Vegan comfort food can be just as cozy and delicious as its meat-based counterparts. From rib-sticking Vegan Stuffed Shells and vegan Mac and Cheese to quick weeknight dinners like this Creamy Mushroom Country Gravy and hearty Veggie Chili, we’ve got you covered for the ultimate plant-based comfort meal!
Breakfast
Breakfast is the day’s first meal, so it’s important to start your day with a filling and nutritious breakfast. Many vegan breakfast options can provide a balanced meal with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, and they’re easy to make with the right vegan cooking supplies. For example, tofu scramble and toast, chia pudding, or pancakes with fruit and agave syrup can all be vegan. Alternatively, you can also try a smoothie bowl with bananas, strawberries, and kale. These recipes will give you a range of ideas so you can find the one that best suits your taste preferences.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, you can opt for a vegan chocolate cake or a layered vegan parfait with fruit and nuts. If you prefer savory food for your morning meal, go with a vegan burrito or a hearty bean/potato dish. For something special, you can prepare a vegan pot pie. This dish has all the comforting qualities of a classic meat-based potpie, but it is made with a flaky veggie crust and a hearty mix of vegetables, chickpeas, mushrooms, and other goods that will have you reaching for more and more.
You can also add a little variety to your breakfast by adding some zing with a serving of spicy buffalo cauliflower wings. These plant-based wings are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and tossed in a tangy and spicy sauce. You can even make them gluten-free by making sure the sauce is gluten-free and choosing gluten-free bread.
Always check the menu when dining out and ask if a dish can be made without eggs or dairy. It’s also a good idea to keep your blood sugar levels stable in the morning, so you should avoid sweetened beverages and limit the amount of sugar that you consume in any breakfast food.
When cooking at home, try to stay away from foods that are too processed and high in sugar. Sticking to whole foods will help you create delicious and satisfying meals. If you’re looking for quick and easy recipes to make in a pinch, you can also use pre-made vegan options that are available in many grocery stores.
Lunch
For lunch, vegan comfort foods can come in the form of salads, soups, and even hearty sandwiches. For a nutritious yet filling meal, try this healthy vegetarian taco salad featuring hearty vegetables like carrots and kale in a creamy avocado dressing with crunchy chickpeas and tangy feta. This recipe is also easy to make ahead, so it’s a great option for packing into work lunch containers.
Or, for a quick and easy plant-based take on a burger, this vegan veggie patty is baked instead of fried. Then, top with all your favorite sandwich toppings on a whole grain bun for a satisfying lunch that’s good for you too.
If you’re craving classic comfort food, this vegan shepherd’s pie is perfect for those times when you want to hunker down with a warm and hearty meal. This dish is made with vegan meats and vegetables in a rich sauce with a mashed potato crust, making it deliciously comforting and nutritious.
This vegan eggplant parmigiana is another great dish for comfort food lovers who are going dairy-free. The rich and cheesy sauce is made from nutritional yeast, potatoes, cashews, and spices, so it’s actually pretty healthy! Plus, it tastes just as good as the real thing.
Try this healthy vegan chocolate chip cookie when you’re craving a snack or dessert. It’s gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease or other dietary restrictions. Plus, it’s made with almond flour, so it’s a healthy plant-based alternative to traditional cookies.
And finally, no vegan comfort food list would be complete without some buffalo wings. These ones from Simply Vegan are baked instead of fried and tossed with a spicy, tangy buffalo sauce. They’re a healthier and much more delicious option than fried wings, so they’re a great way to satisfy your Buffalo wing cravings on a budget. The best part is that these vegan buffalo wings are super easy to make at home. All you need are a few ingredients and some time to whip up a batch of these mouthwatering bites. Then, you can enjoy them as a snack or with a side of ranch for dipping.
Dinner
There are plenty of ways to stay warm and satisfy your comfort food cravings, even if you’re vegan. From rib-sticking, vegetarian stuffed shells with spinach and ricotta to hearty and filling vegan mac and “cheese” with peas and mushrooms, there are plenty of warm winter meals to choose from.
Vegan meals can also be made with a range of protein-rich vegetables, beans, and nuts that can help keep you satisfied for longer. Some people worry that without meat, they will not get enough protein in their diet, but with all the great plant-based proteins available – such as soy, tofu, lentils, and quinoa – it’s easy to include sufficient amounts of protein in your daily diet.
A vegan diet is full of delicious, comforting meals from all kinds of cuisines. From Asian to American and Italian, there are plenty of delicious meals to try out.
One of our favorite vegan recipes is this vegan version of Southern fried chicken. The crispy, flavorful coating of the vegan version is just as delicious as its meaty counterpart. Another popular vegan recipe is this vegan curry with tofu and squash. The combination of vegetables and tofu makes this dish so satisfying, and the creamy basil cashew cream sauce is sure to please.
When the cold weather strikes, nothing quite like a bowl of soup hits the spot. And this vegan vegetable pot pie is a delicious option, with a filling mixture of mushrooms, chickpeas, and carrots in a rich gravy.
And finally, no list of vegan comfort foods would be complete without a dish of good old-fashioned spaghetti with tomato sauce. This vegan take on a classic is made with a mix of vegetables and toasted tofu, making for a substantial meal just as hearty as its meaty counterpart.
Eating a vegan diet doesn’t have to be difficult, boring, or tasteless! With all the delicious, warming meals on offer, it’s easy to create a plant-based dinner that will satisfy your comfort food cravings and give you lots of energy for the rest of the day.
Dessert
Some vegans prefer savory meals for comfort, while others go all-in and make vegan desserts a regular part of their diet. Regardless of your preferences, there’s sure to be a plant-based dish that satisfies your cravings for a cozy meal.
Some of these dishes are quick and easy for weeknight dinners, while others are perfect for a lazy Sunday when you want to curl up on the couch and watch a movie with your loved one or a good friend.
The classic tuna pasta gets a clever plant-based makeover in this recipe from Rachel Ama’s Vegan Eats, which uses jackfruit in place of canned fish. The result is a creamy, satisfying meal that’s budget-friendly and healthy.
Another one-pot recipe, this creamy mushroom country gravy from The World of the Happy Pear is perfect for a cozy night with family and friends. Serve with a hearty salad or roasted vegetables on the side to make a filling and balanced dinner that will please everyone.
Shepherd’s pie is a winter comfort food staple, and this plant-based version from Ainsley Harries is the ultimate dish to lift your spirits. It’s filled with tender vegetables, potatoes, and chestnuts scented with fennel and sage. Topped with a flaky crust, it’s a delicious way to warm up on a cold day.
A bowl of creamy soup can be a great comfort food, especially when adding some hearty beans and veggies. This vegan version of chicken noodle soup from Simple Vegan is quick and easy to whip up for a nourishing and comforting meal.
Another bowl of soup makes it onto our list of vegan comfort foods, but the base is a luscious cashew coconut cream this time. The recipe is also free from refined cane sugar, so it’s a healthier alternative to the traditional dairy-based version.
If you’re a fan of sweet treats for your comfort meals, this vegan peanut butter blondie recipe from The Creative Vegan is a winner. It’s rich and decadent but still has a hint of healthiness thanks to the use of whole grains and bananas instead of chocolate. Just be careful to look for a dark chocolate bar that’s made without palm oil since many brands contain it.
