The chilly weather sparks serious comfort food cravings, and vegans don't have to be left out in the cold. With a slew of meat alternatives, convincing vegan cheese, and a lot of creativity from vegan cooks, eating a vegan meal can be every bit as satisfying as traditional comfort food fare. Whether you’re craving filling pot pie or rich mac and cheese, these 23 vegan comfort food recipes will deliver when you need something a little more indulgent.
Minimalist Baker
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
Jackfruit is that magical produce that seems to perfectly replicate meat in almost any dish. Thanks to its growing popularity, it's become relatively easy to find in grocery stores. Just make sure you buy a young green jackfruit in water, not brine or syrup. This is the key to achieving proper flavor and texture. Then all you need to do is sauté and add A LOT of barbecue sauce. (via Minimalist Baker)
Natural Girl, Modern World
Mushroom Stroganoff
Balance cozy carbs with nourishing vegetables in this mushroom stroganoff and you get the best of both worlds.
Ela Vegan
Vegan Chickpea Curry
When you mix chickpeas with eggplant, coconut milk, Indian spices, and rice you'll end up with the most satisfying vegan curry. When spicing your curry, be sure to select a blend that incorporates fresh spices to give you the maximum amount of health benefits and flavor.
Nutritional Foodie
Vegan Sweet Potato Nachos
It can be difficult to cut back on carbs when you’re vegan (or for anybody, really). Thankfully, sweet potato tortilla chips are here to solve that problem. Things get serious when you coat them in vegan cheese sauce and then pile them high with your favorite nacho toppings.
Hot for Food
Roasted Corn Chowder
Calling all ambitious chefs with leftover corn on the cob: This corn chowder is a bit involved to make but the results are 100 percent worth it. Corn kernels thicken the chowder that's scented with smoked paprika and thyme for a soothing bite with every spoonful.
Vegan in the Freezer
Dairy-Free Herbed Scalloped Potatoes
Potatoes baked into a casserole that's covered in a creamy white sauce is comfort food at its best. All you need to do is sprinkle a few herbs on top for a little somethin' extra.
Pinch of Yum
Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea Glow Bowl
This spiced bowl will soon be your new go-to for an ultra comforting, super nutritious, plant-based meal. There's so much deliciousness packed into this recipe that it'll be hard to pick your favorite part. Moroccan-spiced chickpeas are simmered in a sauce of fire-roasted tomatoes and then spooned atop couscous that's cooked and fluffed to perfection. Oh yeah, and there’s cucumber salad, some lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs to the max.
Vegetarian Ventures
Creamy Vegetarian White Chili
By this point in winter you probably want soup for every meal, and that's where this white chili comes in. It’s warm, filling, tasty, and not average in any way. Pro tip: Add lots of toppings for a wide variety of texture in your bowl.
This Savory Vegan
Vegan White Mac and Cheese
If you dream about a mac and cheese without the taste of nutritional yeast, this recipe will make your dreams come true. It turns out that the answer is vegan cream cheese and a dash of hot sauce. Who knew?! Now that the secret is out, feel free to share — and don’t forget to make seconds!
Fooduzzi
Buffalo Chickpea Pizza
Buffalo sauce and chicken is a match made in heaven. Buffalo sauce with roasted chickpeas is pretty darn good too. With a buffalo hummus base that incorporates just the right amount of spice, and a crispy cheesy topping, this recipe is about to be your new obsession.
Lazy Cat Kitchen
Vegan Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of the easiest dishes to veganize because it already comes layered with an array of crunchy vegetables and cubes of tofu. The tricky part is substituting the fish sauce, but this is actually easier than it seems. You can either buy a non-fish-based fish sauce, or simply prepare your own by infusing soy sauce (or tamari) with a bit of seaweed and dried mushrooms.
Feasting on Fruit
Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recreate a comforting, nostalgic childhood favorite with these gluten-free, vegan treats. You may even find you like them better than the original.
Veggies Don't Bite
Vegan Pizza Burrito
You’ll thank us later when you realize that this vegan pizza burrito is pretty much heaven wrapped in a burrito and placed on a plate. It’s also handy to grab when you have to eat on the run.
Munaty Cooking
Baked Aloo Samosas
Indian food is great because so much of it is already vegan. And samosas might be the ultimate choice because they can be an appetizer, a finger food, or a meal. Plus, they're concocted with a host of spices and dipping sauces that will keep your taste buds intrigued and wanting more.
Minimalist Baker
Vegan Sloppy Joes
If you never had sloppy joes growing up, there's no time like the present to give them a try. This warm sandwich is sweet, smokey, and savory all at once, and it can be made with everyday pantry items. This vegan version uses lentils instead of beef and is no less satisfying for it.
The Fitchen
Vegan Pot Pies With Cornbread Crust
Creamy veggies hide beneath a crispy cornbread crust in this quintessential comfort food dish. There will be nothing more satisfying than breaking through the cornbread with a spoon to enjoy that perfect filling-to-crust ratio.
The Works of Life
General Tso’s Cauliflower
Just when you think that everyone and their mother is tired of cauliflower recipes, General Tso’s cauliflower is here to revive the obsession. The cauliflower is marinated and then dusted in cornstarch and sesame seeds to form that crispy crust we all love. Now vegans and carnivores alike can get in on some of that General Tso’s action.
No Recipes
Vegan Spinach Dip
A blend of soft tofu with raw cashew nuts creates a satiny texture that's complemented by the spinach for an appetizer that tastes indulgent but won't have you regretting your snack choices.
Peas & Crayons
Vegan Grilled Cheese
Something about that ooey-gooey yumminess of grilled cheese is simply unbeatable. But the best part of this sandwich isn't even the cheese; it's the ability to be a blank canvas onto which you can add an array of herbs, spices, chutneys, pickles, and jellies. The world is your oyster here — go wild!
Karissa's Vegan Kitchen
Vegan Meatball Subs
When you wrap chickpea meatballs in carbs, smother them with marinara sauce, and top with a sprinkle of vegan Parm, the result is irresistible. If you make a huge batch of meatballs and then freeze them, this recipe becomes so simple that there's a high probability it will become your fave Friday night staple.
Gluten-Free Vegan Pantry
Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese
There's almost nothing better than veganized mac and cheese. This cheesy delight is a hug in a bowl and the exact thing you require on those days when you’re in need of a pick-me-up.
Minimalist Baker
One-Hour Vegan Pot Pies
This blogger says it all: “Delicious, flaky, veggie-packed vegan pot pies in less than one hour. That’s all you need to know."
Ambitious Kitchen
Lemon Blueberry Pistachio Cupcakes
Comfort food includes cupcakes. Opt for a magical combination like lemon, blueberry, and pistachio and watch the sparks fly.
If you can't get enough vegan comfort food in your life, follow us on Pinterest for more recipes!
This post has been updated.
'Wicked' Star Michelle Yeoh On Pranking Ariana Grande & Singing With Cynthia Erivo — Exclusive
Nov 11, 2024
We've seen Michelle Yeoh's striking sophistication in Crazy Rich Asians, and seen her kick butt in Everything Everywhere All At Once, but in Wicked, we finally hear her sing! "I was terrified," she exclusively reveals to Brit + Co. "First of all, you know, singing in a room with your coach, singing in the recording studio, it's okay because it's very few people and it's you, and it's in a contained area, but that scene had so many people around and you know, and there you have the singing legend Cynthia [Erivo]."
- Michelle Yeoh reveals she was "terrified" to sing in the Wicked movie.
- Cynthia Erivo was her "rock" throughout filming the scene.
- She also says reuniting with director Jon M. Chu was "wonderful."
Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
"She was like my rock," Michelle says of the movie's leading lady. "She just looked at me, held my hands and she said, 'I know you can do this because I've heard you, so just sing, just go for it and have fun.' And you know when you have a dear friend who has confidence in you? It just like gives you that extra [push], and I did and I had fun. So that was all in all a good day."
It's no surprise on a movie set with so many musical geniuses — Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Jonathan Bailey — that the cast would break into song between takes. "I was, like, in a rock concert the whole time," Michelle says. "I was just sitting back and watching them and they are like little angels singing. They have such incredible voices."
Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
When we meet Michelle Yeoh's character Madame Morrible, she becomes an integral part of both Glinda and Elphaba's lives as a professor and a mentor. And for Michelle, working with Ariana and Cynthia was an "incredible opportunity."
"It was really truly magical in that sense to be surrounded by that kind of kinship and love," she says. "That was very, very special indeed. Ariana is young and she's so eager, and so loving and lovely at the same time. And so working with her — Jon and I sometimes would play tricks on her. He'll come up to me and say, 'can you just scare the h—ll out of Ariana?' And I'm like, 'No,' he said, 'Please, it will be so fun.' And it was! I mean, I scared her so bad her eye lens popped out. We are so naughty."
"And then with Cynthia, she's a pro, come on!" Michelle continues. "She's an Academy nominee, he's a [Tony] winner. She's everything, but at the same time so grounded. And when you work with people like that who is passionate, who is because they only make you better, we only try to make each other better, and that is the true experience of an amazing storyteller. It was fantastic, and having Jon around again was wonderful."
Universal Pictures
In our final moments together I can't help but point out how the film makes room for every kind of woman, and how it'll make every viewer feel more powerful when the credits roll. "I think the most amazing thing, it's like you can be whatever you want to be, and believe that people will accept you for who and what you are," Michelle says. "I think that's the most important thing.
I think the very diverse cast makes a big difference because you know, you have a Madame Morrible who's Asian looking, then you have an Elphaba who's green, but more than green. So I think that the coming together of this cast and particularly at this time — why did they hold out for 20 years before they brought it to a cinematic experience? I think there are very good reasons for that."
See our interview with Ethan Slater to hear more about Ariana Grande & Jonathan Bailey, The Wicked Cast Family, And Embarrassing Crushes.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Hot, boozy drinks are one of our favorite things when the colder months of the year roll around, so we've found a whole winter's worth of drinks to warm you up throughout all the dinner parties, outdoor excursions, and the quiet nights at home watching your favorite fall TV show. Take this time to invest in some good glassware, too, because these hot cocktails are a must-try!
Brit + Co
5-Ingredient Mulled Wine
This warm winter cocktail only uses five ingredients and is the ideal beverage for parties, winter weddings, or just for a cozy night in. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Spiked Lattes
While we don’t suggest spiking your morningcoffee on the way to work, this warm cocktail just might rid you of your hangover on a lazy Sunday. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Mulled Cider with Cloved Oranges
Though this cold weather drink isn’t normally spiked, a nice splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy in this cider will do the trick. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Hot Buttered Rum
If you’ve ever wondered what the Harry Potter butterbeer tastes like, we imagine it’s something like this. You don’t have to be a wizard to make this hot alcoholic beverage, though. Just remember to keep it hot in a Crock-Pot for your guests. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Chai Hot Toddy
Hot chocolate and traditional toddies get a lot of play during the holidays, but don’t sleep on chai. It’s spicy, sweet, and can really liven up a party. This is a great warm cocktail for fall and winter alike. (via Brit + Co)
StableDiffusion
Easy Irish Coffee
Only 4 ingredients are required to craft this warming coffee cocktail. Just prep your favorite brew, throw some Irish whiskey and brown sugar in the mix, then top it all off with some whipped cream for added delight! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Easy Hot Toddy
This light and bright warm beverage is just the right thing to fix you up if you’re feeling sniffly. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Slow-Cooker Mulled Reisling
A pot of mulled wine in the slow cooker will make your house smell like a dreamy cinnamon-orange candle. Plus, this hot cocktail recipe just tastes uh-maze-ing. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Coffee Stout
Beer and coffee are pretty much our two favorite things, and they join forces in this warm cocktail to create something totally sippable. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Vegan Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa
Goodness gracious! The gold touch on the rim and the coconut cream mound on top make this the perfect hot drink to sip on this season. Throw your favorite liqueur into this hot chocolate, and you’ll be hooked. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Mulled Wine Hot Chocolate
Chocolate and wine? Our two favorite things put together into one big hot winter cocktail – what could be better? (via Brit + Co)
Saveur
Warm Mulled Wine
This cinnamon-y hot drink with alcohol comes together in your slow cooker and can easily be served out of the same vessel, too. (via Saveur)
Barley & Sage
Apple Pie Moonshine Hot Toddy
This honey- and lemon-infused cocktail is the perfect solution to warm up a very cold evening. (via Barley & Sage)
Chef Bai
Irish Coffee with Cocoa Whipped Cream
This super sweet Irish coffee recipe is also dairy-free, for all to enjoy! (via Chef Bai)
A Spicy Perspective
Hot Apple Cider Wassail
The robust, sweet flavors of this hot apple cider simmer together perfectly in a slow cooker. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Half Baked Harvest
Naughty and Nice Cinnamon Toddy
Bourbon pairs nicely with cinnamon and honey to create a hot drink that lives up to its name! (via Half Baked Harvest)
What are your fave hot cocktails to stay toasty on those chilly nights? Follow us on Pinterest or join our newsletter for more seasonal drink ideas!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Ethan Slater might have snagged a role in the Wicked movie, but he's as much of a fan as the rest of us. "It was such an honor to be a part of," he exclusively tells Brit + Co. "That sounds like a sort of a platitude, but it really was, I'm such a big fan of Wicked and have been for so long that to be a part of it is insane."
- Ethan Slater considers his role in the Wicked movie "an honor."
- The cast felt like a family "immediately" thanks to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
- He also points out an Easter egg that will change the way you see Jonathan Bailey's 'Dancing Through Life.'
Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
Stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, as well as director Jon M. Chu, welcomed the cast with open arms — literally. "[They] would hug everyone who came in," he says. "The first day I think every actor had a minimum two-hour meeting with Jon just to walk through all of the designs and all the things and talk about character. And so from from the very beginning, it just felt like it's really safe...This huge movie is something that we've been waiting for for 20 years on a big scale with the biggest stars in the world, it could have felt really intimidating and it felt really familial immediately."
And part of that family dynamic meant there was a lot of laughing, even if there weren't too many pranks. "There was a lot of just hanging out and giggling on set. I think Jon and Michelle [Yeoh] have a real special — they go back and so they were really funny...All of the people in this cast from afar are so intimidating. It's Michelle Yeoh, like, it's Jeff Goldblum. And then in person, they're just down to clown and it was so fun. I don't know if [there were] pranks, I was too nervous to do pranks. And I think people were kind and didn't prank me, but there was a lot of giggles."
With Ariana Grande's natural humor and SNL star Bowen Yang, it's no wonder some of the funniest moments happened during the Shiz University scenes. "I cannot wait for like the roll out of everything that Bowen said that isn't in the movie, or Ari, honestly, said that isn't in the movie. Just take after take."
"It's hard not to [laughing while filming]," he continues. "I think we were pretty good. But the moments where somebody broke, it was always great. There's one that's seared into my memory of, in Doctor Dillamond's classroom, I don't remember what Ari said but she got Cynthia and it's just the two of them across the way and they're staring at each other and she got her so good. There's something really wonderful about breaking. It's delightful."
Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
Another standout scene featuring the Shiz students is "Dancing Through Life," and the number's rehearsal is one of Ethan Slater's most memorable days on Wicked. "We had a rehearsal with, I don't know, maybe 100 dancers working on 'Dancing Through Life' and Jon came down, this was really early on and he gathered all the dancers around and he gave this speech [where] he basically told the story about how he fell in love with filmmaking," he says. "And it was because of dancers and it was because of the collaboration between dancers and the camera. And he was like, 'We're all in this together. And if you need anything, find me. I'm in the director's chair, but I'm accessible.' And he was, I would sit next to him and watch take after take and he would like point things [out]. He was just so generous."
Is directing something Ethan himself would be interested in? "There's so much I have to learn, but I'm excited to learn it," he says. "And I write and I love writing for the screen and all of that someday I would love to take that on. But I think I'm self aware enough to know that it might be a little ways down the line."
Now, bringing it back to the "Dancing Through Life" of it all, I couldn't help but dance in my seat throughout the song, and Ethan Slater promises it was just as fun to film as it is to watch. "[Jonathan Bailey] the most charismatic human on the planet, it's nuts," he says. "That whole scene was so fun and it was fun. Jonny and Ari are so funny, they're just an incredible duo and they're so funny individually."
"What you can't see is that even in the shots that I'm not in, I'm like, just right here [off camera]," he continues. "I'm just like really close by just out of frame which is like a little Easter egg just for me, you know, watching it and be like, 'Oh I was there!' But I just got to sort of be around in their orbit. They're magnetic, both of them."
Universal Pictures
While his character Boq spends the whole film nursing a huge crush on Glinda, Ethan Slater actually swept Ariana Grande off her feet IRL. The duo made headlines when they reportedly coupled up while filming, but Ethan says he still feels like a middle schooler when it comes to romance — and that "just existing" means he embarrasses himself in front of his crushes.
"I definitely am a person who suddenly can't speak or just be like, 'Oh my God, good morning and thank you for coming,'" he says, pretending to tear up. "That is kind of my MO and always has been. I think I've never left the place of feeling like a 7th grader." I guess we're all just fools in love!
"Dancing Through Life" is just one number Wicked fans have been looking forward to — "Popular" and "Defying Gravity" are two of the most recognizable showtunes, and they're so recognizable that a line from "Defying Gravity," "Everyone Deserves The Chance To Fly," became the tagline for the film.
"The message that 'what makes us different makes us unique' is really powerful, and I think it's two-fold," Ethan Slater says. "One is, it's empowering to each person that you do deserve it, you deserve happiness, you deserve to be seen and you deserve to do the great things that you want to be doing. But also as a directive, you know, the way that we treat others. It's not just me that deserves that, it's you. And making sure that you treat others the way that you would want to be treated, or to acknowledge the humanity in others that it's so easy to acknowledge in yourself. So I think it's both things. I think it's both empowering and it's like a good way to treat people."
Universal Pictures
What does Ethan pick when he wants to sing? (No, it's not Spongebob). "Honestly, if I just want to like belt at the top of my lungs, I go to Jesus Christ Superstar. I do "Heaven On Their Minds." It's so good. It's incredible. Talk about a great movie musical."
While the fan (and theatre kid) reactions have been incredible so far, Ethan Slater says he loved talking to the original Wicked cast. "I've become very close with Chris Fitzgerald, who was the original Boq and with Norbert Leo Butz who is the original Fiyero," he says. "So after they saw it, I got to talk with them a little bit about what it was like to see and that was really meaningful. Not just because they're friends of mine and not just because I look up to them, but because it meant a lot to me that I took care of Boq, this role that Chris created. And he's, the best of the best so that was really cool."
Check out the latest news on Wicked: Part 2 for more, and our interview with Wicked Star Michelle Yeoh On Pranking Ariana Grande & Singing With Cynthia Erivo!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Listen — I'm always looking for a reason to get new party dresses, and the holiday season gives PLENTY of reason alone. We've got sequins and velvet on our brains, but we want everyone to look — and feel! — their best. So, here are some of the best plus size options because there's so many stylish pieces out there that deserve to be highlighted. From mini to maxi, these 15 plus size dresses are going to make someone jealous during the holiday party you're attending.
Sequin Plus Size Dresses
Target
Eloquii Mini Cowl Sequin Dress
Whoo, you'll be one hot mama in this pink sequin dress! It's worth noting that sequins and the holidays go together like hot chocolate and winter, so this is our way of saying this dress deserves a spot in your closet.
Torrid
Torrid Mini Sequin Mesh Dress
Want to go a little shorter and vibrant without going the pink route? Feast your eyes on this mini dress! It's designed to hug your curves and give you your own personalized version of Jessica Rabbit's dress. Don't lie — we know you've always wanted to wear something sultry like she did in Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Boohoo
Boohoo Sequin Wrap Dress
As always, leopard print remains the easiest fall/winter trend that anyone can wear. We never thought we'd see it in sequin form, but we've immediately fallen in love with this wrap dress. You can keep the rest of your accessories simple because it's sure to make a statement!
Macy's
Macy's Kiyonna Starry Sequined Lace Dress
Have a winter wedding to attend and want to wear something that feels black-tie without distracting from the bride (huge faux pas)? Dance your way into this sequined lace dress that has — gasp! — pockets!
PrettyLittleThing
PrettyLittleThing Asymmetric Sequin Maxi Dress
OR, wear this form-fitting maxi dress that is as sleek as it's sexy. It's bound to make you walk with your head held high and when paired with a pair of sexy stilettos? Whew, our hearts go out to the ex that happens to see you at the wedding reception.
Lane Bryant
Lane Bryant Lurex Shimmer Dress
Not all holiday parties are meant for you to expel an intoxicating amount of sex appeal. If you're attending a family-friendly event, keep it very demure with with this shimmer dress. It has a silhouette that'll flatter your frame and pockets in case you don't feel like carrying a clutch or wristlet.
Midi Plus Size Dresses
BloomChic
BloomChic Velvet Ruched Midi Dress
Skip the sequins and drape your body in this velvet ruched midi dress. This luxe emerald shade will immediately make you luxurious along with a pair of jewel-encrusted heels.
Eloquii
Eloquii Lurex Midi Dress
This dress is making us blush because it's so pretty. All you have to do is pull it over your head and shoulders without fretting over a back zipper. It has an elastic waist so you'll have room to breathe even though your waist may look cinched in.
ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Velvet Midi Dress
Still want to wear something that gives you a little more breathing room? Wear this deep burgundy dress instead. It's the color of the season and comes with an asymmetrical neckline that's hard to ignore.
Amazon
SCOMCHIC Short Sleeve Wrap Dress
Love burgundy, but can't stand velvet? This dress will give you everything you're comfortable with. It doesn't feature a pesky zipper and feels lightweight. It'll look like you're floating on the tides of Christmas if you choose to wear it to your family's annual winter party.
JCPenney
Jessica Howard Sweater Dress
Sweater dresses can be worn to parties, especially if they look like this! The red color is the perfect shade for Christmas gatherings and the flouncy hemline makes it the perfect piece to dress up or down. Just add your footwear of choice and you'll be good to go!
Maxi Plus Size Dresses
Ashley Stewart
Ashley Stewart Hi Low Lurex Mermaid Gown
Excited to bring your S.O. or plus-one along with you to job's holiday party? You have to show up in this mermaid gown. The color alone is fit for a queen, meaning it'll automatically make you look regal. Isn't that what getting dressed up for holiday parties are all about?
Forever21
Forever21 Tiered Tie-Strap Maxi Dress
Honestly, this dress could serve as the perfect wedding reception option too, but you're more than welcome to wear it to a holiday party! The tiered hem gives it a playful appeal while the color balances that with chicness.
Anthropologie
Anthropologie Fleur Strapless Satin Maxi Dress
Take a break from sequins and velvet by wearing satin. It's the kind of fabric that immediately elevates any look which is why we're adding something similar to our winter wardrobe.
City Chic
City Chic Forbidden Love Maxi Dress
Not ready to part ways with summer's bardot trend? We hear ya and agree that you shouldn't have to when plus size party dresses like this exist. Known as the 'Forbidden Love' dress, it may make someone fall in love with you once they spot you wearing it from across the room.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more holiday style inspo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.