13 Comfort Foods Ranked Worst to Best — Do You Agree?

Comfort food is one of the most personal types of food there is. What ranks first for one person might be completely different for someone else because these dishes are tied to nostalgia, tradition, and that warm feeling of home.

Still, some classics are so universally loved that they stand out among the rest. We ranked some popular comfort foods worst to best, but make no mistake, we think they’re all delicious.

These are just our opinions, but we want to hear yours in the comments. What is your favorite comfort food?

13. Pot Roast

Pot roast is a classic Sunday-style dish, slow-cooked until the meat is tender and the vegetables soak up the savory broth. It’s the kind of meal that brings back memories of family dinners as the house fills with cozy, comforting aromas.

12. Meatloaf

Meatloaf earns its spot at the bottom only because it tends to be more polarizing than the others. Some people love it, while others hate it. Still, when made well, it is hearty, nostalgic, and often served with creamy mashed potatoes for cozy dinners.

11. Chicken and Dumplings

This dish delivers pure comfort with soft dumplings and tender chicken in a warm, creamy broth. It has a strong nostalgic pull, especially in the South, and is beloved for its soothing, homemade taste.

We love chicken and dumplings, and just because it’s number 11 on the list doesn’t make it bad; there are just other comfort foods we ranked higher.

10. Chili

Chili is bold, customizable, and especially popular during cold weather or tailgating season. Serve it with warm cornbread (which you’ll find on this list later on) and you’ve got the perfect cozy meal.

9. Chicken Fried Steak

Crispy and smothered in gravy, chicken fried steak is a Southern favorite that feels instantly comforting. It’s hearty, rich, and beloved for good reason.

8. Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

When we say mashed potatoes and gravy, we mean the real deal with creamy homemade mashed potatoes and rich gravy made from scratch. This kind of comfort hits differently when it’s homemade and not from a box.

7. Chicken and Waffles

The sweet and savory mix of fried chicken and waffles creates a fun and memorable comfort meal. It feels a little more playful and unique than traditional dishes, which is why many people consider it an instant favorite.

6. Cornbread

Cornbread adds cozy flavor to everything from chili to barbecue dishes. It strikes the perfect balance between soft and crumbly, making it a beloved staple. Top it with some butter or honey butter, yum!

5. Pot Pie

Nothing beats pot pie with its flaky crust and creamy filling. It delivers full meal satisfaction and reminds many people of old-fashioned family cooking.

4. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

With crisp bread and melty cheese, grilled cheese is deeply nostalgic and comforting in its simplicity. It is universally loved and pairs perfectly with a warm bowl of tomato soup on a chilly day.

3. Biscuits and Gravy

Fluffy biscuits covered in sausage gravy make this a breakfast people genuinely crave. The creamy gravy and buttery biscuits turn a simple morning into something special.

2. Fried Chicken

Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, fried chicken is one of the most universally cherished comfort foods. It is craveable, satisfying, and slides into our number two spot, just behind one other dish.

1. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese takes the top spot. It is pure comfort in a bowl, whether you like it extra creamy, baked with a golden crust, or straight off the stovetop. Would you rank mac and cheese number one, too?

Comment and let us know if you agree or disagree with this list. What are your favorite comfort foods of all time?