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19 Hygge-Inspired Recipes For When You're Craving Comfort Food

Decadent comfort food, here we come.

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sticky buns
PARKER FEIERBACH

Unless you’ve been living under an IKEA-sized rock, we bet you've heard of hygge, the buzzword describing Scandinavia’s cozy, comforting way of life (if not, see below). Though it applies to all aspects of one’s life, throughout the year, we find ourselves desiring it more and more as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder during winter. You too? Grab some friends and loved ones, a few cozy sweaters, and blankets and take inspiration from our 19 hygge-inspired hot beverages, warming soups, hearty stews, and more. We feel cozier just thinking about them.

If you’re unfamiliar, hygge (pronounced “hoo-guh”) is the Danish term meaning “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment.” It’s been described as everything from a “state of mindfulness” to “taking pleasure in the presence of gentle, soothing things” to “healthy hedonism,” so we say, whatever gives you a feeling of friendship and well-being goes.

For us, that’s decadent comfort foods that are labors of love without being too difficult to make. It’s as much about the cooking or baking journey as it is about the end result, so enjoy the process. It’s the smell of freshly baked sourdough bread, or the first sip of just-cooled-enough hot chocolate. It’s broccoli cheddar soup (in a bread bowl), decadent chicken pot pie, stick-to-your-ribs stovetop mac & cheese. It’s sticky buns that survived the flip, white chicken chili that turns out just as good (or even better!) in our Crockpot, and finally getting the spice blend right for mulled wine (or glögg!)... Most of all, it’s the joy of sharing these things with our friends and loved ones, so gather yours round and get hyggelit together.

1

Glögg

glogg
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

Glögg, pronounced "glu-guh," is essentially Sweden's answer to mulled wine, tracing back as far as the early 1600s. Initially invented to mask the flavor of poor-tasting wine, it evolved into a traditional beverage enjoyed at social gatherings over the festive season.

Get the Glögg recipe.

2

Chicken Pot Pie

chicken pot pie
PHOTO: JOEL GOLDBERG; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

Truly comfort food at its finest, chicken pot pie represents the addictive marriage of a flaky, buttery crust with diced chicken, onions, carrots, and peas in a creamy sauce. While it's a dish that you can easily find pre-made in almost any grocery freezer aisle, we strongly believe that making your own is worth it.

Get the Chicken Pot Pie recipe.

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3

Sticky Buns

sticky buns
PARKER FEIERBACH

While we love a classic cinnamon roll at any brunch or breakfast gathering, these sticky buns are our secret weapon when we want something a little more showstopping. Baked on top of a caramel pecan glaze, these buns are extra decadent—we could just as easily eat them for dessert, TBH.

Get the Sticky Buns recipe.

4

Crockpot White Chicken Chili

crock pot roast beef
Parker Feierbach

Our slow-cooker white chicken chili couldn't be easier, and we love the texture it takes on once the beans are partially mashed. It might feel weird to use a potato masher in your slow cooker, but trust us, it's worth it! This hearty chili will keep you full all winter long.

Get the Crockpot White Chicken Chili recipe.

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5

Sourdough

sourdough bread
Parker Feierbach

Baking a loaf of sourdough bread is pure therapy: comfort food for the body and for the soul. Not only will it fill your kitchen with delish smells of yeasty goodness, you’ll walk away with a handful of life lessons along with a piece of unbelievably fulfilling bread.

Get the Sourdough recipe.

6

Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese

creamy mac cheese
PARKER FEIERBACH

This is the no-fuss, straightforward, good macaroni & cheese.The kind you can bring to a friend who is under the weather, to a potluck, one you can make for a dinner party or for a night in by yourself. Serve it as a side or as the main dish. Eat it from the pot, eat it with a spoon. This mac doesn't judge. It's too perfect.

Get the Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese recipe.

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7

Oatmeal Pancakes

stack of oatmeal pancakes topped with banana on a plate
BRITTANY CONERLY

On winter weekdays, we want something that feels a little heartier and more filling to start our work days off right. Who says pancakes are just for weekends? Instead, add oats to your pancakes to make them worthy of your daily breakfast rotation.

Get the Oatmeal Pancakes recipe.

8

Best Hot Chocolate

hot chocolate
Parker Feierbach

Homemade hot chocolate is infinitely better than boxed mix. And our recipe is extra decadent, thanks to the cup of actual chocolate (not just cocoa powder). Top tip: Don't forget the whipped cream!

Get the Best Hot Chocolate recipe.

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9

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

broccoli cheddar soup
Erik bernstein

Is there anything more hearty, cheesy and perfect than broccoli cheddar soup? You get all of the stick-to-your bones goodness from all the best comfort food and the sharp, cheesy flavor from the cheddar, while still getting a good dose of veggies.

Get the Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe.

10

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes recipe

roasted fingerling potatoes
ERIK BERNSTEIN

This going to be your new go-to potato side. The secret to the ultra-crispy skin? A cornstarch slurry! For some flavor we added rosemary and garlic, but just like our other roasted potatoes, feel free to add any herbs or flavors your heart desires.

Get the Roasted Fingerling Potatoes recipe.

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11

Classic Cinnamon Rolls

cinnamon rolls
PARKER FEIERBACH

This recipe is a great jumping off point if you're trying to make morning rolls of any type. We're not saying you should mess with the dough—it's perfectly buttery and fluffy! Where you have some wiggle room is the filling. Try Swedish cardamom, orange zest & cranberries, cocoa powder...

Get the Classic Cinnamon Rolls recipe.

12

Cassoulet

cassoulet
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Cassoulet, one of France’s most heralded and sublime dishes, is a formidable stew made of white beans, sausage, confit (usually duck), and pork. Put it at the top of your list of comfort foods to tackle this winter—you won’t regret it.

Get the Cassoulet recipe.

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13

Braised Short Ribs with 40 Cloves of Garlic

braised short ribs with 40 cloves of garlic
Andrew bui

Does anything impress quite the way braised short ribs do? They feel truly restaurant fancy, but here's a secret: Short ribs are pretty easy to make at home. This is the ideal dish to make for company when the weather's cold and you want to stay inside.

Get the Braised Short Ribs with 40 Cloves of Garlic recipe.

14

Bacon Fried Cabbage

bacon fried cabbage
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

If you want to venture into the world of cabbage that goes beyond corn beef or coleslaw, try this fried cabbage on for size. Hearty and flavorful, it only requires 5 ingredients (if you don't count the salt and pepper). Plus, one of those ingredients is BACON!

Get the Bacon Fried Cabbage recipe.

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15

Mulled Wine

mulled wine
Parker Feierbach

Making this mulled wine couldn't be easier: Combine a bottle of red with some orange slices, warm spices, honey, and brandy, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. THAT'S IT.

Get the Mulled Wine recipe.

16

Chicken and Mushroom White Lasagna

white lasagna
ANDREW BUI

This creamy white lasagna, made extra-luxurious from a cheesy béchamel-type sauce called Mornay, is packed with chopped chicken, spinach, mushrooms, and fresh herbs—and a few time-saving secrets.

Get the Chicken and Mushroom White Lasagna recipe.

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17

Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

cracker barrel chicken and dumplings
Rachel vanni

For the signature Cracker Barrel flavor, the dumpling recipe here uses buttermilk rather than whole milk, an ingredient that Cracker Barrel claims sets their dumplings apart from others. Also, like them, we cut ours into thin squares for something between a dumpling and a pasta. We can’t argue with this; they're perfect.

Get the Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe.

18

Cinnamon Apple Cake

cinnamon apple cake
Parker feierbach

This apple cake looks much more difficult to make than it actually is. Spiraling the apples on top will guarantee it's the most elegant-looking dessert in the room. Try and slice the apples as thinly as you can, about 1/4" thick, to make sure the apples are tender as the cake is cooked through.

Get the Cinnamon Apple Cake recipe.

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19

Swedish Meatballs

swedish meatballs vertical
Chelsea Lupkin

Y'all, we finally cracked the code. Savory spiced meatballs in a creamy, velvety sauce... without the schlep to IKEA. These must be served over egg noodles—they're perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce.

Get the Swedish Meatballs recipe.

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