Comfort Food Like Grandma Used to Make

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Comfort food like Grandma’s doesn’t always mean heavy casseroles or endless cream-of-something soups—sometimes it’s just food made with care, heart, and a little history. These recipes bring that spirit home. There’s timeless comfort in a slice of Simply Perfect Apple Pie, the slow warmth of French Onion Soup, or the nostalgic sweetness of a Pumpkin Roll Recipe. For something savory and satisfying, try Mama’s Veggie-Packed Chicken Meatloaf or the weeknight-worthy Zucchini & Sausage Baked Orzo with Hot Honey & Feta. Even modern takes like the Easy Vegan “Tuna” Melt, Creamy Sweet Corn & Brown Butter Ricotta Pasta, and Vegan Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp feel like dishes passed down with intention. Whether you’re scooping into Mushroom Risotto, sipping Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot or Stovetop), or celebrating with Toffee Crunch Cheesecake, these meals are pure comfort—just how Grandma would’ve done it, in spirit if not always in ingredients.

Easy Vegan “Tuna” Melt

Bowl of homemade vegan cheddar cheese next to a vegan tuna melt
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

This vegan “tuna” melt is the perfect comforting sandwich! Made with simple ingredients like chickpeas, vegan mayo, and dill pickles, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying sandwich as a quick lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan “Tuna” Melt

French Onion Soup

A close-up of a bowl of French onion soup topped with melted, golden-brown cheese, garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme, with cheese draping over the edge of the white bowl.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This French Onion Soup recipe by Feasting at Home features deeply caramelized onions in a rich broth, creating a comforting and classic dish. Top it with toasty croutons and melted Gruyere cheese for the perfect cozy meal. It’s also easily adaptable for vegan and vegetarian diets!
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Simply Perfect Apple Pie

apple pie and slice on a plate.
Photo credit: Baking a Moment

This apple pie recipe is the perfect classic dessert with a flaky, buttery crust and tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from holidays to birthdays! Plus, the recipe includes options to make it dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: Simply Perfect Apple Pie

Mama’s Veggie-Packed Chicken Meatloaf

healthy chicken meatloaf stuffed with cheese on a plate
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This veggie-packed chicken meatloaf is a healthy and delicious twist on a classic comfort food. It’s packed with nutritious veggies and protein, making it a great option for a kid-friendly and meal-prep-friendly dinner. Top with ketchup or BBQ sauce for a flavorful finish!
Get the Recipe: Mama’s Veggie-Packed Chicken Meatloaf

Zucchini & Sausage Baked Orzo with Hot Honey & Feta

cheesy zucchini sausage orzo bake in a skillet
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This Zucchini & Sausage Baked Orzo is a comforting and nourishing one-pan meal that’s packed with veggies and melty cheese. The dish features Italian sausage, zucchini, corn, and a blend of mozzarella and feta, all drizzled with hot honey for a touch of sweetness and spice. It’s a kid-friendly and gluten-free option perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Sausage Baked Orzo with Hot Honey & Feta

The BEST Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake (1 Bowl!)

Slice of gluten-free vanilla cake decorated with vanilla buttercream frosting and fresh berries
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

This gluten-free vanilla cake is so good, no one will know it’s gluten-free! It’s fluffy, moist, and can be made in one bowl for easy clean-up. Top with your favorite frosting, coconut whipped cream, or fresh berries for a delicious dessert.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake (1 Bowl!)

Pumpkin Roll Recipe

My Favorite Pumpkin Roll recipe with or without nuts | foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This pumpkin roll recipe is the perfect dessert for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving! It features a moist pumpkin cake with an easy rolling trick and a delicious cream cheese filling. Garnish with nuts for the perfect finish.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Creamy Sweet Corn & Brown Butter Ricotta Pasta

brown butter corn pasta in a bowl
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This Creamy Sweet Corn & Brown Butter Ricotta Pasta is the perfect way to celebrate summer! Made with just a few core ingredients like corn, ricotta and brown butter, this dish is simple yet elegant. Garnish with fresh basil and green onions for a burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sweet Corn & Brown Butter Ricotta Pasta

Vegan Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp

Serving bowls and baking dish of vegan gluten-free rhubarb crisp
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

This vegan and gluten-free rhubarb crisp recipe is a simple and delicious way to showcase rhubarb! Made with just a few ingredients, including oats, almond flour, and coconut oil, it’s perfect for a quick and easy dessert. Top with vegan vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp

Mushroom Risotto

Overhead image of a bowl of vegan mushroom risotto on a rustic wooden background, with a blue linen napkin and copper fork.
Photo credit: Baking a Moment

This mushroom risotto recipe is a hearty and comforting meatless meal, perfect for a savory and satisfying dinner. Full of flavor, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of creamy, homemade goodness!
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of BEST recipes on the blog and hands-down one of our favorite dinners. Delicious and healthy, loaded with chicken and veggies, this soup will warm you to your bones! Make it in an Instant pot, on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker!
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful meal that can be made on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot. It’s packed with chicken, beans, and vegetables in a savory broth, perfect for a comforting dinner. Plus, it’s easily customizable to your preferred spice level!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Toffee Crunch Cheesecake

I may never go back to graham crackers again! The matzoh toffee crunch crust was amazing! The filling was perfection too, and I loved the crackly brulee on top! #onlyphiladelphia #mycreamcheese #ad @spreadphilly
Photo credit: Baking a Moment

This Toffee Crunch Cheesecake is the perfect dessert to celebrate Easter or Passover with your family! It features a toasty crust, rich chocolate, and a creamy filling that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Toffee Crunch Cheesecake

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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