5 comfort food recipes

After indulging in fancier fare over the holidays—or simply overindulging—consumers are looking for simpler, comforting foods. These five recipes deliver on that craving.

At Park & Field in Chicago, chef-owner Nalezny prepares this down-home dish with boneless chicken thighs, which makes it cost-effective and easier to serve. Cornmeal in the batter adds a bit of texture and color to the pillowy dumplings.

Click here for the recipe.

Satisfy post-holiday cravings for simpler food with a Southern classic of shrimp and grits. The Flying Biscuit Cafe grates sharp white cheddar cheese into grits to produce a creamy, silky texture, then layers it with shrimp that’s cooked in a variety of spices and seasonings, including Worcestershire and hot sauce.

Click here for the recipe.

Amanda Downing, chef at Chicago’s Rockit Bar & Grill, creates the ultimate potato casserole that can double as a main course. It starts with made-from-scratch potato tots that are layered with beer-braised beef, Gruyere cheese, pearl onions and fresh mushrooms. It’s a hearty dish for a cold winter night.

Click here for the recipe.

This deluxe melt is offered on The Rustic’s lunch menu. Made with Nashville-style spicy fried chicken, dill pickles and American cheese stacked on griddled Texas toast, the sandwich is a childhood favorite built for adult tastes.

Click here for the recipe.

A bowl of pasta is a surefire way to satisfy that yearning for comfort food. The version served at Italian Village starts with homemade pasta dough that is filled with ricotta, Romano, Parmesan and Asiago cheeses. Top the tortelli with your favorite marinara or meat sauce; the restaurant uses its signature red sauce.

Click here for the recipe.