Vegan Mac And Cheese
Vegan Mac and Cheese is a creamy, delicious, and comforting dish that perfectly replicates the classic mac and cheese without any dairy. Made with a rich sauce of coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and a vegan butter roux, this dish is sure to satisfy your cheesy cravings while keeping it plant-based. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a healthier alternative, this Vegan Mac and Cheese will become a staple in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
- About Mac And Cheese
- Why You’ll Love Vegan Mac and Cheese
- What Is in Vegan Mac and Cheese
- Key Ingredients
- How To Make Vegan Mac And Cheese
- Have It Your Way!
- Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits
- Health Benefits:
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Vegan Mac And Cheese Recipe
About Mac And Cheese
Mac (short for macaroni) and cheese is a beloved comfort food with roots tracing back to Italy and France, where pasta and cheese casseroles were common. However, it became a staple in American cuisine in the 20th century. The vegan version has grown in popularity as more people embrace plant-based diets, aiming to enjoy this comfort food while adhering to dietary preferences and restrictions.
The transition from traditional to vegan mac and cheese involves swapping dairy products for plant-based alternatives. Coconut milk provides creaminess, while nutritional yeast adds the cheesy flavor. A roux made from vegan butter and flour thickens the sauce, creating a smooth, luscious texture that mimics the original dish.
Vegan mac and cheese represents the adaptability of classic recipes to meet modern dietary needs. It showcases the creativity in vegan cooking, allowing those who avoid dairy to enjoy traditional comfort foods. This dish is a favorite at vegan potlucks, family dinners, and is increasingly featured in restaurants catering to plant-based diets.
Why You’ll Love Vegan Mac and Cheese
- Creamy and Delicious: Achieves a rich, cheesy flavor without any dairy.
- Healthy Alternative: Lower in cholesterol and saturated fat compared to traditional mac and cheese.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
- Versatile: Can be customized with various add-ins like vegetables or plant-based proteins.
- Kid-Friendly: Loved by both adults and children, making it a family favorite.
What Is in Vegan Mac and Cheese
- Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy, rich base for the sauce.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor and is a great source of B vitamins.
- Vegan Butter: Used to make the roux, adding richness.
- Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce.
- Pasta: Choose your favorite type, such as elbow macaroni or shells.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
- Optional Add-Ins: Vegetables, spices, or plant-based proteins for extra flavor and nutrition.
Key Ingredients
- Coconut Milk: Full-fat for the creamiest texture.
- Nutritional Yeast: Essential for the cheesy flavor.
- Vegan Butter: Adds a rich, buttery taste to the sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates the roux to thicken the sauce.
- Pasta: Use any pasta shape you prefer.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper, plus any other spices you like.
How To Make Vegan Mac And Cheese
- Boil the pasta to al dente per package instructions, and set aside.
- Over low heat, toast the bread crumbs with 2 tbsp. of vegan butter to golden brown.
- In a large sauce pan, over medium heat, melt the 6 tbsp. of vegan butter with flour to create a roux.
- To the rue, add the vegetable stock, and whisk to eliminate lumps. Now add the coconut milk, and keep whisking to a smooth consistency and bring to a boil. Once the sauce comes to a boil, take it off the heat. The sauce will continue to thickens as it cools.
- Now add the Dijon mustard, and nutritional yeast and mix to thoroughly combine. Then add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and jalapenos. The cheese sauce is ready.
- To the Cheese sauce, add the cooked pasta, and combine until all of the pasta is coated with the cheese mixture.
- Transfer the Mac and Cheese to a baking dish and top with toasted breadcrumbs. Cover the dish with foil.
- Preheat the oven to 400 Degree F (204 C), and once the oven reaches target temperature, bake for 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes for a golden crispy top, for a total of 20 minutes of bake time.
- After the golden crust has formed on top, remove the Mac and Cheese from the oven, and allow it to rest for 15 or more minutes before serving.
- Before serving, drizzle on the pesto for a pop of flavor, and a nice contrast to the cheesy Mac and Cheese.
Have It Your Way!
- Add Veggies: Mix in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Protein Boost: Incorporate chickpeas or plant-based sausage for extra protein.
- Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle with vegan breadcrumbs and bake for a crispy top layer.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits
- Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving
- Protein: 12 grams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 300 milligrams
Health Benefits:
- Rich in Nutrients: Coconut milk and nutritional yeast provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Lower Cholesterol: Contains no cholesterol, making it heart-healthy.
- High in Fiber: Pasta and optional veggies add dietary fiber.
- Vegan-Friendly: Perfect for those following a vegan or plant-based diet.
- Protein-Rich: Nutritional yeast and pasta provide a good amount of protein.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Creamy Gochujang Pasta
- Spicy Harissa Pasta
- Creamy Tomatoes and Burrata Pasta
- Spaghetti All’Assassina (Killer’s Spaghetti)
- Mushroom Wafu Pasta with a Soy Butter Sauce
Vegan Mac And Cheese Recipe
Vegan Mac And Cheese
Vegan Mac and Cheese is a creamy, delicious, and comforting dish that perfectly replicates the classic mac and cheese without any dairy. Made with a rich sauce of coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and a vegan butter roux, this dish is sure to satisfy your cheesy cravings while keeping it plant-based. Whether you're vegan or just looking for a healthier alternative, this Vegan Mac and Cheese will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Sauce:
- ½ cup Vegan Butter 112g
- 6 Tbsps. All-Purpose Flour
- 5 cups Coconut Milk 3 Cans, or Soy Milk (1200ml), Unsweetened
- 1 cup Vegetable Stock 240ml
- 3 Tbsps. Dijon Mustard
- 1 cup Nutritional Yeast 60g
- 3 tsp Onion Powder
- 3 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 ½ tsp Salt
- 1.5 tsp Black Pepper ground
- 1 Jalapeno Diced
- ½ Cup Pesto or to taste (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 16 Oz Cavatappi or Macaroni (450g)
For the Breadcrumb Topping:
- 1 Cup Bread Crumbs
- 2 Tbsp. Vegan Butter Melted
Equipment
Instructions
- Boil the pasta to al dente per package instructions, and set aside.
- Over low heat, toast the bread crumbs with 2 tbsp. of vegan butter to golden brown.
- In a large sauce pan, over medium heat, melt the 6 tbsp. of vegan butter with flour to create a roux.
- To the rue, add the vegetable stock, and whisk to eliminate lumps. Now add the coconut milk, and keep whisking to a smooth consistency and bring to a boil. Once the sauce comes to a boil, take it off the heat. The sauce will continue to thickens as it cools.
- Now add the Dijon mustard, and nutritional yeast and mix to thoroughly combine. Then add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and jalapenos. The cheese sauce is ready.
- To the Cheese sauce, add the cooked pasta, and combine until all of the pasta is coated with the cheese mixture.
- Transfer the Mac and Cheese to a baking dish and top with toasted breadcrumbs. Cover the dish with foil.
- Preheat the oven to 400 Degree F (204 C), and once the oven reaches target temperature, bake for 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes for a golden crispy top, for a total of 20 minutes of bake time.
- After the golden crust has formed on top, remove the Mac and Cheese from the oven, and allow it to rest for 15 or more minutes before serving.
- Before serving, drizzle on the pesto for a pop of flavor, and a nice contrast to the cheesy Mac and Cheese.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of coconut milk to maintain creaminess.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 348kcal
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