Description
Comfort meets innovation in this irresistible Vegan Mac Cheese, blending cashew-based creaminess with nutritional yeast’s cheesy essence. Rich, plant-powered flavors elevate classic comfort food, promising a delightful journey for anyone craving a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (960 ml) macaroni
- 10 ounces (280 g) vegan cheddar, finely cut
- 7 ounces (200 g) vegan cream cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) almond milk
- 1 batch vegan parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Fat/Binding Ingredient:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegan butter
Instructions
- Warm butter in a spacious saucepan over gentle low heat, allowing it to melt smoothly and create a silky base.
- Gradually incorporate cheddar cheese into the melted butter, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and create a uniform consistency.
- Blend cream cheese into the mixture, whisking until the texture becomes completely uniform and glossy.
- Pour milk into the cheese blend, adding parmesan and stirring until the sauce reaches a luxurious, creamy composition.
- Cook prepared macaroni directly into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated.
- Sprinkle selected seasonings throughout the mac and cheese, distributing flavors evenly.
- Simmer the entire mixture for approximately 5 minutes at low temperature, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to settle and reach optimal serving consistency.
Notes
- Choose sharp cheddar for deeper, more intense cheese flavor that elevates the entire dish’s richness.
- Room temperature ingredients blend smoother, preventing lumpy sauce and ensuring silky texture.
- Use full-fat dairy products for maximum creaminess and authentic mac and cheese experience.
- Optional mix-ins like crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted vegetables can transform basic recipe into gourmet meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg