25 Vegan Comfort Food Recipes for Cozy Nights In
Updated: Feb. 23, 2024
Yes, vegan comfort food can be this good! This list of plant-based recipes includes nostalgic snacks, late-night eats and takeout copycats.
The words “comfort food” might bring to mind hearty pot roasts or cheese-smothered noodles—not exactly plant-based food. But, like vegan dinner recipes and vegan snacks, the options for vegan comfort food are vast. This list of recipes includes reimagined classics like mac and cheese, lasagna and even potpie—perfect vegan recipes for kids and adults. We also share cozy recipes from around the world, like ramen, chickpea stew and curry. You’ll even find five-ingredient vegan recipes.
Whether you’re warming up after a cold day or unwinding after a stressful week, there’s a vegan comfort food recipe for you. End your meal with a plant-based treat like vegan chocolate cupcakes.
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General Tso’s Cauliflower
Deep-fried foods definitely fall into the comfort category, and some, like this one, are naturally vegan. This recipe transforms a traditional chicken dish into a delightful vegan main using the humble cauliflower. Mild, sturdy cauliflower stands up well to frying and complements the kicky spice blend beautifully.
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Vegan Mac and Cheese
This creamy, ooey-gooey bowl of noodles uses two secret weapons from the vegan cook’s pantry: cashews and nutritional yeast. Blended cashews have a mild, nutty flavor and smooth creaminess that nicely mimics dairy, while nutritional yeast delivers an intense, savory umami flavor, similar to dairy cheese. If you use gluten-free macaroni noodles, the dinner will be GF too.
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Vegan Sloppy Joes
Sloppy joes are a classic cafeteria-inspired comfort food. Turns out, the best parts (delicious sauce plus rich filling plus squishy bun) are easy to translate to vegan ingredients. Tender, mild red lentils stand in for the meat, while a from-scratch sauce delivers piquant sweetness.
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Vegan Queso
Savory, rich queso dip is a classic potluck comfort food. Bring it to the game day spread or holiday table. A combination of cashews and almond milk form a creamy base for the gloopy cheese, while nutritional yeast, chiles and spices pack plenty of Southwestern flavor. Serve with tortilla chips or sliced veggies.
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Smoky Vegan Bacon
Miss the savory, smoky crunch of bacon? This clever vegan recipe recreates it using carrots. Believe it—most of the flavor comes from the sweet-smoky seasoning mix that “cures” the carrot in a caramelized maple syrupy crust. The carrot softens and turns chewy and slightly crunchy during cooking. Serve alongside vegan breakfast, turn into a faux BLT or chop it up to toss in a salad.
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Vegan Alfredo Sauce
Since most dried pastas are naturally vegan, a big bowl of pasta is an easy, comforting dinner option. While tomato sauce is an obvious choice, there’s no need to skip out on creamy vegan pasta sauces. This Alfredo sauce is every bit as smooth and savory as the real thing, thanks to soaked cashews and simple garlic-based seasoning.
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Vegan Chili
Dinner doesn’t get much cozier than a big pot of chili and warm bread, and these vegan breads are just the pairing. Since chili draws flavor mainly from its secret spice blend, hearty tomato sauce and chunky beans and veggies, you won’t even miss the meat.
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Vegan Mashed Potatoes
While there are umpteen potato recipes, it’s tough to beat mashed potatoes for coziness. This simple vegan mashed potato recipe calls for vegan butter and plant-based milk to replace the dairy in traditional preparations.
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Vegan Stuffed Shells
Baked pastas are oh-so-cozy, but can you replicate the comfort factor without a blanket of melted cheese? (Spoiler alert: You can!) Plus, these stuffed shells ditch ground meat in favor of seasoned, crumbled tofu and minced mushrooms, which provide that elusive umami flavor.
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Vegan Meatballs
Craving a meatier vegan pasta recipe? Try these from-scratch meatballs, which transform black beans and ground oats into savory faux meatballs. They taste delicious with any noodles, from plain spaghetti to gluten-free noodles to zoodles. They’re also great on rolls for meatball sandwiches.
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Vegan Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie originally referred to a shop that sold cured meats, but the pre-meal spreads have expanded far beyond that definition, including breads, fruits, cheeses and dips as well as meat. Our board subs regular meats and cheeses for vegan cheese and vegan meats; we also have ideas for yummy dips and other creative inclusions.
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Vegan Enchiladas
Creamy, saucy enchiladas are easy to turn vegan—even with a thick cheese sauce! The secret is an adaptation of cashew cheese, a back-pocket recipe for vegan cheese lovers. This recipe can also be made gluten-free if you use corn tortillas. Serve with salsa and guacamole, both of which are usually vegan.
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Vegan Ramen
Throw away those stale old ramen packets—the real thing is so much more flavorful and satisfying. While traditional ramen is often made with beef or pork, vegan ramen is every bit as filling and rich thanks to an ingredients list packed with umami flavors like mushrooms, soy sauce and miso.
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Vegan Lasagna
Sausage and ricotta-stuffed lasagna might sound like an impossible dream for a vegan, but this recipe makes it happen. Store-bought vegan sausage is easy to find in many supermarkets, while crumbly, creamy ricotta cheese can be made at home with an ingenious mix of tofu, tahini and seasonings. Vegan lasagna makes a show-stopping dinner for parties and holidays.
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Vegan Potpie
This incredible vegan recipe is really a two-parter: a flaky vegan pie crust and a creamy, saucy, succulent filling. The pastry crust calls for vegan butter, preferably a brand that bakes well. We love Miyokos vegan butter for that reason. The potpie filling has a creamy almond milk sauce to smother vegan chicken, but you can swap in chickpeas, chopped tofu or another favorite vegan protein of your choice.
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Vegan Burritos
Stuffed burritos are a favorite vegan dinner for everyone in the family, even the meat eaters. Since rice and beans are a classic filling, you hardly have to tweak the recipe to make it meatless. Serve with plenty of salsa and guacamole on the side.
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Vegan Butter Cauliflower
This recipe updates the popular Indian dish of butter chicken for vegan eaters. Mild-flavored cauliflower holds up well to long simmering in the fragrant sauce, made with coconut milk and plenty of spices. Serve with rice and crispy chickpeas for a complete vegan meal.
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Chickpea & Potato Curry
Many Indian recipes are entirely vegetarian, and their delicious spice blends deliver plenty of flavor minus animal products. This classic curry is a one-bowl meal, complete with protein, vegetables, grain and sauce. Feel free to add more minced vegetables—carrots, mushrooms, cauliflower or spinach would be tasty.
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Vegan Ranch Dressing
The buttermilk tang of ranch dressing can be made vegan! Simply dash cider vinegar into your favorite plant-based milk, thicken with vegan mayo and add plenty of fresh herbs. This dressing makes a delicious salad topper or dip.
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Vegan Tortilla Soup
The spicy flavors of tortilla soup taste just as delicious in this vegan recipe. While traditional tortilla soups often call for chicken, this soup is equally hearty thanks to black beans, quinoa and cubed avocado.
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Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Give one of the most beloved Thanksgiving side dishes a vegan makeover so everyone at the table can enjoy it. This one will require a trip to the grocery store, as it calls for nondairy sour cream, butter and cheddar.
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Vegan Tacos
No need to skip taco Tuesday when you’re a vegan. These easy tacos are full of flavor and protein. The recipe includes homemade pico de gallo, but make it extra speedy by using jarred salsa.
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Falafel
Deep-fried, crispy falafel feel as satisfying as anything on the fast-food menu, but they’re actually vegan and gluten-free! If you’re nervous about making falafel at home, read our guide to deep-frying with confidence.
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Vegan Stir-Fry
Stir-frying is one of our favorite methods for cooking a fast, flexible one-bowl meal. Vegan stir-fry is more of a template. You can vary the flavorings, vegetables and proteins as much as you like based on the seasons, your appetite or what’s in the crisper drawer.
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Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This classic dinner recipe doesn’t have to include cream to be comforting. In fact, using soaked cashews makes this vegan soup both super creamy and packed with protein, leaving you fuller after a bowlful. Serve with a tasty sandwich or salad.Originally Published: December 18, 2023
