31 Extremely Worthwhile Recipes To Make This December (Because It's Officially Comfort Food Weather)

When someone offers you the opportunity to eat cake for breakfast, you take it.

Recipe: Cranberry and Orange Buttermilk Breakfast Cake

Low in carbs but certainly not in flavor, this hearty spaghetti squash with Bolognese basically makes itself, thanks to the slow cooker.

Recipe: Crock Pot Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Bolognese

Even if you're not a "salad person," chances are you'll love this crunchy and tangy combination of shredded Brussels sprouts, apples, dried cranberries, kale, sunflower seeds, feta, and avocado. If you want to add more protein, toss in anything from shredded chicken or roasted chickpeas to grilled shrimp.

Recipe: Brussels Sprout Salad With Creamy Lemon Dressing

This Chinese-inspired dish looks restaurant-quality, but turns out it comes together on one sheet pan. Oh, and it's baked from start to finish. No deep-frying required whatsoever.

Recipe: Sheet Pan Sesame Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts

This plant-based Bourguignon features all the flavors you love about traditional beef stew. It's savory and hearty and comforting, but this version ditches the meat for mixed mushrooms.

Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Bourguignon

There's a secret ingredient I'll be using in every single pasta recipe from here going forward, and it's umami-packed miso.

Recipe: Garlic Miso Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower

Looking for an easy family dinner everyone will enjoy? This one-pot soup has you covered.

Recipe: Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup

Better than take-out, this veggie-packed stir-fry loaded with asparagus, peppers, and now peas is just begging to be served over a big bowl of rice.

Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

You really only need a handful of basic ingredients to whip up this cheesy dish: boneless chicken breasts, cream cheese, spinach, mozzarella, garlic, and some seasonings.

Recipe: Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella

Your favorite potato gratin gets a little flavor boost with the help of leeks and a trio of Blue, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese.

Recipe: Potato Leek Gratin

Whether you serve it as a hearty side dish or plant-based main, this cauliflower will shine at your table. It gets crispy on the outside but melts like butter when you take a bite.

Recipe: Shawarma-Spiced Cauliflower Steaks with Herb Tahini Sauce

If you don't have the time to make homemade dough, pick up a box of store bought dumpling wrappers. They might not be traditional, but they'll certainly get the job done. Boil, pan-fry, or air fry these babies to your liking.

Recipe: Vegan Mushroom and Cabbage Pierogi

Refrigerated pie crust (or homemade, if you feel like over-achieving) plus five ingredients is all you need for this colorful and wintery tart.

Recipe: Pomegranate Cream Tart

I'd like to have a word with the genius who decided to take apple cider donuts — fall's most delicious treat — and turn it into a shareable, celebration-worthy cake.

Recipe: Apple Cider Donut Cake

This cake might seem a bit complex, but all of the ingredients and instructions are pretty straightforward. Trust me, even a novice baker can handle it.

Recipe: Gingerbread Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream

There's something about the combination of oaky, caramel-y bourbon mixed with tangy, sweet persimmon that makes this cocktail irresistible, even if you're not typically a whiskey lover.

Recipe: Spiced Persimmon Old Fashioned