Comfort Food

Comfort Food

20 Hygge Recipes To Cozy Up With

Posted by Allison Day on January 11, 2018

Have you heard of hygge (pronounced "HUE-gah")? It's a cozy Danish concept that's taken the world by storm, and it couldn't be a more enjoyable pastime, especially in the chilly months. Hygge is about enjoying togetherness, coziness, family and friends, rustic charm and warmth – both literal and figurative. And, like most traditions, with it comes plenty of food. Hygge is the curl of steam coming off hot soup, the aroma of wine mulling with spices on the stove, the quiet stirring of morning oatmeal on the stovetop and the slow-curing of local fish. The recipes are soothing comfort food dishes that nourish the soul. They're straightforward, welcoming and accessible to all regions of the world from Scandinavia and beyond. Here's how to hygge deliciously, this winter.

  • Mulled Wine (Glögg)
     
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    Mulled Wine (Glögg)

    <p>Glögg is a famous Scandinavian mulled wine that hygge-doers love to sip on, but it can pack a punch. Get ready to fully relax with this recipe.</p> <p>Get the recipe for Ina Garten’s <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-mulled-wine/17348/" target="_blank"><strong>Ina Garten's Mulled Wine</strong></a></p>
  • Smoked Trout Nordic Toasts
     
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    Smoked Trout Nordic Toasts

    <p>Hygge is all about staying in, getting comfy and making your own meals, so a homemade lunch is essential. Smørrebrød, a Danish open-faced sandwich, is often topped with smoked fish and other homemade treats, like pickled cabbage and beets. This light and refreshing option pairs well with earthy squash soups.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/smoked-trout-nordic-toasts/17491/" target="_blank"><strong>Smoked Trout Nordic Toasts</strong></a></p>
  • Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
     
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    Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

    <p>Make sure to serve this hygge favourite of Sweden with either lingonberry or red currant jelly, a traditional condiment pairing to complement and tame these savoury meatballs. You can also try these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/scandinavian-cardamom-buns/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Scandinavian cardamon buns</a>. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-swedish-meatballs/19494/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs</strong></a></p>
  • Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloins
     
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    Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloins

    <p>‘Flæskesteg’ is a traditional Danish roast pork dish that’s commonly served around the holidays. It’s often dished up with potatoes and cabbage, and is served family style to encourage sharing around the table. If you can’t locate pork belly, pork tenderloin or a pork loin roast make for a beautiful alternative at your hygge-filled feast.<p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/balsamic-roast-pork-tenderloins/15038/" target="_blank"><strong>Rachael Ray’s Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloins</strong></a></p>
  • Nordic Oats with Pumpkin Seed Oil
     
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    Nordic Oats with Pumpkin Seed Oil

    <p>Slow down and watch the curls of steam rise from steel-cut oatmeal topped with a Nordic favourite, buttermilk. This is a nourishing breakfast to start a hygge-filled winter’s day.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/nordic-oats-with-pumpkin-seed-oil-and-booster-topping/19052/" target="_blank"><strong>Nordic Oats with Pumpkin Seed Oil</strong></a></p>
  • Hot Smoked Sockeye Salmon with Charred Orange and Maple Syrup
     
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    Hot Smoked Sockeye Salmon with Charred Orange and Maple Syrup

    <p>Preparing food at an unhurried pace, showing respect for the ingredients and nourishing your body and soul are some of the core aspects of hygge. A common Scandinavian protein, smoked fish, slows down the pace of cooking, resulting in a meal where you can truly taste the love.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hot-smoked-sockeye-salmon-with-charred-orange-and-maple-syrup/16172/" target="_blank"><strong>Hot Smoked Sockeye Salmon with Charred Orange and Maple Syrup</strong></a></p>
  • French Onion Soup Casserole
     
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    French Onion Soup Casserole

    <p>Hygge can be embraced by all, no matter their locale. This super-cozy casserole invokes the spirit of French country cooking, making you feel taken care of at first bite.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/french-onion-soup-casserole-for-chilly-days/" target="_blank"><strong>French Onion Soup Casserole</strong></a></p>
  • Morning Glory Yogurt Loaf
     
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    Morning Glory Yogurt Loaf

    <p>The act of baking and serving sweet treats makes the hygge ritual that much more special. The uncomplicated, unfussy nature of quick-breads makes them a perfect pairing with a warming cup of tea or hot chocolate on a cool winter morning.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/morning-glory-yogurt-loaf/12156/" target="_blank"><strong>Anna Olson's Morning Glory Yogurt Loaf</strong></a></p>
  • Baked Rice Pudding
     
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    Baked Rice Pudding

    <p>Eating rice pudding is a Danish holiday tradition, but the dish in its many forms is enjoyed from morning to night throughout the year. Take the no-stir approach and cozy up on the couch with a good book while this baked rice pudding bubbles away in the oven.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baked-rice-pudding/19448/" target="_blank">Baked Rice Pudding</a></strong></p>
  • Mulled Cider
     
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    Mulled Cider

    <p>Warming spices of cloves, allspice and cinnamon soothe, filling the hygge home with the welcoming aroma of mulled cider.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mulled-cider/17401/" target="_blank"><strong>Bobby Flay's Mulled Cider<strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
     
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    Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

    <p>Hygge doesn’t mean unhealthy or exclusive, it’s about accessibility and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. If vegan scalloped potatoes make you feel good, by all means, make them!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-scalloped-potatoes/19106/" target="_blank"><strong>Vegan Scalloped Potatoes</strong></a></p>
  • Wild Mushroom Soup
     
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    Wild Mushroom Soup

    <p>Earthy flavours and foraged foods are a must for a good hygge feast, and what better way to present them than in a rich, wild mushroom soup? Spoon up pure comfort and warm up deliciously.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cream-of-wild-mushroom-soup/17346/"><strong>Ina Garten's Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup<strong></a></p>
  • Whole-Grain Caramel Apple Oven Pancake
     
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    Whole-Grain Caramel Apple Oven Pancake

    <p>An æbleskiver is a cross between a pancake and a popover and it’s a classic Scandinavian breakfast food, commonly filled with or served alongside stewed apples. If you don’t have an æbleskiver mold, serve a family-style apple pancake instead.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/whole-grain-caramel-apple-oven-pancake/19684/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Whole-Grain Caramel Apple Oven Pancake</strong></a></p>
  • Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
     
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    Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

    <p>A simple tray of rosemary roasted potatoes is one of the great pleasures in life. It’s nourishing, heartwarming and comfortable cuisine that appeals to diners of all ages and locations.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rosemary-roasted-potatoes/15063/" target="_blank"><strong>Ina Garten's Rosemary Roasted Potatoes</strong></a></p>
  • Spiced Hot Chocolate
     
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    Spiced Hot Chocolate

    <p>A mug of hot chocolate is pure comfort to all ages. Sweet, perfectly cozy and a proper hygge necessity, it will get you through that “to-read” pile, or, perhaps, a “to-watch” television marathon or two.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spiced-hot-chocolate/19117/" target="_blank"><strong>Spiced Hot Chocolate</strong></a></p>
  • Saffron Risotto with Butternut Squash
     
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    Saffron Risotto with Butternut Squash

    <p>Saffron buns are served on St. Lucia Day in December throughout Scandinavia. Take a note from this charming tradition and infuse a cozy winter squash risotto with saffron instead.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/saffron-risotto-with-butternut-squash/19087/" target="_blank"><strong>Ina Garten's Saffron Risotto with Butternut Squash</strong></a></p>
  • Hazelnut Cinnamon Rolls
     
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    Hazelnut Cinnamon Rolls

    <p>Don’t you just want to curl up into one of these cinnamon rolls? A more hygge food does not exist.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hazelnut-cinnamon-rolls/15480/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Hazelnut Cinnamon Rolls</strong></a></p>
  • Cardamom Crumble Shortbread Squares
     
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    Cardamom Crumble Shortbread Squares

    <p>Cardamom is more commonly used than cinnamon in Scandinavian baking, bringing a welcome floral but still warming fragrance to everything it’s added to. Light a fire, put on the kettle and set out a tray of these cardamom crumble shortbreads for an après ski treat.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cardamom-crumble-shortbread-squares/17490/" target="_blank">Cardamom Crumble Shortbread Squares</a></strong></p>
  • Potatoes, Carrots, Parsnips and Brussels Sprouts
     
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    Potatoes, Carrots, Parsnips and Brussels Sprouts

    <p>Mix and match your favourite earthy root vegetable for the ultimate hygge side. A big roast, good friends and endless glögg are the perfect accompaniments.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-potatoes-carrots-parsnips-and-brussels-sprouts/17058/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, Parsnips and Brussels Sprouts</strong></a></p>
  • Crackle Ginger Cookies
     
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    Crackle Ginger Cookies

    <p>Molasses keeps these perfectly sweet hygge treats chewy for several days on the counter. Unlike more involved holiday cookies, these don’t require precision rolling and cookie cutters – it’s all about those irregular nooks and crannies when it comes to hygge baking!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/blog/delicious-alternatives-to-gingerbread-men/" target="_blank">Crackle Ginger Cookies</a></strong></p>
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