A Year in Recipes: The Cozy Meals I Loved in 2025

This wasn’t a year of fancy meals—just recipes that quietly worked.

Some years are defined by the big moments. Others are defined by the quiet routines—the meals you make when you’re tired, the soups that simmer while you read “just one more chapter,” and the comfort recipes you return to because they simply work.

How I Actually Cooked This Year

Much like my reading life, my cooking in 2025 wasn’t about perfection or elaborate plans. Some weeks were busy and required quick, familiar meals. Other nights allowed for a little more time and intention—the kind that pairs beautifully with a cozy evening at home.

I noticed I kept gravitating toward recipes that felt comforting without being complicated, familiar but still flavorful, and (most importantly) worth repeating.

The Recipes That Defined My 2025 Kitchen

These are the recipes that showed up for me again and again—the ones I reached for on busy weeknights, slow weekends, and everything in between. They aren’t flashy or fussy, but they’re dependable, comforting, and always worth making one more time. Each one earned its place in my kitchen simply by fitting real life.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese (No Roux)

This was my go-to comfort recipe—the one I made when I wanted something warm, familiar, and unfussy. No roux, no complicated steps… just creamy, satisfying macaroni and cheese that feels like a hug in a bowl.

It’s the kind of meal that works perfectly for a quiet night in—and it always reminded me that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated to be good.

👉 Get the full recipe here

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Seafood Sensation: Dive into the Rich Flavors of Homemade Cioppino

Cioppino became my “slow weekend” recipe—the one I saved for evenings when I had time to linger in the kitchen and let the flavors build. Rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying, it’s a meal that feels special without being intimidating.

This one pairs beautifully with a loaf of crusty bread and a book you don’t want to rush.

👉 Get the full recipe here

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Roasted Vegetable Soup with Mini Croutons

If there was one recipe that truly felt like self-care this year, it was this soup. Cozy, nourishing, and endlessly comforting, it became my go-to when I wanted something warm and soothing.

The mini croutons add just enough crunch to make it feel a little special—perfect for reading lunches or quiet dinners when I just wanted a calm evening.

👉 Get the full recipe here

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Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This recipe was my “looks fancy, feels easy” win. It’s flavorful, reliable, and always feels like more effort than it actually is—which makes it perfect for nights when I wanted something a little elevated without a lot of work.

It’s one of those meals that makes an ordinary night feel a little more special—without adding pressure.

👉 Get the full recipe here

Why These Recipes Worked So Well

Looking back, the common thread is simple: these meals fit my life. They were comforting, repeatable, and adaptable—recipes I didn’t dread making again and again.

Much like reading, cooking this year became less about constantly chasing something new and more about returning to what felt grounding.

A Gentle Look Ahead

As I think about the year to come, my approach to cooking feels much the same as my approach to reading: fewer expectations, more intention. More meals that support cozy evenings and everyday comfort—and fewer that feel like pressure.

If these recipes taught me anything, it’s that the ones we return to are often the ones that truly matter.

These were the meals I truly returned to this year. If you’re in the mood to explore more cozy, repeat-worthy recipes, you can browse my recipes by category here .

Join the Conversation

• Which recipe did you make on repeat this year?
• Do you have a comfort meal that always shows up when life feels busy?
• Are you carrying any gentle cooking intentions into the new year?

Share in the comments—I always love hearing what’s been nourishing your days.