As a major winter storm approaches the Northeast, home cooks are turning to comfort food. This week’s most-saved recipes on Serious Eats and MyRecipes reflect this trend, with readers prioritizing hearty soups, meat-focused dishes, and carb-heavy favorites.
Demand for Comfort Food Spikes
The surge in saves suggests a clear pattern: people are preparing for potential disruptions caused by severe weather. Stocking the kitchen with warming, satisfying meals is a practical response to impending storms, ensuring access to good food even if travel is limited. The recipes saved this week include easy-to-make soups, filling main courses, and plenty of baked goods and starches.
Top Recipe Categories
The saved recipes fall into several key categories:
- Soups: Quick and easy soups are a popular choice for cold weather.
- Meaty Entrees: Hearty meat-based dishes offer substantial meals for staying in.
- Carbohydrates: Cookies, noodles, and potatoes—staples for filling comfort food.
Why This Matters
This trend isn’t unique. Extreme weather events consistently drive demand for shelf-stable and easy-to-prepare foods. This behavior highlights how people adapt to external pressures, shifting from convenience-based choices to practicality when faced with uncertainty.
These recipes won’t change the weather, but they will provide a sense of security and satisfaction during harsh conditions. The data confirms that when storms hit, people turn to food as a source of comfort and resilience.
