The Classic Comfort Dish That Martha Stewart Calls Her ‘Favorite Food’

Comfort food holds a special place in our hearts (and stomachs). It’s the warm, familiar dishes that transport us back to simpler times, like grandma’s kitchen or cozy family dinners.

Whether it’s creamy mac and cheese, a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup or rich mashed potatoes with gravy, comfort food wraps just makes you feel good. It’s not just about taste—it’s the emotions and memories tied to every bite. Perfect for rainy days, rough moments or just because you want something that fills you up while making you feel happy, these meals remind us that food is more than sustenance—it’s a source of joy.

And if anyone knows comfort food, it’s Martha Stewart, the queen of the kitchen herself. Martha is a legendary cook, author and lifestyle guru who has built an empire teaching us how to eat, entertain and live beautifully. She’s famous for her timeless recipes, including some of the best comfort food dishes ever. So, when you’re craving a dish that feels like a hug on a plate, Martha is your go-to guide for creating the ultimate comfort meal.

And what's her favorite comfort food? She shared that on Instagram (@marthastewart) and her answer might surprise you.

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The Simple Polish Dish That Martha Loves

"I am often asked: What is your favorite food? Although I always answer Japanese, the real response should be and is pierogi, the delectable Polish dumplings that my mother, Big Martha, made so well in many incarnations: potato, cabbage, blueberry, peach, plum, and apricot," says Martha in the caption of the post.

She goes into a bit more detail in her newest book, Martha: The Cookbook, where the pierogi recipe and step-by-step photos take up six pages and the dish appears on the back cover "Because this was my favorite thing my mother, Big Martha, made for us, I reserved an entire day years ago to spend with her so I could learn her techniques," says Martha.

A pierogi is a traditional Eastern European dumpling made by wrapping dough around a savory or sweet filling. Common fillings include mashed potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, meat or fruit. The dumplings are typically boiled and then pan-fried in butter for a golden, crispy finish. They’re often served with toppings like sour cream, caramelized onions or bacon.

Comforting and versatile, pierogi are a beloved dish for their hearty flavors and satisfying, pillowy texture, so it's easy to see why Martha would love them.

In the Instagram post, she shared a pierogi recipe that's stuffed with mashed Yukon gold potatoes blended with cream cheese. A drizzle of brown butter adds a rich finishing touch to make it feel a little more special.

You can get the full recipe online, watch Martha make them on YouTube or find the recipe in Martha The Cookbook. The recipe does take some time, but it also makes a lot (about 60) and Martha says they freeze well. She suggests calling in a friend to help so you can have a fun cooking day and some tasty food to stick in the freezer too.

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How to Serve Pierogi

While Marth admitted in that same YouTube video to eating as much as 20 of these dumplings in one sitting, you can make a well-rounded meal out of them by adding some side dishes.

Pierogi pair beautifully with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms, as we discussed above, but they also go well with a fresh green salad or tangy coleslaw for balance. For heartier meals, you can pair them with kielbasa or grilled sausage and a side of roasted vegetables or braised cabbage.

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