Newsflash: Food doesn't have to be heavy and rich to be comforting! These healthier options will leave you satisfied and content on any chilly winter night.
27 Skinny Comfort Foods for Winter
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
1/27
Quinoa Turkey Chili
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This heart-healthy turkey quinoa chili is not only tasty, it's a vitamin and protein powerhouse! —Sharon Giljum, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 264 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 9g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat.
2/27
Healthy Apple Crisp
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy dish is a tradition in my family. It's as quick as a boxed cake mix but it's a healthier dessert choice. It's ideal in fall when it seems that everyone has a bag or two of fresh apples to give away! —Terri Wetzel, Roseburg, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 252 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
3/27
Black Bean ‘n’ Corn Quesadillas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Black beans partner up with spinach and corn in these easy and satisfying quesadillas from Susan Franklin of Littleton, Colorado. —Susan Franklin, Littleton, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
4 wedges: 358 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 900mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
4/27
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I couldn’t shake my mashed potato habit—until I tried mashed cauliflower with a similar consistency. I started making my own, and my family loves it. —Meredith Howard, Franklin, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 154 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
5/27
Chicken Florentine Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Served over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 272 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 0.500 fat.
6/27
Healthy Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve never been quick to pass along my special recipes, but this one is so good that it’s become our family’s Christmas Eve tradition! —Michelle Behan, Littleton, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 349 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
7/27
Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a chocolate lover, and this treat has satisfied my cravings many times. No one guesses the brownies are light because their chewy texture and rich chocolate taste can't be beat. —Heidi Johnson, Worland, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 198 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 141mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
8/27
Turkey Sausage Cabbage Rolls
Total Time
7 hours 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I practically grew up in my Polish grandmother's kitchen, watching Babci cook and listening to her stories. I made her cabbage roll recipe healthier with whole grains and turkey, but kept the same rich flavors I remember. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cabbage roll with 3 tablespoons sauce: 202 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
9/27
Feta Chicken Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends always request these tasty chicken burgers. I sometimes add olives to punch up the flavor! The burgers are exceptional with the mayonnaise-cucumber topping. —Angela Robinson, Findlay, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger with 1 tablespoon sauce: 356 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/27
Fiery Stuffed Poblanos
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how my stuffed peppers dish was born. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 223 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
11/27
Makeover Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Total Time
55 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With its creamy consistency and two different cheeses, this entree captures the essence of comfort food. But here's the kicker: it's been slimmed down for you so you can enjoy it without over indulging. —Darcie Zerniak, Ontario, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 394 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 842mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
12/27
De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 329 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
13/27
Coconut Cream Cake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Have the urge to splurge? Try Deborah Protzman's moist and mouthwatering cake. "No one who's ever eaten a piece can believe it's lower in fat"—Deborah Protzman, Bloomington, Illinois.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 231 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
14/27
Slow-Cooker Frittata Provencal
Total Time
3 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe means that a delectable dinner is ready when I walk in the door from work. The meatless slow-cooker meal also makes an elegant brunch for lazy weekends. —Connie Eaton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 245 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 385mg cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
15/27
Turkey Thyme Risotto
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This satisfying risotto is a wonderful way to reinvent leftover turkey. I use Romano cheese, garlic and plenty of fresh mushrooms. —Sunny McDaniel, Cary, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 337 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
16/27
Rice and Bean Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mexican food, but I'm always looking for ways to make it healthier. I reworked a dish that I have enjoyed in restaurants to suit my taste and lifestyle. —Christie Ladd, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 enchilada: 298 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
17/27
Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If mashed potatoes are a must at your family Thanksgiving, then why not go all out with the works? I love garlic, onions and bacon, and this dish has all three! —Kathy Harding, Richmond, Missouri
18/27
Reese’s Chocolate Snack Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family constantly requests this cake is constantly. I don't mind making it because it's surprisingly low-cal. And its yellow and orange toppings make it the perfect dessert for a Halloween party. —Eileen Travis, Ukiah, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 240 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
19/27
Buckwheat Pancakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
This buckwheat pancake recipe uses buckwheat flour instead of the wheat-based variety. The light and tender buckwheat pancakes offer a nutty flavor and hearty texture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes (calculated without syrup and additional butter): 195 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
20/27
Rich Baked Spaghetti
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes a little longer to make baked spaghetti, but the difference in taste, texture and richness is well worth the time. I serve this lasagna-style dish with a tossed green salad and breadsticks for a hearty, healthy meal. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 343 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
21/27
Lentil Loaf
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This lentil loaf is so flavorful, you won't miss the meat. And it's packed with fiber and nutrients. —Tracy Fleming, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 213 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 580mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
22/27
Turkey Stroganoff
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have been making this tasty dish for 30 plus years. Of all the turkey dishes we have, this is the family favorite. I can put it in my slow cooker before leaving for work and come home to a hot, delicious dinner. Serve it over cooked noodles, rice, mashed potatoes—or for a surprise, polenta. —Cindy Adams, Tracy, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without noodles): 332 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 195mg cholesterol, 598mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 46g protein.
23/27
Creamy Skinny Pasta Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Baked pasta is a favorite potluck dish, so I altered some of the ingredients in my traditional recipe to make it lower in calories. Try this healthy pasta recipe with ground beef too! —Andrea Bolden, Unionville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 445 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 33g protein.
24/27
Easy Fish Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 350 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 632mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
25/27
Makeover Sweet Kugel
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a traditional recipe I make for the holidays. My close friend and I used to bake together until she moved 1,300 miles away. Now when I make this dish, I’m reminded of our time together. —Eileen Wolf, Abington, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 353 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
26/27
Eggplant Fries
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love this snack—and I like that it's healthy. Coated with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese and garlic salt, these veggie sticks are broiled, not fried, so there's no guilt when you crunch into them. —Mary Murphy, Atwater, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 135 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch.
27/27
Slow-Cooked Turkey Sloppy Joes
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tangy sandwich filling is easy to prepare in the slow cooker, and it goes over so well at gatherings large and small. I frequently take it to potlucks, and I'm always asked what my secret ingredient is! —Marylou LaRue, Freeland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 264 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 lean meat.
