How to Make Comfort Food Healthier
Comfort food doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing indulgence. A few smart swaps and different cooking methods can lighten up your favorite dishes while keeping everything that makes them comforting. Here’s how we do it, with recipes to try.
Change the cooking method
- JD’s Grilled Buffalo Wings skip the fryer: the wings are brined, steamed to render the fat, then grilled crisp.
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas use the broiler instead of a greasy skillet for a quick, protein-packed dinner.
- Roasting brings out natural sweetness, like in our Winter Roasted Vegetables over Couscous, so you need less butter and sauce.
Swap the protein, keep the dish
Our Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells use ground turkey and artichokes in place of heavier fillings, and a spicy arrabbiata sauce keeps the flavor bold. The same idea works in chili, meatballs and casseroles.
Add vegetables everywhere
- Stir extra peppers, onions or spinach into casseroles and pasta bakes.
- Serve rich mains with a big salad or a vegetable side like grilled broccolini.
- Try a vegetable-forward dish like Vegetable Chow Mein in place of takeout.
Keep the flavor high
Lighter food still needs to taste great. Lean on acid, herbs and spice instead of extra fat: a squeeze of lime, fresh cilantro, a spoonful of fresh salsa or a bright homemade vinaigrette.
Portion, don’t forbid
Some comfort foods are worth having exactly as they are. Our Steakhouse Mac & Cheese is an indulgence, and that’s fine. Serve it as a side instead of the main event, fill the rest of the plate with vegetables, and enjoy every bite.
Find more lighter ideas in our Healthy & Delicious collection.
