--- title: "How to Turn Comfort Foods into Five-Star Cuisine ..." description: "Smoked Sausage and Idaho Potato Soup; Shepherd's Pie; Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy; Mushroom and Seafood Stew; Mini Chicken Pot Pies; More ..." url: "https://food.allwomenstalk.com/how-to-turn-comfort-foods-into-five-star-cuisine/" category: "food" last_updated: "2026-05-22" --- # How to Turn Comfort Foods into Five\-Star Cuisine ... Here's something that's probably not at all surprising: I love comfort food – Southern comfort food, specifically, that's what I was raised on, but I love comfort food in general, too. The sad thing is that comforting, filling, homey food often gets the reputation for being … too dull, too fattening, not fancy enough. It's surprisingly easy to turn all sorts of [comfort foods](https://food.allwomenstalk.com/low-calorie-comfort-food-to-fill-you-up-but-not-out/) into the sort of scrumptious cuisine you expect to find at your favorite restaurant, though – that's the happy thing. ## 1. Smoked Sausage and Idaho Potato Soup ![Smoked Sausage and Idaho Potato Soup](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/w7/c7/rbsslrjt56fc3dd080bea012067327_600x900.jpg) Recipe: [missinthekitchen.com](https://www.missinthekitchen.com/slow-cooker-cheesy-smoked-sausage-and-idaho-potato-soup/) I adore potato soup! Our family recipe doesn't include a protein, really, but I'm kind of eager to try this. ## 2. Shepherd's Pie ![Shepherd's Pie](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/cf/vn/uhxopv3m56fc3dd02cab1796022551_600x900.jpg) Recipe: [thelifejolie.com](https://www.thelifejolie.com/shepherds-pie/) Shepherd's pie is comfort food at its finest. It's overflowing with goodness and gravy, and this recipe will please both your eyes and your taste buds. ## 3. Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy ![Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/i7/bd/pj26qy0a56fc3dd04d47e370709979_600x900.jpg) Recipe: [sweetandsavorybyshinee.com](https://www.sweetandsavorybyshinee.com/meatballs-in-mushroom-gravy/) Everything about this dish is awesome. It's delicious. It tastes like so much more than what it is, yet it's entirely true to itself. ## 4. Mushroom and Seafood Stew ![Mushroom and Seafood Stew](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/zn/b4/v35rrjpk56fc3dd051661042186588_600x899.jpg) Recipe: [omnivorescookbook.com](https://omnivorescookbook.com/mushroom-seafood-stew) You get something extra hearty with the mushrooms, but they never overpower the seafood, and that's the important thing. ## 5. Mini Chicken Pot Pies _ Recipe: quinnsplace.com_ You know what's better than a chicken pot pie? Several mini ones. ## 6. Creamy Tomato Soup Made with Coconut Milk ![Creamy Tomato Soup Made with Coconut Milk](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/a7/lb/m2096uyw56fc3dd17e164193923172_600x600.jpg) Recipe: [healingwholenutrition.com](http://www.healingwholenutrition.com/paleo-tomato-soup-grilled-cheese-croutons/) You have not had tomato soup until you've had this tomato soup – and this recipe includes grilled cheese croutons. You're welcome. ## 7. Slow Cooker Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches ![Slow Cooker Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ad/z4/f1i0z73u56fc3dd1ce448380793574_600x900.jpg) Recipe: [themagicalslowcooker.com](https://www.themagicalslowcooker.com/slow-cooker-hot-roast-beef-sandwiches//) I'm thinking I need to make these for Heather pronto. She might marry me all over again. ## 8. Reuben Waffle Fries _ Recipe: melaniemakes.com_ This combines two amazing things that should always be together, from this point on and forever more. Sorry for the melodrama there, I'm hungry. ## 9. Beef Stew with Barley ![Beef Stew with Barley](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/y1/pc/du5tsycz56fc3dd1abbb2378361037_600x769.jpg) Recipe: [thecookiewriter.com](https://thecookiewriter.com/beef-stew-with-barley/) Did you ever have the Campbell's version of this when you were a kid? This is better. So much better. At the same time, however, it will give your taste buds a serious case of nostalgia. ## 10. Braised Lamb Shanks ![Braised Lamb Shanks](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/bs/m7/mtganowz56fc3e23d5ce9537848272_500x500.jpg) Recipe: [garlicmatters.com](https://goo.gl/s5ZHqK) Oh man. Don't forget the mint jelly. ## 11. Chili Rubbed Rump Roast ![Chili Rubbed Rump Roast](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/dq/wg/cf2iamml56fc3dd29f74a685023728_600x900.jpg) Recipe: [chilipeppermadness.com](https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/beef/chili-rubbed-rump-roast-with-chipotle-gravy/) With chipotle gravy, no less. The Sunday dinner favorite gets such a spicy upgrade with this recipe! ## 12. Caramelized Onion and Gouda Mac & Cheese _ Recipe: heymodestmarce.com_ Like macaroni and cheese? You'll like it even more if you make it this way. It is so … Gouda. ## 13. Baked Chipotle Ranch Wings ![Baked Chipotle Ranch Wings](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/zz/a8/qd0cu0dk56fc3dd3adeaf464911414_600x906.jpg) Recipe: [thecreativebite.com](https://www.thecreativebite.com/baked-chipotle-ranch-wings/) Wings go beyond snack food and beyond comfort food when you add chipotle and ranch. They're also baked, so they're not quite as bad for you. ## 14. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup ![Greek Lemon Chicken Soup](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/i9/p8/ywxzdrr956fc3dd34ed56632699972_600x899.jpg) Recipe: [supergoldenbakes.com](https://www.supergoldenbakes.com/restorative-greek-lemon-chicken-rice-soup/) This is a must-have when you're sick. Feed a cold, starve a fever and all that. ## 15. Lattice Apple Pie ![Lattice Apple Pie](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/l3/kd/pt9hy3bm56fc3dd55bb35259309124_600x708.jpg) Recipe: [2pots2cook.com](http://www.2pots2cook.com/2016/01/28/lattice-apple-pie/) What? Desserts are comfort foods, too. ## 16. Crispy Pan Seared Brussels Sprouts ![Crispy Pan Seared Brussels Sprouts](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/it/lk/b3hx33la56fc3dd3c013b567193398_600x900.jpg) Recipe: [maebells.com](https://www.maebells.com/crispy-brussels-sprout-creamy-parmesan-risotto/) Try these. Try these even if you think you don't like Brussels sprouts. ## 17. Easy Braised Short Ribs _ Recipe: ifoodreal.com_ Braising anything makes it comforting. What's your go-to comfort food? 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