Yes, vegan comfort food can be this good! This list of plant-based recipes includes nostalgic snacks, late-night eats and takeout copycats.
19 Vegan Comfort Food Recipes for Cozy Nights In
Updated on Aug. 22, 2024
1/19
General Tso’s Cauliflower
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cauliflower florets are deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right amount of kick. General Tso's cauliflower is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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.
2/19
Smoky Vegan Bacon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegan bacon recipe is a must for any meatless eater! You won't believe how similar it is to the real thing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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.
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.
3/19
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.
4/19
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.
5/19
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.
6/19
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.
7/19
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.
8/19
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.
9/19
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.
10/19
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.
11/19
12/19
Vegan Butter Cauliflower
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this Indian butter cauliflower recipe for all the picky eaters in my family who love ethnic food. It's also vegan-friendly. —Mihaela Metaxa-Albu, London, New York
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.
13/19
Chickpea & Potato Curry
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make chana masala, the classic Indian chickpea curry, in my slow cooker. First browning the onion, ginger and garlic really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas
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.
14/19
Vegan Ranch Dressing
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
There are so many ways to serve this vegan ranch dressing recipe! Use it for dipping, on salads or in recipes that call for regular ranch dressing. Fresh herbs really brighten the flavor, but dried herbs can be used, too. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
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.
15/19
Vegan Tortilla Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Quinoa may be an unconventional ingredient, but it adds protein in this vegan tortilla soup, making it hearty enough for a main dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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.
16/19
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Now everyone can enjoy this classic Thanksgiving side. Just a few small tweaks make this a vegan green bean casserole, but no one will taste the difference! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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.
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.
17/19
18/19
Falafel
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Falafel is a common street food in the Middle East. They are gluten free, crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor from cilantro, mint, coriander and nutty sesame seeds. Parsley can be added or used instead of mint. The classic version is deep-fried, but they can also be pan-fried, baked or cooked in an air fryer. Serve in or alongside pita bread with red onion, tomato, pickled cucumber and tahini sauce. —Nithya Narasimhan, Chennai, India
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.
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.
19/19
