5 Healthy Twists on Comfort Food Classics

Brierley Horton, M.S., RD is a dietitian nutritionist, content creator and strategist, and avid mental health advocate. She is co-host and co-creator of the Happy Eating podcast, which breaks down the connection between food and mental wellness.

If you know me at all, you know two things: I'm a registered dietitian, and I will never tell you to skip the mac and cheese. I'll admit that the minute the temps dip, I'm craving something cheesy, creamy and cozy, too. Turns out there's a scientific reason behind that. Research shows we naturally eat more in the fall (on average a little over 200 extra calories a day). And there’s also some research that suggests comfort food could lift our mood. So instead of fighting those cravings, let’s work with it.

My strategy? Don't subtract, add instead. Incorporate something healthy into your favorite, cozy classics. That’s what we did here: Each of these recipes will deliver all of the familiar flavors that you love and satisfy your comfort food craving, and they come with an unexpected (healthier!) upgrade. 

Think beef stroganoff made with protein-packed Greek yogurt, individual lasagna roll-ups stuffed with spinach and mushrooms, and a cheesy broccoli-chicken casserole built on low-carb cauliflower rice. Same comfort food you know and love, just with a twist.

Eggplant, Portobello & Meatball Parm

No breading or frying, extra veggies, and one sheet pan. This quick weeknight dinner is like a cross between eggplant and meatball parmigiana—and delivers 35 grams protein and 8 grams fiber (that’s 28% of your daily value)! 

Beef Stroganoff with Yogurt Sauce

This delicious stroganoff recipe calls for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream—that swap means more protein, slightly fewer carbs, and significantly less saturated fat. But otherwise this recipe is the comforting classic you’re used to. One serving delivers 42 grams, which is nearly your entire day’s 50 gram daily value. 

Lasagna Roll-Ups

Each savory lasagna roll up is just 300 calories, making this dinner one of the lowest calorie options on this list, yet you still get 17 grams of protein, which is a little more than 30% of your daily value. Using our Alpine Cheddar lends big flavor so you can cut back on the total cheese added without sacrificing deliciousness.  

Broccoli Chicken Cauliflower "Rice" Casserole

Perhaps the ultimate comfort food with a twist, this cheesy casserole has double veggies (cauliflower and broccoli) and double protein (chicken and cheese). It is also low-carb with just 11 grams per serving and gluten-free. 

Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Kale & Alpine Cheddar

Remember when I told you that I wouldn’t tell you to skip the macaroni and cheese? Well, here is where I deliver on that. This stovetop mac and cheese recipe comes together quickly, uses Alpine Cheddar for big flavor, and my favorite dark leafy green—kale—for an additional nutrition boost.