Eating In? Here Are Some Disney Parks Comfort Foods To Try Out At Home

With the last couple of years being what they’ve been, not to mention the current cold weather conditions keeping so many indoors right now, the decision to stay at home and eat in is at an all-time high. And while getting back to traditional at-home dining with family is an undeniable silver-lining scenario, it may also stoke a new form of anxiety for those with kitchen duty—the trials of trying to scrounge up new and interesting at-home meals to make.

It may also bring about nostalgic longings for some of the greatest “togetherness” meals you and your family shared on a past Disney vacation. Well, how about recreating some of those magical meals right at home as you are all once again eating together as a family? While there is a seemingly boundless array of Disney Parks recipes to pick and choose from, in keeping with comfort foods to have on a cold day we’re highlighting 13 fan favorites that have been featured throughout both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort alike.

13. Tonga Toast

First, let’s start out with a little breakfast featuring this exclusive must-have fan favorite that Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in Disney World is famous for. Most notably served up at Kona Café, you can also snag some over at Capt. Cook’s—the resort’s primary quick service stop. Consider recreating this delectable stuffed toast specialty at home with these how-to steps featured on the Disney website.

What You Need:

• 4 slices sourdough bread, cut 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick
• 1 banana
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• oil or shortening for frying
• whipped butter and/or syrup

Directions:

Cut a 1-inch pocket on one side of each bread slice. Cut banana in half crosswise, then split each piece lengthwise. Remove peel and stuff two pieces of fruit in each pocket of bread; set aside. Mix sugar and cinnamon and set aside. Mix together well the egg, milk, and vanilla.

Heat about four inches of oil in a pan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Dip stuffed bread into egg/milk mixture and let it soak a few seconds to let penetrate bread. Fry the bread on both sides in hot oil until lightly browned, about three minutes. Drain on paper towels or wire rack. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and serve.

12. Breakfast Pizza

There are so many different pizza options throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland alike that it would be hard to find just one that is unique enough to showcase without equally recommending dozens more. So, to weed out the competition we’re sticking with breakfast on this next one by highlighting the one and only breakfast pizza as served up at Chef Mickey’s, on location at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Disney World. A delightful way to let your family have pizza for breakfast, here’s how to pull it off with this recipe shared in Cooking with Mickey and the Disney Chefs!

What You Need:

• One 12-inch precooked pizza shell

• 1/2 cup coarsely grated mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup coarsely grated provolone cheese

• 1 cup coarsely grated cheddar cheese

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pizza crust on a pizza pan or baking sheet. In a medium bowl, blend the mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar cheeses. In another small bowl, add in the heavy cream. Add eggs. Add salt and pepper. With a fork, beat together the eggs and combine ingredients. Add egg mixture to your blended cheeses and mix together with fork. Immediately, to avoid clumping, transfer the cheese mixture to the pizza shell and spread evenly around the crust. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You are now ready to slice up and divvy out the pizza!

Related: Start Your Day with Mickey Breakfast Pizza

11. Breakfast Potato Casserole

This longtime breakfast staple at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, on location within EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion in Walt Disney World, has been greatly missed since the restaurant’s temporary closing. And while reopening plans are underway, many have found comfort in cooking up their own rendition at home, following along with Disney’s recipe for doing so, shared with us in The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook.

What You Need:

• 1 1/2 lbs. diced potatoes

• 1 1/2 lbs. shredded potatoes

• 4 ounces diced white onions 

• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

• (Reserve half for topping later) 

• 8 ounces shredded Jarlsberg cheese

• 13 ounces Béchamel sauce 

• 8 ounces sour cream 

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 5 ounces milk

Directions:

In a mixing bowl combine all ingredients and mix well by hand. Place in greased casserole or non-stick pan. Sprinkle with reserved cheese on top. Cover with waxed paper and then aluminum foil. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 40 minutes. Remove foil and paper for the last 10 minutes to brown top if desired.

10. Veggie Tater Casserole

In keeping with casserole comforts, we now shift gears for this Disneyland delight. For many who have ever taken the detour over to Cars Land in Disney California Park, and dined at Flo’s V8 Café specifically, you have likely heard about (or tried) this praiseworthy vegetable-based specialty. But even if you have never been to Disneyland, this is one Disney recipe to get your engine going!

What You Need:

• 3/4 cup bulgur wheat
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2/3 cup diced onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about two small cloves)
• 2/3 cup diced zucchini
• 2/3 cup diced yellow squash
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 2 1/2 cups vegetarian sausage crumbles, such as Morningstar Farms
• Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
• 6 deli-style slices cheddar or 3/4 cup shredded cheddar

Directions:

Place bulgur in a large, heatproof bowl; cover with boiling water. Set aside for 15 minutes; drain excess water and set bulgur aside. Preheat oven to 400 Fahrenheit. Heat oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan; add onions and cook until translucent, about two to three minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds to one minute. Increase heat to medium-high and add zucchini, squash, and peppers. Cook, stirring often, three to four minutes. Stir in sausage crumbles and cook until heated through, about three minutes more. Add bulgur to pan, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Pour mixture into a 9×9 baking dish, packing firmly with a spatula. Spread mashed potatoes over mixture, then top with cheddar. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and light brown at the edges. Let cool three to four minutes, then cut into squares and serve hot.

 

9. Tony’s Town Square Lasagna

Tony’s Town Square, over at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, is renowned for its many Italian specialties. And while we could highlight many featured fan favorites, we decided that a focus on their delicious lasagna rendition was in order, as it is a time-tested family-favorite comfort food staple to enjoy on a lazy, stay-at-home kind of day. We found this recipe printed in The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook.

What You Need:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Spanish paprika
• 2 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 lb. lasagna noodles
• 2 quarts water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Heat olive oil in saucepan. Crumble in ground beef and sauté until beef is browned. Drain off excess fat. Add onion, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, oregano, thyme, paprika and tomato puree, mix well. Continue cooking for five minutes. Set aside. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water with olive oil and salt, about nine minutes. Drain and let cool. Set aside. Combine ricotta cheese, egg, tabasco sauce, and salt in a blender or with electric mixer. Mix well at medium speed. In a 13×9 inch casserole spread a thin layer of meat sauce on bottom with one layer of cooked lasagna noodles over meat sauce. Next, a layer of sliced mozzarella and on top of that add 1/3 of the meat sauce, then 1/2 of the ricotta mixture. Continue to layer until all ingredients are used. Top with grated parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 Fahrenheit for 40 to 45 minutes.

8. Minestrone Soup

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano is another Italian famed favorite at Disney World. This one is right onsite at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And because nothing takes the chill off quite like a hearty hot bowl of soup, we felt their original minestrone soup recipe was worth sharing. Follow along with this easy how-to shared with us by a Disney Cast Member.

What You Need:

• 1/2 ounce olive oil
• 1/2 garlic, chopped
• 4 ounces onions, diced
• 4 ounces celery, diced
• 1/2 ounce zucchini, diced
• 1/2 ounce squash, diced
• 2 pints water
• 1 1/2 ounces vegetarian bouillon
• 1 ounce tomato paste
• 4 ounces spinach, frozen
• 8 ounces tomatoes, canned, diced
• 4 ounces garbanzo beans
• 4 ounces tomato juice
• 1 ounce fresh basil, chopped
• 1/8 ounce thyme
• 1/8 ounce oregano
• 1/8 ounce sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a very hot kettle, add oil and garlic. Sauté. Add raw vegetables and sweat for 10 minutes. Add rest of ingredients to kettle and simmer for 20 minutes. Season and serve.

7. Blue Bayou Gumbo

Here is another Disneyland-based favorite sure to heat you up with sizzling, savory New Orleans-style spiciness. A featured mainstay on the menu of Disneyland’s Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans Square, we found this easy-to-follow recipe in The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook.

What You Need:

• 2 ounces of butter
• 1 1/2 gallon of chicken stock
• 1 cup of onions, diced
• 12 ounces of chicken, steak or seafood, diced
• 2 cups of okra, cut
• 1 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
• 2 tablespoons of gumbo file
• 2 ounces of flour
• 1 cup of celery, diced
• 8 cups of cooked rice
• 2 cups of diced tomatoes
• Salt to taste
• 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper
• 4 ounces of roux (2 ounces flour and 2 ounces of butter)

Directions:

Melt butter in a saucepan; add flour to make a roux (mix butter and flour). Cook for about 15 minutes, stir constantly, add the onion and celery. Cook for five minutes. Add the stock and make sure the roux is dissolved completely. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and return to a simmer. Adjust salt to taste at the end. If you are adding seafood, add it at the very end and make sure it is completely cooked. Mix well and serve.

 

Related: 5 Dining Experiences You Must Have at Disneyland Resort

6. Big Bowl of Soup

For anyone who has ever stayed at Disney’s Pop Century Resort in Disney World, you’ve probably seen this offering featured on the menu at their main food court. But despite its admittedly uncreative name, anyone who has ever ordered it can attest to it being much “bigger” and better than expected. Consider boiling up a big bowl of it at home with this resort-exclusive recipe given to us by a Disney Cast Member.

What You Need:

• 2 lbs. pulled chicken
• 3 lbs. cooked Udon noodles
• 1 lb. bok choy
• 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms
• 6 ounces of bamboo shoots
• 10 ounces of hot chicken broth
• 1 ounce of minced ginger
• 1 ounces of minced garlic
• 10 ounces of water
• 1 ounce of canola oil
• 2 ounces of rice wine
• 1 ounce of soy sauce
• 1/2 ounce of sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons of house seasoning

Directions:

Heat wok to 175 degrees Fahrenheit and add canola oil. Sauté garlic and ginger. Add chicken, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Add vegetables, white wine, soy sauce, chicken stock, and water. When water is at a boil, add hot noodles and bok choy. Turn wok off. Finish with hot broth, and green onions.

 

5. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Again, we turn to The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook for a savory soup recipe. A praiseworthy pick to order off the menu at Disneyland’s Carnation Café, you can recreate the mouthwatering magic from your own kitchen by following along with this how-to.

What You Need:

• 1 lb. of bacon, roughly chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 3/4 cup of diced celery
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 medium red potatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 4 cups of heavy cream

Directions:

In a six to eight quart stockpot over medium heat, fry bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving half for garnish. In bacon fat, cook onions, carrots, and celery until the onions are translucent. Add potatoes and cook for four minutes, stirring occasionally. Whisk in flour and stir constantly over low heat until the flour is cooked and the mixture has thickened slightly, about five to seven minutes. Add chicken stock and half of the bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Over medium-high heat, bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Mash some of the potatoes for thicker, creamier texture. Add whipping cream and simmer for five minutes. Adjust thickness by adding water or stock. Soup should have a creamy consistency. Season to taste, and garnish with toppings.

4. Jiko’s Macaroni and Cheese

Jiko’s is another well-known Disney World-based restaurant that’s been subject to a temporary closure. As plans are underway for its reopening, you may not be able to get ready to run on over to book lodging at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in Disney World just to get first dibs. Cook some up on your own stovetop at home with this recipe shared via D23.

What You Need:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 8 ounces shredded Italian four-cheese blend (such as mozzarella, asiago, fontina, and provolone)
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 lb. elbow macaroni, cooked and kept warm

Directions:

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, stirring until combined. Cook, stirring frequently, for five minutes, or until golden (do not let brown). Add milk to butter mixture, whisking until completely smooth and no lumps remain. Simmer mixture, stirring frequently, until sauce coats the back of a spoon, five to eight minutes. Add cheese to saucepan in batches, stirring until completely melted. Add salt and pepper, stirring to combine. Place cooked macaroni in a large bowl. Add cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Serve immediately.

 

3. Big Thunder Ribs

Once upon a time Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain attraction boasted a delightful barbecue stop known as Big Thunder Barbecue. And on their menu, they featured their signature Big Thunder Ribs, which those who ever had the chance to try still find themselves lamenting over. But you can revive the tastes of your memories by making some of your very own at home. Follow along with the official Disney recipe, shared through D23.

What You Need:

(For Citrus Roundup BBQ Rub)

• 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon pepper
• 2 tablespoons seasoning salt
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/4 tablespoon cayenne pepper

(For the Ribs)

• 1 1/2 cups Citrus Roundup BBQ rub (recipe above)
• 1 (4-lb.) rack pork spareribs, trimmed of excess fat
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup favorite barbecue sauce

Directions:

For Citrus Roundup BBQ Rub, combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir to combine. For the Ribs, Sprinkle Citrus BBQ rub on both sides of ribs, rubbing the meat to adhere. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for eight hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Place ribs in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet and pour water into pan. Cover with foil and roast for one hour. Remove the pan from the oven and uncover. Pour off any excess water. Evenly coat top of ribs with barbecue sauce. Return pan to oven and roast for 30 more minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and cover lightly with foil. Let ribs rest for 10 minutes. Slice the ribs between each bone with a serrated knife. Serve immediately.

Related: S‘mores Bake Recipe From Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue at Disneyland

2. Cousin Megan’s Meatloaf

There are plenty of old-timey comfort food classics to pick and choose from over at 50’s Prime Time Café, on location at Hollywood Studios in Disney World. But this mouthwatering meatloaf recipe shared via The Disney Cookbook really hits the spot for eating in.

What You Need:

• 2 lbs. of ground beef
• 1 lb. of ground pork
• 4 Large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (to be used separately)
• 1/2 teaspoon of coarsely ground black peppercorn
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil or spray two loaf pans. In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, eggs, bread crumbs, onion, green pepper, red pepper, two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, cracked peppercorn, and salt until well mixed. Divide the meat mixture in half, shape into two loaves. Place them into your pan or tray. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Temperature should reach 155 degrees. If you’re unsure, leave them for 60 minutes. In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. After your meatloaf cooks its initial 50 to 60 minutes, brush the tops of them with this sauce and bake an additional 10 minutes. Then it’s time to dive in…just mind your manners.

1. Walt’s Chili

Several locations throughout Disneyland as well as Walt Disney World Resort have showcased this one-of-a-kind recipe straight from their founder’s family collection. And while there have been variations from time to time, we have on display a comprehensive follow-along, provided curtesy of D23.

What You Need:

• 2 lbs. coarse ground beef
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 tsp. chili powder (depending on taste)
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. dry mustard
• 1 large can solid pack tomatoes
• 2 lbs. dry pink beans
• Salt

(For Added Zest)

• Add a pinch of the following spices:
• 1 little yellow Mexican chili pepper
• Coriander seeds
• Turmeric
• Chili seeds
• Cumin seeds
• Fennel seeds
• Cloves
• Cinnamon
• Dry ginger

Directions:

Soak beans overnight in cold water. Drain, add water to cover (two inches over beans), and simmer with onions until tender (about four hours). Meanwhile, prepare sauce by browning meat and minced garlic in oil. Add remaining ingredients, and simmer for one hour. When beans are tender, add sauce to beans and simmer for half an hour.

Related: Walt’s Chili and Beans Recipe from Carnation Café at Disneyland Park

We could go on with countless other recipes featured throughout Disney Parks all around the world, but these are excellent to start with. Cooking up Disney magic at home is the next best thing to going on a foodie-themed Disney vacation.