coconut milk, Indian spices, and rice you'll end up with the most satisfying vegan curry. When spicing your curry, be sure to select a blend that incorporates fresh spices to give you the maximum amount of health benefits and flavor.

Vegan Sweet Potato Nachos

It can be difficult to cut back on carbs when you’re vegan (or for anybody, really). Thankfully, sweet potato tortilla chips are here to solve that problem. Things get serious when you coat them in vegan cheese sauce and then pile them high with your favorite nacho toppings.

Roasted Corn Chowder

Calling all ambitious chefs with leftover corn on the cob: This corn chowder is a bit involved to make but the results are 100 percent worth it. Corn kernels thicken the chowder that's scented with smoked paprika and thyme for a soothing bite with every spoonful.

Dairy-Free Herbed Scalloped Potatoes

Potatoes baked into a casserole that's covered in a creamy white sauce is comfort food at its best. All you need to do is sprinkle a few herbs on top for a little somethin' extra.

Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea Glow Bowl

This spiced bowl will soon be your new go-to for an ultra comforting, super nutritious, plant-based meal. There's so much deliciousness packed into this recipe that it'll be hard to pick your favorite part. Moroccan-spiced chickpeas are simmered in a sauce of fire-roasted tomatoes and then spooned atop couscous that's cooked and fluffed to perfection. Oh yeah, and there’s cucumber salad, some lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs to the max.

Creamy Vegetarian White Chili

By this point in winter you probably want soup for every meal, and that's where this white chili comes in. It’s warm, filling, tasty, and not average in any way. Pro tip: Add lots of toppings for a wide variety of texture in your bowl.

Vegan White Mac and Cheese

If you dream about a mac and cheese without the taste of nutritional yeast, this recipe will make your dreams come true. It turns out that the answer is vegan cream cheese and a dash of hot sauce. Who knew?! Now that the secret is out, feel free to share — and don’t forget to make seconds!

Buffalo Chickpea Pizza

Buffalo sauce and chicken is a match made in heaven. Buffalo sauce with roasted chickpeas is pretty darn good too. With a buffalo hummus base that incorporates just the right amount of spice, and a crispy cheesy topping, this recipe is about to be your new obsession.

Vegan Pad Thai

Pad Thai is one of the easiest dishes to veganize because it already comes layered with an array of crunchy vegetables and cubes of tofu. The tricky part is substituting the fish sauce, but this is actually easier than it seems. You can either buy a non-fish-based fish sauce, or simply prepare your own by infusing soy sauce (or tamari) with a bit of seaweed and dried mushrooms.

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recreate a comforting, nostalgic childhood favorite with these gluten-free, vegan treats. You may even find you like them better than the original.

Vegan Pizza Burrito

You’ll thank us later when you realize that this vegan pizza burrito is pretty much heaven wrapped in a burrito and placed on a plate. It’s also handy to grab when you have to eat on the run.

Baked Aloo Samosas

Indian food is great because so much of it is already vegan. And samosas might be the ultimate choice because they can be an appetizer, a finger food, or a meal. Plus, they're concocted with a host of spices and dipping sauces that will keep your taste buds intrigued and wanting more.

Vegan Sloppy Joes

If you never had sloppy joes growing up, there's no time like the present to give them a try. This warm sandwich is sweet, smokey, and savory all at once, and it can be made with everyday pantry items. This vegan version uses lentils instead of beef and is no less satisfying for it.

Vegan Pot Pies With Cornbread Crust

Creamy veggies hide beneath a crispy cornbread crust in this quintessential comfort food dish. There will be nothing more satisfying than breaking through the cornbread with a spoon to enjoy that perfect filling-to-crust ratio.

General Tso’s Cauliflower

Just when you think that everyone and their mother is tired of cauliflower recipes, General Tso’s cauliflower is here to revive the obsession. The cauliflower is marinated and then dusted in cornstarch and sesame seeds to form that crispy crust we all love. Now vegans and carnivores alike can get in on some of that General Tso’s action.

Vegan Spinach Dip

A blend of soft tofu with raw cashew nuts creates a satiny texture that's complemented by the spinach for an appetizer that tastes indulgent but won't have you regretting your snack choices.

Vegan Grilled Cheese

Something about that ooey-gooey yumminess of grilled cheese is simply unbeatable. But the best part of this sandwich isn't even the cheese; it's the ability to be a blank canvas onto which you can add an array of herbs, spices, chutneys, pickles, and jellies. The world is your oyster here — go wild!

Vegan Meatball Subs

When you wrap chickpea meatballs in carbs, smother them with marinara sauce, and top with a sprinkle of vegan Parm, the result is irresistible. If you make a huge batch of meatballs and then freeze them, this recipe becomes so simple that there's a high probability it will become your fave Friday night staple.

Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese

There's almost nothing better than veganized mac and cheese. This cheesy delight is a hug in a bowl and the exact thing you require on those days when you’re in need of a pick-me-up.

One-Hour Vegan Pot Pies

This blogger says it all: “Delicious, flaky, veggie-packed vegan pot pies in less than one hour. That’s all you need to know."

Lemon Blueberry Pistachio Cupcakes

Comfort food includes cupcakes. Opt for a magical combination like lemon, blueberry, and pistachio and watch the sparks fly.

Elle remembers "sobbing" during one particularly emotional Dakota Fanning movie.

“When Elle’s in anything, it makes me feel it deeper,” Dakota Fanning said at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on December 3. “She never can fully disappear into a character totally for me as her sister. She obviously does an amazing job, but I’m always gonna see my little sister a little bit.”

And Elle is just as touched by Dakota's roles, and remembers "uncontrollably sobbing" after seeing Now Is Good, a movie where Dakota's character was dying of cancer. “Because it was my sister, I had a real traumatic reaction after that premiere and the screening,” Elle says. “Obviously the acting, but it was something felt on a deeper level.”

“I’m doing this job, I’m an actor because my sister started before me and I watched her,” Elle continues. “I wanted to do exactly what my big sister wanted to do.”

And their movies have also made an impact on everyone who watches them.

When Brit + Co caught up with Dakota Fanning at the world premiere of The Watchers, I had to ask about one of her most iconic movies: Uptown Girls. "I love it," she says of TikTok memes and edits giving the movie new life. "It's nostalgic for people who are kind of around my age, who grew up watching that movie, I think it's like a comfort movie for people. And so I love that people are still revisiting it and loving it. And maybe now that everyone's older [they're] understanding different things about it."

Dakota starred opposite Brittany Murphy, who also had roles in movies like Clueless, 8 Mile, and Girl, Interrupted. Brittany passed away in 2009 when Dakota was 15. "I loved Brittany so much and I still miss her," she says. "So anytime that she has, you know, a moment where people think about her is also nice."