Post: 25 comfort foods for teens when life totally sucks.
Sometimes, through no fault of their own, life totally stinks for our kids.
A tough break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, a failed test they studied hard for, a missed goal on the field or, hey… just the everyday challenge of “teenagering.”
I know for my kids, food is literally one of their love languages, so when they’ve had a horrible day or they just need something to help them beat the blues, I know just how to make them feel supported, loved and comfy… one of mom’s “comfort food” recipes.
We all have our favorites – foods that soothe our worries or sadness, remind us of better times or foods that simply warm our soul. From mom’s homemade spaghetti and meatballs to fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies, some foods are cozier than your favorite sweatshirt.
If your teen is feeling down and out and in need of a little pick-me-up, here are 25 comfort food for teens when life totally sucks.
Chocolate Cake
Nothing (and I mean nothing) cures a bad mood, a crummy day, a break-up or any other crappy thing happening in your life better than a big piece of decadent chocolate cake – it tops the list of comfort foods for teens. We can’t guarantee all their troubles will fade away, but this chocolately cake will definitely help them forget them for a while! For the recipe, visit The Stay at Home Chef.
Pizza
Not all comfort food for teens are created equal. Pizza – I’m talking classic pizza with a killer crust – is one of the all-time best “feel good” foods around. This Chicago Style Thin Crust pizza from Closet Cooking is the pick-me-up they need to keep life in perspective.
Cheesy Mac and Cheese
Nearly every teen I know is slightly obsessed with Mac and Cheese. Go ahead, put some comfy sweats on, turn on Netflix and pop this in the oven for a relaxing night that says, “everything’s going to be okay… promise.” Find the easy recipe at Mom On Timeout.
Double-Stack Cheeseburgers
Everyone has a favorite burger joint. But, when life gets tough and you don’t feel like venturing out, these double-stacked stove-top burgers are the next best thing! Your teen can make it their own by adding their favorite toppings. Find the recipe at Simply Recipes.
Chicken and Dumplings
There’s something really comforting about the aroma of dinner cooking in the crock pot. Plus, there’s nothing more warm and filling than Chicken and Dumplings. This recipe is super simple to make and it won’t disappoint! Find the recipe at Buns in My Oven.
Fudge Brownies
Fudgy, cakey, gooey, delicious – brownies just might be the cure-all for anything that ails your teen from a bad hair day to a missed goal on the field. Add a glass of milk and they’ll be ready for anything. Find the recipe at King Arthur Flour.
Specialty Coffee Drinks
Seriously, if you ask just about any teenager they’d probably tell you that specialty coffee (iced or warm) actually IS a comfort food! So, when we stumbled onto this popular iced coffee recipe, we just had to pass it along. Anyway, when life has you down, there’s nothing better than a Cinnamon Roll Iced Coffee to make life all better. Find the recipe at Mostly Homemade Mom. 
Nachos
Nachos… well, really any Mexican food (especially if you add chips and salsa) has a way of making life easier. Did you fail a test? Mexican food. Did your boyfriend break up with you? Mexican food. Is life sucky right now? Mexican food. Dive into these 8-ingredient Nachos and your teen will start to feel better in no time. Find the recipe at Munchkin Time.
Chicken Wings
Once they dive into these amazing wings (really, they’re AMAZING), they’ll forget ALL their troubles! Find the recipe at Simply Stacie.
Movie Style Popcorn
Pop in a movie, grab a bag of M&Ms and make this popcorn to take their mind off everything. Plus, the cool thing about this popcorn is it won’t cost you a fortune like at the theater! Find the recipe at Recipe Tin Eats.
French Fries
Teenagers and french fries are almost synonymous. Pair them with a mound of ketchup and a juicy burger and they’re sure to take their mind off of anything that’s weighing them down. Find the recipe at Layers of Happiness.
Warm Caramel Apple Cake
Just six simple ingredients are all you need to indulge in this comforting warm caramel apple cake. Top with a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream, turn on their favorite “feel good” music and life will seem easier. Find the easy recipe at Snappy Gourmet.
Chicken Nuggets
Those crappy days won’t get a hold of your teen once they dive into these delectable homemade Chicken Nuggets. It’s the best “beat the blues” food out there! Find the recipe at Low Carb Quick.
Chipotle Burrito Bowl
These better-than-Chipotle Burrito Bowls are the perfect remedy when life gets complicated or downright crummy. They’re easy to make and healthy too! Find the recipe at Ambitious Kitchen.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Mom’s homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs can cure any crummy mood. Add in some warm garlic bread fresh out of the oven for a meal that warms your soul. Find the recipe at Once Upon a Chef.
Grilled Cheese
When it comes to the best comfort foods for teens, nothing beats a cheesy grilled cheese sandwich. Sink your teeth into a warm, gooey grilled cheese sandwich and it’s like going back to your childhood and eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when you were five. (Well… almost.) Find the recipe at Taste of Home.
Pancakes
Kick-start their day with a stack of homemade pancakes with warm butter and maple syrup. It’s the perfect “feel better” food no matter what life throws their way! Find the recipe at Gimme That Flavor.
Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Let’s talk about the most beloved cookie on earth… soft and gooey chocolate chip cookies warm out of the oven! They’re sure to put a smile on your teen’s face! Get the incredible recipe (seriously, over a million shares on Pinterest) at The Baking Chocolatess.
Meatloaf
Mom’s meatloaf is just the “pick me up” your teen needs. This just happens to be my ALL-TIME favorite meatloaf recipe. The secret ingredient (Worcester Sauce) gives it a delicious and unexpected kick! Find the recipe at Pip and Debby.
Pot Roast
Encourage your teen to grab themselves a good book or listen to their favorite “feel good” music while taking in the wonderful aroma of Pot Roast cooking in the slow cooker. Perfect after a long day of studying! Find the easy recipe at Dine Magazine.
Chips and Dip
There’s nothing like a big bag of chips and some yummy dip to ease your mind. This dip (which has 135k shares on Pinterest) only has six ingredients and whips up in a flash! Find the recipe at Mostly Homemade Mom.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Whoever said food can solve your problems didn’t give these creamy mashed potatoes a try! Mashed potatoes might be a side dish in some homes, but there are times in life when it makes a perfect main meal. Find the recipe at House of Yumm.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food. No fancy ingredients, it’s delicious and super easy to customize. Find the recipe at Cozy Cook.
Cheesy Bacon and Eggs
Whether you whip up traditional bacon and eggs or something a bit fancier like these Cheesy Bacon and Egg Breakfast Bombs, bacon and eggs are always the best start to any day. Find the recipe at The Slow Roasted Italian.
Cookie Dough (The Edible Kind)
Now your teen can grab themselves a big spoon (and a big glass of cold milk) and dive into this homemade safe-to-eat Cookie Dough! Find the recipe at Just So Tasty.
