Everybody’s definition of comfort food is a little bit different. For some of us, it’s all about the carbs, for others the ooey-gooey cheese. Some of us crave crunchy bites while others can’t get enough of creamy sauces. The one thing we can all agree on? Comfort food must be hearty and satisfying. Luckily, plenty of dishes check off all the feel-good boxes—even ones that are vegetarian-friendly. From veggie pastas and meatless casseroles to vegetarian chilis and plant-based burgers, you’ll find exactly what you’re craving in this comfort food roundup. Getting hungry? Make Trisha’s pot pie. Chock full of peas, carrots and potatoes, it’s just as decadent as other versions. Plus, it uses premade pie dough for a crispy crust that comes together with ease.
Giada uses heavy cream to achieve an irresistible creamy richness in her classic fettuccine Alfredo. Use fresh lemon juice to cut through the heaviness of the cream and add a kick of freshness.
Attention, vegetarians! You don't have to miss out on a classic blue-plate special any longer. This mushroom version has the exact same breading used for chicken-fried steak (it works great), fried until it's golden and crispy. Be generous with the flavor-packed veggie gravy (you can make it ahead and freeze it for up to a month).
We took inspiration from the classic French dish of braised beef and veggies and transformed it into a vegetarian-friendly meal. The combination of mixed mushrooms adds earthiness and umami to the sauce, while the tender parsnips and carrots deliver just the right amount of creaminess and textural appeal. Serve over tender egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes or a bowl of polenta for a hearty and comforting meal.
An Italian favorite gets a gluten-free makeover thanks to almond meal. Cleanup is also easier: Instead of frying in a skillet, bake the nut-crusted eggplant on a rack until it's golden brown.
Use a favorite creamy cheese, Havarti, in this comforting casserole. The mild Danish cheese is widely available in different flavors — try dill or caraway for extra punch.
A New Orleans po'boy is traditionally loaded with fresh seafood from the coast and sandwiched between a soft French-style loaf. In this version, we kept the classic fixings, such as sliced tomato, finely shredded lettuce and a generous drizzle of homemade remoulade sauce. But we swapped in wild mushrooms that are "chicken fried" — coated in a shaggy buttermilk and seasoned flour batter, then deep fried to golden perfection, giving you a hearty vegetarian alternative to the beloved sandwich. We opted for maitake and oyster mushrooms because they hold the batter well and fry up crispy, but a variety of mushrooms would work well for this recipe.
A hearty chili made with butternut squash and fluffy cornbread comes together in this single-skillet meal. Serve it with extra sour cream and pickled jalapenos on the side for topping.
No need for a flour-and-butter roux in this easy stovetop version of an old favorite: The cream cheese adds body and richness. If your mac and cheese gets a little stiff as it cools, just stir in some warm water to smooth it out — it works like a charm!
Who needs meat? This unique twist on classic chicken-fried steak gives vegetarians an indulgent main course that will make even meat eaters a little jealous.
Don't let these veggie burgers fool you: They may look like fried-chicken sandwiches, but they're actually packed with plant protein and fiber and flavor! We love the simple broiler method for cooking the patties. A light coating of cooking spray makes the outside come out nice and crunchy.
I’ve yet to have a better chickpea dish than chana masala or chickpea curry. There are many versions of this dish. My favorite is when the chickpeas are smothered with a delicious thick, piquant and spiced gravy. Many recipes start with dried chickpeas that are infused with black tea and cardamom. This is an easy take that starts with canned chickpeas, so you can make it even on a weekday. I like it even more the next day, and it also freezes really well.
Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Kale and Mushrooms
Don't be alarmed by how much kale you start with for this recipe. It will cook down quite a bit and pairs deliciously with the creamy pasta and shiitake mushrooms.
Baked pasta is always a super-easy crowd-pleaser, and Giada's recipe is no exception. The secret to roasting vegetables perfectly is to cut them all about the same size so they cook evenly in the oven.
Eggplant Parm is the perfect dish to satisfy a savory craving, especially when served on a fluffy bun. Dip the eggplant in egg and dredge it through the breadcrumbs for a crispy result.
