If you want to increase your appetite using food so you can gain weight then get ready to dig in. I have chosen these 50 foods because they have good flavor and once you start to eat them it becomes easier to keep eating.
These foods are also comfort foods which causes a release in endorphins which makes you feel happy. You will eat more when you are in a good mood. This list is perfect for adults, children, and the elderly.
1. Cheesecake
Cheesecake made just right, not too hard and not too soft tastes amazing. Just the right amount of sugar, not too sweet. This will melt in your mouth and make you want another slice. Believe it or not people actually order cheeescake online and they also give it as a gift.
You can eat cheesecake anytime, most people eat it after dinner as a dessert. But you can eat it just by itself. Perhaps even for breakfast as a way to wet your appetite, then after you can eat some more regular breakfast food.
There are so many different kinds of cheesecake. A good place to go is The Cheesecake Factory. Depending on the size a piece of cheesecake can be from 200 to 400 calories. This is an easy way to take in a lot of calories.
2. Lasagna
The flat pasta, the meat, the cheese, and the tomato sauce all cooked together in a hot oven. Just from the smell of it once it is out of the oven your mouth will be salivating. The cheese is nice and melted and the meat inside is good and hot. The inner temperature brings out all the flavors.
I usually eat lasagna for lunch or dinner. For me the best drink with pasta is root beer. Especially A&W root beer. The best one who makes it is Stouffer’s. The only drawback with making any lasagna is that it takes a long time to cook in the oven.
After it is done, after the long wait it is absolutely worth it. Tastes great. Just let it cool a little while otherwise it may break a part when you cut it out from the lasagna holder. It is much better when it all stays together. Get 500 calories from a 4 by 4 inch serving.
3. Barbecue Burgers
Hamburgers which are barbecued will get your juices flowing. The act of taking out the grill and setting everything up will get you thinking about eating the burgers you are going to cook. By the time it is ready you won’t be able to control yourself.
An important part of a delicious hamburger is the bun and the things you add. So make sure you buy fresh buns with sesame seeds for added taste. Add some lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and ketchup.
If you do not have time for bbq go to Burger King, not McDonald’s. Burger King has higher quality meat and buns. I know from experience. Their drive-thru is good too.
4. Chocolate Ice Cream
Unless you are allergic to chocolate, everyone loves chocolate ice cream. Cold right out of the freezer, this food tastes great all the time. The best kind is one where it is creamy. I don’t know how different types are made, but I do know the creamier ice cream tastes better.
Having ice cream for breakfast is probably too cold in the morning. But after lunch or dinner or maybe both are okay. I like many kinds of ice cream but chocolate is my favorite especially when I have it with whipped cream.
It takes time to feel full with ice cream, so it is a good way to consume a lot of calories.
5. Chocolate Cake
Going to the store to buy a chocolate cake is an easy way to get it, as long as it is fresh. But getting a chocolate cake mix is better. It is simple to make. All you need is the mix, 2 eggs, and oil. Then you just stir it up with a spoon and pour the batter into 2 9 inch diameter round pans.
After it has been in the oven according to the directions on the box, just take it out and let it cool. Then the best part, adding the chocolate frosting. Milk chocolate frosting is best. I usually also add whipped cream to my cake. It always tastes great and keeps me hungry for more.
6. New England Clam Chowder
I was never really a big fan of soup until I tried New England clam chowder. Make sure it is New England and not Manhattan there is a difference. You know this if you have tried both. New England is creamier and I think tastes better.
You can have this type of soup anytime, breakfast, lunch or dinner. It comes in a can and you only need to heat it up in a pot on your stove. Easy and quick. Once you eat one bowl you will want another. Your appetite will keep rising, so it goes well with a sandwich.
7. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Eating spaghetti by itself is boring and is not very appetizing. But add some meatballs, cheese, and tomato sauce and you’ll be able to finish plate fulls. Make sure the meatballs are right, they need to be Italian meatballs, not Swedish meatballs. They don’t go together
You can mix in anything else you want with your spaghetti, but I generally find that spaghetti and meatballs with sauce and cheese keeps my appetite alive and wanting more. With this pasta dish make sure to have your favorite drink to wash it down.
8. Chocolate Muffins
My idea to try chocolate muffins came from me wanting to save money. Every time I would go into a Barnes and Noble bookstore I would buy a chocolate cupcake from them. That adds up over time, so I thought, what could I replace it with.
Also, I wanted something to eat at home as well. Why wait to go to the bookstore. So I went to the supermarket to find some cupcakes but they were not as good.
Later I discovered these chocolate muffins which tasted great. Then to make them even better I put chocolate frosting on them. Amazing, this works well with other kinds of muffins too.
9. Thomas’s English Muffins
These muffins are a great way to start the morning and stimulate your taste buds which will in turn increase your appetite. If you put your toaster on level two for toasting that is the right amount of time to toast your muffin. It will be hot and crispy and when you add butter it will melt.
To increase the calories I like to add ham and cheese, maybe some chicken. Lots of flavor to enjoy, the crispy muffin, butter and the meat and cheese will certainly satisfy your stomach. To top it off some nice hot coffee will do the trick to complement the flavors.
10. Egg Sandwich
Get two slices of rye bread and put mayonnaise on each slice. Then add ham, chicken, or beef, from a lunch meat package you can buy in the grocery store. Then fry 2 eggs sunny side up and then flip the eggs and fry the other side. This will cause the yoke to remain a liquid while making the egg whites crispy.
Put the 2 eggs on the meat you put on one slice of bread and then put the second slice on top. Voila. A very tasty egg sandwich. Eggs are the most complete protein, which helps to build muscle for gaining weight.
11. Tuna Fish Sandwich
Tuna fish made the right way is great. Add the right mount of mayonnaise for the best taste. Tuna has omega 3’s which is healthy for the heart. Plus mayo has a lot of vitamins and minerals, lowers cholesterol and can even prevent stroke.
Tuna fish is not a heavy filling food so you will be able to eat more of it. Rye bread or whole wheat bread goes well with tuna and adds to the taste for maintaining your appetite. If you lift weights it is a good source of protein for building muscle.
12. Potato Salad
Potatoes eaten by themselves are not very appetizing, but if you make a potato salad everything changes. Add mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, and onions, you won’t be able to put your fork down. I know once I start eating it, it is difficult to stop.
Potato salad is mostly famously found as part of a barbecue party. But you can have potato salad as part of a lunch or a dinner. Make sure to refrigerate it first before you dig in. The cooler temperature is what gives it its great taste.
13. BBQ Chicken
Chicken with that barbecue flavor will stimulate your senses making you want to eat more. Add some bbq sauce to further amp up the delicious experience. 100 grams of cooked chicken is going to give you 239 calories. This can add up fast.
You can have chicken for lunch or dinner or some time in between. It is especially good after lifting weights as it contains a lot of protein which will help to increase muscle size. Add corn on the cobb and mashed potatoes to really stimulate your appetite with the bbq chicken.
14. Chinese Foods
There is a wide variety of Chinese foods along with a wide variety of flavors. Chinese take pride in their food. It is very important in their culture. In America the Chinese food has something called MSG to give it an added flavor for Westerners.
MSG may be responsible for increasing your appetite since many people after eating Chinese food still feel hungry. I can tell you from experience Chinese food in China and Chinese food in America are different. I used to live there. Take advantage of MSG to add more pounds.
15. Boston Cream Donuts
Every time I go to Dunkin Donuts I get the Boston cream donuts. I do not care for any other kind of donut. The combination of the donut, the Boston cream, and the chocolate on top of the donut makes my mouth salivate after each bite.
Along with my donut I will have hazelnut coffee. The both together, I could eat a dozen Boston cream donuts. If you do not want to fill up on donuts, then just eat one to get your appetite going. Then have some regular food, you can use donuts as a catalyst to jump start your appetite.
16. Milano Cookies
Every time I am watching TV I find myself eating some Milano cookies. I take one and break it in half, then I pop one half in my mouth, and then the other. The cookie is light, crisp, and crunchy. It is complemented by the chocolate inside, which is a bit harder and rich.
I normally choose the double dark chocolate kind because it may be healthier, but they have a wide variety to choose from. The idea of eating European style cookies makes my mouth water. Once you eat one, you won’t be able to stop.
17. Teriyaki Chicken
I have always been able to eat a lot of teriyaki chicken because it tastes very good. But I never knew why. Now I do. Did you know teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique. Foods are broiled or grilled, plus they glaze the chicken with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. Then after that the chicken is fried in a large skillet with rice and onions, and I’m sure other ingredients. This is not a recipe article but you get the idea. There is a lot of flavor to keep our taste buds wanting more.
18. Jumbo Shrimp
Shrimp tastes good, but jumbo shrimp tastes even better. The first time I had jumbo shrimp was at a Japanese restaurant. They cook the food right in front of you with their tall chef hats on and their knives cutting the shrimp in a flash.
You can really sink your teeth into jumbo shrimp, and with the sauces and butter it really melts in your mouth. All the flavors add to the appetizing atmosphere. I have found jumbo shrimp in the super market, so I can have it at home as well.
19. Caesar Salad
Salads are common appetizers. Something people do not think about much is that appetizers are meant to ignite your appetite so you will be ready for the main meal. This way you will be able to eat more.
A Caesar salad has many ingredients put together in the right combination to bring out many flavors. It was invented by an Italian immigrant in 1924. You can eat the salad by itself as a meal as well. Because many of them now contain eggs and chicken.
20. Pumpkin Pie
Most children have pumpkin pie on Halloween. As I got older I remembered how much I like this pie. So now every so often I buy pumpkin pie for myself. I so every so often because I could buy it once a week and finish 1 pumpkin a week. I have to control myself.
After one piece of pie it is easy to eat more. I usually have it with original Cool Whip whipped cream. That combination is much better than eating the pie by itself, though that is good too, when you have a nice crispy pie crust. You won’t be disappointed.
21. Pancakes
Pancakes are a great way to get your appetite going in the right direction. This is because you have to put some effort in to making them. Stirring the batter can be a bit of a workout and fun. Then you need to pour the batter on to the frying pan, which takes a little bit of skill.
After that you have to wait the right amount of time before you flip it to the other side. All of this focuses your attention on the pancakes and increases your appetite. Once they are done put them on your plate and add maple syrup which smells good and adds a sweet taste.
22. French Toast
Eating French toast at home is good. But I have found that the best tasting French toast can be found at Diner’s across the USA. I do not know exactly how they make it taste so good. I just know that when I go there for breakfast, I can alway eat a lot of it.
You can first try to make it at home. You’ll need bread, eggs and syrup. Maybe add some milk if you are not lactose intolerant. Then wait a few days and have them again at the Diner near you. You will probably find yourself eating more at the diner. I’m sure of it.
23. Steak
You can’t go wrong with a nice juicy steak. There are 6 types of steak you need to know about. They are: T-Bone steak, Beef Tenderloin, New York Strip, Rib Eye, Flank, and Top Sirloin steak. Each one is made and cut in their own special way.
The juiciest of these steaks is the rib eye because it has the most fat. The tenderest one is of course Beef Tenderloin. Have some fun and try each one of them before choosing which ones are your favorite.
24. Fried Chicken
Everyone loves Southern fried chicken. But I just recently found out that it was the Scots who invented this type of recipe in the Middle Ages. They deep fried chicken in fat. Fat always gives food that extra bit of flavor and aroma we like so much.
Most people eat fried chicken in the summer time. But I am sure it is great in the winter after it is fried up nice and hot. Four types of fried chicken batter you should know about are: Tempura, Beer Battered Chicken, Pakora, and Southern Style Egg just like KFC.
25. Mashed Potatoes
I never really cared for the mashed potatoes my mother used to make. The boring plain kind found in the supermarket. Such a simple mixture of ingredients hardly any taste. As I got older and time went by I forgot about mashed potatoes. I stopped eating them.
But then while traveling I came across Ikea which is not found in my neighborhood. I saw some mashed potatoes there and decided to try them. Amazing, what flavor they had. I bought some to try at home, and again they taste amazing. After one bite you will keep eating.
26. Peanut Butter and Jelly
Do you ever crave foods. Well, for some reason I crave peanut butter and jelly sandwiches sometimes. I even eat peanut butter straight from the jar with a spoon. Unless you are allergic, probably everyone like peanut butter. Its a good appetizer.
As far as a sandwich. I usually use rye bread and spread the peanut butter on thick. I only use grape jelly and put that one the other slice. Grape jelly makes it just sweet enough to compliment the salt in the peanut butter. A great combination anytime of day or night.
27. Macaroni and Cheese
You can make macaroni and cheese from a box or you can make it yourself. It is pretty easy and always tastes good. Macaroni is a type of pasta and will give you energy that lasts. Unlike sugar which gives you fast energy and then goes down quickly.
To spice up your macaroni and cheese you can add bacon bits and bread crumbs. You can also add, ketchup, hot sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. Depending on what you like. This meal is good for lunch or dinner.
28. Chili
Chili is a nice hot meal, perfect for dinner. It has so much flavor that the smell of it will make your mouth water. It is considered a spicy stew. There are chili peppers, meat, tomatoes, beans, some garlic and onions.
This is another one of those foods which has many different ways of making it. So I suggest you try a couple of them and see which one you can eat the most of. Then you know which one is stimulating your appetite the most.
29. Pork Chops
Did you know that one chop of a pork chop has over 500 calories. Many people love pork chops. Some of them love them so much that they eat the chops with their fingers instead of with a knife and fork.
This gets the juices and flavors on their fingers and makes the experience that much more delicious. Tearing the meat off of the bone is fun. Even the bone has its taste, people with strong teeth like to chew on the bone and suck up more flavor. Give it a try.
30. Sushi
Take a break from cooked food and have some raw fish, sushi. Just that change alone every so often will boost your appetite. Especially when you actually go to a sushi restaurant, the atmosphere will have a positive effect on you.
Make sure if you can to try some wasabi. If that is too hot then dip the sushi in some of the less spicy sauces that are available. Saki goes well with raw fish and rice as well. For more fun try using chop sticks to pick up the sushi and fill your stomach.
31. Chicken Noodle Soup
Why do people eat chicken noodle soup when they are sick. Well, the chicken has protein which is healthy and the noodles are a carbohydrate which gives you energy. But also because when you are sick you lose your appetite.
Chicken noodle soup is easy on your stomach and it has a lot of flavor to get your appetite going. So even when you are healthy this soup is good to have because it will still ignite your hunger without you needing to be sick.
32. Pizza
If your appetite is weak pizza is a good food to have. Pizza is a comfort food because of the bread and cheese which improves your mood. When you feel happier after eating food you will likely eat more of that food.
Also, pizza tastes very good. Whether it is a more plain pizza like a cheese pizza or a pizza with many types of toppings. Pizza stimulates your taste buds with many flavors making you hungrier and hungrier. So hungry, you won’t want to share your pizza pie.
33. Sausages
Sausages make great appetizers even though most people eat them for breakfast. Some sausages I have tried have cheese inside them. Very good. They will make you feel hungrier and hungrier because these sausages have fat in them which is stimulating.
If you appetite is weak for lunch or dinner eat some sausages to get things going. Then you can move on to your regular meal. Who knows maybe some types of sausages go better with lunch food or dinner food. See what works for you.
34. French Fries
The best time to eat french fries is when they are hot. Whether you get them from McDonald’s or Burger King eat them right away. They taste the best at this time stimulating your taste buds and increasing your appetite.
Personally I think Burger King french fries are much better than McDonald’s fries. BK’s fries are thicker, have just the right amount of salt, and are fresher. Mc Donald’s fries are limp and not so fresh. You can also make your own by buying fries from the grocery store.
35. Stuffing
Many Thanksgiving enthusiasts favorite food during this time is stuffing. Stuffing can be eaten out of the turkey with the turkey and it can be eaten by itself. Mixed with the juices of the turkey as it is cooked in the oven gives it a great taste.
Stuffing by itself also tastes great because it is made with a variety of delicious ingredients. You are only limited by your imagination when it comes to stuffing recipes. Traditionally there are dried bread crumbs, sausage, meat, onion, celery, salt and pepper.
36. Turkey
Not only for Thanksgiving, turkey is a delicious meat cooked normally in an oven. If it is cooked right it is very juicy and includes more flavor when it is cooked with stuffing. The skin of the turkey is very flavorful because it is usually seasoned before going into the oven.
Once cut, turkey meat just melts in your mouth. It is easy to chew and swallow at its best. You can also have your turkey slices with gravy. Together you will experience a mouth watering delight. Add your favorite drink after each bite and eat more.
37. Smoked Salmon
If sushi is not your thing, then a great fish is smoked salmon. Smoking meats is an art form in and of itself. Instead of a barbecue, use a smoker. The smoked flavor of salmon will have you coming back for more.
If you do not want to get a smoker, then you can easily buy smoked salmon in the supermarket. It is considered a delicacy and will certainly satisfy your taste buds. Salmon has essential fish oils which are healthy and protein for muscle gain.
38. Lobster
Many seafood lovers favorite seafood is lobster. Lobster is a real eating experience which will increase your appetite. Eating with your fingers, sucking the meat out of the shell. Tasting the delicious lobster with butter.
People are so into eating lobster that they need to wear a special bib to protect their clothes from the eating activity. It can take real working twisting off the claws, pulling the legs off the lobster. Separating the tail from the body. See the pros at Red Lobster do this.
39. Beef Stroganoff
From Russia with love, beef stroganoff. This is sauteed beef, or fried quickly in a little bit of hot fat. There are many ways of making sauteed beef. Some with different wines, while others add different vegetables green pepper and asparagus.
40. One Foot Club Sandwich Subway
At least once a week my wife and I each have a 1 foot club sandwich from Subway. It is so appetizing we each eat our sandwich completely for lunch. I we ordered more I bet we could eat probably another half of that sandwich.
We usually get the sandwich on Honey bread, with slices of chicken and turkey breast. We add cheese. Then everything is toasted for 2 minutes. After we add lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Finally we add mayonnaise and ranch dressing. Its addicting.
41. Dumplings
In China during Chinese New Year people make dumplings from scratch. They roll out the dough, then they take pieces of dough which fit in the palm of your hand. They put a mix of meat and vegetables which were cut up together on the dough.
Then they close up the dough around the meat and veggie mix to make a dumpling. After that it is boiled, when the water boils you add some cool water.
Do this a few times so the dough does not fall apart. After all that you will be hungary, or just buy them in the supermarket, tastes just as good. Plus dip them in vinegar.
42. Casserole
I have seen probably 100+ casserole dish recipes online. So the amount of different tasting casseroles is huge. This will surely keep you hungry and eating more. Depending on what you like there is a large variety of casseroles to choose from.
Some of the more popular ones are chicken, teriyaki, tuna, and pasta casseroles. Casseroles are normally eaten for dinner but lunch will work just as well. For breakfast it is probably too heavy too early in the morning.
43. Meatballs
Meatballs are another food which is appetizing to have before the main meal or even as a main meal. Each bite will make you hungrier for more as your appetite grows. Popular meatballs have bread crumbs, onions, butter, eggs, and seasoning.
Meatballs can be eaten for lunch or dinner, and as an appetizer. Meatballs have vitamins, minerals, and a lot of protein. So they would be good to have after a workout to help build muscle and gain weight. Buy them or make them yourself.
44. Corn On The Cobb
Corn on the cobb with butter is the way to go when I want to really sink my teeth into some good juicy food. Plus it is healthy, it has antioxidants which protect you from cancer and heart disease. Also sweet corn improves your vision.
Corn is a vegetable and is a carbohydrate so it will give you energy. By eating corn on the cobb and not just from your plate you will stimulate your appetite more. The act of biting into something and tearing it off stimulates more saliva and boosts appetite.
45. Garlic Bread
Just smelling garlic bread makes people hungry. It it unlike other bread in that it is grilled or broiled until toasted. Of course this kind of bread has garlic as well as olive oil or butter. Plus it contains chives or parsley.
Eating garlic is healthy, it can help to lower blood pressure. Also because it contains allicin it may be helpful in treating hair loss. Having some type of pasta with garlic bread is the most popular way to eat it, but it can also be eaten as a snack while watching tv.
46. Tacos
Making a taco and eating a taco is an experience in and of itself. Choosing a crunchy taco shell, then adding in some seasoned beef. Plus including cheese, lettuce, and tomato. There are many other add-ons you can choose from and sauces.
A wide variety of tacos can be created which will grow your appetite after each one. The crunchy outer shell will ignite your taste buds and keep you chewing just to hear more crunch. Getting to the inside flavors of the taco will satisfy your stomach.
47. Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is quick and easy to make. Just pop it in the oven for 30 minutes, and by the time it is done you’ll be hungry after smelling all the flavors. The chicken and the soft crust are a great combination for lunch or dinner.
Because it is creamy and crunchy, you won’t be able to stop at just eating one pie. These pies are a finite size, this makes them easier to eat up, than seeing a large pile of food on your plate. Once you finish one it is easy to go onto the next one for gaining weight.
48. Bacon
Crispy bacon, normally eaten for breakfast in the morning is another one of those foods that can also be used as an appetizer to stimulate your hunger. It only takes a few strips of bacon to get your juices going.
Bacon does not have as much fat as you think. One slice has 3.3 grams, 3 grams of protein, plus vitamin s and minerals. It is high in cholesterol and sodium, so don’t over do it. Don’t make a meal out of it. Three slices at most, then have other food.
49. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The crunchy toasted texture of the bread mixed with the melted cheese make this sandwich a favorite of many. All you need are two slices of wheat bread, put butter on both slices. Then add your favorite cheese and grill in the oven.
You can have grilled cheese for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Add ham, chicken, or turkey too increase the amount of calories if you want to gain more weight. Better yet, how about you grill up two of these sandwiches.
50. Key Lime Pie
This is probably my favorite pie if I had to choose a favorite. Once I start to eat it I have trouble getting myself to stop. The key lime and the soft crunchy crust are amazing. Key limes are smaller and have more seeds than a regular lime.
Key limes have higher acidity, and a stronger aroma, giving it a stronger delicious taste. They are so good you don’t even need to add whipped cream. I normally add whipped cream to other pies but not key lime pie.
So now whenever you find that your appetite is weak you can come this list and find foods that will boost your appetite. There is something for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy.