From crispy fried chicken to ooey-gooey mac and cheese, we recommend making an extra batch of these comfort food faves.
Our 28 Best Summer Comfort Foods
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
I got this grilled chicken recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. It sizzles with the flavors of brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce. Huli means “turn” in Hawaiian. This sweet and savory glaze is fantastic on pork chops, too. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California
1/28
2/28
Jalapeno Popper Corn Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe for a wedding I was catering, and it's a good thing I made buckets of it, because I couldn't stop eating it! This chilled creamy salad combines all the best flavors of jalapeno poppers with the delicate sweetness of fresh corn. —Amanda Miller, Hutchinson, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 476 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
3/28
Wisconsin Butter Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter.
My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 400 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
4/28
Blueberry Ice Cream
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 1-3/4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
The wild blueberries on our property spark recipe ideas. When my daughter and I made this ice cream at a Girl Guide meeting, it was well received. Even today, our 10 children, 19 grandkids and 4 great-grandchildren think it tastes great. —Alma Mosher, Mohannes, New Brunswick
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 226 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
5/28
Fried Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
6/28
Macaroon Cherry Pie
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I use homegrown cherries in this bountiful pie with its unique crunchy coconut topping. But I've found that purchased tart cherries yield a dessert that's nearly as delicious. I always bake this pie around Presidents Day or Valentine's Day, but it's popular with my family in any season. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 434 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
7/28
Tex-Mex Summer Squash Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mild-flavored yellow squash gets a big boost from flavor-packed chiles, jalapenos and red onion. This side dish also works with zucchini. —Tommy Lombardo, Euclid, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 143 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
8/28
Banana Split
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
In 1904, the first banana split recipe was made here in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, by David Strickler, an apprentice pharmacist at a local drugstore. We still use his original formula when we make banana splits in our restaurants. —Melissa Blystone, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 710 calories, 31g fat (17g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 107g carbohydrate (68g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
9/28
Coney Island Hot Dogs
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 chili dog: 371 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 992mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
10/28
Barbecue Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 370 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
11/28
Rhubarb Berry Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had leftover rhubarb and wanted to create something fresh. With blueberries, strawberries and dried cranberries on hand, I discovered I had a berry upside-down cake. —June Paul, Portage, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 344 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 343mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
12/28
Farmer's Market Corn Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love fresh corn on the cob, especially grilled, so I am always looking for innovative ways to serve it. This recipe takes the corn right off the cob and combines it with fresh basil. —Haras Cindie, Jupiter, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 239 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
13/28
Roasted Vegetable Strata
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With the abundance of zucchini my family has in the fall, this is the perfect dish to use some of what we have. Cheesy and rich, the warm, classic breakfast dish is sure to please! —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 349 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
14/28
Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a hit with guests and family. It's sweet, simple and delicious, and someone always asks for the recipe. —Elliot Wesen, Arlington, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup equals 285 calories, 9 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 10 mg cholesterol, 860 mg sodium, 46 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber, 7 g protein.
15/28
Cookout Caramel S'mores
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy delectable treats make a playful finish to an informal meal. Toasting the marshmallows extends our after-dinner time together, giving us something fun to do as a family. —Martha Haseman, Hinckley, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 s'more: 127 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
16/28
Savory Potato Skins
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
32 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
For a simple hot snack that really hits the spot on a cool fall evening, put together a plate of these crisp potato skins. —Andrea Holcomb, Torrington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 56 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
17/28
Sloppy Joe Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love this quick, easy and economical dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 439 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
18/28
Almond-Coconut Lemon Bars
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Give traditional lemon bars a tasty twist with the addition of almonds and coconut. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 173 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
19/28
Kansas City-Style Ribs
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 rib: 453 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
20/28
Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband has a hearty appetite, our two kids never tire of pizza, and I grow lots of zucchini. So this tasty tomato casserole is absolutely tops with us throughout the entire year. Once you've tried the recipe, you may even decide to grow more zucchini in your own garden next summer! —Lynn Bernstetter, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 315 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
21/28
Potato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 231 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
22/28
Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of a number of Tex-Mex dishes molded into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in hardly any time! —Janet McCormick, Proctorville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 400 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 637mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
23/28
Scalloped Sweet Corn Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my Grandma Ostendorf's corn recipe I grew up enjoying. Now a grandmother myself, I still serve this comfy, delicious side as a family classic. —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 258 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
24/28
Rhubarb Custard Bars
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Once I tried these rich, gooey bars, I just had to have the recipe so I could make them for my family and friends. The shortbread-like crust and the rhubarb and custard layers inspire people to find rhubarb that they can use to fix a batch for themselves. —Shari Roach, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 198 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
25/28
Bacon Macaroni Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 402 calories, 33g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
26/28
Lime & Spice Peach Cobbler
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This was my grandmother’s favorite recipe to make when they had bushels of peaches. Now I love to bake it whenever I can for my family and friends. —Mary Ann Dell of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 287 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
27/28
Authentic German Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This authentic German potato salad recipe came from Speck’s Restaurant, which was a famous eating establishment in St. Louis from the 1920s through the ‘50s. I ate lunch there almost every day and always ordered the potato salad. When the owner learned I was getting married, he gave me the recipe as a wedding gift! —Violette Klevorn, Washington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 344 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
28/28