January feels like a deep exhale—a quiet reprieve after the rush of the holidays. The decorations are packed away, and the world slows, leaving space for reflection and restoration. In the kitchen, this time of year calls for dishes that are as comforting as they are nourishing, meals that warm both body and soul as we settle into winter’s embrace. With the stores brimming with hearty potatoes, vibrant citrus, and earthy Brussels sprouts, January offers a bounty that’s perfect for creating meals steeped in the season’s cozy simplicity.
This is the month to lean into the joy of cooking—long braises that fill your home with warmth, bright citrus salads that cut through the winter chill, and roasted vegetables that caramelize into something irresistibly sweet. Whether you’re looking to embrace lighter fare after weeks of indulgence or craving the grounding comfort of hearty soups and casseroles, January’s seasonal ingredients make it easy to create recipes that celebrate the beauty of this slower season. Let these dishes inspire a month of mindful cooking, bringing light to even the frostiest days.
Cardamom Pear Porridge
Winter is still in full swing, which means incorporating seasonal spices like cardamom. This warm, grain-based breakfast is a nourishing bowl for whenever you’re craving cozy.
Banana-Cashew Baked Oatmeal
Baked oatmeal is a great way to streamline your morning routine without compromising quality. With healthy and nutritious additions like bananas and protein-packed ingredients like old-fashioned oats, this one-dish meal is an all-around winner.
Grain-Free Overnight “Oatmeal”
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to eat more protein, and these overnight oats are precisely the recipe to get you started on the journey. The topping opportunities are endless—from fresh fruits to creamy nut butter.
Mini Cardamom Cinnamon Rolls
Alex and Sonja Overhiser are the duo behind the food blog A Couple Cooks and this genius cinnamon roll recipe. With a little bit of citrus zest to complement the warm cardamom flavor, it’s hard to stop at just one of these rolls.
Simple Citrus Salad
With only five ingredients, it’s hard to keep this citrus salad recipe on the back burner. With almonds, red onion, and fresh herbs, this recipe will brighten any table.
Bitter Greens, Citrus, and Prosciutto Salad
There’s something about this sweet and salty flavor pairing that keeps me coming back to this salad recipe. It’s time to take your charcuterie board proscuitto and see the true potential of this savory meat.
Spicy Winter Kale Citrus Salad
In 2024, we’re leaving bland salads behind. Instead, we’re incorporating intentional ingredients that work together to create unique and stunning dishes. With a hint of heat from fresh jalapeños, this citrus-based salad is anything but boring.
Chaat Masala Citrus Salad
Simple and stunning, this chaat masala-spiced citrus salad is a great way to bring your sweet, sliced fruit to the next level.
Mediterranean Kale Salad
If you’re skeptical about kale, this recipe will change your mind. With all of the main ingredients of a Greek salad, this kale salad takes it up a notch with a honey-tahini dressing and crispy chickpeas.
Winter Kale Salad with Apple & Gruyère
This simple winter salad is the best way to enjoy kale without the hassle. There’s no elaborate toppings or dressings, simply drizzle a bit of olive oil, add your apples and cheese, and let the magic happen.
Erewhon’s Kale White Bean Salad
This Erewhon salad was our team’s 2024 obsession. Needless to say, we’re bringing it into 2025 because it’s just that good. It’s the best of both worlds—packing in plenty of greens while getting extra protein from cannellini beans.
Zuppa Toscana Soup
In January, soup season is still holding strong. What better way to celebrate than a hearty bowl of seasonal ingredients? If you love the Olive Garden staple, this version will take your expectations to the next level.
Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
One of my most frequented butternut squash soup recipes (behind our food editor Suruchi’s curry butternut squash soup), this recipe is fit for a feast. It’s not heavy, yet it still leaves you feeling satisfied and cozy after each sip (Or bite? The jury is still out on how to eat soup.)
Big Green Immunity-Boosting Vegetable Soup
If you’re feeling low, this immunity-boosting soup will get you back on your feet in January. With plenty of vitamin-packed veggies that create this textured broth, you’ll feel great and stay healthy all at the same time.
Turmeric Chicken Immunity Soup
Similarly to the green immunity-boosting soup, this take on the classic chicken noodle soup is perfect for when you’ve slipped under the weather. With a kick of spice from sliced red chilis your sinuses will thank you.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Last year, I made these smashed potatoes for the first time, and they were gone before the main course rolled around. You get everything you love about soft fingerling potatoes with the extra touch of a crispy and flavorful exterior.
Salt & Vinegar Pan-Roasted Potatoes
If you’ve never tried pan-roasting potatoes in a cast iron skillet, this recipe will quickly change that. Your spuds will come out golden, caramelized, and of course, crispy! What’s not to love?
Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Whipped Feta and Hot Honey
The use of hot honey on some things has become controversial lately, but I’m still a big proponent of putting it on everything. These sweet potatoes are no exception—the hot honey is the perfect complement to the sweet potato’s natural sweet flavor and a contrast to the juicy pomegranate seeds.
Vegan Mushroom Bolognese
Everyone needs a comfort pasta recipe, and this vegan bolognese is mine. It’s everything you love about a classic bolognese without the red meat or a heavy tomato-based sauce.
Walnut & Honey Olive Oil Cake With Candied Citrus
As I tell my friends—if you’ve never tried your hand at an olive oil cake, start with this recipe. It’s made with a simple glazed fruit topping with a moist, light sponge. I’ll always come back for seconds when this dessert is served.
