Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy: A Cookbook

by Tieghan Gerard

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 120+ recipes for delicious, soul-warming comfort food . . . and getting it ready in a hurry—from the author of Half Baked Harvest Every Day.

Colorful. Convenient. Comforting.

Mega-bestselling author Tieghan Gerard is busier than ever—always creating recipes, taking photographs, and collaborating with friends. In her fourth cookbook, she returns with a collection of more than 120 recipes that reflect the way she cooks simple ingredients, easy to get on the table, short on time yet big on flavor.
 
Having cooked for her large family from a young age, Tieghan loves the feeling of sharing great food—and now she wants to share that feeling with you. This collection leans into the comfort food she’s known for, but with an eye toward getting it ready in a hurry. With many recipes doable in one pot or pan, most in under forty-five minutes, and a more-is-more focus on flavor (but not ingredients), you’ll be feasting fast. Start your day with Maple Bacon Pancakes with Bourbon Maple Syrup, snack on Cheesy Roasted Shallot Bread, and make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Bang Bang Sauce your family’s new favorite. Enjoy delicious twists like Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese with All the Crispy Edges, and, of course, finish it all off with something sweet, like a Dark Chocolate Pistachio Cake with Cream Cheese Icing.
 
Relying on basic ingredients and Tieghan’s signature knack for making sauces and dressings that you’ll want to double to keep on hand at all times, these recipes will make your meals feel like a warm hug. If you’ve ever needed a belly full of comfort and a plate bursting with fresh, unexpected flavors—and wanted it all right now—Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy is for you.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food, Adult, Culinary, Reference

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2024

About the author

Tieghan Gerard is a food photographer, stylist, recipe developer, and author of the Half Baked Harvest Cookbook and Half Baked Harvest Super Simple, a New York Times bestseller. Her blog, Half Baked Harvest, features a hearty mix of savory, sweet, healthy, and indulgent recipes. She believes every diet should include a little bit of chocolate because balance is the key to life!

Reviews

[NILTON TEIXEIRA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful book with beautiful pictures of each recipe.
I would like to try every single recipe, but the title says “quick and cozy”, and lots of recipes take 30 minutes of preparation and 60 minutes or longer to cook. I think the title should say “cozy and comfortable food”, because the majority of the recipes are like that, comfortable.
I wished the recipes had a nutritional value, as there are plenty of cheese, heavy cream and bread.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth Half Baked Harvest cookbook. I really liked her first two but didn't love her last one or this one. I think often in cookbooks or recipes "cozy" equates to food to fatten you up for winter hibernation. As another review pointed out there is a LOT of cheese in the recipes in this book. I LOVE cheese but I don't need every meal to be covered with melted cheese though. There were a couple recipes I want to try but I didn't love this one. There are tags for the recipes that are 30 minutes or less but many of the recipes take an hour+ to make which is not my definition of "quick." Overall, the photos of the food are beautiful but this one isn't for me.

[Emily Duchon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lady gets so much hate and I just don’t get it. Yes, her recipes use a lot of cream and cheese. I’m from the Midwest so that’s not a downside to me. I made the cheeseburger pasta today and it was absolutely so easy to make and really delicious. Going to move on to the pumpkin muffins this afternoon.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh she’s definitely lost her touch. It’s been clear on her blog/social media for a while now but this cookbook is a reflection of how…weird…some of her recipes are now. I don’t mind a surprising ingredient every once in a while but this reads like a girl who bought gochujang for one recipe and is now trying to integrate it into everything to use it up. And why would I put sliced avocado on a baked potato soup you psycho?

[Miss✧Pickypants ᓚᘏᗢ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A serviceable cookbook of familiar recipes with little originality. While some dishes would be quick to make, with quick meaning 45 minutes or less, the majority would take longer than that to prepare. Recipes are well-written with tasteful colour photos of all the dishes and the book design is well-done. Fans of the author and her blog will appreciate this book most.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd try EVERYTHING! And the that food photography... 👌 😋

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aptly named, the recipes in this book are definitely cozy. The Italian Chop Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing is delicious and adaptable, making it a new favorite recipe for me. The Old-fashioned chocolate sheet cake recipe was quick to make and satisfying. Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese with All the Crispy Edges is on my list to try soon and there are many other recipes in the book that I'm planning to cook.

[Jade]

Good soup! (This is a joke, but the soup is actually good.)

There is a big emphasis on the recipes being under 45, but there is truly a recipe that takes four hours… and more that border on one hour, which is what it is, but a little bit of false advertising.

[Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tieghan once again has a magnificent cookbook that even those who think themselves hopeless cooks would be able to complete. There is a simplicity where all the recipes, ingredients, and stories can fit on one page and not be cluttered at all. Even if there were no beautiful pictures this in itself is so soothing and encouraging. One can tell that each recipe is filled with memories and with us in mind. At most every recipe is doable in 45 minutes and she explains that even some can be done in under 30 with 10 ingredients or less.

There are gluten free and vegetarian options along with the usual breakfast and dessert sections. One section particularly enjoyed was the Pizza & Pasta section. Oh man! You could have a delicious new pizza every week and not grow bored. I’m excited to taste all of them. They are simple and cozy and not lacking in flavor.

I hardly buy cookbooks but I have bought all three of Tieghans and plan to buy a physical copy of this one as well.

Special thanks to Edelweiss and Clarkson Potter for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review.

[Brenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obsessed with every one of these recipes. Perhaps the best HBH yet. Loss of one star because I feel like the publisher made some meh decisions when it comes to how Tieghan was presented; we love her because she seems approachable and humble. However, certain of the early presentations in the book left her feeling inflated and like a celebrity chef rather than a homestyle feel.

[Kristen Barenthaler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every single recipe looks absolutely delicious! I’m now starving!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no secret that HBH is my go-to source for amazing recipes. While I've only tried a few from this book so far, I can confidently say there isn't a single recipe I'm not excited to make!

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting recipes and vibrant pictures. Would have to leave an ingredient or two out since a lot of them have spices I could not eat.

[ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this books screams YUM! Can’t wait to try some of these simple recipes at my parent’s new home! 😋

[Melanie Smiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've now made 30 recipes from this cookbook, and it's become one of my FAVS. My goal is to cook through 50% of it by the end of 2026!

[Jenn Palomino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im such a sucker for these cookbooks

[Mapleleaf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy by Tieghan Gerard is dedicated to college dorms. Who else can digest all the cheese and fats in the recipes? They are definitely Cozy recipes but I would not call them Quick. The list of ingredients are also daunting. That said, I am tempted to try her Mac and Cheese as well as Honey Balsamic Short Ribs then go for a whole day of running and fasting. No wonder there are no Nutritional Information. There is a constant use of gojuchang throughout the pages which is not fair as it is not readily available at my local grocers. It would have been better to suggest a substitute - after all, it is just a chili paste which I CAN find at the grocers. The recipe I am most looking forward to making from this one - and sharing with so many people or I would go on cardiac arrest from sugar (1.5 cups) and fats (1 cup coconut oil) overload - is the chocolate sheet cake. Not a meal but cozy. I preferred her Super Simple book over this one however if you're looking for comfort food, this book has it. Another recommendation would be Dolly Parton's book - Good Lookin' Cookin' - for more comfort food.

[Shereen Albury · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this one. The photography is beautiful, the vibe is cozy, and the concept promises “quick” comfort food. But for me? It completely missed the mark.

Every recipe felt wildly overcomplicated. I’m not exaggerating when I say most of them have 16+ ingredients. Even the mac & cheese clocks in at around 20+ ingredients depending on the variation — multiple cheeses, herbs, spices, toppings, add-ins, finishing touches. For mac & cheese. That’s supposed to be the ultimate simple comfort meal.

And that was the pattern throughout the book. A pasta bake? Around a dozen ingredients. Brussels sprouts? Ten-plus ingredients with specialty add-ons. Brie appetizer? Puff pastry, preserves, multiple cheeses, herbs, honey, egg wash, garnish. It just never stopped.

I don’t mind effort for something special. But when a book markets itself as “Quick & Cozy,” I don’t expect every recipe to require a grocery run and a fully stocked specialty pantry.

In the end, I gave it away without making a single recipe because every time I considered one, I’d turn the page and think, “Nope. Too much.” It’s gorgeous to look at, but for my kitchen and my season of life, it just felt excessive.

If you love big, layered flavors and don’t mind long ingredient lists, this might be for you. If you’re actually looking for quick and streamlined comfort food? This one may not be it.

[Kirsty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cheese in most of the savoury recipes. Why do people who like cheese all believe no one doesn't like the stuff? But it says Quick, and some of the recipes take over an hour. I expected 20ish minutes for quick, not 70...
So, cheese and spice abound, and some recipes are anything but quick, but otherwise it seems ok. Where there's no cheese.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Tieghan Gerard and have probably cooked at least 50 of her recipes from her cookbooks and blog on repeat. I'm still a fan and love her recipes, however, this cookbook had some hits and misses for me. Hits: Saucy, spicy, cheesy oven-baked meatballs. (I always cook the recipe from the cookbook cover) This savory dish was so good! First dinner served over spaghetti; the next night Italian subs on toasted rolls. Sheet pan lemon shrimp over rice was fabulous, as was the red curry salmon. Make sure to serve it with the avocado-cucumber salad, it's a definite repeat. Other hits: Spicy Italian sausage tortellini soup, double-baked taquitos, sour cream and onion dill pickle dip, sheet pan mac and cheese and chewy pumpkin cookies. I even made homemade pumpkin butter for the cookies.
Misses: Cheeseburger pasta, just had an off-taste. Loaded potato soup with salsa verde, was okay, but too many ingredients and time to repeat.
Looking forward to trying the apple honey cake next and pizza pretzels next!

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE TIRAMASU IN THIS BOOK 🤤 Just got this for Christmas and have already made probably 6-7 recipes in this book! Love that they’re so easy and fast (hence the title of the book) 🫶🏽

[Swopna Begum · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **Five-Star Review: Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy: A Cookbook**

*Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy* is a delightful cookbook for anyone who loves comforting, flavorful meals but also appreciates the convenience of cooking without unnecessary complications. Its inviting concept brings together two qualities that make home cooking especially rewarding: recipes that fit into busy schedules and dishes that provide warmth, satisfaction, and enjoyment. For anyone looking to refresh their everyday meal routine, this cookbook offers an appealing source of inspiration.

What I find most attractive about this collection is its emphasis on cozy food. There is something wonderful about sitting down to a delicious homemade meal after a long day, especially when the flavors are rich, the ingredients work beautifully together, and the preparation feels manageable. Comfort food has a special way of bringing people together, making ordinary evenings feel a little more memorable.

I also appreciate the focus on quick preparation. Modern life can leave little time for elaborate cooking, yet that does not mean homemade meals need to become repetitive or uninspiring. Having fresh recipe ideas can make planning dinner easier and encourage home cooks to experiment with ingredients they already enjoy. Whether preparing a casual weekday meal, organizing a relaxed weekend dinner, or cooking for friends, a versatile cookbook can be a valuable kitchen companion.

Another appealing quality is the balance between practicality and creativity. Cooking should leave room for personal preferences, seasonal ingredients, and the pleasure of trying something new. Recipes that inspire readers while remaining suitable for everyday life can quickly become favorites worth returning to again and again.

Overall, *Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy* deserves five stars for its inviting theme and appeal to home cooks seeking delicious meals with less fuss. I would happily recommend it to busy families, enthusiastic beginners, and experienced cooks looking for fresh inspiration. It would make a wonderful addition to a cookbook collection and a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys comforting food. This book celebrates the simple happiness of preparing something delicious at home and sharing it with the people who make every meal more meaningful.

[Abdullah Al · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

**⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Comforting Recipes That Make Every Meal Special!**

*Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy: A Cookbook* is a wonderful choice for anyone who loves comforting food, inviting flavors, and creative meals that make cooking at home feel exciting. This cookbook captures the appeal of cozy home cooking while offering inspiration for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

What I find especially appealing is the combination of quick preparation and comforting dishes. Finding recipes that fit into a busy schedule while still feeling satisfying can be challenging, and a cookbook centered on convenience and coziness is a welcome addition to any kitchen. Whether you're planning a weeknight dinner, preparing a relaxed weekend meal, or looking for something special to share with loved ones, this collection offers plenty of inspiration to explore.

Tieghan Gerard's distinctive approach to food is another reason this cookbook stands out. Her style is known for creative combinations, appealing presentation, and dishes that bring warmth and personality to the table. The recipes encourage home cooks to experiment with flavors and make familiar ingredients feel fresh and exciting.

I also appreciate cookbooks that inspire people to gather around the table. A comforting homemade meal can turn an ordinary evening into a memorable experience, and having a collection of ideas to draw from makes it easier to keep family dinners interesting. The quick-and-cozy theme is particularly appealing for anyone who wants practical cooking inspiration without giving up the pleasure of preparing something special.

Overall, *Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy* sounds like a lovely addition to a cookbook collection, especially for readers who enjoy creative comfort food and approachable meal ideas. Its inviting concept makes it appealing to both experienced home cooks and anyone looking to bring more variety into everyday cooking. If you love flavorful dishes, cozy meals, and recipes that inspire you to spend more enjoyable time in the kitchen, this book is well worth exploring. Five stars for its warm cooking inspiration and celebration of delicious food made for sharing!

[MD Arif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy is a wonderful cookbook for anyone who loves comforting food but still wants recipes that fit naturally into everyday life. The collection has such a warm, inviting feel, and the recipes make home cooking seem enjoyable rather than overwhelming.

What I liked most is the balance between convenience and flavor. The dishes feel substantial and satisfying, yet they are approachable enough for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. The recipes offer plenty of variety, making it easy to find something appealing whether you are craving a cozy dinner, a simple side, or something special to share.

The book also does a great job of inspiring creativity in the kitchen. The recipes provide a solid foundation while leaving room to adjust ingredients and flavors according to personal taste. I can easily imagine returning to many of these dishes throughout the year and making them part of a regular meal rotation.

There is something especially enjoyable about a cookbook that makes you want to cook as soon as you start turning the pages. Quick & Cozy has that quality. It combines practical ideas with the kind of comforting food that makes an ordinary meal feel memorable.

Overall, this is an inviting, useful, and genuinely enjoyable cookbook. It is perfect for anyone looking for flavorful recipes, cozy meals, and manageable cooking inspiration. Five stars from me.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a cozy, quick cookbook. The highlights for me are the snacks chapter (which includes cocktails and a sour cream + onion + dill pickle dip that is amazing). The sheet pan shrimp, and the beef chapter are also great. She does some retakes on classics, like the mac and cheese that's baked in a pan so that everyone can get a 'corner' piece - I thought that was clever. Most of this is comfort food, but it could be made year round. The salad chapter is also strong, and the double tomato salad is great.

These are solid recipes, but there is no nutritional information. There is a lot of cheese, but a savvy cook could lighten many of these a little (like using 2% greek yogurt instead of full fat, for example). There is a photo for each recipe, and it's gorgeous. My only other complaint is that there are random pictures of the author sprinkled throughout, wearing this year's Pantone color of the year (mocha mousse). She's not a celebrity and I don't need a picture of her standing in a hallway holding a basket in the middle of a cookbook. I could understand a picture of her cooking, but there are too many random shots, which was silly to me.

Otherwise, this is a solid book worth checking out, especially now in January, for quick comfort food.

[Rifatuzzaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★

Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy is a wonderful cookbook for anyone who loves comforting food but doesn’t always have hours to spend in the kitchen. The recipes are creative, inviting, and packed with the kind of flavors that make homemade meals feel special without being overly complicated.

I especially enjoyed the balance between quick everyday dishes and cozy comfort-food favorites. The recipes offer plenty of variety, making it easy to find something for a busy weeknight, a relaxed weekend dinner, or a meal to share with family and friends. The combinations of ingredients are thoughtful and inspiring, and the dishes feel both approachable and satisfying.

This cookbook is also great for cooks who enjoy trying new ideas while still wanting practical recipes they can realistically prepare at home. It has a warm, welcoming feel that makes you want to get into the kitchen and start cooking.

A beautiful and useful addition to any home cookbook collection. Five stars for the delicious inspiration, comforting recipes, and practical approach to everyday cooking!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I would’ve preferred a smaller seafood section and a larger dessert section, but overall the cookbook is right up my alley (but for the coconut oil requirement in lots of recipes, but that’s just personal choice - the author leans more into the crunchy granola aesthetic than I do - and it’s easy enough to substitute out).

The photos are stunning, the general vibes are quite pleasing, and there are plenty of recipes I’m anxious to attempt and have already added to my ever growing “to be cooked” and “to be baked” lists; e.g. cinnamon waffles, game day snack mix, baked honey Brie, cider beef brisket, and the chewy pumpkin cookies (just in time for autumn treats and BOO boxes)!

There are a few recipes from the internet that I have already made as well! All came out great!

A lovely and welcome addition to my cookbook collection.

Three plus stars.

[Shanawaj Shiraj · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

# ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Cozy Collection of Comforting and Creative Recipes

*Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy: A Cookbook* sounds like a wonderful choice for anyone who loves comforting meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of quick preparation and cozy dishes makes this cookbook especially appealing for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, and meals shared with family and friends. I appreciate the inviting concept of bringing warmth and creativity to everyday cooking, with recipes that can inspire home cooks to try new flavors and make ordinary dinners feel special. Its approachable theme makes it appealing to both experienced cooks and anyone looking for fresh meal ideas. Overall, this cookbook sounds like a lovely addition to the kitchen for readers who enjoy flavorful, comforting food and practical inspiration for everyday meals.

[Miss Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great collection of recipes with gorgeous photos of each!

Standouts:
Chai-Spice Swirl Quick Bread
Aperol Pomegranate Paloma
Homemade Italian Dressing
Sage Chicken & Apple Salad
Creamy Turmeric Lemon Chicken & Orzo Soup
Thai Curry-inspired Chicken & Rice Soup
Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese
Mom's Cheesy Potato Casserole
Baked Chicken Parm Sandwich
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice
Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet
Cider-Braised Beef Brisket
Cheeseburger Pasta
Red Chile Beef Enchiladas
Smothered Garlic Parmesan Salisbury Steak
Raspberry White Chocolate Buttermilk Cake
Dark Chocolate Pistachio Cake with cream cheese icing
Chewy Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Icing
Apple Honey Cake

[Zakia Afroz · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★

Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy is a fantastic cookbook for anyone who loves comforting, flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The recipes feel creative yet approachable, with a wonderful mix of cozy classics and fresh ideas that make everyday cooking more exciting. I especially appreciate how the recipes are designed to be practical while still delivering impressive results. The beautiful presentation and inviting food photography make it easy to find inspiration whenever I need a meal idea. This is the kind of cookbook that quickly becomes a kitchen favorite because the recipes are satisfying, memorable, and perfect for sharing. Highly recommended for home cooks who want delicious comfort food with a modern twist!