We all know that greasy food isn’t good for us. It’s high often high in fat, nutrient-deficient, and can lead to stomach aches (or much worse if you eat a lot of it). However, while it’s good to avoid it most of the time, treating yourself to some vegan chicken tenders, deep-dish pizza, onion rings, or some cheeseburger macaroni isn’t the worst thing in the world. Here are 15 plant-based greasy food recipes you have to try!

1. Blueberry Glazed Doughnuts

Source: Blueberry Glazed Doughnuts

These Blueberry Glazed Doughnuts by The Rose and Bean have got everything a doughnut connoisseur could ask for in a pastry. The fluffy dough is fried until golden brown and then dipped in a blueberry glaze, topped with a warm blueberry compote, and marbled with some of the concentrated juices from the blueberries. You should make these doughnuts for a special occasion with friends – otherwise, you’ll eat them all yourself!

2. Southern Faux Fish and Chips

Source: Southern Faux Fish and Chips

Hushpuppies and cornmeal-crusted catfish are abundant in fish fries. Marinate, score with a knife, crust, and fry some tofu and you have an amazing representation of what you can experience at a good old-fashioned fish fry. This Southern Faux Fish and Chips recipe by Lauren Hartmann is spectacular!

Reprinted with permission from Southern Vegan by Lauren Hartmann, Page Street Publishing Co. 2020. Photo credit: Lauren Hartmann and Julie Grace

3. Cheeseburger Macaroni

Source: Cheeseburger Macaroni

Macaroni and no-beef grounds drenched in a creamy, rich, and cheesy sauce. This Cheeseburger Macaroni by Kris Dee is picky eater approved and bound to be a family favorite.

4. Vegan Fried Chicken Tenders

Source: Vegan Fried Chicken Tenders

These Vegan Fried Chicken Tenders by Melanie Sorrentino are fried gloriousness! They are simple to make and the perfect snack for kids, adults, and really anyone!

5. Deep Dish Pizza

Source: Deep Dish Pizza

Making this homemade Deep Dish Pizza by Francesca Bonadonna could be a fun family activity. It’s a great way to involve loved ones in cooking, and the result is always delicious.

6. Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bites

Source: Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bites

These Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bites by Ashley Hankins only require a few ingredients and are fairly quick to make. Make these bites the perfect game-day snack or just on any ordinary day when you want something extra special. They’re also grain-free, so all your friends can enjoy them!

7. Cheesy Sausage Patties With Fries

Source: Cheesy Sausage Patties With Fries

For the days when you just don’t feel like putting much work in, try these Cheesy Sausage Patties With Fries by Melanie Sorrentino. Using your favorite vegan sausage recipe, shape the batter into patties, then grill it on both sides until golden brown. Top it with melty vegan cheese, and throw in some lettuce, and golden oven-baked fries for a budget-friendly, simple meal that is the embodiment of comfort food.

8. Fried Green Tomato Melts

Source: Fried Green Tomato Melts

This mozzarella gets deliciously soft, brown, and crusty when broiled or pan-fried, melting just enough in this recipe to get temptingly gooey without falling apart in the pan when you flip the pieces. The result is like a fried green tomato and breaded mozzarella in one scrumptious wheat-free combo. For this to work, it’s important to use mozzarella solidified with agar powder. (But not to worry: If your mozzarella is melty, simply spoon the melted cheese onto the tomatoes before serving.) You have to try these Fried Green Tomato Melts by Claudia Lucero!

9. Beer Battered Onion Rings

Source: Beer Battered Onion Rings

If you’re going to a Super Bowl party this year, these vegan Beer Battered Onion Rings by Ashley Hankins will be more popular than the halftime show! You can make the onion rings a couple of days before so all you have to do is fry them up the day of the big party and they’ll stay crispy for hours. Honestly, these vegan beer-battered onion rings are so delicious, you don’t even need a sauce, but who doesn’t want some ranch? These vegan beer-battered onion rings are paired with a vegan jalapeño ranch dressing that is perfectly spicy and tangy.

10. Chicken and Waffles

Source: Chicken and Waffles

Crispy fried “chicken” on top of a fluffy stack of waffles… What could be better?! Whether it’s the hot sauce baked into the tofu chicken, the sprinkle of rosemary, or the truffle oil in the waffles, this Chicken and Waffles dish by Gabrielle St. Claire is full of tasty surprises. With such a beautiful presentation, this is a must at your next weekend brunch. Don’t forget the maple syrup!

11. South-of-the-Border Potato Tacos

Source: South-of-the-Border Potato Tacos

A cheesy, caliente potato taco is delicious. A cheesy, caliente potato taco that’s fried is outta this world. You should serve the creamy avocado sauce on the side (better just to make a really big batch). These South-of-the-Border Potato Tacos by Lane Gold are a must-try!

12. Fried Mac and ‘Cheese’ Balls

Source: Fried Mac and ‘Cheese’ Balls

These decadent Fried Mac and ‘Cheese’ Balls by Ashley Hankins are comfort food personified. The creamy, fiery jalapeño mac and cheese is shaped into balls, coated in flour and panko crust, and then fried until the balls become golden-brown orbs of deliciousness. Oh, and they are served with a zesty cheese sauce on the side.

13. Shake Shack Double Stack Copycat: Cashew Cheese Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Burger

Source: Shake Shack Double Stack Copycat: Cashew Cheese Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Burger

The Shake Shack Double Stack CopyCat: Cashew Cheese Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Burger by Rebekah Waters has two Portobello mushrooms stuffed with melty cashew cheese, coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried until crispy then sprinkled with rosemary salt. Layered on a toasted burger bun with spicy cashew mayo, avocado, tomato, lettuce, and pickles if you’re feeling it. Eat with thick-cut, rosemary salt sprinkled, potato or sweet potato chips, extra spicy mayo, and a cold beer for the best vegan burger meal you’ve ever had!

14. Pan Fried Dumplings

Source: Pan Fried Dumplings

Home-made Pan Fried Dumplings by George Lee with a crispy top crust and meaty, umami vegan filling. These will take you right back to the street vendors in Taiwan.

15. Fried Zucchini Ravioli

Source: Fried Zucchini Ravioli

These Fried Zucchini Ravioli by Lydia Filgueras are pretty much tiny pockets of flavor heaven. Crispy on the outside with tender zucchini and gooey cheese tucked on the inside, this recipe is a winner. Forming the ravioli may seem a bit tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze! Serve these with plenty of tomato sauce and a generous sprinkling of parsley.

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