Warm Winter Recipes Perfect for Your Hotel Stay

Winter travel can be exciting, but nothing beats the warmth of a home-cooked meal, especially when you're away from home. There’s something about a hot, comforting dish that makes cold days feel cozier. The good news is, you don’t have to rely on takeout just because you’re staying in a hotel.

When you stay at a WoodSpring Suites hotel on an extended stay, you’ll have the convenience of an in-room kitchen, complete with a two-burner cooktop, microwave oven, and a full-size refrigerator. That means you have everything you need to prepare hearty winter meals right in your suite. Check out these easy warm winter recipes that are quick to make, so you can eat when you want and save on takeout costs.

 

Why Choose Warm Winter Recipes for Your Hotel Stay?

Hotel stays in winter can make mealtime a challenge. Restaurants can be pricey, delivery isn’t always quick, and cold leftovers just don’t feel as satisfying. While cooking in a hotel room is possible, limited kitchen space and appliances can make preparing a warm, homemade meal feel tricky. But with the right warm winter recipes, you can still enjoy hearty, comforting food and bring a little piece of home to your hotel stay.

A warm bowl of soup, a hot cup of cocoa, or a freshly made breakfast can instantly lift your mood and help you unwind. Cozy winter dinners offer more than just warmth. They feel familiar and are satisfying. When it’s freezing outside, keep a few winter dinner recipes on hand to make mealtime easy and warm.

 

Our Top 10 Warm Winter Recipes

The best warm winter recipes bring comfort and convenience without the hassle of complicated cooking. We’ve handpicked quick and practical recipes that work in limited kitchen setups. With just a few staple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, you can prepare tasty, warming meals that make your hotel room feel more comfortable.

Hearty & Comforting Dinners

1. Beef Stew

A simple stew where tender beef is simmered in a flavorful broth, perfect for warming up on chilly evenings. Serve with crusty bread or microwave rice for a filling, comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. thinly sliced beef stew meat

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 2 potatoes, diced

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, depending on beef fat content)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. (If needed) Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced beef and cook until browned (about 4-5 minutes).

2. Add onions and garlic; sauté until softened.

3. Pour in beef broth; bring to a boil.

4. Add carrots and potatoes; reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Serve hot with crusty bread, instant mashed potatoes, or microwavable rice.

 

2. Cajun Jambalaya

This one-pot Louisiana favorite combines rice, shrimp, sausage, and vegetables for a spicy, flavorful dinner. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ½ lb smoked sausage, sliced

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

• Cajun seasoning to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the same pan and sauté until softened.

3. Stir in rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning; bring to a boil.

4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked.

5. Add shrimp and cooked sausage back to the skillet. Stir gently and cook until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.

6. Remove from heat, fluff the rice, and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

 

3. Mushroom Stroganoff

A creamy and savory vegetarian option featuring sautéed mushrooms in a rich, tangy sauce over egg noodles. This dish is perfect for cold weather when you want something warm, filling, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz egg noodles

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup vegetable broth

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 tbsp flour

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

3. Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic; sauté until softened.

4. Sprinkle flour over vegetables; stir well to coat.

5. Pour in vegetable broth, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.

6. Reduce the heat to low, stir in sour cream, and season with salt and pepper.

7. Serve warm over egg noodles.

 

4. Chicken Cacciatore

A traditional Italian dish where chicken is braised with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and herbs, creating a hearty and aromatic meal. Serve over pasta or with bread to enjoy the rich sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a deep pan or large saucepan over medium heat.

2. Brown the chicken thighs until golden brown; set aside.

3. In the same pan, sauté bell pepper, onion, and garlic until softened.

4. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and oregano; stir well.

5. Return chicken to the pan; cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through.

6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot over pasta or with crusty bread.

 

5. One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup

A nourishing, easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for chilly nights. This hearty dish includes tender chicken, rice, and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth, all in one pot for easy cooking and cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or pre-cooked works well)

• ½ cup rice (white or brown)

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 carrot, diced

• 1 celery stalk, diced

• ½ onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. 

2. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 4-5 minutes until softened.

3. Add garlic and thyme; cook for one more minute until fragrant.

4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

5. Stir in rice, reduce the heat, and simmer until the rice is tender.

6. Add shredded chicken, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for another 5 minutes.

7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Spending a little time preparing a homemade meal is always worth it, especially when the result is a warm, satisfying dish that brings a lived-in comfort to your hotel room. At WoodSpring Suites hotels, our extended-stay rooms include in-room kitchens, and if you need extra cookware or utensils, the front desk offers available kitchenware for a small fee. But for nights when you want something quick and effortless, try these easy dinner recipes to make hot, satisfying meals without overspending.

 

Quick & Easy Hotel-Friendly Recipes

After a long day of travel or work, the last thing you want to do is spend an hour cooking. You need something fast, satisfying, and easy to make without a long list of ingredients or complicated steps. But quick meals don’t have to be boring. Microwave-friendly recipes let you create tasty dishes in minutes using simple ingredients and smart shortcuts, all from your WoodSpring Suites hotel’s in-room kitchen, so meals stay easy on your wallet. They work for quick breakfasts, simple lunches, and no-fuss dinners.

6. Microwaveable Macaroni and Cheese

An easy comfort dish made quick and easy using a microwave, perfect for a cozy meal in your hotel room.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup elbow macaroni

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup milk

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine macaroni and water.

2. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

3. Add shredded cheese and milk; stir well.

4. Microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.

5. Season with salt and pepper; serve hot.

 

7. Microwave French Onion Soup

This nourishing, savory soup delivers home-style winter comfort. This dish takes minimal effort and requires only a microwave and some readily available ingredients, ideal for a quick bite on a cold day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup beef broth

• ½ small onion, thinly sliced

• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 slice of bread (French bread or any crusty bread works best)

• ¼ cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe mug or bowl, combine beef broth, sliced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.

2. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until onions soften.

3. Place the bread slice on top of the soup and sprinkle cheese over the bread.

4. Microwave for 30-45 seconds until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Let cool slightly before serving.

 

8. Instant Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts

Perfect for a quick, nourishing breakfast or snack, this instant oatmeal requires only hot water and can be prepared easily with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet instant oatmeal

• 1/2 cup hot water

• 1/4 cup mixed dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries)

• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)

• Honey or maple syrup to taste

Instructions:

1. Place instant oatmeal in a bowl.

2. Heat ½ cup of water in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot but not boiling.

3. Pour the hot water over the oatmeal; stir well and let it sit for a minute.

4. Stir in dried fruits and nuts.

5. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired; serve warm.

 

9. Microwaveable Stuffed Baked Potatoes

These hearty potatoes can be paired with various toppings and are easily prepared in a microwave.

Ingredients:

• 1 large russet potato

• 1/4 cup shredded cheese

• 2 tablespoons sour cream

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Pierce the potato several times with a fork.

2. Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes until tender.

3. Check if it's fully cooked by inserting a fork; it should slide in easily.

4. If needed, microwave in 30-second intervals.

5. Let rest for 1 minute, then cut the potato open and fluff the inside with a fork.

6. Add shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.

7. Season with salt and pepper; serve hot.

 

10. Microwave Mug Chicken Pot Pie

A warm, filling meal in a mug, this chicken pot pie recipe is perfect for cold winter nights. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cooked chicken (pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well)

• ¼ cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk

• 2 tbsp biscuit mix (like Bisquick)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine chicken, vegetables, chicken broth, and heavy cream.

2. Stir in biscuit mix to form a thick batter.

3. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until the biscuit topping is cooked through and fluffy.

4. Let it sit for 1 minute before serving.

 

Enjoy Comfort Food From the Convenience of WoodSpring Suites Hotels

Good food has a way of helping you feel at home wherever you are. That’s why warm winter recipes are perfect for a hotel stay. At WoodSpring Suites hotels, having an in-room kitchen means you can cook your favorite meals whenever you want, so you can skip takeout and keep costs down. From a quick breakfast to a simple dinner or a warm soup, you’ll have everything you need to whip up something satisfying. And if you need extra kitchen supplies, the front desk offers additional cookware, making it even easier to settle in.

Book your extended stay weekly or choose hotels with monthly rates at WoodSpring Suites hotels and enjoy the freedom to cook on your schedule. From hearty winter dinners to quick, comforting breakfasts, your in-room kitchen makes it easy to prepare and enjoy satisfying meals.