Comfort Food Menu

Comfort food is usually all about the indulgent sides, so choose a main dish that is on the lighter side, such as roasted chicken, to balance everything out. Then, choose three of your favorite sides!Deviled Eggs

While everyone settles in before the feast, have your guests nibble on Rachael Ray's Chorizo-topped deviled eggs. No one can resist this classic rich and creamy snack with a spicy kick.

Roasted Chicken

One of the simplest main courses, roasted chicken is a comfort in itself, reminding us of home-cooked Sunday dinner.

The simplest way to a roast a chicken is to clean and prep it with lots of olive oil, salt, pepper and your favorite herbs. Try Bell's Poultry Seasoning (a favorite of Martha Stewart's!).

Roast your chicken (breast side up) at 350 degrees for about 2 - 2 1/2 hours, basting it in its own juices every 20 minutes or so. Once the meatiest part of the chicken thigh reaches 160 degrees, you're done!

For a delicious winter zing, add a few cut-up citrus such as lemons and oranges, which are in their prime during winter.

Mac-N-Cheese

This delicious side dish is the ultimate comfort food! Be sure to make a big tray to satisfy everyone's cravings. Make your favorite classic recipe or try a modern, more "grown-up" spin from these favorite chefs:

Tyler Florence
Rachael Ray
Giada DeLaurentiis

Mashed Potatoes

Everyone loves digging into a mound of mashed potatoes to chase away the cold, the blues or just for the fun of it! Ina Garten's recipe kicks things up with the addition of parmesan cheese and sour cream.

Make your presentation more fun by serving everyone individual portions in deep ramekins.

Asparagus with Balsamic

Yes, there should at least be one green veggie on the table! Asparagus is a crisp, delicious alternative to plain green beans. Pick up a fresh bunch, clean, snip off the ends and roast in the oven with salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar. You'll end up with a surprising sweet side!

Dinner Rolls

Everyone will be craving a hunky piece of bread to go with their meal. Look for a rustic loaf or whip up classic dinner rolls. Buy and bake the easy-to-bake Pillsbury version or try your local grocery store's bakery. Be sure to have butter on-hand!

Decadent Desserts

If you'll be baking, think back to your childhood for your favorite treats, or assign guests to bake or purchase their favorite indulgences. Here's a list of comforting can't-miss desserts:

Hostess Cupcakes : We think a variety of these grocery-store faves is a hilarious and yummy way to end the meal!

Donuts: Pick up a dozen of your prefered brand or try whipping up Paula Deen's decadent chocolate donut recipe.

Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies: Nothing beats it! If you're gang loves to bake together, prepare the dough ahead of time and after dinner, bake these up fresh together.

Paired with a classic mug of coffee, tea or hot chocolate, any of these desserts will leave guests smiling and comforted!