The Most Popular Comfort Food, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the comfort food you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:34
There's something universally comforting about turning to favorite foods during times of need. These tastes not only provide a burst of flavor but also bring back memories and offer a sense of solace. With numerous options available, it might be tough to know which ones reach the heart of the most people.
By participating in the voting, users contribute to a more definitive ranking that highlights which comfort foods stand out across different communities. This dynamic ranking updates in real time as more votes are cast, reflecting the latest trends and preferences. Your input ensures that the most beloved dishes get the recognition they deserve.
What Is the Most Popular Comfort Food?
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155votesThis classic American dish is a staple in many households and is often associated with childhood memories. It's creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.Macaroni and Cheese is a beloved American cheese dish that combines cooked macaroni pasta with a creamy cheese sauce. It is a hearty and comforting dish that has become a staple in American cuisine.
- Main Ingredients: Macaroni pasta, cheese (often cheddar or a mix of cheeses)
- Cooking Method: Boiling the macaroni, making a cheese sauce, and baking or serving it as is
- Variations: There are various regional and personal variations of macaroni and cheese, including adding breadcrumbs, bacon, or vegetables
- Traditional vs. Boxed: While traditional macaroni and cheese involves making the cheese sauce from scratch, boxed versions with pre-made cheese powder or liquid cheese are also popular
- Serving Style: Macaroni and cheese can be served as a main dish or as a side dish
Macaroni and Cheese in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular side dish in America
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular pasta dish
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular recipe on the Internet
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239votesPizza is a crowd-pleaser and can be customized to suit any taste preference. It's a go-to comfort food for many people.Pizza is a popular Italian dish that has become a staple in American cuisine. It typically consists of a round, flat dough base topped with various ingredients and baked in an oven. The toppings often include tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of meats, vegetables, and herbs. The combination of these flavors creates a savory and satisfying meal enjoyed by people of all ages.
- Dough: A flattened round dough made from flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes olive oil.
- Toppings: A variety of ingredients can be used, including tomato sauce, cheese (often mozzarella), meats (such as pepperoni, sausage, or ham), vegetables (like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers), and herbs (such as basil or oregano).
- Baking: Typically baked in a hot oven, reaching temperatures around 475°F (245°C), for a short period of time (usually 10-15 minutes).
- Styles: There are various regional styles of pizza in America, with New York-style and Chicago-style being among the most famous. Each style has its own unique characteristics, such as the thickness of the crust, the proportion of toppings, and the cooking method.
- Versatility: Pizza can be customized to suit individual preferences, allowing for countless topping combinations and variations. This versatility contributes to its popularity and widespread appeal.
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318votes
Evan-Amos · CC0Fried Chicken
African American slavesFried chicken is a classic comfort food that is crispy, juicy, and flavorful. It's often served with sides like mashed potatoes and gravy.Fried chicken is a popular dish in America consisting of chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned batter or breading and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The chicken is typically seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, which create a flavorful and savory taste. It is a comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages and is often served with a side of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.- Crispiness: The fried chicken should have a crispy and golden brown exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
- Flavorful seasoning: The chicken should be seasoned with a combination of spices and herbs, such as paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Cooking method: The chicken is deep-fried in oil at a high temperature, resulting in a crispy and crunchy texture.
- Variations: Fried chicken can be prepared using different cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks, wings, or breasts. It can also be seasoned differently based on regional preferences.
- Accompaniments: Fried chicken is often served with various side dishes like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or cornbread.
Fried Chicken in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular chicken dish
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular food in Kansas
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular food in Indiana
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular meal at Popeyes
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beloved food in America
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular food in Brooklyn
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413votes
Peachyeung316 · CC BY-SA 4.0Ice cream is a sweet treat that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. It's creamy, cold, and comes in a variety of flavors.Ice cream is a popular frozen dessert enjoyed by people of all ages in America. It is made from a mixture of milk, cream, sugar, and various flavorings, often including fruits, chocolate, nuts, or candies. The mixture is churned to incorporate air, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. Ice cream can be served in various forms, including cones, cups, or as a topping for other desserts. It is typically enjoyed cold and is known for its refreshing and indulgent nature.- Ingredients: Milk, cream, sugar, flavorings
- Texture: Smooth and creamy
- Serving Form: Cones, cups, or as a topping
- Temperature: Served cold
- Variety of Flavors: Numerous flavors available, including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, and more
Ice Cream in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most beloved dessert in America
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular dessert in Iowa
- Position 8 of 10 in Most beloved food in America
- Position 9 of 10 in Most delicious snack
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523votesThe grilled cheese sandwich is a simple yet delicious comfort food that's easy to make and always hits the spot.The Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a classic American dish that has become immensely popular. It is made by grilling or pan-frying slices of bread with various types of cheese melted between them, resulting in a warm and gooey sandwich. The sandwich is often cut into halves or quarters for easy consumption.
- Bread type: Usually made with white bread, but can also be made with whole wheat, sourdough, or other bread varieties.
- Cheese: Commonly made with American cheese, Cheddar, or a combination of both, but other types of cheese like Swiss, Gouda, or Mozzarella can be used.
- Butter: Usually spread on the outer sides of the bread slices to create a crispy and golden crust upon grilling.
- Optional Ingredients: Additional ingredients like sliced tomatoes, bacon, ham, or pickles can be added to enhance the flavor.
- Cooking method: Traditionally cooked on a stovetop in a pan or skillet, but it can also be prepared using a sandwich press or an electric grill.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular food at Culver's
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular sandwich at Buc-ee's
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616votesMashed potatoes are a favorite comfort food that's easy to make and pairs well with a variety of dishes. They're creamy, buttery, and satisfying.Mashed potatoes is a classic and beloved Thanksgiving food that consists of boiled potatoes that are mashed and mixed with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. The resulting dish has a creamy and smooth texture, with a rich and savory flavor. Mashed potatoes are often served as a side dish, complementing roasted turkey and other Thanksgiving delicacies.
- Potatoes: Boiled, mashed
- Butter: Added for richness
- Milk: Added for creaminess
- Salt: Added for seasoning
- Pepper: Added for seasoning
Mashed Potatoes in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular side dish in America
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beloved Thanksgiving food
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76votes
Chicken Noodle Soup
Campbell Soup CompanyChicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that's warm, comforting, and perfect for cold days. It's also known for its healing properties.Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic and beloved soup made with tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a savory broth. It is a comforting and wholesome choice for any occasion.- Calories: 70 per serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Protein: 7g per serving
- Total Fat: 2.5g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 9g per serving
Chicken Noodle Soup in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Campbell's soup
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular soup in America
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular soup at Panera
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813votesChocolate is a sweet treat that's often associated with comfort and indulgence. It's rich, decadent, and comes in many forms.Chocolate is a sweet, typically brown food preparation made from cacao seeds. It is commonly used as a flavoring ingredient in various recipes, especially in baking. The rich and indulgent taste of chocolate makes it a favorite among people of all ages.
- Type: There are various types of chocolate, including dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate.
- Cocoa Content: Chocolate varies in terms of cocoa content, with dark chocolate typically having higher cocoa content than milk or white chocolate.
- Ingredients: The main ingredients of chocolate are cocoa solids, cocoa butter, sugar, and sometimes milk or other flavorings.
- Texture: Chocolate can range in texture from solid bars to more fluid forms such as melted or tempered chocolate for coating or drizzling.
- Flavor: The flavor of chocolate can be described as rich, sweet, and sometimes slightly bitter, particularly in the case of dark chocolate with higher cocoa content.
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99votes
AlbertCahalan · Public domainBeef stew is a hearty comfort food that's perfect for cold weather. It's filled with tender beef, vegetables, and savory broth.Beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish made using tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and flavorful broth. It is slow-cooked or simmered to perfection, resulting in a rich and succulent meal that warms the soul.- Meat: It typically uses beef as the main protein, which is cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Vegetables: Common vegetables include potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and sometimes peas.
- Broth/Base: Beef broth, stock, or a combination of broth and red wine are often used to create a flavorful base.
- Herbs and Spices: Popular herbs and spices used include bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic.
- Cooking Method: Most beef stew recipes involve slow cooking on low heat, either on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in the oven.
Beef Stew in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular soup in America
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105votesPancakes are a classic breakfast comfort food that's fluffy, sweet, and filling. They're often served with butter and syrup.Pancakes are a classic American breakfast dish that are cooked flat and round. They are made from a batter consisting of flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder, which gives them a light and fluffy texture. They are typically served stacked on a plate and topped with butter and maple syrup. Pancakes are often enjoyed with additional toppings such as fruits, chocolate chips, or whipped cream.
- Type: Breakfast dish
- Shape: Flat and round
- Ingredients: Flour, eggs, milk, baking powder
- Texture: Light and fluffy
- Toppings: Butter, maple syrup, fruits, chocolate chips, whipped cream
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Ranking factors for popular comfort food
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Emotional connectionComfort food should have an emotional significance to people. It might be a dish that their grandmother used to make for them, or something they eat when they're feeling sad or stressed. The emotional connection is what sets comfort food apart from other types of cuisine.
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TasteA popular comfort food should be delicious and satisfying. It should have a flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of people and can be enjoyed by those with varying taste preferences.
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TextureThe texture of comfort food is often as important as the taste. Many comfort foods have a creamy, smooth, or rich texture that is both soothing and indulgent.
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AffordabilityComfort food should be reasonably priced so that it can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. A dish that is too expensive or difficult to find may not be considered a popular comfort food.
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VersatilityA popular comfort food should be adaptable to different dietary preferences or restrictions, such as being vegetarian or gluten-free. This allows more people to enjoy the dish and consider it a comfort food.
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ShareabilityComfort food is often enjoyed in social settings and sharing a dish can bring people together. A popular comfort food should have the ability to be easily shared among friends or family members.
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Cultural significanceFood is deeply rooted in culture and tradition. A popular comfort food should have some cultural or regional significance that makes it unique and special to the people who enjoy it.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular comfort food. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or comfort food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1843 views
- 191 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each comfort food once every 24 hours. The rank of each comfort food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular comfort food
Comfort food is a term that is often associated with dishes that are indulgent, satisfying, and reminiscent of home-cooked meals. These are the foods that we turn to when we need a little bit of comfort and familiarity in our lives. Whether it's a steaming bowl of mac and cheese, a hearty serving of mashed potatoes, or a warm slice of apple pie, comfort foods are a universal source of solace and pleasure. At StrawPoll, we have conducted countless polls and surveys to determine the most popular comfort foods among our users. Our findings have revealed some fascinating insights into the foods that people turn to when they need a little bit of comfort and joy in their lives.
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