Looking for the best vegan British recipes? We found plant based versions of everything from scones to beef Wellington. Want to try? Read on!
By Lora O’Brien
The winter months call for comfort. And when it comes to food, no one does classic comfort food like us Brits!
Yeah, I know what you’re thinking: British food is the worst. And if you’re coming from Italy, France or Lebanon, for example, I get it. We’re not really well renowned for our dishes. I mean, soggy cabbage and overcooked roast beef were the norm for decades. If not centuries!
But, my friends, thinks have changed.
The British gastropub is now a thing. You can expect tasty, expertly cooked food there. And yes, much of it is vegan!
Because did you know – the UK has one of the highest plant based populations on Earth. Something to be damn proud of, I’d say! And that translates to vegan versions of classic British dishes. In my opinion, they’re way tastier. But they’re definitely healthier!
Whether you’re looking for traditional recipes that provide childhood nostalgia, or you’re looking to explore British food for the first time, we’ve got all the best vegan British recipes in this roundup, covering everything from scrumptious breakfasts, hearty meals and tasty sweet treats.
Plant Based Versions Of Classic British Recipes
1. Full English Breakfast
Are you even a Brit if you don’t crave a full English? The traditional dish usually has meat, eggs and even black pudding (gross) but it’s easy to make vegan! Pair with a hot cup of tea and you’re dining on a British legacy.
Get the recipe here.
2. Vegan Crumpets
Let it be known that there is no better breakfast than a hot, warm, buttery crumpet. Simply pop it in the toaster and then slather with your favourite dairy-free butter. You can even get fancy with your toppings. Use a little maple syrup for a sweeter treat, or top with vegan cheese for a savoury snack.
Get the recipe here.
3. Vegan Seitan Wellington
This vegan seitan Wellington is a real crowd-pleaser. Picture this: a tender seitan fillet wrapped with a mushroom paste and then encased with crispy, flaky pastry. This would be perfect served on a Sunday with some potatoes, veg and gravy, yum! And of course, this is one of the best vegan British recipes to serve up for a fancy occasion, like Christmas, too.
Get the recipe here.
4. Vegan Scotch Eggs
Scotch eggs are a traditional British snack. Often sold in supermarkets, they’re a favourite picnic item, but can also be found in pubs. The traditional recipe uses a soft boiled egg rolled in meat before it’s breaded and fried. (Yes, really!)
This recipe has no cruelty and tastes great, if not better, and is WAY healthier!
Get the recipe here.
5. Vegan Fish & Chips
Many of my childhood Friday evenings were spent queuing outside our local fish and chip shop. This vegan recipe uses a light and crispy batter that has a secret ingredient you probably won’t expect. A British classic with a vegan twist!
Top tip: use flaky sea salt and malt vinegar on top of your chips for real British nostalgia.
Get the recipe here.
6. Vegan Guinness Pie
We Brits love a pie, so much so that we even have a British Pie Week! You can pretty much make your own pie filling, but this recipe is a vegan take on the steak and ale Guinness pie, which is a much loved local dish.
Get the recipe here.
7. Vegan Bangers & Mash
Bangers and mash is literally sausages and mashed potato. Served with gravy and a vegetable side of choice, it’s as simple as cooking gets while providing the same comfort as a warm hug.
Get the recipe here.
8. Vegan Toad in the Hole
This Vegan Toad in the Hole is served alongside a delicious vegan onion gravy. It’s quick to make and also suitable for those looking for a dairy-free version. Juicy meat-free sausages are cooked in a light fluffy batter with red onions and rosemary and served with a sweet onion gravy.
Get the recipe here.
9. Vegan Steak & Chips
No cow had to die for this steak! This result is a vegan mock meat that has a surprisingly authentic flavour, and melt-in-the-mouth texture. It’s high in protein, too, which is good, because y’know, vegans are soooo lacking in protein, right? *yawn*.
Get the recipe here.
10. Vegan Sunday Roast
Ah, the British roast. Nothing else compares to this culinary classic. Traditionally served on a Sunday, it includes roasted meat, roasted potatoes and veg. Throw on a Yorkshire pudding and some gravy and you’re in for a delight!
Get the recipe here.
11. Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
This really is the best vegan shepherd’s pie you’ll try! It’s made with a hearty, flavoursome lentil and sticky onion filling that is topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and cauliflower. It’s a protein-rich plant-based dinner and the perfect fuel for winter.
Top tip: This is one of the best vegan British recipes for those on a budget!
Get the recipe here.
12. Bubble and Squeak
If you’ve got leftover veggies and potatoes, you need to whip up some bubble and squeak! It only needs 4 simple ingredients and is also a really cheap meal to make.
Top tip: This is one of the best vegan British recipes to make if you don’t consider yourself to be a great cook!
Get the recipe here.
13. Vegan Cornish Pasty
Oh, the Cornish pasty! Traditionally created as a means for miners and farm workers to have an entire meal encased in pastry for quick fuel while working, they’re easy to make – and even better to bite into!
Get the recipe here.
14. Simple Vegan Haggis
Haggis will 100% give you the ick if you’re vegan, and with damn good reason. But this vegan recipe won’t! It’s packed with vegetables and served with swede and potato. It’s wholesome and oh so comforting. Plus is can be made gluten-free, too!
Get the recipe here.
15. Vegan Hotpot
Lancashire hotpot is a traditional classic British dish and this vegan recipe recreated it with a hearty base of vegan sausage, lentils and mushrooms. It’s also one of the best vegan British recipes to make in advance and freeze for later.
Get the recipe here.
16. Vegan Roast Chicken
This vegan roast chicken will become a favourite in your repertoire due to its versatility. Firstly and foremost, it makes the perfect accompaniment for a roast dinner. Serve with roast potatoes, veggies and gravy for a comforting meal.
Get the recipe here.
17. Hearty Meat Free Stew
Winter is the time to pull down the slow cooker and make meals that require minimal effort and huge amounts of comfort and flavour. And nothing beats a hearty stew! This vegan recipe will be a crowd-pleasing winner. Made with broth, tender vegan “beef” pieces and potatoes, it’s super quick and easy to make.
Get the recipe here.
18. Vegan Trifle
A trifle is a classic British dessert, and would usually be served at any kind of party, whether it’s a birthday party or a wedding. It’s especially popular during summer BBQs. This vegan version has layers of ladyfingers, boozy raspberries, white chocolate custard and whipped coconut cream. It’s one of the best vegan British recipes to make when you’re trying to impress a crowd!
Get the recipe here.
19. Battenberg Cake
If you love the taste of almonds then you’ll go nuts (ha ha) for this Battenberg cake. The light chequered almond sponge is wrapped in marzipan for a sweet treat that looks almost too good to eat!
Get the recipe here.
20. Jam Roly Poly
If you didn’t have this dessert as part of a school dinner, are you even British? This steamed pudding was served with custard and eating it will take you right back to being a little kid again. Ah, those were the days!
Get the recipe here.
21. Treacle Pudding
Super sweet and often sickly, but totally addictive! Treacle pudding usually uses golden syrup, but this recipe uses maple syrup instead. It creates a richly flavoured comfort pudding that’s especially good when HOT.
Get the recipe here.
22. Vegan Scones
Scones are a tasty British tea time treat. Quick and simple to make, they’re usually served with jam and a thick cream. Or you could toast them with some dairy-free butter.
Get the recipe here.
23. Apple Crumble
Once the colder months arrive, us Brits keep cosy by baking in the kitchen. Apples are in season, so an apple pie or crumble is usually a hit. This dish is filled with cosy apples and a delicious crumble topping. It’s one of the best vegan British recipes to serve with either vanilla ice cream or a dairy-free custard.
Get the recipe here.
24. Sticky Toffee Pudding
Who doesn’t absolutely love a sticky toffee pudding? The moist date sponge is drenched in a butter toffee sauce and then served with some vanilla ice cream. This delicious recipe proves that eggs and dairy aren’t needed to recreate nostalgic recipes!
Get the recipe here.
25. Fruit Cake Loaf
Fruit cake loaf is a simple dessert. It’s a homely, old fashioned cake that your grandparents probably used to make, but it’s a delicious treat with a cup of tea. This eggless and dairy-free recipe will be a total hit.
Get the recipe here.
What are the best vegan British recipes in your opinion? What makes you think of your childhood, if you’re a Brit? Let me know in the comments, below!
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