9 comfort food recipes to make on a Sunday afternoon

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When you wake up on a Sunday — you know, one of those when you have absolutely no plans — it’s like taking a breath of fresh air. Your schedule is totally up to you, and if you want to spend the day sleeping in, watching movies or reading a book, you can do it. But when it comes to food, while it might seem tempting, skip takeout and use your free time to make something extra delicious — you won’t regret it.

These comfort food recipes are worth every minute you spend standing at the stove or waiting by the oven. Actually, some don’t take that long to make at all. Be bougie and make your own red wine-braised short ribs or whip up a classic grilled cheese sandwich. It’s Sunday and there are absolutely no rules.

1. Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs

Tools needed: Dutch Oven

These red wine-braised short ribs are cooked slowly in a Dutch oven to make them oh so tender. While they do take a few hours to make, every minute is worth it. They’re perfect for dinner on a cold winter night.

2. French Onion Soup With Cheesy Mushroom Toast

Tools needed: Dutch Oven

If a bowl of classic French onion soup wasn’t tempting enough, try our version topped with garlic mushroom toasts. It’s great on a chilly day and goes well with a crisp salad.

3. Sesame Lamb Potstickers

Tools needed: Nonstick Skillet

Potstickers may seem easier to eat when you order via takeout, but have a little faith. Follow these steps and you can make your own delicious sesame potstickers at home. These particular morsels are filled with lamb, but you could substitute another protein, if you prefer.

4. Bacon, Asparagus And Goat Cheese Pizza

Tools needed: Pizza Stone, Rolling Pin

Most pizzas are made with a red marinara sauce, but this white pizza mixes goat cheese and Greek yogurt for an extra creamy base. Top it with fresh asparagus and crispy, salty bacon — and add even more cheese, you know, just to be safe.

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5. Three-Cheese Grilled Cheese

Tools needed: Nonstick Skillet

These gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches are stuffed with Gruyere cheese, Muenster cheese, white cheddar, herbs and the secret ingredient: caramelized onions. Yes, this is the best grilled cheese sandwich recipe.

6. Creamy Avocado Pesto Spaghetti And Meatballs

Tools needed: Food Processor

This pesto pasta sauce has a creamy texture, thanks to the addition of avocado. If you use frozen, pre-cooked meatballs, the whole meal comes together in under 15 minutes.

7. Garlic Hasselback Potatoes

Tools needed: Basting Brush, Chef’s Knife

The term “hasselback” refers to the way the potato is cut — sliced about halfway through all the way down the potato like a fan. You’ll stuff butter, garlic and fresh herbs between the slots, sprinkle with cheese and bake for a buttery, cheesy potato dish. Once you’ve tried hasselback potatoes, you’ll never want to eat potatoes any other way.

8. Pepperoni Pizza Mac ‘N Cheese

Tools needed: Cast Iron Skillet

Pepperoni pizza and mac ‘n cheese are two comfort foods that are great on their own — but combined, they’re even better. You don’t have to take our word for it though. Try out this hybrid recipe for yourself.

9. Mini Shepherd’s Pies

Tools needed: Nonstick Skillet, Mini Muffin Pan

Shepherd’s pie is lot like chicken pot pie, but with beef and mashed potatoes. In fact, mashed potatoes serve as the crisp, delicious topping to this yummy dish. This mini version is great for serving as an appetizer at a party — or to kids who prefer to eat with their hands.

If you like this recipe, check out these slow cooker Buffalo chicken-stuffed sweet potatoes.

More from In The Know:

How to make pulled pork sandwiches in a slow cooker

Make this honey-mustard lemon salmon on the grill

Make oven-baked chicken fingers with honey mustard dipping sauce

These red-wine braised short ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender

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