Vegan Comfort Food Recipes: Plant-Based Twists on ClassicsYou know that feeling when you just want to cozy up on the couch with a warm bowl of mac and cheese or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich? Comfort food doesn’t have to be unhealthy or non-vegan. In fact, some of the most delicious comfort foods can be made with simple plant-based ingredients. Forget what you think you know about vegan food—it’s not all salads and sprouts.
Vegan comfort food is hearty, satisfying, and brings back memories of childhood favorites. In this article, you’ll discover recipes for classic comfort foods like creamy pasta, sloppy Joes, shepherd’s pie, and chocolate chip cookies—all made vegan. Your taste buds will rejoice and you may even find some new favorite foods. The best part is you’ll feel good about eating these cozy, cruelty-free meals. Curl up and dig in!
What Is Vegan Comfort Food?
Comfort food is all about nostalgia, familiarity, and indulgence. Vegan comfort food takes the hearty, savory flavors you know and love and gives them a plant-based twist.
The classics reimagined
Think veggie pot pies, cashew mac and cheese, jackfruit BBQ sandwiches, and coconut-based ice cream. The options are endless. Some recipes aim to recreate the exact taste and texture of traditional comfort food using plant-based ingredients. Others are inspired by the classics but take on a life of their own.
Familiar flavors
Vegan comfort food relies on ingredients that provide a sense of coziness and satisfaction. Things like mushrooms, lentils, beans, and root vegetables are staples. Warming spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), starchy bases (rice, mashed potatoes), and rich sauces (creamy cashew alfredo, mushroom gravy) are also common.
Shareable and indulgent
The best vegan comfort food is meant for sharing with others. It’s rib-sticking, second-helping fare. While plant-based, it’s not usually low in fat or calories. But when made from whole foods, it can absolutely be part of a balanced diet. An occasional indulgence in vegan biscuits and gravy, shepherd’s pie or banana bread pudding won’t hurt anyone!
Vegan comfort food is all about reimagining traditional favorites in creative, compassionate ways. At its heart, it’s food that just makes you feel good.
Top 10 Vegan Comfort Food Recipes
Some of the tastiest comfort foods are classics made vegan. Here are 10 plant-based recipes to satisfy your cravings:
Mac and Cheese
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? This vegan version uses plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, and vegan cheese to create a creamy dairy-free sauce. Pour it over cooked elbow pasta and top with breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
Chili
A bowl of chili is the ultimate comfort on a cold day. Use beans, veggies, and vegan meat crumbles to make a hearty chili flavored with chili powder, cumin, oregano, and crushed tomatoes. Serve topped with avocado, vegan sour cream, scallions, and cornbread.
Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes with maple syrup are a weekend favorite. Replace the eggs and dairy milk in your usual recipe with ingredients like mashed banana, plant-based milk, and baking powder. Cook the pancakes on a hot griddle and top with maple syrup, fruit, and vegan butter.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side for comfort food meals. Peel and chop russet potatoes, then boil until tender. Mash with plant-based milk, vegan butter, salt, and pepper. For extra decadence, stir in vegan sour cream and chives.
Vegan Meatloaf
A vegan spin on the iconic meatloaf, made with plant-based meat, breadcrumbs, ketchup, and savory spices. Mash everything together, form into a loaf and bake until browned on top and firm to the touch. Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a vegetable side. Comfort food at its finest!
Vegan Mac and Cheese: Creamy and Satisfying
Vegan mac and cheese is comfort food at its best. This plant-based version delivers the creamy, cheesy satisfaction you crave without the dairy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/3 cup flour or starch (arrowroot, cornstarch or potato starch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups non-dairy milk (soy, almond, oat, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a blender, combine the nutritional yeast, flour/starch, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric and salt. Blend until well combined.
- Heat the milk and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. When bubbles start to form around the edge, slowly whisk in the flour mixture.
- Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water to thin out the sauce. Add more water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Pour the cheesy sauce over the cooked pasta and stir to coat. Season with more salt and spices to taste. Serve hot.
This vegan mac and cheese is creamy comfort food at its dairy-free best. One bite of the cheesy pasta and you’ll be transported back to childhood. Satisfy your craving for classic comfort fare without compromising your values. A perfect meal for feeding a crowd or a cozy night in.
Cozy Vegan Chili: Warm and Hearty
A hearty vegan chili is the perfect comfort food for a chilly day. This cozy chili is packed with veggies, beans, and spices to warm you from the inside out.
Read more:Classic Dessert Recipes Made Easy: Sweet Treats Without the Fuss
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can each of black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, and green pepper until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes until thickened. Longer simmering, up to 1 hour, will result in a thicker chili.
- Remove bay leaves before serving. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional garnishes: vegan cheese, avocado, cilantro, scallions, tortilla chips.
This vegan chili is ideal for a cozy night in. Curl up on the couch with a warm bowl of chili and your favorite movie or TV show. The mixture of beans provides protein to keep you satisfied, while the variety of veggies adds nutrition. Adjust the spices to your desired heat level for a customized bowl of comfort. Leftovers also freeze great for up to 3 months—perfect for a quick meal on another chilly day.
Decadent Vegan Chocolate Cake: Rich and Indulgent
A decadent vegan chocolate cake is the ultimate comfort food indulgence. This rich and fudgy cake will satisfy any chocolate craving without using eggs or dairy.
Ingredients
For the cake:
-1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
-1 cup granulated sugar
-3/4 cup cocoa powder
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 cup almond milk
-1/3 cup vegetable oil
-1 tablespoon vanilla extract
-1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
For the frosting:
-3 cups confectioners’ sugar
-1/2 cup cocoa powder
-1/3 cup almond milk
-1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the almond milk, oil, vanilla, and vinegar.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the frosting by whisking together the confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, almond milk, coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the frosting evenly between the cake layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop and the frosting to set. Enjoy!
This decadent chocolate cake is rich, fudgy and perfect for any special occasion or just when you need an indulgent treat. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FAQ
FAQ
Wondering if a vegan comfort food diet can work for you? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What ingredients are used in vegan comfort food?
The key is finding plant-based substitutes for common animal products used in classic comfort foods. Some options include:
- Veggie meat crumbles or veggie meatballs instead of ground beef
- Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
- Plant-based milks like almond or oat milk in place of cow’s milk
- Egg replacements such as flax eggs, banana, or commercial egg replacer for baking
- Coconut oil or vegetable oil in place of butter
Will I get enough protein?
Absolutely, as long as you eat a variety of plant-based protein sources. Good options include:
- Lentils, chickpeas, beans, and legumes
- Tofu, tempeh, and seitan
- Nut butters like peanut butter
- Nuts and seeds
By combining a few of these foods in your daily diet, you can easily meet your protein needs on a vegan diet.
What about missing nutrients like B12 or iron?
Some nutrients like vitamin B12, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron are more challenging to get from plants alone. The good news is that many foods are now fortified with these nutrients. You can also take supplements if needed. It’s a good idea to track your diet for a while to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.
Will I have to give up my favorite comfort foods?
Not at all! With some simple substitutions, you can veganize most classic comfort foods. Things like mashed potatoes, pasta, chili, stews, casseroles, and soups are easy to make vegan. And don’t worry, you can still have vegan versions of mac and cheese, pizza, burgers, meatloaf, shepherd’s pie, and more. Going vegan doesn’t mean giving up delicious, satisfying food.
Conclusion
So there you have it, vegan versions of some classic comfort foods that will satisfy your cravings without compromising your values. With creamy mac and cheese, savory pot pies, and hearty stews, you’ll never feel deprived. And the best part is, these recipes are easy to make and budget-friendly, so you can whip them up whenever the mood strikes. Now that you’re armed with these cozy plant-based recipes, you have no excuse not to curl up on the couch with a bowl of your favorite comfort food and your favorite show. Happy cooking and bon appetit! May these vegan comfort foods bring you warmth, nostalgia and satisfaction.
