Vegan comfort food recipes for the winter

Depending on where you live, the cold and gray may be making your February a bit of a drab. To make things more difficult, your New Year’s resolutions may have already fallen apart, making the whole march toward springtime feel even more challenging.

But the truth is, winter is still winding down, and so to get yourself through these next few weeks, we’ve found some of the best plant-based recipes for vegan comfort food that will leave you feeling warm and full.

Snacks to share

Focaccia Pizza with Tahini Balsamic Drizzle

A little pizza goes a long way. This recipe by YouTuber and recipe blogger couple Pick Up Limes is for a unique focaccia pizza perfect for enjoying as an appetizer or snack with friends and family. What beats a good slice of pizza, after all? You don’t even have to bake your own bread for this recipe! Just assemble the dish and throw it in the oven.

Vegan Cheese Fondue

Another winter favorite, this snack from Ela Vegan will bring you to the slopes of Switzerland. One of the more fun foods, fondue is good for dipping just about anything – crusty bread, cornichons, vegetables, potatoes wedges – whatever strikes your fancy. And this recipe is 100% dairy-free, of course.

Vegan Spinach Artichoke Cups

The crispy flakiness of phyllo dough and the vegetal creaminess of spinach and artichoke dip, all within the convenience of a little cup? Count us in. These Vegan Spinach Artichoke Cups from Vegan Huggs look fancy but are super simple to put together. You probably already have most of the spices and other ingredients in your pantry already! This crowd favorite only needs to sit in the oven for about 10 minutes before it’s ready to serve.

Hummus Quesadillas

Another easy dish that’s customizable according to what you actually want to eat, this Hummus Quesadilla from Cookie + Kate is adjustable according to your tastes. Using hummus instead of cheese, these quesadillas are easy to find the ingredients for at pretty much any supermarket – no fancy vegan-inclusive store necessary. Use any fillings you’re craving and throw each quesadilla together in a stovetop pan. It’s the perfect last-minute sharing snack.

Meals

Creamy Mushroom Pasta (Nut-Free)

Often, when a vegan dish is creamy or cheesy, it also includes nut-based sauces. However, this mushroom pasta from Mina-Rome doesn’t rely on nuts for its creaminess. Instead, the combination of ingredients like spelt flour, nutritional yeast and soy milk help make this pasta recipe super comforting and fun. There are few meals more satisfying than a big bowl of pasta!.

Receta de Paella de Verduras – Vegetarian Paella Recipe

Although this recipe from La Tienda Kitchens is labeled as “vegetarian,” it’s also vegan friendly. So if you’re looking for some warm vegan comfort food that’s also full of all kinds of colorful veggies, then consider making this Spanish rice dish. Zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions … getting your daily serving of vegetables has never been easier.

Malai Tofu Curry

Eating curry is a special experience of warmth. With spices in the sauce like cayenne, cardamom, ginger and garlic, there is no lack of flavor in this tofu paneer from Vegan Richa. Tofu is one of the more versatile plant-based protein sources, as proved in this recipe. It’s great to serve for a large family meal or to store for leftover meals later in the week.

One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Eating a classic slice of lasagna is always gratifying, but nothing warms up your bones like a steaming bowl of soup. Luckily, you can have the best of both worlds with this lasagna soup. Another great dish from Pick Up Limes, this soup is made in a single pot, so you don’t have to worry about washing too many dishes afterward. With a total cook time of about 35 minutes, this isn’t a long-simmering soup, either. Just make sure to break up the lasagna noodles into small enough bites to eat.

Something sweet

Air Fryer Apple Wedges

Air fryers are the kitchen gadget to have right now. And, if you have one, then you can make these super simple, warm apple-y wedges in it. Both gluten-free and vegan, they’re definitely a crowd-pleaser. This relatively healthy dessert from That Girl Cooks Healthy is easy, inexpensive, and delicious with only six ingredients.

Vegan Chocolate Lava Cake

No, a chocolate lava cake is not just underbaked cake! It actually has melted ganache in the middle. So if you’re looking for a fun dessert, or if you want to impress a dinner date, then this dessert from Sarah’s Vegan Kitchen is the one for you.

Vegan Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky toffee pudding is always a good idea for something a little more traditional and rich. Flavored with nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger, this dessert from Loving it Vegan is perfect for the wintertime. And with both light and brown sugar, the caramelly sweetness of this sweet treat cannot be topped.

Healthy Edible Cookie Dough

You could bake cookies. Or, instead, you can make a cookie dough that’s meant to be eaten raw. This “healthy” dessert from Anjali Shah at The Picky Eater is vegan and gluten-free and only requires seven ingredients! Add in some peanut or almond butter for an even more satisfying eating experience.

Beverages

Butterbeer

Whether you are a “Harry Potter” nerd or not, you will love this warm wintery beverage from Mina-Rome. You can make it with or without alcohol, so it’s safe for all ages to warm up with. For those who prefer their drinks sweet and creamy, don’t miss out on this vegan butterbeer recipe.

Sweet and Spicy Almond Butter Date Latte

Can’t decide between something sweet or spicy to get cozy with? Why not both? Flavored with orange peel, almond butter and cayenne and sweetened with dates, this earthy, citrusy drink from Rainbow Plant Life will spice up your day. Add as much coffee as you prefer for a boost of caffeine.

Super Creamy Vegan Hot Chocolate

What kind of winter beverage list would be complete without the inclusion of hot chocolate? You’re never too old to enjoy it, and even without dairy, it’s still just as good as you remember. You can also adjust the sugar depending on what you prefer. This super simple recipe for hot chocolate from Veggie and the Beast will bring you back to childhood snow days.

Maple Sea Salt Latte

Another coffee-based recipe, this Maple Sea Salt Latte from The First Mess is a bit simpler than our sweet and spicy friend mentioned above. If you have an espresso machine of any kind, then you’re ready to go! Maple syrup is used to sweeten and subtly flavor this latte recipe with a more complex flavor than using just plain sugar. And the addition of sea salt will have you wondering why you haven’t thought to add it to your morning coffee before now.

You can stay warm this winter and get the most out of your favorite cold-weather foods while still avoiding meat and dairy. No compromise is necessary to feel cozy and full with these vegan comfort foods. As winter begins to wind down, now is the best time to check out some new recipes before you’ll be in search of the lighter foods of spring and summer.

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