Winter is prime time for comfort food. You know, those warm, hearty meals that fill you up and make you feel warm and cozy inside. While comfort food means different things to different people, they all have one thing in common; they put your mind, body, and soul at ease, especially when the days are short, and the cold nights are long.
Hearty, stick-to-your ribs meals have a purpose, too. First, they provide physical warmth. Secondly, they often contain a few extra calories. Centuries ago, when most people worked outside in the cold doing physical labor during the winter months, they needed to warm up when they came in for dinner, and their bodies required some extra fuel to continue to function in the cold. Comfort food served a purpose, both physically and mentally.
While the type of work we do has changed over the years, our bodies still crave the calming, reassuring feeling that comfort food provides. Read on for some flavorful grilled recipes that are sure to fill you up – and warm you up – on those cold winter nights.
Stick-to-your Ribs Meals
Main Dishes
When it comes to comfort food, chicken pot pie ticks all the boxes. Protein and veggies? Check. Gravy? Check. Flaky crust? Check. But why not try a new take on an old favorite! Mini Chicken Pot Pie Bread Bowls combine your favorite chicken pot pie flavors with the warm, crusty goodness of a fresh bread bowl. You’ll never look at a bread bowl filled with soup the same way again!
Meatloaf is another comfort food that many people associate with a good, homecooked meal from their childhood. This Athenian Beef Meatloaf with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce, however, combines a classic meatloaf presentation with mediterranean flavors. Savory beef marries well with the sauce’s tangy twist. In fact, it may remind you of a Gyro with tzatziki sauce.
Comforting meals can be fancy, too. Take this Brined Pork Tenderloin for example. This sweet and savory combination includes fig spread, garlic, rosemary, and bay leaf, which combine with a fresh burst of lemon for a powerful flavor punch. Plus, brining the meat keeps it tender, juicy, and delicious.
Hearty meals don’t have to contain meat, though. Take these Grilled Cheesy Portobello Mushrooms, for example. This rich, flavorful, vegetarian option pulls earthy, umami flavors from the mushrooms – perfect for a filling meal during the winter.
Smoked Rosemary Salmon is another meatless option that’s sophisticated, yet filling. This comfort food will fill your kitchen with its mouthwatering aroma. The secret to keeping the fish moist? Italian dressing! This, combined with fresh rosemary, provides a unique flavor combination that results in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that can’t be beat.
Sides
Biscuits are certainly a filling addition to any meal. You can pack yours full of flavor by grilling them! Try this Grilled Herb Biscuits recipe. They cook to perfection in a cast iron pan, leaving the outside flaky, buttery, and crusty, and the inside warm and tender. It’s a winter meal necessity!
Keeping with the side dish theme, these Cheesy Beer Potatoes are sure to be a crowd pleaser. In addition to being creamy and flavorful, lemon pepper and spicy seasoning pack a little extra punch in this recipe. The beer and smokey goodness from the grill round out the flavors. Be sure to make a second batch! These are going to go quick.
Butternut squash is a favorite winter side dish. But have you ever tried it on the grill? Grilled Butternut Squash takes this recipe up a notch. The sweet, slightly smokey, caramelized flavors set this recipe apart from others. There’s something about grilling food that really adds an extra layer of flavor.
Delicious Desserts
Dessert can be a comfort food as well. This BBQ Apple Pie is the perfect sweet and savory combination. By cooking this desert on the grill, you truly get a taste of hearty goodness in every bite. Plus, you’ll make the most of all a seasonal favorite, fresh apples.
And don’t forget this southern classic, Carolina ‘Nana Pudding! This adult version has a hint of Grand Marnier for a touch of citrusy flavor. You can make this dish the night before, too, so it’s chilled and ready to serve whenever you’re done playing in the snow.
Celebrate Winter with Hearty Meals Shared with Family and Friends
When it’s cold outside, make the most of your time indoors by spending time with family and friends. There’s no need to run your oven or stove all day, either. Warm, comforting meals made on your grill will help you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Grilled food is great any time of the year! Your grill is a versatile tool that will expand your cooking horizons and open up a world of options for you. Want to know some tips to maximize your winter grilling experience? Click here. With a little practice, you’ll feel like a professional griller in no time.
And don’t forget to like and follow us on our official social channels! Find Blue Rhino on Facebook, X, and Instagram for more grilling tips, recipes, contests, and more. Now bundle up, get out there, and grill!