1. What traditional Southern dishes can I easily make gluten-free & vegan?

You can recreate favorites like cornbread, collard greens, grits, fried okra, and even peach cobbler using plant-based and gluten-free ingredients. With simple swaps, these dishes stay true to their Southern roots while fitting your dietary needs.

2. Can I make Southern-style fried “chicken” or fish vegan & gluten-free?

Yes! Use ingredients like oyster mushrooms, tofu, or soy curls, coated in seasoned gluten-free flour blends like cornmeal and rice flour. Air-fried or pan-fried, they’re crispy, satisfying, and meat-free.

3. What vegan casseroles and one-pot meals are easy to adapt?

Sweet potato casseroles, gumbo, jambalaya, and broccoli rice bakes are perfect examples. Swap dairy for plant milks and cheese alternatives, and use chickpeas or lentils in place of meat.

4. How do I recreate Southern baked goods gluten-free and vegan?

Use blends like almond and sorghum flour, along with flax eggs or applesauce for structure. Vegan buttermilk (non-dairy milk with lemon juice) is great for biscuits and cornbread that rise.

Gluten Free Vegan Southern Recipes – 15 Comfort Food Favorites

Name: Crispy Southern-Style Vegan Fried Chicken (Gluten-Free)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups oyster mushrooms or rehydrated soy curls; 1 cup unsweetened plant milk; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 cup cornmeal; 1/2 cup brown rice flour; 1/4 cup tapioca starch; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Avocado oil or neutral oil for frying

Description

This crispy Southern-style vegan ‘fried chicken’ is gluten-free, tender inside, and golden on the outside. Made with mushrooms or soy curls and a seasoned cornmeal coating, it’s the ultimate comfort dish.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups oyster mushrooms or rehydrated soy curls
1 cup unsweetened plant milk
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup brown rice flour
1/4 cup tapioca starch
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Avocado oil or neutral oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix plant milk and vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes to curdle into buttermilk.

2. Soak mushrooms or soy curls in the vegan buttermilk for 10–15 minutes.

3. In another bowl, combine cornmeal, rice flour, tapioca starch, and all seasonings.

4. Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.

5. Remove mushrooms/soy curls from milk, shake off excess, and dredge in the dry coating.

6. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side.

7. Drain on a paper towel and serve hot with dipping sauce or gravy.

Notes

To air-fry: Preheat to 375°F and cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Try pairing with collard greens and mashed potatoes for a full Southern plate.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 tenders
Calories: 410
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: gluten free vegan southern recipes, vegan fried chicken, plant-based comfort food