Winter.

The mornings are tougher, the days shorter, and while coats and sweaters are nice in theory, carrying around the extra bulk and weight gets tiring very quickly. Really the only saving grace the bitter months from June to August have going for them is the oodles of comfort that make spending a night in so much more tempting.

Soups are great, casseroles too, with anything slow-cooked, braised, rich, creamy and cheesy a solid plus in our books. And there there are the desserts…

To ease us in to the harsh nights we hounded our favourite food bloggers for their best winter-warming dishes and we don’t mean to brag, but we’ve got a pretty great list.

Scroll below for 31 of our favourite dishes that have us dying for a night in. Netflix and glass of red optional.

1. Sweet Potato Gratin.

Layers of creamy, rich, flavourful, sweet potato-ey goodness await for you in this simple gratin recipe. Not great in the kitchen? Well the good news is that if you can chop a potato, mix together some herbs and drizzle in some thickened cream, you’ll very quickly master this recipe.

Image: Phoodie.

Find the full Sweet Potato Gratin recipe here.

2. Immune Boosting Sweet Potato Soup.

Give yourself extra insurance against cold and flu season with this anti-inflammatory (ginger), anti-microbial (garlic and leek) and beta-carotene (sweet potato) rich soup. The addition of chili also makes it warming and the coconut milk gives the dish a lovely sweet richness. Yum.

Image: Nadia Felsch.

Find the full Immune Boosting Sweet Potato Soup recipe here.

3. Cheat's Mini Zucchini Quiche.

In our humble opinion, quiche is a dish that often gets overlooked and we think that is outrageous. It's egg-y, veggie-filled and bite-sized rendition of the cafe favourite makes it the perfect snack for when that 3pm energy crash rears its ugly head.

Image: Phoodie.

Find the full Cheat's Mini Zucchini Quiche recipe here.

4. Spring Roll Bowl.

It doesn't have to be all bulky stews and slow-cooked everything, this Instagram-worthy deconstructed spring roll bowl looks a lot more impressive than the 25 minutes that it takes to make

Image: 28 by Sam Wood powered by IQS.

Find the full Spring Roll Bowl recipe here.

5. Baked Onions with Cream, Cheese and Thyme.

Creamy, cheesy and a breeze to make. You don't need to be Martha Stewart or Donna Hay to whip up this winter warmer. Serving suggestions include putting this dish down as a side to a roast dinner, or just on its own with a crusty baguette.

Image: Phoodie.

Find the full Baked Onions with Cream, Cheese and Thyme recipe here.

6. Butternut Hummus.

Winter is the season for Netflix binges and nights in - preferably wrapped in doona. For a healthy snack option (amongst the chocolates, cheeses, chips and biscuits) this butternut pumpkin recipe gives the mezze plate staple a sweet twist.

Image: Wholesome Child.

Find the full Butternut Hummus recipe here.

7. Easy Peasy Lentil Soup.

Think of lentils as the protein-packed, low-calorie superfood without the inflated price tag and this recipe incorporates a hell of a lot of them. Unlike some soups out there, they'll also guarantee you fullness for ages which cuts that cheeky in-between meal snack and we know we shouldn't be reaching for.

Image: Nadia Felsch.

Find the full Easy Peasy Lentil Soup recipe here.

8. Bolognese without the Spaghetti.

Pasta is the ultimate comfort food and before you roll you eyes at the spaghetti-less, spaghetti bolognese, this recipe uses soba noodles which are similar in taste and texture to its Italian counterpart, but higher in fibre and protein. Most major supermarkets stock it too.

Image: Nadia Felsch.

Find the full Bolognaise without the Spaghetti recipe here.

9. Veggie-Packed Garlic Bread Toastie.

A toastie is to a sandwich what toast is to bread, and whether you need a quick lunch-time option, or a crunchy addition to your soup, this garlicky and cheesy toastie is deliciously moreish while still nutritionally dense due to all the kale and broccolini.

Image: 28 by Sam Wood powered by IQS.

Find the full Veggie-Packed Garlic Bread Toastie recipe here.

10. Pea Tabbouleh.

If you want a side dish that cleanses the palate while still being filled with flavour, this cucumber, tomato and parsley option will do just that. The peas add extra vitamins, minerals and fibre,

Image: Phoodie.

Find the full Pea Tabbouleh recipe here.

11. Cheesy Cauliflower French Toast with Mushrooms.

If you want nourishing recipes and easy to incorporate meal tips that satiate adults and children alike, Mandy Sacher of the Wholesome Child is your go-to woman (she's even got her own book that's currently 15 per cent off). In this case she puts a savoury spin on the lazy Sunday brunch favourite with cheesy pieces of mushroom and cauliflower. Yumm.

Find the full Cheesy Cauliflower French Toast With Mushrooms recipe here.

12. Gluten-Free Meatballs.

This version is breadcrumb-free alternative making it perfect for friends and family with gluten intolerances. Add them to soups, pastas and casseroles or think outside of the box and make your very own green bowl or grazing platter.

Image: Nadia Felsch

Find the full Gluten-Free Meatballs recipe here.

13. Tangled Thai Chicken Salad.

Your classic roast chook might be the best food prep hack out there and this recipe proves it. This recipe promises a tasty, healthy meal that only involve elements that you can pre-make and combine in the comfort of your office kitchenette.

Image: 28 by Sam Wood powered by IQS.

Find the full Tangled Thai Chicken Salad recipe here.

14. Beef and Veggie Meatballs.

Meat