Hello and welcome to the ultimate flavor party! I used to think vegan food meant boring plates of sad vegetables, but I was so wrong.
You are about to discover 22 vegan soul food recipes that pack a serious punch of comfort. We are talking about everything from creamy mac and cheese to crispy fried chicken.
These dishes prove you can ditch the meat without losing any of that southern heart.
1. Vegan Beef Stew
I know what you are thinking. How can beef stew possibly exist on a vegan menu?
This recipe uses TVP or soy chunks to mimic that hearty texture you crave. It is packed with potatoes, carrots, and celery for a filling meal.
The broth is so rich and savory that you will not even miss the meat. It is definitely worth a try.
2. Vegan Fried Okra
I honestly never liked okra until I tried this classic southern version. The bite sized pieces are incredibly addictive.
You make the batter with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk for a perfect coating. Seasonings like garlic powder and cayenne give it a nice kick.
The result is wonderfully crispy on the outside but light and fluffy on the inside.
3. Vegan Banana Pudding
This might just become the only way you ever want to make banana pudding. It combines bananas, plant-based milk, and vanilla for a dreamy dessert.
You also add turmeric, sweetener, and vegan butter to the mix. The result is unbelievably silky and creamy.
It is purely delicious.
4. Vegan Gumbo
This dish skips the usual meat and shellfish but still tastes spectacular. You get tons of flavor from the mix of mushrooms, vegetables, and beans.
The broth is thick and perfectly seasoned. It proves you do not need animal products to make a comforting gumbo.
5. Vegan Mashed Potatoes
You usually need milk and butter to make this side dish rich and creamy. This version uses roasted garlic and fresh chives to build flavor instead.
Swap in vegan butter for the dairy kind. It tastes surprisingly like the real thing.
6. Ultimate Vegan Chili
It is hard to picture chili without ground beef, but please give this a chance. The bowl is swimming with marinated tofu and beans.
It comes together in just one hour. You can even freeze it to satisfy cravings later.
This is truly the ultimate comfort food.
7. Vegan Pecan Pie
You cannot go wrong with this decadent treat when you need a vegan sweet. It features a sweet and crumbly crust that holds everything together.
The filling is thick, sticky, and caramel like. This pie is simply phenomenal.
8. Vegan Southern Soul Bowl
This colorful plate features mac and cheese next to cornbread and collard greens. You also get sweet and smoky tofu cubes to round it out.
It looks like a lot of work, but the whole thing comes together in just half an hour. It truly lives up to its name.
9. Vegan Potato Soup
This soup is ridiculously rich and creamy. It is hearty enough to serve as a standalone meal.
I recommend loading it up with fun vegan toppings. Try adding tempeh bacon, parsley, and roasted potato chunks for the best experience.
10. Vegan ‘Fried’ Chicken
Vegans can now enjoy the goodness of crispy fried chicken without the meat. It yields a product with crispy skin and moist flesh.
Longtime vegans will absolutely love this recipe. It satisfies that itch for a savory fried treat.
11. Vegan Jambalaya
This dish will make your Creole loving heart very happy. It features a colorful mix of tomato rice, beans, and vegan sausages.
Cajun seasonings make the taste buds jump for joy. Best of all, it only takes 30 minutes to make.
12. Vegan Hoppin’ John
Prepare for a treat with this classic southern mix of peas, vegetables, and rice. Traditional versions use meat like bacon or ham.
This recipe swaps those out for mushrooms. It sounds basic, but the textures will blow your mind.
13. Vegan Cheese Grits
You might think it is impossible to make this dish without dairy. This recipe uses nutritional yeast and vegan cheddar shreds to solve that problem.
It surprisingly works very well. Creativity allows you to enjoy cheesy grits completely plant-based.
14. Vegan Blueberry Cobbler
Imagine a cake like biscuit bottom topped with sweet and juicy blueberries. You also get a crunchy and crumbly topping to finish it off.
It is sensational on its own. I suggest serving it with a scoop of vegan ice cream for a perfect temperature contrast.
15. Vegan Collard Greens
This colorful mix features vegetable tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices. It is as good as this dish gets.
While it might not be exciting alone, it shines as a side. Serve it with mac and cheese for an unforgettable meal.
16. Classic Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese
Making this classic dish without dairy can be tricky. This blogger created a version that does not even taste like a plant-based substitute.
The secret ingredient is nutritional yeast. It creates a pretty impressive result.
17. Vegan Baked Beans
These beans are the epitome of southern BBQ sides. You get sweet, tangy, smoky, and spicy flavors all at once.
The sauce uses molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, and sriracha. It comes together in just one hour.
18. Vegan Pot Pie
A golden pastry crust encases a creamy and bubbly stew. This dish is wonderfully meaty thanks to vegan sausage and tofu.
It also features a beautiful medley of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and butternut squash. You might just convert after tasting this.
19. Vegan Chicken and Waffles
Nothing beats waking up to savory fried chicken and sweet waffles on a Saturday morning. The flavors and textures here are definitely on point.
Drizzle everything with maple syrup and vegan butter. No one will notice it isn’t real meat.
20. Southern-Style Vegan Black-Eyed Peas
Making this dish vegan can seem complicated since it usually relies on meat for flavor. This recipe uses hot sauce and spices to get the job done.
Liquid smoke really amps up the taste. They are so good that you will not miss the animal products.
21. Vegan Corn Fritters
These fritters are bursting with corn, bell peppers, and green onions. They are just as crunchy and flavor packed as you imagine.
Enjoy them as a snack with a dip. They also work great alongside soup or salad.
22. Vegan Hush Puppies
These treats are crunchy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. This recipe bakes them instead of deep frying in oil.
That means they are lower in calories. Every bite is absolute perfection.