Cosy up with these comfort food recipes

There’s nothing quite like comfort food when the weather cools down. As the days grow shorter and the nights a little crisper, hearty meals and sweet treats take centre stage. Whether it’s a cheesy toastie, a bubbling pasta bake, or a baked dessert straight from the oven, comfort food delivers warmth, flavour, and a touch of nostalgia in every bite.

From easy weeknight winter warmers to indulgent weekend bakes, we’ve rounded up our favourite comfort food ideas, all made better with the goodness of fresh Bakers Delight bread.

What makes something a comfort food?

There’s no strict rulebook when it comes to comfort food. It’s personal, nostalgic, and often connected to home. But whether it’s a cosy soup and toast or a more hearty food like a slow-cooked meat pie, most winter comfort food shares a few key traits: warmth, richness, and satisfaction.

The role of warmth and texture in comfort meals

From gooey cheese to soft rolls, texture is just as important as flavour. Crispy, creamy, or fluffy, these textures turn the dish into something truly memorable. And when it’s cold outside, the best comfort food warms you up from the inside out.

Why can’t we resist comfort food?

Comfort food isn’t just about flavour, it’s about feeling. These meals tap into memory, tradition, and emotion. They remind us of family dinners, quiet Sunday lunches, or special treats on a rainy day. While quick and easy meals have their place, comfort foods give us a chance to slow down and savour something familiar.

Our favourite comfort dinner ideas to warm you up

When the temperature drops, dinner needs to do more than just fill you up—it should warm up your insides. These winter savoury recipes are packed with flavour, texture, and that unbeatable homemade feel. Some are quick enough for busy weeknights, while others are worth a little extra oven time. From cheesy classics to bakery-inspired twists, they’re all made to satisfy.

Garlic Herb Rolls​

Fluffy, buttery, and packed with garlic and herbs, these rolls are the perfect side to soups, pastas or roast dinners. They come together quickly and fill your kitchen with the smell of homemade goodness.

Sourdough Parma Loaf​

This twist on an Aussie pub favourite features shredded roast chicken, pizza sauce and melted cheese tucked into a crusty Sourdough Vienna. It’s a little indulgent, a little nostalgic, and a lot delicious.

Meat Pie Cob​

This show-stopping Cob combines everything you love about a classic meat pie with the soft, pull-apart goodness of a bakery loaf. It takes a little time in the oven, but the result is well worth the wait; perfect for sharing on chilly nights.

Vegemite pullapart​

The ultimate Aussie comfort snack that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Savoury Vegemite and gooey melted cheese are baked into soft, golden White Cob. Easy to share, easier to devour.

Baguette nachos

A fresh twist on nachos using crisped French Baguette slices instead of corn chips. Pile them high with your favourite toppings and bake for a crunchy, cheesy crowd-pleaser. Fast, fun, and endlessly customisable.

Lemon pangretto pasta

Zesty lemon zest and golden pangratto (crispy breadcrumbs) bring texture and punch to this simple pasta dish. Choose your own adventure with the pasta and you’ve got a crunchy, buttery, flavourful dish you’ll be making again and again. It’s proof that vegetarian comfort food can be bright, fresh, and still deeply satisfying.

Cosy baked desserts to get your mouth watering

Some of the best desserts come straight from the bread tin. These recipes are sweet, simple, and perfect for winter. So whether you’re winding down after dinner or treating yourself on a cosy afternoon in, make sure to try these delightful desserts.

Chocolate croissant pudding​

A rich, chocolatey twist on bread pudding using Chocolate Croissants and a drizzle of indulgent sauce. The Croissants soak up every bit of custard, creating a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Lemon custard croissant pudding

Creamy custard, zesty lemon, and golden Croissants combine in this fresh take on a winter dessert. It’s light yet luscious, with a sunny citrus finish that balances the richness perfectly.

Slow cooker vs oven: Best way to cook winter warmers

So now you’ve got some cosy recipes up your sleeve, what’s the best way to cook them? When it comes to hearty winter recipes, both the slow cooker and the oven have their place. Ovens bring golden, caramelised finishes, which is perfect for pies and pasta bakes. Slow cookers, on the other hand, are ideal for rich stews, pulled meats and set-and-forget meals.

Craving something deeply savoury and tender? Our Pulled Beef Rolls recipe is a great example of how the slow cooker brings out bold flavour.

Stocking your pantry for easy comfort food anytime

Keeping the pantry stocked with staples makes whipping up easy comfort food a breeze. Think tins of tomatoes, dried pasta, soup bases, and of course, freezer-friendly Bakers Delight bread.

Having a few go-to ingredients on hand means you can pull together a delicious meal, even on a chilly Wednesday night. No stress, no fuss, just reliable, satisfying food.

Perfect pairings for hearty dinner ideas

Looking to round out your winter warmer meals? The right side dish or bread can turn a comforting main into a crowd-pleasing feast. From cheesy toasts to oven-fresh loaves, here are a few go-to ideas:

• Crusty Sourdough or Pane di Casa for soaking up stews and winter soups
• Cheesy pull-apart bread for sharing with pasta bakes or casseroles
• Garlic bread or herb Continental Pasta Dura to complement Italian-style winter warmers
• Buttery Dinner Rolls served warm with roasts or tray bakes
• Toasted Turkish Bread slices for dips and hearty vegetarian mains

Why fresh bread makes every comfort food better

Whether you’re enjoying a slow-cooked stew or a creamy soup, nothing beats pairing it with a warm, freshly baked loaf. Bakers Delight’s handcrafted breads are baked fresh daily using real ingredients, making them the perfect finishing touch to your cosy winter recipes. From crusty Sourdough to soft White Rolls, each bite turns a comforting dish into something truly special.

Comfort food is more than just dinner; it’s a moment of warmth, a feeling of home, and a way to bring people together during the colder months. From cheesy bakes to sweet puddings, Bakers Delight has the fresh-baked bread to bring your comfort meals to life.

Explore our full recipe collection or find your local bakery today to stock up on your winter favourites!