In times of heartache, nothing soothes the soul quite like a plateful of comfort food. Whether it’s nostalgia for childhood treats or the simple joy of indulgence, these dishes offer both warmth and solace.
Join us as we explore 17 of America’s best comfort foods, each with its own unique way of mending a broken heart.
1. Mac and Cheese with the Crispy Baked Top
Mac and cheese, with its gooey center and crispy top, feels like a warm hug. That cheese pull? Therapeutic. The secret lies in its dual texture: the creamy, cheesy sauce contrasting with the oven-browned top.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that takes you back to childhood, when worries were fewer and cheese was plentiful. Whether baked or stovetop, it holds a special place in our hearts, like an old friend who just gets us.
Did you know? The first known recipe for mac and cheese dates back to the 13th century in Italy. Trust this classic to bring a little joy to your broken heart.
2. A Warm Brownie Straight from the Pan
Nothing beats the comforting smell of brownies wafting through the house, urging you to dig in. Fresh from the oven, still gooey inside, a brownie is the edible equivalent of a fuzzy blanket.
The crackly top gives way to fudgy goodness, creating a perfect balance between texture and taste. It’s the kind of treat that doesn’t ask questions, just offers its sweet support.
Fun fact: While brownies are a staple of American desserts, they were invented at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago in the 19th century. So go ahead, indulge without guilt.
3. Mashed Potatoes Drowned in Gravy
Mashed potatoes aren’t just a side—they’re a statement. Silky and smooth, they’re the culinary equivalent of a soft pillow.
Add gravy, and they transform into a dish that envelops you in warmth. They’re versatile too, able to be as humble or as lavish as your heart desires.
Interestingly, these spuds have a rich history, originating from Peru over 7,000 years ago. Perfect for those days when you need edible therapy.
4. Grilled Cheese with Too Much Butter and Zero Regrets
Grilled cheese is the epitome of simple pleasures. With every buttery bite and gooey cheese stretch, it whispers that everything will be okay.
Perfect for rainy days or late-night cravings, this sandwich is both reassuring and indulgent, a reminder that sometimes, more is more.
Did you know the concept of grilled cheese dates back to ancient Rome? They knew what they were doing, and so do we when it comes to easing a heavy heart.
5. Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey or Jam—Whatever Sticks
Biscuits have this magical way of making breakfast feel special, even on the toughest mornings. Lightly crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, they’re perfect with honey or jam, depending on your mood.
Each bite is like a soft reminder of home, where comfort is baked into every crumb. And the best part? They stick with you—literally and figuratively.
Fun tidbit: In the Southern United States, biscuits are a staple, often served with everything from fried chicken to gravy. Talk about versatile comfort food.
6. Chicken Noodle Soup That Doesn’t Come from a Can
Chicken noodle soup is synonymous with care. It’s the soup that shows up with tissues when you’re sneezing and stays with you through heartbreak.
Homemade, it’s a labor of love, each ingredient chosen for its comforting qualities. The steam, the aroma, they all weave a warm blanket of hope.
Did you know? This soup dates back to ancient China, evolving over centuries to become the beloved comfort food we know today.
7. A Milkshake You Definitely Didn’t Share
There’s something inherently satisfying about treating yourself to a milkshake. Cold, creamy, and unapologetically sweet, it’s a momentary escape from reality.
Sipping slowly or slurping loudly, it’s a personal indulgence that doesn’t ask for explanations. Just pure, sugary happiness in a glass.
Fun fact: Milkshakes were originally a whiskey-based drink in the 1880s before becoming the kid-friendly treat we adore today. Cheers to evolution!
8. Pancakes for Dinner—Because Why Not?
Who says pancakes are only for breakfast? Sometimes, breaking the rules is the best comfort, especially when it involves a stack of fluffy pancakes.
Drenched in syrup, each bite brings a sense of rebellious joy, reminding you that it’s okay to have breakfast for dinner.
Did you know? Pancakes have been around since ancient times, with varying recipes across cultures. The perfect dish for those who believe in dessert for dinner.
9. A Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie That Still Falls Apart
The moment a chocolate chip cookie comes out of the oven is pure magic. Warm, with the chocolate still melty and the edges perfectly golden, it’s a blissful bite of childhood.
That first break, when it falls apart in your hands, is a gentle reminder that breaking isn’t always bad.
Interestingly, the chocolate chip cookie was invented by accident at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts in the 1930s. A delicious mistake we’re all grateful for.
10. Deep-Dish Pizza That Makes No Apologies
Deep-dish pizza is unapologetically indulgent. With its thick crust and layers of cheese and toppings, it’s a meal that demands full attention.
It’s the kind of comfort food that doesn’t shy away from being extra, reminding you that sometimes, taking up space is perfectly fine.
Chicago gave us this culinary masterpiece in the 1940s, and for that, our hearts (and stomachs) are grateful.
11. Fried Chicken That Cracks When You Bite Into It
Fried chicken, with its crispy skin and juicy inside, is the food equivalent of a pep talk. Each crunch tells you to keep going, that delicious things await.
Served hot, it’s a testament to the power of perfectly seasoned batter and the comfort of familiar tastes.
Originating in the Southern United States, fried chicken has become a universal staple, loved for its ability to bring people together over shared meals.
12. Banana Pudding the Old-School Way—Layers and All
Banana pudding is a dessert steeped in nostalgia. Layered with bananas, wafer cookies, and creamy custard, it’s a sweet trip down memory lane.
Each spoonful is a blend of textures, a comforting reminder of family gatherings and potlucks.
Did you know? This Southern classic has been around for over a century, and its popularity has never waned, proving that some things never go out of style.
13. Cheesecake from the Fridge at Midnight
There’s something liberating about sneaking a slice of cheesecake from the fridge at midnight. Creamy and rich, it’s a moment of indulgence just for you.
The graham cracker crust adds a buttery crunch, contrasting beautifully with the smooth filling.
Cheesecake has ancient roots, believed to have been served to athletes during the first Olympic games in Greece. A champion dish for champions of heartache.
14. A Big Greasy Burger Wrapped in Foil
Biting into a big, greasy burger is a moment of pure satisfaction. Wrapped in foil, it’s like unwrapping a gift that’s all yours.
Juicy, messy, and utterly delicious, it’s a rebellious meal that defies formality.
Burgers have come a long way since their inception in the late 19th century, evolving from a humble fast-food item to gourmet delight. Perfect for those needing a hearty distraction.
15. Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows You Didn’t Grow Out Of
Hot cocoa, topped with marshmallows, is the ultimate childhood comfort that you never outgrow. Sipping it feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, chocolaty blanket.
Those marshmallows melting on top add a touch of whimsy, transforming an ordinary drink into a heartwarming ritual.
Did you know? Cocoa has been consumed since 500 BC, evolving from a bitter drink in Mesoamerica to the sweet delight we enjoy today.
16. Chili with Cornbread on the Side—Extra Butter
Chili, with its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, is the edible equivalent of a cozy sweater. Paired with cornbread slathered in butter, it’s a meal that wraps you in warmth.
Each spoonful is a savory blend of spices, beans, and meat, offering both comfort and satisfaction.
Fun fact: Chili originated in Texas as a campfire stew, becoming a beloved dish across America. Perfect for those seeking solace in a bowl.
17. Ice Cream Straight from the Pint (No Judgment)
Sometimes, the best cure for heartache is a spoon and a pint of ice cream. Eating straight from the container feels like a rebellious act of self-care.
The cold, creamy texture is a soothing balm, offering a sweet escape from reality.
Did you know? Ice cream has been around since at least 200 BC, with early variations in China. Truly a timeless treat for timeless moments of need.