I finally gathered all of my vegan soul food recipes into one place. From savory starters to rich desserts, these dishes carry the warmth and comfort of Southern cooking. They remind me of home—flavorful, soulful, and satisfying.
I’m a Southern girl at heart, raised in Atlanta on my mom’s and Nana’s cooking—meals packed with heart, spice, and tradition. After going vegan in 2011, I set out to recreate those familiar flavors in ways that are kinder to animals and the environment. Over the years I’ve developed hundreds of vegan recipes and in 2018 published my first cookbook, Sweet Potato Soul, which features many of these soul food favorites.
Living away from home on both the East and West coasts made me cook these dishes often to stay connected to my roots. Now back in Atlanta, nothing beats making a big pot of vegan jambalaya with the smells and tastes of the South filling the kitchen.
What is soul food?
Soul food has deep roots in Black culture. These recipes developed in the American South and were preserved and passed down through families—often orally—until cookbooks began documenting them in the late 1800s. Modern soul food adapts those traditional dishes while retaining the cultural history, resilience, and flavor that define them.
Soul food overlaps with Creole and Cajun cuisines, especially in places like New Orleans. Many of the recipes here reflect those regional influences I grew up eating and cooking.
Southern Must-Haves
To cook authentic Creole or Cajun-inspired dishes, stock your kitchen with the “holy trinity”: celery, green pepper, and onion. These vegetables form the base of many Southern recipes. In the pantry, keep Old Bay and a Creole seasoning like Tony Chachere’s—these seasonings make a big difference in flavor.
Soulful Breakfasts
Soulful BreakfastsBreakfast matters, and in the South that often means biscuits, gravy, and hearty comfort foods. Try pairing mushroom gravy with cornmeal buttermilk biscuits for a vegan take on biscuits and gravy.
- “Chicken” and Waffles
- Sweet Potato Biscuits
- Hot “Chicken” Biscuits
- Cornmeal Buttermilk Biscuits
Southern Vegan Side Dishes
A Southern feast is defined by its side dishes. Greens, salads, and hearty classics complete the plate. These sides are flavorful and nourishing—perfect companions to any main dish.
- Collard Greens
- Sweet Potato Salad
- Classic Mac & Cheese
- Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
- Slow Cooker Stuffing
Main Dishes
Here’s where the holy trinity and bold spices shine. This selection combines classic soul food with Creole and Cajun influences—dishes built for sharing and celebration. If you have a favorite Southern recipe that’s missing, share it and I’ll consider adding a vegan version.
- Mushroom Étouffée
- Hoppin’ John
- Fried “Chicken” (cauliflower)
- Mushroom Jambalaya
- Black Eyed Pea Gumbo
- Good Luck Black Eyed Peas
- Red Beans and Rice
- Corn Chowder
- “Crab” Cakes
- Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
- Vegan Sausage
Sweet, Sweet, Southern Desserts
Saving the best for last: Southern desserts are a highlight, from fruit pies to nutty classics. Fresh Georgia peach pie is a true favorite when peaches are in season.
- Blackberry Cobbler
- Pecan Pie
- Crustless Pecan Pie
- Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Peach Pie
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Apple Tart
Which of these dishes is your favorite? Leave a comment and let me know which Southern recipe you love most or what you’d like to see made vegan next.