10 Delicious Dairy-Free Versions of Our Favorite Rich & Creamy Recipes

Here are rich and creamy recipes for folks who don't eat dairy. These dairy-free recipes are fresh takes on some of our favorite cheese- and cream-based recipes, like mac 'n' cheese, potato soup, pesto -- even queso! They get their rich taste and creamy texture from alternatives to dairy.

1. Mac and 'Shews (Vegan Mac and Cheese)

"Cashews are basically vegan dairy," says isachandra. "Blend them with a little liquid and you've got a smooth cream, similar to half-and-half. Mixed with broth, nutritional yeast, miso and seasonings along with the macaroni and you've got delish mac 'n cheese."

2. Dairy-Free Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

Unsweetened almond milk add the rich, creamy taste and texture here. "An awesome dairy-free comfort food soup that even lactose-intolerant people can enjoy," says Hannah Rose. "An easy way to use up any extra veggies and meats too."

3. Jacked-Up Vegan Queso

"I can't believe it's vegan," says Buckwheat Queen. "This easy-to-make dip is super velvety with vegan Cheddar cheese mixed with black beans and spicy tomatoes. It's so quick and easy, you can make it at the last minute before your game day get-together."

4. Chocolate-Cherry-Chip Vegan Nice Cream

"Dried cherries add a bit of tartness and vegan chocolate chips double the chocolate fun in this dairy-free 'nice cream' recipe," says Mackenzie Schieck.

5. Vegan Pizza Margherita

This no-cheese margherita pizza is completely vegan. It does it with a cauliflower-oat crust, homemade marinara sauce, and cashew "mozzarella" cheese. "Pizza isn't often considered a light meal, but this vegan option definitely is," says MyNutriCounter.

6. Dairy-Free "Cheese" Sauce

"This creamy cheese sauce is not only dairy-free, but extremely yummy and a great base recipe," says StarvingCollegeKid. "You can do just about anything with it! Add a dash of cumin for that smoky Cheddar taste for mac and cheese, add more garlic, butter, and parsley for Alfredo, or add a can of tomatoes and green chiles to make that staple queso dip! It bakes well, too. Try chicken spaghetti with this creamy cheese sauce!"

7. Sweet Coconut Oatmeal

"Oatmeal is only as exciting as the stuff you put into it," says dalliance. "This dish is sweet and creamy, a tad exotic, and the kids will love it. If you want, prepare it the day before, refrigerate, and reheat in the microwave. Enjoy!"

8. Vegan Polenta

"Creamy polenta without any animal products," says Buckwheat Queen. "Serve this for a savory accompaniment to your meals. Polenta goes very well with tomato-based dishes, beans, and sauteed mushrooms."

9. Dairy-Free Spinach and Artichoke Dip

"This dairy-free dip is rich with flavor and creamy without any dairy to be seen," says Personal20. "This recipe is sure to be a crowd favorite, is paleo-friendly, and makes for a great party appetizer. Serve with your choice of chips, cucumber slices, or other vegetables."

10. Presto Vegan Pesto

With all the flavors of a classic pesto sauce, you'll never know it's vegan. "Honestly, I really never liked pesto," says Connie Fabian Byrnes. "However, now that I am tasting things so clearly (as a vegan), I LOVE the stuff! Here's my new, favorite presto pesto!"

Check out our collection of Dairy-Free Recipes.