An authentic tale: I once belittled the magnificence of my mother’s mac and cheese, opting instead for the packaged, powdered cheese version. (Shameful!) However, homemade mac and cheese is clearly the cream of the crop—it’s gooey and delightful. I’m especially fond of this recipe because it can be prepared ahead of time. (It’s ideal for those moments when you’re in need of a hearty meal to share with a friend in distress.)
Seeking a use for the surplus of fruit after a day of apple picking? An apple crisp is far easier (and dare I suggest, even richer) than an entire pie. Baking it in a baking sheet guarantees everyone gets their share of the sweet, crunchy topping.
Who could resist the allure of a beef stew on a frosty winter evening? This timeless favorite is effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and let it do its magic while you manage your other duties.
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist; Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist; Claire Spollen, Prop Stylist
Lemon meringue, while not a standard Thanksgiving dessert, didn’t deter my grandmother from serving it. (With our large family, we needed several pies to ensure everyone got their fill.)
My grandmother was renowned for her savory sausage-and-egg casserole, the star of her Easter brunch, yet her rendition didn’t include a tater tot crust. (I believe this elevates it to another level!)
Chicken noodle soup is quintessentially grandmacore. The only challenging part of this straightforward recipe is the post-cooking chicken shredding.
When I crave comfort food, this snug recipe hits all the right notes—it’s creamy and rich, slightly starchy (thank you, biscuits!), and to add to that, it’s a breeze to make in a slow cooker.
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist; Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist; Julia Bayless, Prop Stylist
This velvety cheese dip, which doubles as a delightful sandwich spread, is perfect for a family gathering. Offer it in a hollowed-out bread boule, accompanied by slices of bread on the side!
GREG DUPREE; FOOD STYLING BY EMILY NABORS HALL; PROP STYLING BY CLAIRE SPOLLEN
Upside-down cakes were all the rage at dinner parties in the 1970s and 1980s. They exude an air of sophistication—and are surprisingly straightforward to create. This modern twist on the classic cake replaces the traditional pineapple and brown sugar topping with peaches and hot honey.
Bacon-wrapped items are a timeless savory appetizer. Virtually anything tastes divine (my mom frequently serves bacon-wrapped water chestnuts), but these sweet dates are an ideal alternative.
If comfort food is what you’re contemplating, meatloaf likely ranks near the top. Pair it with mashed potatoes for a nostalgic, homely dinner that’s sure to evoke warmth.
