Baked Mac and Cheese

Soy-free option

This is, hands down, our most requested dish by family and friends. The creamy mac and cheese base is topped with a crispy bread crumb mixture, then baked to perfection. Serve this with our BBQ Seitan Sandwich or Crispy Buffalo Tofu Sliders.

Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food dish that brings together tender pasta and a rich, cheesy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This dish is beloved for its creamy texture, comforting flavors, and the irresistible combination of melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs on top. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with various types of cheese, seasonings, and additional ingredients to suit individual preferences.

The process of making Baked Mac and Cheese involves cooking pasta until al dente, preparing a cheese sauce that’s usually thickened with flour and butter, and then combining the pasta and sauce before baking in the oven. The result is a dish that’s gooey, satisfying, and incredibly indulgent.

One of the highlights of Baked Mac and Cheese is its crispy breadcrumb topping. This adds a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta and cheese, providing a satisfying crunch that enhances the overall eating experience.

Baked Mac and Cheese recipes often allow for creativity. While traditional versions use cheddar cheese, variations can include a blend of different cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Parmesan for added complexity of flavors. Some recipes even incorporate mix-ins such as vegetables, bacon, or herbs to elevate the dish.

This dish is a favorite at potlucks, family gatherings, and weeknight dinners alike. Its comforting nature and nostalgic appeal make it a go-to option for both kids and adults. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, Baked Mac and Cheese remains a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

PREP TIME: 5 minutes, plus prep time for Cashew Cream

COOK TIME: 30 minutes, plus time to boil pasta

YIELD: 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (16-oz [453-g]) package cellentani pasta
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil

TOPPING

• 1 cup (56 g) French-fried onions
• ½ cup (54 g) vegan Italian bread crumbs
• 1 tsp Garlic Salt or store-bought
• 1 tsp dried parsley

CHEESE SAUCE

• ¼ cup (57 g) vegan butter (soy-free if needed)
• ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720 ml) plain, unsweetened rice milk
• ½ cup (40 g) nutritional yeast
• 2 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1¼ tsp (7 g) salt, plus more to taste
• 2 cups (226 g) vegan Cheddar shreds or store-bought (soy-free if needed)
• 1 heaping cup (270 g) Cashew Cream (1 batch )
• Chopped fresh parsley, for topping (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and set aside a 9 x 13–inch (23 x 33–cm) baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse in cold water, place back in the pot and toss with the olive oil to keep from sticking.
3. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, stir together the French-fried onions, bread crumbs, garlic salt, and parsley (alternatively, you can process in a food processor or blender for finer crumbs). Set aside.
4. Make the cheese sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour until it is completely incorporated. Slowly add the rice milk while whisking constantly. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, whisking constantly. Lower the heat to low, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Whisk in the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Let simmer, whisking occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until thickened.
5. Stir in the Cheddar shreds and Cashew Cream and cook, stirring, until the shreds have melted. Stir in the cooked pasta. Season with more salt, if desired.
6. Transfer the pasta mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the top. Cover the pan tightly with foil.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil. Bake, uncovered, for another 5 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.
8. Serve warm, topped with parsley, if desired.