Home Collections 35 Healthy Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Crave
By Brittany Mullins
5
16
Published Dec 27, 2019, Updated Nov 21, 2023
Save to Favorites
PrintJump to Recipe
This post may include affiliate links. Thank you for your support.
Craving comfort food, but also want to stick to your health goals? Try these healthy comfort food recipes for a lighter spin on all your favorite classics.
Ahhh it’s that time of the year isn’t it? If you’re anything like me, you go into hibernation mode and crave warm, cozy food… comfort food all winter long.
Making Comfort Food Healthy
What is comfort food? And what makes it unhealthy/healthy?
Comfort food is really anything that brings you comfort! It might be a meal from your childhood or it might be a cultural meal that reminds you of “home.” Typically, comfort food dishes are heavier meals made with meat, cream, cheese, etc.
To lighten them up, you can make swaps and switch out a variety of ingredients. The key for all of my upgraded comfort food recipes? They have to taste similar (or better) than the original meal! If they taste too “healthy” they simply won’t satisfy a craving for the classic dish.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
When tweaking recipes to make them a bit healthier, I have an arsenal of go-to swaps. Here are a few that I use often:
- Cauliflower and/or Cauliflower Rice – Have a dish that uses rice or potatoes? Cauliflower is a great, low-carb, low-calorie swap! You can use it so many different ways — fried “rice,” as a pizza crust or even mashed “potatoes!” There’s a reason this ingredient has a cult following.
- Pumpkin puree – Did you know you can substitute pumpkin puree in place of flour, oil and eggs in boxed baked goods? Yep! It seems kind of like magic, but the end result is a super moist, delicious baked good. I even use it in my healthy apple muffins.
- Spaghetti squash and zoodles – Instead of traditional pasta, use spaghetti squash noodles or zucchini noodles! These veggie noodles add fiber and flavor without the empty calories that come with traditional pasta. Learn the best way to cook spaghetti squash here.
- Leaner meat – Use leaner meat like chicken or turkey in place of beef in traditional recipes. Bet you won’t even notice the difference!
- Beans – Beans can easily be swapped for meat in most recipes to make them vegetarian. Beans add a good amount of protein and fiber to a dish and they’re low in cholesterol. Another fun way to incorporate beans is to buy legume-based pasta which has more fiber and protein than traditional pasta.
- Tofu – I love using firm tofu in place of meat or cheese for savory dishes, but silken tofu works great as a sub for dairy in pies too. I use it in my vegan pumpkin pie!
Healthy Comfort Food Swaps
For this post, I thought of as many traditional comfort foods as I could and then linked my swap for the healthy version. Did I miss one of your faves? I would love to recreate it! Leave me a comment and I’ll get recipe testing. 🙂
Healthy Comfort Food Recipes
Craving beef stroganoff? Instead of feeling super heavy and full after a bowl of traditional stroganoff, try mymushroom stroganoff! Instead of egg noodles, a heavy cream sauce and beef, I created a recipe with high protein noodles, a creamy coconut sauce and mushrooms!
4.82 from 64 votes
One Pot Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
Healthy, protein-packed vegan mushroom stroganoff made with savory mushrooms, lentil pasta and a creamy coconut milk sauce.
View Recipe
Craving spaghetti and meatballs?Try mypopeye turkey meatballsserved over zucchini noodles. Prep the meatballs in advance and you have the easiest.dinner.ever.
4.66 from 23 votes
Spinach Turkey Meatballs
These simple clean eating Popeye turkey meatballs are moist andflavorful, loaded with veggies and require no binders! Meal prep a batch early in the week so you can add them to pasta, sandwiches, salads and more throughout the week!
View Recipe
Craving macaroni & cheese? Macaroni and cheese is one of the first things I think of when it comes to comfort food! I have two options for you… one that is vegan with a cashew sauce and one that is higher in protein!
4.28 from 22 votes
Vegan Mac and Cheese
The best vegan mac and cheese made with cashews, potatoes and nutritional yeast! It’s easy to make, creamy, cheesy and so delicious. This comfort food classic turned plant-based is guaranteed to be a new family favorite.
View Recipe
4.45 from 81 votes
Protein Packed Healthy Mac and Cheese
A healthy mac and cheese recipe that is packed with protein, broccoli and spinach. Perfect as a full meal and a sneaky way to get your kids to eat more veggies.
View Recipe
Craving meatloaf? Did anyonenotgrow up eating meatloaf? Didn’t think so. Thislentil loafis one of my most popular recipes on EBF and for good reason! It’s packed with flavor and topped with a maple glaze. Mmm!
4.51 from 209 votes
Vegan Lentil Loaf
This hearty vegan lentil loaf is packed with flavor, loaded with plant-based protein and makes for a delicious vegetarian entree for a holiday meal.
View Recipe
Craving baked ziti? All forms of pasta are considered comfort food in my book. Instead of making traditional baked ziti, try thisturkey cauliflower baked ziti! It’s just as good as the traditional version but low-carb, gluten-free and packed with vegetables!
4.50 from 59 votes
Turkey Cauliflower Baked Ziti
This turkey cauliflower baked ziti uses cooked cauliflower instead of pasta noodles so it's low-carb and gluten-free while still being cheesy and delicious.
View Recipe
Craving a burger and fries? You’re going to have to trust me on this one: tempeh burgers paired with sweet potato fries, zucchini fries, butternut squash fries, turnip fries or jicama fries. So many fry options! The vegan burger holds together super well and is delicious straight off the grill, but if you’re not up for temeph burgers I have options with turkey, chicken and black beans too!
4.34 from 33 votes
Tempeh Veggie Burgers
A delicious veggie burger that’s made with tempeh and holds together so well you can cook it on the grill! Added bonus, it’s packed with plant-based protein.
View Recipe
4.47 from 62 votes
Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers
These spinach and feta turkey burgers are quick and easy to prepare and taste delicious grilled and served on a bun with your favorite burger toppings.
View Recipe
Easy Black Bean Burgers
These vegan black bean burgers are loaded with flavor, easy to make and hold together super well!
View Recipe
4.25 from 49 votes
Cilantro Lime Chicken Burgers
Cilantro lime chicken burgers that are packed with refreshing flavor! The perfect summer main dish. Gluten-free and paleo-friendly.
View Recipe
4.80 from 5 votes
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Satisfy your craving for fries with healthy baked sweet potato fries that are actually crispy! Perfect for serving alongside a burger or sandwich.
View Recipe
4.07 from 16 votes
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Air fryer sweet potato fries are crispier than baked sweet potatoes fries and much healthier than deep-fried ones! Plus, they cook up in 10 minutes.
View Recipe
4.26 from 50 votes
Baked Zucchini Fries
These baked zucchini fries are breaded with almond flour and parmesan to create a crispy and delicious side dish! Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
View Recipe
3.93 from 26 votes
Butternut Squash Fries
Looking for healthy French fries? Try these easy oil-free baked butternut squash fries with only 2 simple ingredients – butternut squash and sea salt!
View Recipe
4.80 from 5 votes
Baked Turnip Fries
Fries made from turnips? Yup! If you’ve never tried a turnip, now is the time. These flavorful baked turnip fries are the perfect way to get more vegetables on your table.
View Recipe
3.88 from 50 votes
Baked Jicama Fries
Low-carb, gut-friendly baked jicama fries with turmeric and black pepper.Serve with guacamole for a delicious summer side. Paleo, vegan and keto-friendly.
View Recipe
Craving tuna noodle casserole? I took a fun spin on the classic recipe by making spaghetti squash tuna noodle casserole boats.
4.05 from 24 votes
Spaghetti Squash Tuna Casserole
A healthy spin on a comfort food classic,these spaghetti squash tuna noodle casserole boats are filled with loads of creamy goodness and ample protein. Gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb and paleo!
View Recipe
Craving pizza? Try this eggplant pizza uses sliced eggplant instead of a carb-heavy breaded crust. Tons of flavor and super simple to assemble, this recipe is gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
4.24 from 129 votes
Low Carb Eggplant Pizza
A low carb eggplant pizza recipe that uses sliced eggplant as the crust instead of a carb-heavy breaded crust. Tons of flavor and super simple to assemble, this recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
View Recipe
Craving lasagna? Try my low carb, healthy lasagna made with zucchini noodles and tofu or make turkey eggplant casserole that layers slices of eggplant along with ground turkey.
4.89 from 9 votes
Skinny Tofu Zucchini Lasagna
Low carb, healthy lasagna made with zucchini noodles and tofu. This vegetarian main is packed with protein and loaded with Italian flavor!
View Recipe
4.38 from 101 votes
Turkey Eggplant Casserole
Comfort food made healthy, this cheesy eggplant casserole layers eggplant with protein-rich turkey and mozzarella. The best part? It bakes up in 30 minutes!
View Recipe
Craving broccoli cheese casserole? This version of cheesy broccoli casserole has protein-packed quinoa instead of instant rice, freshly grated cheddar cheese and a homemade sauce instead of canned soup.
4.19 from 65 votes
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
Cheesy broccoli quinoa casserole made healthy! This version has protein-packed quinoa, fresh broccoli florets and a homemade sauce instead of canned soup.
View Recipe
Craving mashed potatoes? Swap cauliflower for potatoes in my mashed cauliflower. You’ll save half the calories and 1/3 of the carbs! #worthit
4.47 from 15 votes
Mashed Cauliflower
Swap potatoes for cauliflower with this healthy mashed cauliflower recipe! It's the perfect side dish and comes together quickly with only 6 ingredients. It's just as creamy and delicious as mashed potatoes, but has half the calories and one-third of the carbs.
Craving tacos? Try this fun take on tacos… taco zucchini boats! Instead of being served on tortillas, they’re served in zucchini boats. There’s no dairy but shhh no one will notice with all of the flavor packed into this meal! Another option when you’re craving tacos? My turkey taco salad or tempeh taco salad. Both options are so yummy!
5 from 7 votes
Taco Zucchini Boats
Protein packed and dairy-free, these taco zucchini boats are perfect for a quick and easy healthy weeknight dinner.
View Recipe
4.23 from 48 votes
Healthy Taco Salad
This healthy taco salad is made with ground turkey taco meat instead of beef and is packed with veggies. It comes together quickly making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
View Recipe
4.10 from 11 votes
Tempeh Taco Salad Meal Prep Bowls
These tempeh taco salad meal prep bowls are an easy on-the-go option for lunch or quick dinner. The combo of protein-packed tempeh taco meat, black beans and veggies makes for a delicious and satisfying plant-based meal. Vegan and gluten-free.
View Recipe
Craving enchiladas? My healthy chicken enchiladas are one of the most popular recipes on EBF and if you’re vegetarian, I highly recommend my sweet potato enchilada bake. If I’m bringing a meal to someone I usually pick one of these recipes. New baby, surgery, you name it! You’re getting enchiladas or the enchilada bake! They’re easy and a total crowd pleaser!
4.39 from 238 votes
Healthy Chicken Enchiladas
These healthy chicken enchiladas are packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients! The homemade enchilada sauce is the star of this recipe.
View Recipe
4.89 from 43 votes
Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchilada Bake
Layered with tortillas, sweet potatoes, black beans, cheese and a homemade enchilada sauce. Vegetarian, gluten-free and absolutely delicious!
View Recipe
Craving fried rice? If fried rice isn’t on your comfort food list, who are you?! Just kidding… but I love fried rice! Try this upgraded cauliflower fried rice or my signature quinoa fried rice the next time you’re craving an Asian meal.
4.38 from 8 votes
Cauliflower Fried Rice
This vegetarian cauliflower fried rice has the texture and flavor you crave from traditional fried rice, but it’s loaded with veggies, high in fiber and low in carbs. Serve with your favorite protein for a nourishing, paleo-friendly meal.
View Recipe
4.19 from 22 votes
Quinoa Fried “Rice”
This quinoa fried rice is a healthy take on traditional fried rice made with protein-packed quinoa. It's packed with veggies and takes less and 30 minutes to whip up. It's the perfect weeknight meal.
View Recipe
Craving shrimp and grits? Pair cauliflower grits with blackened shrimp to make a lightened up, low-carb version of the classic Southern recipe. The result = delicious flavor and extra veggies!
4.36 from 14 votes
Cauliflower Shrimp and Grits
Pair cauliflower grits with blackened shrimp to make a lightened up, low-carb version of the classic Southern recipe. The result = delicious flavor and extra veggies!
View Recipe
Desserts
Craving baked goods? Baked goods will forever be one of my go-to comfort foods! I love these peanut butter oatmeal cookies and these flourless black bean brownies. Both are fan favorites… no one will know they’re healthy!
4.52 from 33 votes
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Peanut butter oatmeal cookies made with just 10 ingredients and one bowl. These cookies are healthier than most — gluten-free, made without butter or oil and only about 100 calories per cookie!
View Recipe
4.64 from 179 votes
Black Bean Brownies
These gluten-free black bean brownies are so fudgy and delicious. No one will be able to tell that they're flourless and made with beans!
View Recipe
Craving Ice Cream? Raise your hand if you love a nightly bowl of ice cream! {We all raise our hands.} Well lucky for you, I’ve got some upgraded options for you – mint chocolate chip made from avocados, banana ice cream and chocolate ice cream made from bananas. Hey, don’t knock it ’til ya try it!
4.67 from 9 votes
One Ingredient Banana Ice Cream
Homemade banana ice cream made with one simple ingredient – frozen bananas! No ice cream maker needed. Just blend until creamy and serve.
View Recipe
4.63 from 51 votes
Healthy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
Make healthy chocolate banana ice cream with frozen bananas, cacao powder, almond milk and almond butter. It's absolutely delicious, healthy, dairy-free and doesn't require an ice cream maker!
View Recipe
3.98 from 79 votes
Avocado Ice Cream
This avocado ice cream is so creamy, made with only six ingredients and doesn't require an ice cream maker! It’s also vegan and gluten-free!
View Recipe
More Collections for Inspiration
- Healthy Game Day Recipes
- 18 Delicious Fall Salads
- High Protein Vegetarian Meals
- 50+ Healthy Labor Day Recipes
- 10+ Ways to Use Shredded Chicken
- 26 Amazing Canned Pumpkin Recipes
- 30 Easy Vacation Meals
- 10 Healthy Meal Train Recipes for New Parents
- The Best Breakfast Drinks
- Healthy Valentine’s Day Recipes
- 20 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes
- 35 Healthy Soup Recipes
SavePinPrint
5 from 3 votes
35 Healthy Comfort Food Recipes (+ Healthy Mac and Cheese Recipe)
By: Brittany Mullins
Here's a recipe for healthy mac and cheese that's packed with protein as well as 34 other healthy comfort food recipes you'll crave!
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 8oz box Barilla Chickpea Rotini,
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 cup milk, I used unsweetened almond milk
- 1 Laughing Cow spreadable cheese wedge
- 1 ½ cups reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese (more, if needed)*, about 6 ounces
- 1 handful chopped baby spinach
- sea salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add chickpea rotini pasta, return to a boil and cook for a total of 8 minutes, adding in the broccoli florets at the four minute mark. Drain pasta and broccoli.
In the same large pot over low/medium heat add butter, milk, salt and pepper. Once butter has melted add in drained pasta and broccoli, spreadable cheese wedge and shredded cheese. Let cheese melt a little, about 30 seconds. Use a spoon to stir everything together until pasta is well coated with cheese, adding more cheese if needed. Add in chopped baby spinach and toss until wilted.
Serve immediately with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Notes
- Pasta: As I mentioned above, I love using legume pasta to amp up the nutrition count. That said, you can totally use whatever pasta you prefer.
- Veggies:Not a fan of spinach and broccoli? Feel free to use other veggies!
- Cheese:I used organic Irish cheddar cheese and shredded it myself. In case you were wondering, let me just confirm that real cheese is 100x better than powdered cheese or even pre-shredded cheese. Fresh is always better and shredding the cheese takes no time at all. However, you can use whatever you prefer including reduced fat cheddar cheese.
- Vegan + Dairy Free:If you want to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free you can use vegan butter, vegan shredded cheddar cheese and 1 Tablespoon of vegan cream cheese instead of the spreadable cheese wedge.
Nutrition
Serving: 1(made with reduced fat cheddar cheese) | Calories: 395kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 354mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 3g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: Lunch/Dinner
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Keyword: healthy comfort food
Did you make this recipe?Mention @eatingbirdfood and tag #eatingbirdfood!
Collections Health Coach Tips Wellness