Introduction to Creamy Mac and Cheese
What is Creamy Mac and Cheese?
Creamy Mac and Cheese is a comforting, rich dish that takes the classic mac and cheese to a whole new level by making it entirely vegan. The creamy sauce is a delicious blend of vegan cheddar, vegan cream cheese, and almond milk, creating the perfect texture that rivals traditional cheese sauces. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or just looking to make a dairy-free alternative, this recipe is simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan creamy mac and cheese is packed with flavor and has the perfect combination of smooth, creamy sauce and tender pasta. The richness comes from vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and a homemade vegan parmesan that’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. By using garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of smoked paprika (if you like), the sauce is bursting with savory goodness. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta, and it’s quick enough to prepare for a weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover macaroni, making it even more convenient for busy days. If you’re craving comfort food- vegan comfort food recipe – that’s rich, creamy, and completely vegan, look no further than this creamy mac and cheese.
Basic Recipe for Creamy Mac and Cheese
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Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese is rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, with a velvety smooth sauce made from vegan cheddar, cream cheese, and almond milk. Flavored with garlic, onion powder, and a dash of smoked paprika, this dish is a comforting plant-based version of the classic mac and cheese, perfect for a cozy dinner or a comforting side dish!
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 4 cups macaroni (leftover is great, and use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 10 oz vegan cheddar cheese, finely chopped or shredded
- 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
- 1 batch Vegan Parmesan Cheese (3 ingredients, 1 minute) — see instructions below
- 7 oz vegan cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta
- Make the Cheese Sauce
- Combine and Serve
Notes
- You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more almond milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- For extra texture, top the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs and bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Feel free to use any plant-based milk that you prefer, such as soy milk or oat milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Begin by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. If you’re using leftover macaroni, simply heat it in a pot with a little water or almond milk until warmed through.
- Make the Vegan Parmesan Cheese: In a blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup of cashews, 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Blend until you have a fine, cheesy texture. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the vegan cream cheese and stir until smooth. Pour in the almond milk and stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Add the Cheeses and Spices: Add the vegan cheddar and the vegan parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until everything is fully melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want a little extra flavor, add the smoked paprika.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta completely with the creamy sauce. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is well mixed and heated, serve immediately. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle additional vegan parmesan on top before serving.
Advanced Techniques for Creamy Mac and Cheese
Making a Thicker Sauce
If you prefer a thicker sauce, there are a couple of tricks to make the mac and cheese even creamier. You can create a roux by mixing equal parts vegan butter and flour and cooking it until it forms a paste before adding the almond milk. This will help thicken the sauce as it simmers.
Another way to thicken the sauce is by blending in a small amount of cashews or silken tofu, which will give the sauce a creamy consistency without any dairy. Just add a handful to the blender along with the almond milk and blend until smooth before mixing it into the rest of the ingredients.
Customizing the Flavor
Feel free to get creative with your creamy mac and cheese. If you want a sharper flavor, try adding a tablespoon of mustard or a splash of lemon juice to the sauce. For a richer, more complex flavor, you can also experiment by adding smoked gouda or other vegan cheeses. Mixing different vegan cheese varieties will elevate the overall flavor profile of your mac and cheese.
For a little extra crunch, consider adding a breadcrumb topping. Simply toss some gluten-free breadcrumbs with a bit of vegan butter and toast them in the oven until crispy, then sprinkle them on top of your mac and cheese before serving.
Baking Option
If you prefer a baked version of mac and cheese, transfer the finished pasta and sauce mixture into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and some extra vegan cheese, and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
How to Store Leftover Mac and Cheese
If you have any leftovers, store your creamy mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of almond milk to restore its creamy texture.
Freezing Creamy Mac and Cheese
While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze creamy mac and cheese for later. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove over low heat, adding more almond milk as needed to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
Tips for Reheating
To prevent the sauce from separating when reheating, make sure to stir it constantly and add a little more almond milk as it warms up. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it’s warmed through.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Version
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap out the macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available, including pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpeas. Be sure to check the label on your vegan cheddar to make sure it’s gluten-free as well.
Nut-Free Option
For those with nut allergies, you can make a nut-free version of this creamy mac and cheese by using a coconut milk base instead of almond milk. You can also make your vegan parmesan cheese using sunflower seeds instead of cashews.
Soy-Free Option
If you prefer to avoid soy, make sure to use a soy-free vegan cream cheese and check the ingredients of your vegan butter to ensure it’s soy-free as well.
FAQs About The Recipe
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before serving. Just reheat it on the stove with a little extra almond milk to restore its creaminess.
Can I Use Regular Dairy Cheese?
If you’re not following a vegan diet, you can easily substitute regular cheese for the vegan cheese in this recipe. Use a blend of shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese for the best results.
How Can I Make the Sauce Even Creamier?
For a creamier texture, try adding more vegan cream cheese or a bit of cashew cream. Blending a handful of soaked cashews with water or almond milk creates a rich, smooth cream that you can add to your sauce for extra richness.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts on Creamy Mac and Cheese
This creamy mac and cheese is a comforting, rich dish that’s perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike. With its velvety smooth sauce, savory spices, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this creamy mac and cheese is versatile, easy to make, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try and enjoy the creamy, dairy-free goodness!