Let me just start this off by saying that I am not vegan. In fact, I don’t follow any particular food lifestyle. I just eat what I want, in moderation of course, but cheese is a food that I love so much I would marry it. Come on, don’t tell me that you wouldn’t do the same.
Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve come across a few recipes for dairy-free versions of some of my most beloved cheesy dishes (AKA mac and cheese). Over winter break, I tried a vegan mac and cheese that used a cashew sauce instead of cheese sauce in order to exclude the dairy. It was one of the best versions of mac and cheese that I’ve ever tried and I’ve been searching for a recipe I can use to duplicate it ever since.
Even though I’m not vegan, I would still eat every single one of the dishes on this list because they all look and sound amazing. Vegans and non-vegans alike should be trying out these 28 insanely good looking cheesy dishes that don’t actually contain any real cheese.
1. Broccoli Cheese Soup
Photo courtesy of pancake warriors.com
For all the vegans who miss ordering broccoli cheddar soup at Panera.
2. Pepperoni Pizza
Photo courtesy of contentednesscooking.com
Replacing pepperoni with zucchini is just brilliant.
3. Buffalo Mac and Cheese Balls
Photo courtesy of keepingitkind.com
Oh. My. God. These are perfect.
4. French Onion Soup
Photo courtesy of blissfulbasil.com
This recipe even shows you how to make homemade vegan mozzarella so you can be a pro chef.
5. Vegan Avocado Pesto Sauce
Photo courtesy of Mulin Xiong at Dartmouth College
Creamier and healthier than any pesto you could buy at the store.
6. Hash Brown Casserole
Photo courtesy of blog.fatfreevegan.com
Brunch just became vegan friendly.
7. Mozzarella Sticks
Photo courtesy of veganricha.com
Who knew this was even possible.
8. Thai Pizza
Photo courtesy of createmindfully.com
Thai food meets pizza meets vegan.
9. Alfredo Pasta
Photo courtesy of minimalistbaker.com
Cheese, cheese, and more cheese.
10. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Photo courtesy of yupitsvegan.com
This classic appetizer goes vegan.
11. Pesto Parmesan Breadsticks
Photo courtesy of minimalistbaker.com
No need for takeout, now you can make your own breadsticks vegan style at home.
12. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Photo courtesy of veganinsanity.com
For the vegans who are constantly craving a good bowl of mac.
13. Lime and Vanilla Cheesecake
Photo courtesy of quitegoodfood.co.nz
Cheese isn’t just limited to savory dishes.
14. Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Photo courtesy of connoiseurusveg.com
A comfort food classic now made for vegans to enjoy.
15. Cream Cheese and Veggie Sushi
Photo courtesy of connoisseurusveg.com
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, try making your own vegan sushi.
16. Scalloped Potatoes
Photo courtesy of blog.fatfreevegan.com
These scalloped potatoes are made with chickpea cheese to bring a vegan touch to this favorite home cooked meal.
17. Pizza Pocket
Photo courtesy of whereyougetyourprotein.com
Fill these pizza pockets with as many veggies as you’d like and cashew parmesan cheese to make a vegan style calzone.
18. Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Photo by Natalie Beam at University of Virginia
This recipe for vegan mac and cheese is inspired by Chloe’s Vegan Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese in New York City.
19. Jalapeno Popper Herb Grilled Cheese
Photo courtesy of vegetariangastronomy.com
The jalapeños give this vegan grilled cheese a spicy kick that will definitely delight your taste buds.
20. Lasagna with Mushrooms
Photo courtesy of gourmandelle.com
An Italian favorite gone vegan.
21. Cashew Cream Cheese
Photo courtesy of yupitsvegan.com
This cashew cream cheese recipe only requires 2 ingredients. How easy?
22. Sweet Potato and Bean Quesadillas
Photo courtesy of theprettybee.com
Make your own version of Mexican quesadillas by following this vegan recipe.
23. Parmesan Cheese
Photo by Kristine Mahan at Boston University
Learn how to make your own vegan parmesan cheese to top on pasta, pizza, or salad.
24. Nachos
Photo courtesy of minimalistbaker.com
Bring these vegan nachos to your next party to spice things up.
25. Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna
Photo courtesy of veggiecravings.com
Another lasagna recipe perfect for vegans who miss chowing down on all of their favorite Italian dishes.
26. Cream Cheese Frosting
Photo courtesy of texanerin.com
Use this vegan cream cheese frosting on any dessert to give it a sweet, creamy texture.
27. Black Bean Enchiladas
Photo courtesy of tastykitchen.com
Have all your friends over for these vegan black bean enchiladas that everyone will love.
28. Pesto Cashew Ricotta Pizza
Photo courtesy of kblog.lunchboxbunch.com
A pesto pizza that is perfect for both vegans and non-vegans.