Winter is almost here, which means it’s time to treat yourself to an endless array of comfort foods to compensate for the cold weather (read: Hibernation mode). At Spoon, we’re over trying to eat healthier versions of our favorite comfort foods because we worked too hard cramming for finals, and it’s not like eating healthy ever worked anyway. We want the real thing — Ron Swanson style.
1. Candy-Stuffed Pancakes
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 3 DSC 0760](https://spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2015/10/DSC_0760.jpg)
Photo by Gaby Scelzo
Jut mix pancake mix and your favorite candy for this deliciousness. Find the recipe here.
2. Cream Cheese Pasta
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 4 IMG 2600](https://spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/66/2015/10/IMG_2600.jpg)
Photo by Maris Rosenfeld
Ha, who needs a meal plan now? Make it here.
3. Southwestern Chicken Tomato Soup
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 5 Southwestern Chicken Tomato Soup](http://fsu.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/150/2015/10/Southwestern-Chicken-Tomato-Soup-1024x685.jpg)
Photo by Nicole Korolevich
Why decide between chicken soup and tomato soup when you can have both? Recipe here.
4. 11-Layer Pumpkin and Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 6 IMG 62471](http://unc.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/51/2015/10/IMG_62471-1024x683.jpg)
Photo by Julia Wilson
Eleven layers and you’ll still want s’more. Make it here.
5. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 7 IMG 0385 2 2](http://ut.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2014/10/IMG_0385-2-2-770x513.jpg)
Photo by Bailey Culpepper
Pumpkin spice just got a lot less basic. Recipe here.
6. Sticky Maple Crescent Buns
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 8 IMG 0540 2 2](http://ut.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2014/10/IMG_0540-2-2-770x513.jpeg)
Photo by Bailey Culpepper
When is mixing butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon a bad idea? Recipe here.
7. Mini Nutella Croissants
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 9 Screen Shot 2014 04 30 at 4.23.25 PM](http://delaware.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2014/04/Screen-Shot-2014-04-30-at-4.23.25-PM.png)
Photo by Adrianna Simeone
They’re mini so they’re healthy-ish, right? Make it here.
8. Puff Pastry Wrapped Baked Brie
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 10 11252630763 6d87b07cec b](http://michigan.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2013/12/11252630763_6d87b07cec_b-770x513.jpg)
Photo by Alison Weissbrot
Look, mom. I’m an adult. Recipe here.
9. Double Chocolate Mint Cookies
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 11 11279683183 4cfb0716d9 b](http://michigan.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2013/12/11279683183_4cfb0716d9_b-770x513.jpg)
Photo by Abigail Wilkins
Who needs thin mints when you have these? Recipe here.
10. Pizzadilla
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 12 TCO 8165 1](http://ut.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2014/11/TCO_8165-1-1024x678.jpg)
Photo by Trissa Gurney
For those days when you really want a pizza, but you’re too lazy to use an oven. Make it here.
11. S’mores Krispie Treats
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 13 final](https://spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/150/2015/11/final.jpg)
Photo by Amanda Raquel Rodriguez
These make a great portable breakfast. Learn how to make them here.
12. Nutella-Stuffed Hot Chocolate French Toast
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 14 hot choc french toast feature](http://bu.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2015/11/hot-choc-french-toast-feature-670x446.jpg)
Photo by Ethan Cappello
You just can’t say no to Nutella, especially when it’s on hot chocolate French toast. Recipe here.
13. Hassleback Baked Potatoes
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 15 DSCN2845](http://upenn.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/DSCN2845-1024x768.jpg)
Photo by Amanda Shulman
You’ll never go back to eating baked potatoes after trying this. Recipe here.
14. Bacon Mashed Potato Cheese Bombs
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 16 mpbb cover](http://uchi.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2015/03/mpbb-cover-650x346.jpg)
Photo by Amy Erikson
These bombs are the bomb dot com. Make them here.
15. Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls
Because it’s pumpkin spice season. Recipe here.
16. Chicken Meatballs
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 17 DSC 0422](http://nyu.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2015/10/DSC_0422.jpg)
Photo by Becca Miller
You don’t need to drive to NYC to get delicious meatballs anymore. Make them here.
17. Bacon Mac and Cheese Jalapeño Poppers
Your tastebuds are going to explode from all this deliciousness. Recipe here.
18. White Wine Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 18 WhiteWineLemonSauce05FinalClose](http://nu.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2013/04/WhiteWineLemonSauce05FinalClose-624x415.jpg)
Photo by Kelda Baljon
Nothing will ever be more comforting than pasta and butter. Recipe here.
19. Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 19 22377857527 42164a94eb c](http://nu.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/22377857527_42164a94eb_c-670x447.jpg)
Photo by Megan Yee
Taking bread and cheese to the next level. Make it here.
20. Pizza Bread Pudding
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 20 16727809672 70ff77f1c4 k](https://nu.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/03/16727809672_70ff77f1c4_k-670x445.jpg)
Photo by Alex Furuya
Yes, this heavenly creation actually exists. Make it here.
21. Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Risotto
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 21 IMG 01671 e1406646836947](http://1ej8x43yl3fdbkhft1np5ch2.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_01671-e1406646836947-670x447.jpg)
Photo by Vedika Luthra
Fine dining. Recipe here.
22. Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 22 step 3](https://spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/step-3-670x447.jpg)
Photo by Caroline Liu
There’s nothing more exciting than eating stuff off of a stick. Recipe here.
23. Cheesy Potato Nachos
The best way to have nachos. Plus, it’s toaster oven friendly. Recipe here.
24. Mashed Potatoes
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 23 IMG 65071](https://lsu.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/118/2015/04/IMG_65071.jpg)
Photo by Vernell Dunams
Add bacon and extra cheese for extra comfort. Recipe here.
25. Pizza Dip Fondue
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 24 15824898604 e96c4f5876 k](http://uoregon.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/02/15824898604_e96c4f5876_k-1024x683.jpg)
Photo by Hannah Giardina
No fancy fondue equipment necessary. You can even make it in your dorm room. Recipe here.
26. Marshmallow Creme Fondue
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 25 16447410085 d3b605e43f k](http://uoregon.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/02/16447410085_d3b605e43f_k-1024x703.jpg)
Photo by Hannah Giardina
SO MANY DIPPING POSSIBILITIES: Strawberries, Girl Scout Cookies, Milanos, your fingers, etc. Make it here.
27. Salami and Provolone Hot Pocket
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 26 IMG 8914](http://cofc.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/155/2015/10/IMG_8914.jpg)
Photo by Amanda Guido
Forget the microwave stuff and make this instead. Recipe here.
28. French Hot Chocolate
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 27 step 3](http://iu.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2015/10/step-3-1024x683.jpg)
Photo by Natsuko Mazany
Perfect for cold nights and Netflix. Recipe here.
29. Better Than Boxed Mac and Cheese
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 28 DSC 8711 1](http://nyu.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2013/11/DSC_8711-1-1024x682.jpg)
Photo by Patrick Domingo
Just follow the instructions on the box and spice it up with these additional steps.
30. Simple Chicken Pot Pie
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 29 IMG 3671](http://cal.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2014/12/IMG_3671-770x513.jpg)
Photo Courtesy of Peter Cheng
Easy and cheap to make. For the college student with no money and no time. Recipe here.
31. Classic Macaroni and Cheese
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 30 44c3f3d4ef26a03ef665b85f051aa191](http://syracuse.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2014/04/44c3f3d4ef26a03ef665b85f051aa191.jpg)
Photo by Meghan Walsh
Make this if you’re feeling like a mac and cheese snob. Recipe here.
32. 5-Ingredient Chili
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 31 16334355251 89e6c83dbc z](http://uoregon.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/01/16334355251_89e6c83dbc_z.jpg)
Photo by Marissa Arnett
It’s even better when it’s 5-ingredient. Recipe here.
33. Portable Chicken Pot Pies
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 32 finalfouruncut](http://ucsd.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/127/2015/08/finalfouruncut-1024x679.jpg)
Photo by Xinyi Liu
If you’re looking for a portable version with a delicious flaky, buttery crust. Make it here.
34. Loaded Mashed Sweet Potatoes
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 33 CF Loaded Sweet Mash](https://spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/CF-Loaded-Sweet-Mash-670x447.jpg)
Photo courtesy of foodbeast.com
Hey, if it happens to be healthy, we won’t complain. Recipe here.
35. Baked Apple Cider Donut Bites
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 34 IMG 4678](http://northeastern.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/123/2015/09/IMG_4678-1024x768.jpg)
Photo by Christian Stafford
It’s apple season. Make this recipe here.
36. French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 35 comfort](https://spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DSC_0253-670x447-670x447.jpg)
Photo by Amanda Shulman
Who needs soup when you can make a sandwich? Recipe here.
37. Cinnamon Rolls
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 36 IMG 1767](http://1ej8x43yl3fdbkhft1np5ch2.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_1767-670x503.jpg)
Photo by Gaby Scelzo
These are like pillows of sweet, cinnamon-y goodness. Recipe here.
38. Beer Batter Waffle with Carne Asada
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 37](https://spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Hx1CthQ.jpg)
Photo courtesy of foodbeast.com
Breakfast burritos have got some competition. Recipe here.
39. Chocolate Bacon Bark
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 38 bacon barks small](https://spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/bacon-barks-small-670x451.jpg)
Photo by Analiese Trimber
Chocolate and bacon is bae. Recipe here.
40. PB&J Stuffed French Toast
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 39 comfort](https://spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/IMG_0737__1427686831_71.163.81.64-1024x651-670x426.jpg)
Photo by Alex Vu
All your childhood favorites in one sandwich. Make yours like this.
41. Upside-Down Grilled Cheese
![41 Epic Comfort Foods to Give You Some Extra Padding This Winter 40 DSC 0590 1](http://nyu.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2013/11/DSC_0590-1-1024x680.jpg)
Photo by Alexandra Wee
How do you make a grilled cheese sandwich better? More cheese. Find it here.