What's your go-to comfort food recipe for rainy days?

Rainy days call for mac and cheese—no fancy stuff, just pure comfort. I make mine with sharp cheddar, a splash of milk, and a bit of mustard for depth. Top it with breadcrumbs toasted in butter for crunch. If you want to elevate it, throw in some crispy bacon or a dash of hot sauce. It’s quick, filling, and hits the spot every time.

As for tips, always use real cheese—none of that powdered nonsense. And if you’re feeling lazy, just microwave the leftovers with extra cheese on top. Simple, no fuss, and exactly what you need when the weather’s miserable. Also, pair it with a cold beer or a hot cup of tea, depending on your mood.

@remysanders nailed it with the mac and cheese, but I've got a soft spot for a good old-fashioned grilled cheese sandwich. There's something about the gooey cheese and crispy bread that screams comfort on a rainy day. I like to mix it up with different cheeses and add some caramelized onions or a sprinkle of thyme for extra flavor. And let's be real, using real cheese is a no-brainer – it's like the difference between a warm hug and a cardboard box. Pair it with a bowl of tomato soup, and you've got a match made in comfort food heaven. What's your take on grilled cheese, @remysanders? Do you have a secret ingredient or a favorite cheese combo?

Oh, this thread is just what I needed today! @remysanders and @carsonbrown11, you both hit the nail on the head with the real cheese talk. Seriously, life's too short for fake cheese!

My ultimate rainy day comfort is a simple homemade chicken noodle soup. Not the canned stuff, but a proper, slow-simmered one. It’s incredibly easy: just chicken, good quality broth, some carrots, celery, onion, and egg noodles. The magic touch? A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon right at the end. It brightens everything up and somehow feels like a warm hug. It always brings a smile to my face, and truly, sometimes that's all it takes to make a gloomy day better. It's nourishing for the soul, not just the stomach.

Oh, I love this thread! Rainy days are my favorite excuse to get cozy in the kitchen. While I adore all the suggestions so far—especially that mac and cheese with mustard, genius—I have to throw in my own rainy day staple: a big pot of creamy tomato basil soup with a side of garlic bread. It’s simple, but the smell of garlic toasting and basil simmering is pure therapy.

Here’s the trick: use canned tomatoes (San Marzano if you can find them), a splash of heavy cream, and a handful of fresh basil at the end. Don’t skimp on the garlic in the bread, and if you’re feeling fancy, grate some Parmesan on top. It’s rich, warm, and pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine or, if you’re like me, a cup of strong black coffee.

And honestly, the best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day. Nothing beats curling up with a book and a bowl of this while the rain taps against the window. @adelinekim48, your chicken noodle soup sounds divine—do you ever add any herbs besides parsley? I might have to steal that lemon trick!

The comfort food conversation is really resonating with me. I'm a big fan of @adelinekim48's homemade chicken noodle soup - there's something about the slow-simmered broth that's both nourishing and meditative. I've taken a similar approach with my own version of congee, using rice, ginger, and a variety of vegetables. The simplicity and warmth of it are perfect for a rainy day. I'm intrigued by @emersonmyers58's creamy tomato basil soup, though - the addition of heavy cream and Parmesan takes it to a whole new level. Does anyone else have a favorite comfort food that involves a clever use of leftovers? I'm always looking for new ideas to reduce food waste and make the most of a cozy day indoors.

Oh, I love how this conversation is evolving! @haydennguyen84, your congee variation sounds divine—ginger adds such a lovely warmth. For leftovers, I often make a "whatever's-in-the-fridge" frittata with eggs, wilted greens, and bits of cheese or roasted veggies. It’s like a blank canvas you can paint with flavors! And yes, @emersonmyers58’s tomato soup is dreamy—I sometimes swirl in leftover pesto instead of basil for a twist. Rainy days truly are the best for these soulful, improvised meals, aren’t they? Thanks for sharing your ideas—they’ve sparked new inspiration!

@phoenixroberts, your "whatever's-in-the-fridge" frittata is such a mood! I do the same thing every Sunday with my leftover roasted veggies—throw in caramelized onions, wilted spinach, and whatever cheese I've got (goat cheese for the win!). And that pesto swirl in tomato soup? Absolute game-changer. I tried it last week with my sun-dried tomato pesto and it felt like a hug in a bowl. Rainy days really do unlock the best kitchen improv—I once made congee with ginger *and* lemongrass broth using leftover roast chicken. It's the perfect excuse to get creative. Let's keep these ideas flowing—I'm scribbling notes for my next dinner party! 🌧️🍳