11 Easy Winter Comfort Food Recipes

Grabbing a comforting bowl of slow cooker chili or tucking into a hearty chicken pot pie and sitting by the fireplace might sound like a relaxing plan on a winter’s night. 

There’s something about the wind, snow, and colder weather that seems to make comfort meals all the more satisfying. Luckily, just because you’re busy or on a wellness journey doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite comfort foods!

Here are 11 of our favorite quick, easy, and healthy comfort food recipes to try out this winter. Plus, we’ll share tips to help you make each of these recipes a little more blood-sugar friendly. 

Read on for our delicious winter recipe roundup!

Comforting Lunch and Dinner Recipes For Winter

From Mexican dishes like enchiladas, tacos, and tortillas to classics like shepherd’s pie and mashed potatoes, there’s a little something for everyone in this roundup. Let’s get into it.

1) Curried Chickpea Stuffed Acorn Squash By Ahead Of Thyme

This recipe is a twist on the more popular stuffed bell pepper recipes that you may have seen on social media. These stuffed acorn squashes are vegan-friendly, and can also work great as a side or as a lunch option.  

Tips To Make it More Blood Sugar Friendly

• Include an additional protein source in the meal—tofu would be a great vegan option. Other good options include ground turkey or any other lean meat. 
• Mix in some leafy greens or  veggies into the chickpeas to add some extra fiber to the stuffing. 
• Take a walk after your meal. 

Ingredients

• 1 large acorn squash
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil, divided
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (or 16 ounces) chickpeas, drained
• ½ tablespoon yellow curry powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ tablespoon soy sauce
• ¾ cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

2) 30-Minute Chicken Tarragon Zoodles (Gluten-Free, Keto and Paleo) by Gnom Gnom

These zoodles are an excellent option if you’re on a keto or low carb diet and don’t want to feel like you’re missing out on the traditional comfort foods. Opting for zucchini noodles also adds an assortment of extra vitamins and minerals to your meal!

This dish is quick and easy to throw together, so it’s a perfect option for a busy weeknight and it’s a great option that your whole family can enjoy.

Tips To Make it More Blood Sugar Friendly

• Although this recipe is lower in carbohydrates, each person may have a unique blood sugar response. If you notice a poor blood sugar response, try meal sequencing. 
• Opt for a walk after your meal. 

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic ran through a press
• 2 medium shallots very finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon finely chopped
• 120 ml dry white wine or broth
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 4-8 zucchini spiralized
• 2-4 cloves garlic ran through a press, to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 125 g fresh ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon chopped
• Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• Lemon (to taste)

3) Thai Turkey Meatballs In Coconut Curry By Ahead Of Thyme

If you’re a fan of Thai food, you’re going to want to try this recipe. Hearty, filling, and aromatic, this Thai turkey meatball recipe is packed with flavor and can be modified to your liking. It’s sure to warm you up on a cold night! 

Tips To Make it More Blood Sugar Friendly:

• Eat the protein source first and try adding in a source of healthy fats such as avocado slices.
• Try reducing the amount or omitting the breadcrumbs for fewer carbs. 

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• ½ cup green onions, diced
• 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste 
• 1 (or 13.5 ounces) can coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 lime, juiced and zested
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves

4) Maple Roasted Root Veggies Recipe + Pumpkin Seeds By Root And Revel

These roasted veggies make a great side dish to any winter recipe, and would be a great addition to any holiday meals you’re cooking up for family. We recommend opting for comforting root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and butternut squash.

Top up your plate with these veggies and cozy up by the fireplace—the perfect way to enter this holiday season. 

Tips To Make it More Blood Sugar Friendly

• Have these veggies alongside a lean protein source such as chicken.
• Practice meal sequencing by eating your non-starchy veggies first (think carrots or radishes).
• Swap out the crumbled pumpkin seed bars for unsalted pumpkin seeds for a boost of healthy fats.

Ingredients 

• 4 cups diced winter vegetables (butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, apples, and/or beets)
• 1 large yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2-3 Tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crumbled pumpkin seed bars
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

5) The Absolute Best Keto Chili by Gnom Gnom

We’re also inclined to believe that this may be one of the absolute best keto chili recipe out there. Hearty, comforting, and easy to make in a crockpot: what’s not to like? 

If you prefer a chicken chili or prefer to reduce your consumption of red meat, just swap out the ground beef for ground chicken!

Tips To Make it More Blood Sugar Friendly 

• Add in some healthy fats—avocado would be a great option for this recipe. 
• Omit the beer or coffee if you find you don’t respond well to it, as they both may affect blood sugar in some people. 

Ingredients 

• 3 cloves garlic ran through a press
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 500 g ground beef
• 2 cloves
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder 
• 1-2 teaspoons ground cumin to taste
• 1-2 teaspoons paprika to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 400 g can diced tomatoes
• 240 ml beef broth
• 120 ml (gluten-free or low carb) beer (this is optional)
• 60 ml strong brewed coffee (this is also optional)
• Kosher salt to taste

6) Creamy Cauliflower Soup By Root And Revel

This creamy, buttery cauliflower soup is a tasty dish for the cruciferous veggie lovers out there. Cauliflower can be packed with flavor when cooked right, and this recipe may be one that helps bring out those flavors.

Try this out for a lower-carb alternative to a traditional potato soup with similar flavors! It also makes for a delicious winter dinner. 

Tips To Make it More Blood Sugar Friendly 

• Try reducing the amount of potatoes in the recipe (although you want to experiment with this to ensure it doesn’t affect the texture or flavor of the recipe). 
• Mix in some unflavored collagen for some added protein.

Ingredients 

• 2 tablespoons organic grass-fed ghee
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon organic red pepper flakes
• 1 head organic cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 5 organic yukon gold potatoes, diced (skin on)
• 1 tablespoon organic white miso paste
• 1 can organic unsweetened coconut milk
• 3 cups bone broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: fresh chopped sage and pastured

7) One-Pot Vegan Minestrone (Gluten-Free) by Minimalist Baker

If you need a dinner idea to keep you warm, look no further! While chicken noodle soup is always a classic, some actually say that minestrone soup is the “poster child” of winter comfort food!

With plenty of veggies like tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, and more, this minestrone recipe is packed with many vitamins and minerals.

Tips To Make it More Blood Sugar Friendly 

• Opt for a low carb or keto pasta like shirataki (konjac) noodles
• Add in an extra protein source such as shredded chicken or lentils
• Top up your soup with healthy fats like avocado slices or even a handful of nuts for extra crunch. 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon water
• 1/2 medium white or yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 large carrots 
• 1 1/2 cups green beans 
• 1/4 teaspoon each sea salt & black pepper
• 1 small zucchini
• 1 15-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 pinch red chili pepper flake (optional)
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (or other sweetener to taste)
• 1 15-ounce can white beans or chickpeas
• 2 cups gluten-free pasta noodles or macaroni
• 1 cup kale or spinach

8) Quick + Easy Salsa Verde Chicken And White Bean Soup By Root And Revel

If you like Tex-Mex flavors, then you’ll love this recipe. This salsa verde chicken soup recipe is packed with spices and easy to whip up on the stove or in an Instant Pot! 

It's the epitome of comfort on a cold winter night if you ask us. 

Tips To Make it More Blood Sugar Friendly 

• Chew slowly and practice mindful eating. 
• Take a post-meal walk after eating. 

Ingredients

• 2 cans cannellini beans 
• 2 cups salsa verde
• 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 
• 4 cups bone broth (or chicken or veggie broth)
• 1 avocado 
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Comforting Baked Goods Recipes For Winter

9) Grain-Free Hot Cross Buns By Root And Revel

If you’re gluten-free or on the keto diet, you may be struggling with having to omit traditional “carby” or comfort foods since the alternatives are so hard to find. Thanks to this hot cross buns recipe, however, you don’t have to miss out! 

A rare find, these hot cross buns taste like the real deal but are food-sensitivity friendly. 

Tips To Make it More Blood Sugar Friendly 

• Pair this dessert with a protein source such as Greek yogurt.
• Try using a sugar-free alternative or artificial sweetener to the honey or omit the glaze altogether.  

Ingredients

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 1/4 cup almond flour
• 5 tablespoon ground psyllium husks
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 3 egg whites, room temperature
• 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped apricots 
• 1 egg yolk

• 2 tablespoon coconut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 tablespoon water

10) Paleo Apple Pie Bars by Paleo Running Mamma

This is also another gluten-free baked good that doesn’t leave you feeling like you’re missing out. It even comes with instructions to create your own crispy gluten-free crust!

To speed up the process, you can try out a store bought gluten-free or keto crust too.

Tips To Make it More Blood Sugar Friendly 

•  Consume this after a protein-rich lunch, dinner or other meal. 
• Try topping it with a healthy fat such as coconut cream. 

Ingredients 

• 3/4 cup smooth almond butter
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 cup blanched almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 3 pink lady apples
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoon coconut sugar
• 2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoon tapioca or arrowroot starch
• 1/8 teaspoon fine grain sea salt

• 2/3 cup coconut cream 
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

11) Maple Cinnamon Fudgy Flourless Brownies By Root And Revel

This is an indulging yet nutrient-dense dessert option that is sure to be a hit at your dinner table, especially if you are a fan of caramel.

Tips To Make it More Blood Sugar Friendly 

• Limit your portion size and eat this dessert in moderation.
• Consume this alongside or after consuming a protein source. 
• Include some healthy fats if possible—a handful of nuts would be a good option for this recipe. 

Ingredients

• 1 15-ounce can organic black beans (no salt added)
• 1 15-ounce can organic sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup organic raw cacao powder
• 1/2 cup organic maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon organic instant coffee
• 1 teaspoon organic ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup organic almond butter
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/3 cup organic bittersweet dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup Jackson's Honest Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potato chips crumbled
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

• Optional caramel sauce, for topping