8 Nostalgic Comfort Food Recipes

Food has a sneaky way of bringing back sweet childhood memories, filling our hearts with nostalgia, and making us feel warm and fuzzy from head to toe. Ever caught a whiff of chicken noodle soup that transported you to that one time you stayed home sick from school and snuggled with mom all day? Or bit into a fudgy brownie that reminded you of the ones you and dad used to make on special occasions? That's the power of comfort food! These recipes have that same spirit of nostalgia; some may bring back memories, and others might become new favorites that you'll make want to make for your own kids time and time again.

1. Breakfast Pizza

Nothing says comfort like a pizza pie that's oozing with cheese. Take yours up a notch with eggs baked right on top! And don't forget the bacon, breakfast sausage, onions, and peppers for the perfect morning slice.

2. Eggs in Purgatory

Eggs in purgatory is akin to the tomato soup and grilled cheese you looked forward to as a kid. There's no other way to put it: it just warms the soul. This classic Italian recipe features eggs poached in a rich tomato sauce with fresh herbs, pancetta, and lots of Parmesan cheese—perfect for dipping crusty bread in!

3. Chocolate Chip Cookie for One

The smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies is beyond comparison. Whether it reminds you of a visit to grandma's house or your siblings' early (and hopefully not too disastrous!) attempts at baking when you were kids, there's simply nothing better. This streamlined chocolate chip cookie in a cup comes close, though.

4. Chilaquiles with Fried Eggs

A litle bit like nachos, but grown up, these chilaquiles were made for snacking and sharing during family game night. They come together quickly, too: the tortilla chips are bathed in yummy red chile sauce, then topped with fried eggs and cheese galore!

5. 4 Ingredient Hazelnut Brownies

Bake sale brownies, grandma's secret recipe brownies, that brownie sundae from your favorite childhood diner...the list goes on and on, because brownies are pure happiness. Make this ultra fudgy hazelnut version with just four ingredients when you're craving a little bit of joy and chocolate in your life.

6. Veggie Breakfast Burritos

Need a smidge of encouragement to get out of bed this morning? Trade in your cozy blanket cacoon (it's not easy, we know) for a breakfast burrito; tender veggies and cheesy scrambled eggs rolled up in a warm tortilla.

7. Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Totchos

Tater tot nachos, breakfast nachos, totchos...call them what you want. The bottom line is that they're smothered in cheese, sprinkled with bacon bits, chock full of crispy potato pillows, and brimming with runny yolks.

8. Instant Pot French Toast Casserole

That sweet smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from the kitchen only meant one thing when you were a kid: French toast was on the menu. Now, you can have it any time you like, no flipping required—just a warm, custardy casserole made right in your Instant Pot.