12 Recipes to Make When Calories Are the Last Thing on Your Mind

Gluten-free folks, avert your eyes: These pasta- and bread-laden recipes take comfort food to a whole new level
By Kristin Appenbrink and Morgan Gibson
October 29, 2014 04:00 PM

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MAC 'N' CHEESE PIZZA

Credit: The Gunny Sack

How do you make macaroni 'n' cheese even better? Serve it on a pizza! This culinary mashup from The Gunny Sack is topped with shredded cheese and put under the broiler for a few minutes until it's bubbly and delicious.

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CREAMY CAPRESE PASTA

Credit: Give Recipe via Pinterest

A simple pasta dish is the ultimate carb-loading recipe. This version from Give Recipe combines the classic Caprese salad ingredients of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil into one plate of creamy, cheesy goodness.

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BACON & BRIE GRILLED CHEESE

Credit: Simply Delicious via Pinterest

There's never a bad time for grilled cheese, especially when it involves salty bacon and creamy Brie like this recipe from Simply Delicious.

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POTATO SQUASH GRATIN

Credit: The Kitchn via Pinterest

When you're bored with heavy main dishes, add this potato and squash gratin from The Kitchn to your dinner menu. It's warm and comforting, and we couldn't ask for anything more.

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NUTELLA CROISSANT BREAD PUDDING

Credit: Steamy Kitchen via Pinterest

Looking for a dessert show-stopper? Try this decadent bread pudding from Steamy Kitchen. It includes two of our favorite things: flaky croissants and nutty Nutella.

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CHEESE AND GARLIC 'CRACK' BREAD

Credit: Recipe Tin Eats via Pinterest

There's a reason this pull-apart bread from Recipe Tin Eats is called "crack bread" — you won't be able to stop eating it! And we say: Go for it.

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PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE

Credit: Damn Delicious via Pinterest

Carbs come in all glorious shapes and sizes, like this gluten-free fried rice dish from Damn Delicious. It has plenty of veggies and juicy chunks of pineapple to make you feel better about having seconds.

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PRETZEL DOGS

Credit: Le Cr me de La Crumb via Pinterest

Whether you opt for bite-size pretzel dogs or go whole hog…er…dog, you're going to need plenty of dipping sauces. Start with ketchup and spicy brown mustard like Crème de la Crumb and then add a few more unexpected options like pesto or chipotle aioli.

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MONKEY BREAD

Credit: Sally's Baking Addiction via Pinterest

If you love cinnamon rolls but don't want to spend the time rolling them up, make this monkey bread recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction instead. The only danger is that you might carb overload.

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GRUYÈRE FRENCH TOAST

Credit: Food 52 via Pinterest

Savory French toast may just become your new favorite thing. Food 52's version has all the satisfaction of a killer omelet combined with the comfort of traditional French toast. Bonus: It makes an even better choice for this week's brinner.

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PORTOBELLO & LEEK CARBONARA

Credit: How Sweet Eats via Pinterest

You can't think of carbs without picturing a really good pasta, like this hearty dish from How Sweet Eats. Not only are the leeks and mushrooms perfect for cooler weather, but this recipe includes eggs and bacon, too.

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WHOLE WHEAT BUTTERMILK PANCAKES

Credit: Handle the Heat via Pinterest

Sometimes classic carb dishes are the way to go, like these whole wheat pancakes from Handle the Heat. Top them with your favorite fruit — after all, fruits are carbs, too.

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By Kristin Appenbrink and Morgan Gibson