Snow days call for comfort food that warms both body and soul. When you’re snowed in, what could be better than preparing delicious meals that make the most of this cozy time? Here are 20 recipes for a snow day, featuring everything from fluffy pancakes to hearty stews. Dive in and discover how to turn a snowy day into a culinary delight.
Key Takeaways
Cozy snow day recipes include hearty options like beef stew, hearty stews, chicken pot pie, and creamy soups that provide warmth and comfort.
Filling breakfast ideas, such as fluffy pancakes and sourdough variations, help kickstart snowy mornings on a fun note.
A well-stocked pantry and refrigerator essentials ensure you can easily whip up satisfying meals, no matter the weather outside.
Table of Contents
Fluffy Pancakes for a Snowy Morning
Kickstart your frosty morning with a comforting and delightful serving of pillowy sourdough pancakes. These pancakes possess an exceptional texture that distinguishes them from conventional varieties. Incorporating wholemeal flour contributes to the batter’s robust flavour, providing each mouthful with extra fulfillment.
For a touch of sweetness, dust on some powdered sugar or amplify their taste by topping them off with strawberries soaked in molasses and a crunchy oat streusel. To inject some whimsy into your meal, create snowmen-shaped pancakes using bacon strips as playful scarves—this brings added charm to breakfast festivities on a day blanketed in snow.
These sourdough delights, which present harmonious notes of tanginess, sweetness, and slight bitterness, can yield approximately ten portions. They’re perfectly suited for sharing amongst loved ones during wintertime gatherings.
Hearty Beef Stew with Guinness
As the snow piles up, a hearty beef stew enriched with Guinness stout provides deep, rich flavours perfect for a cold day. Guinness beer, tomato paste, and thyme blend create a robust base that complements tender beef cuts.
Though time-intensive, this stew is worth it. Brown the beef to enhance flavour, then let it simmer in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for at least two hours, allowing the flavours to meld and the beef to become tender.
Mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the hot stew to thicken the gravy. This recipe yields six servings, ideal for family dinners or leftovers.
Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup
This Italian sausage and tortellini soup is a sumptuous and comforting dish that enhances warmth. Infused with the aromatic herbs of basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes, it delivers just the right amount of zesty flair to accentuate the hearty sausage.
Commence by browning the sausage in a pan before pouring in chicken stock along with tortellini and assorted seasonings. Simmer this concoction until your pasta reaches a desirable tenderness, then crown it generously with Parmesan cheese to elevate its luxuriousness. Conveniently store any surplus soup in an impermeable container for up to three days or freeze it securely for future snow day indulgence over a span stretching up to three months.
Accompanying this scrumptious soup with crusty bread is an ideal companion for savouring every last drop of savoury broth—a feast sure to enrich your experience during meals on snowy days.
Tempered Curry-Ginger Sweet Potatoes
When the snow is falling outside, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of Tempered Curry-Ginger Sweet Potatoes. This dish brings together the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the aromatic spices of curry and ginger, creating a side dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
To prepare this cozy recipe, start by peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes. In a hot skillet, heat some olive oil and add freshly grated ginger and curry powder, allowing the spices to bloom and release their fragrant aromas. Toss in the sweet potatoes, coating them thoroughly with the spiced oil. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, adding a touch of chicken stock if needed to prevent sticking.
This dish is not only easy to make but also requires minimal ingredients, making it a perfect addition to your snow day dinner. Serve these tempered sweet potatoes alongside your favourite main course, and let the warming spices and sweet flavours bring a touch of sunshine to your snowy day.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Casserole
On a snow day, indulge in the warmth of an easy to make slow cooker chicken and rice casserole. The combination of cream of chicken soup and chicken broth provides a rich and creamy foundation. This is enhanced by aromatic spices including onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enrich the dish’s flavor.
To achieve the irresistibly gooey texture synonymous with comfort food, blend in shredded cheddar cheese. To ease your preparation efforts, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. Allow it to cook gently over low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours to enjoy this heartwarming meal amidst falling snowflakes.
The versatility of this recipe means it can be scaled up accordingly if you’re catering to larger groups or prepared beforehand should you wish — keep it refrigerated and reheat when desired within five days’ time providing convenience alongside lasting coziness during winter days filled with snow.
Ultimate Potato Soup
The ultimate potato soup is a hard-to-beat comfort food. Though a labour of love, it’s worth the effort. Begin by cooking bacon until crispy and then sautéing celery, onion, and garlic in the remaining grease for added flavour.
Russet potatoes provide a starchy base for a smooth, creamy texture. Top with sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chives for a delicious finish. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, making them a great option for multiple meals.
Serve in a warm bowl with crusty bread for a meal that warms you from the inside out.
Cheesy Taco Casserole
Casseroles are ideal for feeding the family on snow days. This cheesy taco casserole combines all the delicious elements of tacos into a single baking dish, eliminating the need for shells, spoons, and sauces.
Ground pork sausage acts as the main protein, offering a flavorful base. Yielding approximately 8 servings, this dish is perfect for family dinners or leftovers. Simply layer your ingredients, bake, and enjoy the cheesy, savoury goodness.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence. This casserole is sure to become a family favourite on cozy snow days.
Chicken Pot Pie with Leeks and Thyme
Chicken pot pie with leeks and fresh thyme is a classic comfort food for snowy days. It features leeks, thyme, Dijon mustard, and golden-brown puff pastry and is hearty and flavorful.
Quick to prepare, this pot pie is made in a single hot skillet for easy cleanup. Serve hot from the oven, enjoying the tender chicken and savoury leeks in a buttery crust.
Classic Beef Chili
Classic beef chilli is the ultimate winter warmer. Using 85-90% lean ground beef ensures a flavorful dish without excess grease. Sauté onions, garlic, bell pepper, and spices before adding beef to deepen the flavour.
Cayenne pepper adds heat, and tomato puree creates a rich, thick sauce. Let the chilli powder simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes to thicken and meld the flavours. Yielding 4 to 6 servings, it’s perfect for family dinners or leftovers.
Top with avocado, tortilla chips, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese for added flavour and texture. This classic dish is sure to become a snow day staple.
Roast Chicken with Hot Honey
Enjoy the appealing variation of roast chicken with hot honey on a classic dish. To amplify the flavour, season chicken legs with salt an hour before roasting them until they are thoroughly cooked and boast a crispy, golden skin.
To craft a delectably sweet and spicy sauce, gently heat honey mixed with hot sauce and various spices. Utilize any remaining hot honey to enhance dishes like cheese plates or pizza by adding an additional kick of taste.
Pair this entrée with either hearty sweet potatoes or a crisp salad for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for relishing on chilly days blanketed in snow.
Buttermilk Macaroni and Cheese with Baby Kale
Buttermilk macaroni and cheese with baby kale offers a creamy, delicious twist on a classic. Enrich the béchamel sauce with buttermilk for a tangy flavour. Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth sauce.
Using unsalted butter for browning enhances the flavour, making this dish special. Add baby kale for a nutritious boost, perfect for any snow day.
Caramelized Onion and Bread Soup
Caramelized onion and bread soup offers rich, flavorful warmth perfect for a cold day. The depth of flavour comes from oloroso sherry and slow-caramelized onions in oil and butter.
Top with pieces of bread and a layer of blue cheese before broiling for a bubbly, browned topping. Serve hot, enjoying the comforting warmth.
Skillet Broccoli, Cheese & Rice Casserole
On a snow day, when you’re looking for warmth and comfort, the skillet broccoli, cheese, and rice casserole is an excellent choice. This meal can be prepared swiftly in roughly 25 minutes with ingredients typically found in your pantry.
Serve this casserole alongside baked chicken for a hearty and satisfying dinner amid the falling snow. The timeless pairing of broccoli with cheese always delights those eager to indulge in such classic flavours.
Chocolate Soufflés
Chocolate soufflés are the perfect snowy day dessert. Sweet rice flour and hot milk create a stable soufflé with a soft interior. The base, made from bittersweet chocolate, egg yolks, and butter, provides rich flavour.
Beating egg whites to stiff peaks is crucial for an airy texture. To help the batter rise, coat the dish with butter and sugar before adding it. Start baking at a high temperature, then reduce for even cooking.
Serve immediately after baking, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by crème anglaise for an indulgent treat. These gluten-free soufflés are light and flavorful.
Super-Rich Hot Chocolate with Coconut Cream
Indulge in a lusciously rich cup of hot chocolate enhanced with coconut cream. This delectable beverage is crafted using full-fat coconut milk blended with dark chocolate chips, delivering an exceptionally robust and savoury experience.
For added sweetness, stir in some organic cane sugar and top it off with marshmallows for a touch of luxury. This delightful hot chocolate concoction can be whipped up quickly and provides approximately three servings of 6 ounces each—ideal for enjoying together.
Greek Baklava
Baklava, a delicious Greek confection, is ideal for sharing and savouring. This dessert comprises rich, sweet layers of phyllo dough that, although intricate and time-intensive to prepare, the resulting indulgence justifies the meticulous process.
On a snowy day, present this delectable treat to your loved ones. Relish in the crunchy texture of phyllo paired with a luscious blend of nuts and sweetness.
Cozy Mulled Wine
On cold snow days, find comfort with a delightful mug of mulled wine, perfect for keeping warm. Simmer it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop to let the flavours combine fully. Be sure to peel the orange beforehand to ensure no bitter taste detracts from your drink.
Keep an eye on the heat when using a slow cooker, as you don’t want it too hot. This concoction of fragrant spices and zesty citrus creates a soothing drink that is best enjoyed while observing the tranquil descent of snowflakes.
Sourdough Pancakes with Maple-Molasses Strawberries
Indulge in a delightful morning meal by trying sourdough pancakes accompanied by maple-molasses strawberries. The unique tang of the sourdough starter blends seamlessly with the sweet yet slightly bitter flavours of the strawberry topping.
To create these scrumptious pancakes, mix together both all-purpose and whole wheat flours, sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, and your prepared sourdough starter for an irresistible batter. Then fry each pancake to perfection on a buttered skillet until they reach a golden hue. This usually takes around one to two minutes on each side.
For an exceptional finishing touch that elevates this dish’s flavour profile even further, allow ripe strawberries to infuse with pure maple syrup mixed with unsulphured molasses and enhance it using unsalted butter combined with just enough kosher salt. Serve your fluffy stack generously in this warm strawberry sauce for a truly delectable breakfast experience.
Brown-Butter Banana Bread
On a snowy day, there’s nothing quite like the delightful taste of brown-butter banana bread to make you feel warm and content. Make sure your bananas are very ripe—with plenty of speckles—and soft in texture to really bring out the best flavour in this recipe. The transformative ingredient is brown butter, infusing a sumptuous nutty depth that elevates the traditional banana bread experience.
Enhance your enjoyment by topping off this delicious bread with some luscious banana caramel sauce. Best served warm and accompanied by a slice of melting butter, it offers an embrace of comforting flavours perfect for braving the chilly weather outside.
Praline Brownies
Indulge your sweet tooth on a snow day with a batch of Praline Brownies. These decadent treats combine the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies with the irresistible crunch of pecan praline, making them a perfect dessert for a cozy winter evening.
To make these brownies, melt dark chocolate and butter together, creating a luscious base. Mix in brown sugar, which adds a deep, caramel-like flavour, and then fold in cocoa powder for an extra chocolatey kick. Stir in chopped pecans to give the brownies their signature praline crunch.
Bake until the brownies are set but still fudgy in the center. The result is a rich and satisfying dessert, with a delightful contrast between the soft brownie and the crunchy praline. These Praline Brownies are easy to whip up and require minimal ingredients, making them an ideal treat for a snow day. Enjoy them warm from the oven, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and let the sweet, nutty flavours melt away the winter chill.
Hina Auntie’s Chana Masala with Puri
Warm up on a snowy day with Hina Auntie’s Chana Masala with Puri, a dish that brings the vibrant flavours of Gujarat right to your kitchen. This hearty and spicy chickpea curry, paired with fluffy puris, is a comforting meal that’s perfect for cold weather.
Begin by toasting whole spices like cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds in a hot skillet until they release their aromatic oils. Grind these spices to create a fresh, flavorful masala. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in olive oil until golden brown. Add the ground spices, along with tomatoes and chickpeas, and let the mixture simmer until the flavours meld together beautifully.
The puris, made from a simple dough of flour, water, and a pinch of salt, are rolled out and fried until they puff up and turn golden. Serve the chana masala hot, with the puris on the side, for a satisfying and soul-warming meal.
This dish is not only a great way to use up pantry staples but also a wonderful opportunity to explore new flavours and techniques. On a snowy day, let the rich, spicy aroma of Hina Auntie’s Chana Masala with Puri fill your home, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Pretzel Schnitzel with Mustardy Brussels Sprouts Slaw
On a day blanketed with snow, pretzel-crusted schnitzel served alongside mustard-infused Brussels sprouts slaw presents an innovative and savoury meal option. The crushed pretzels encasing each schnitzel provide a distinctive flavour and satisfying crunch. To elevate the dish, Cook these breaded pork cutlets in high-quality extra virgin olive oil to benefit from its steady smoke point while adding depth to the taste.
For even cooking and ideal texture, tenderize your pork cutlets until they’re uniformly flat before frying them. Complement this main course with a crisp salad of thinly sliced Brussels sprouts dressed in a zesty mustard vinaigrette and garnished with sharp pecorino cheese for a burst of tanginess.
This dish transforms familiar tastes into an intriguing culinary experience. It is an excellent choice for spicing up your dining routine on chilly days characterized by falling snowflakes.
Easy Snowballs
Easy snowballs are a delightful treat that’s perfect for a snowy day. These cookies are easy to whip up and customize and are made with simple ingredients like unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, and all-purpose flour. The dough should chill for at least 2 hours or overnight to ensure the perfect texture.
Though the dough may appear crumbly, it should hold together when pinched. If it’s too dry, a few drops of water can help it come together.
Bake the cookies at 350° until they are set and lightly golden. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for longer.
Pantry Staples for Snow Day Lunches
A well-stocked pantry is crucial for creating satisfying lunches when you’re snowed in. Keep a variety of shelf-stable items on hand, such as canned goods (beans, tuna, soup, vegetables), dried pasta and rice, peanut butter and other nut butters, bread or crackers, canned tomatoes and pasta sauce.
These simple ingredients can be combined in countless ways to create delicious and hearty meals, ensuring that you and your family stay well-fed and happy on snow days.
Refrigerator and Freezer Essentials
To prepare for a delightful snow day, it’s beneficial to have not just pantry essentials but also fresh and frozen items readily available. Ensure your fridge is filled with cheese, eggs, various deli meats, yogurt, and an assortment of milk or its non-dairy substitutes.
A selection of frozen vegetables in the freezer allows you to effortlessly enhance soups, stews, and casseroles. Utilizing these straightforward ingredients enables you to whip up numerous delicious recipes that guarantee a comforting and gratifying experience on any snowy day.
Summary
As the snow falls and the world outside turns into a winter wonderland, these cozy recipes will help you make the most of your snow day. From fluffy pancakes and hearty stews to decadent desserts and comforting casseroles, each dish is designed to bring warmth and joy to your home.
These recipes not only taste amazing but also create wonderful memories with family and friends. Whether you’re cooking up a storm in the kitchen or enjoying a hot meal by the fire, these dishes are sure to become snow day favourites.
So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embrace the magic of a snow day with these delicious recipes. Let the comfort and joy of cooking fill your home, making every snowy day a special occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the hot chocolate extra rich in the recipe mentioned?
Using coconut milk makes the hot chocolate extra rich and creamy. It’s a delicious twist that elevates the flavour!
How long can the Italian sausage and tortellini soup be stored?
You can keep your Italian sausage and tortellini soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for about three months. Enjoy it fresh, or save some for later!
What is the key ingredient in the hearty beef stew that adds body to the dish?
Guinness stout is the secret ingredient that really gives hearty beef stew its rich body. It enhances the flavour and depth, making it even more delicious!
How should the dough for Easy Snowballs be handled if it appears too dry?
If your Easy Snowballs dough is too dry, just add a few drops of water to help it come together. It’ll get the right texture in no time!
What are some essential pantry staples to have for snow day lunches?
Having canned goods, dried pasta, rice, peanut butter, and bread or crackers on hand is smart for snow day lunches. They provide the versatility to whip up something cozy without a trip to the store.