Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese

Nut-free option, Soy-free option

This dish is simple, delicious and kid-approved. It has everything you love about mac and cheese, without the dairy. You can almost always find this served at our family barbecues and get-togethers— it’s just that good. Serve it with our BBQ Jackfruit Sliders, Baked Tofu Nuggets or Sloppy Joes.

Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese is a timeless dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to any mealtime. This recipe takes a traditional favorite and gives it a vegan twist, using simple ingredients to achieve a velvety, indulgent sauce that clings to perfectly cooked pasta.

This recipe highlights the versatility of plant-based ingredients, showcasing how a luscious and creamy mac and cheese can be achieved without dairy. The foundation of the sauce is built upon a roux made with vegan butter and all-purpose flour, creating a thick and silky base. The addition of plain, unsweetened rice milk contributes to the creamy texture, while a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Dijon mustard brings depth of flavor.

The star of this dish is the vegan Cheddar shreds, which melt seamlessly into the sauce, creating a rich and cheesy profile that’s reminiscent of traditional mac and cheese. The Dijon mustard adds a touch of tanginess, elevating the overall taste. The combination of ingredients works harmoniously to achieve that familiar and comforting mac and cheese experience.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. The straightforward process of whisking together the sauce, melting in the vegan Cheddar shreds, and tossing with cooked pasta makes it a quick and satisfying option for busy weeknight dinners or comforting gatherings.

Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese serves as a testament to how plant-based cuisine can cater to a wide range of preferences. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to explore new flavors, this dish offers the perfect balance of comfort and taste. Its creamy consistency, rich flavor, and familiar appeal make it a crowd-pleaser that both vegans and non-vegans can enjoy.

In today’s culinary landscape, where dietary preferences and needs are diverse, Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese showcases the innovation of plant-based cooking. By blending traditional comfort with modern dietary considerations, this recipe demonstrates that a beloved classic can evolve to accommodate a broader spectrum of tastes and lifestyles.

PREP TIME: none

COOK TIME: 15 minutes, plus time to boil pasta

YIELD: 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (16-oz [453-g]) package pasta of choice (elbow macaroni or cellentani)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• ⅓ cup (75 g) vegan butter (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
• ⅓ cup (41 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720 ml) plain, unsweetened rice milk
• 1½ tsp (4 g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1½ tsp (3 g) paprika, plus more for topping
• 2 tsp (30 g) Dijon mustard
• 1½ tsp (9 g) salt, plus more to taste
• 2 cups (226 g) vegan Cheddar shreds (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
• Dried or chopped fresh parsley, for topping

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse in cold water, then place it back in the pot and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the vegan butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until fully incorporated.
3. Slowly pour in the rice milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, continuing to whisk constantly.
4. Lower the heat to low, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Dijon mustard, and salt. Allow the mixture to simmer, whisking occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it thickens.
5. Stir in the vegan Cheddar shreds until they melt and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
7. Serve the creamy vegan mac and cheese in bowls, topped with extra paprika for color and flavor, as well as dried or chopped fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.