As I tiptoed into my kitchen, armed with a whisk and a mission to conquer my dairy cravings, I embarked on a daring adventure to create the holy grail of comfort food: homemade vegan mac and cheese. Oh, the creamy indulgence that awaited me, free from any animal products but brimming with plant-based magic!
With a mischievous smirk and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast in my hair, I dove headfirst into a world of cashews, potatoes, and a dash of alchemy. The air in the kitchen tingled with anticipation as if the very essence of comfort was whispering in my ear. I could practically hear the carrots giggling and the cashews cheering me on, as if they were in on the secret to creating the creamiest, dreamiest cheese-like sauce.
With each stir of the pot, I felt like a vegan MacGyver, defying the odds and creating a masterpiece of comfort with nothing but the power of plants. Oh, homemade free from dairy products mac and cheese, you glorious symphony of creamy bliss, let the dairy-free indulgence begin!
Indulge in a Dairy-Free Delight with this Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe
If you are a vegan or simply looking to cut back on dairy, you don’t have to give up your favorite comfort foods. This vegan mac and cheese recipe is a quick and easy way to satisfy your cravings without compromising your dietary choices. Plus, it can be made in under 30 minutes making it a perfect weeknight meal option.
Recipe for Vegan (Non-milk) Mac and Cheese
To make this creamy dairy-free mac and cheese, you’ll need to follow the recipe given below:
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk (unsweetened almond milk or unsweetened soy milk)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- While the macaroni is cooking, drain the cashews and add them to a blender or food processor along with the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, lemon juice, olive oil and non-dairy milk. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Stirring occasionally, pour the cashew mixture into a large pot and heat over medium heat until it starts to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked macaroni to the pot. Stir until the noodles are fully coated with the sauce.
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Serving Size
4 people
Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious recipe. The choice of non-dairy milk for this recipe ultimately comes down to personal preference. I recommend using unsweetened almond milk or unsweetened soy milk for this particular recipe. These non-dairy milks have a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients in the recipe and they also have a creamy texture that works well in the sauce. (That being said, you can certainly use any unsweetened non-dairy milk that you prefer, such as oat milk or cashew milk as long as it is unsweetened).
Can I use any type of pasta for vegan mac and cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as elbow macaroni, shells or penne to make Lactose-free mac and cheese.
How do I achieve a creamy texture without using dairy products?
Cashews are the secret ingredient that helps create a creamy texture in plant-based mac and cheese. When blended with the other ingredients, they result in a rich and velvety sauce.
What can I use as a substitute for cheese in vegan mac and cheese?
Nutritional yeast is often used to give a cheesy flavor to vegan mac and cheese. It adds a savory, umami taste that mimics the flavor of cheese.
Can I add vegetables to my vegan mac and cheese?
Absolutely! You can add steamed or sauteed vegetables like broccoli, peas or spinach to your vegan mac and cheese for added flavor and nutrition.
How can I make my vegan mac and cheese gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, such as rice or quinoa pasta and ensure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
Can I make Vegan-friendly mac and cheese ahead of time and reheat it?
Yes, you can make vegan mac and cheese ahead of time and reheat it. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Are there any additional toppings I can add to enhance the flavor of my vegan mac and cheese?
Absolutely! You can sprinkle breadcrumbs, chopped fresh herbs or even some vegan bacon bits on top of your mac and cheese before baking or serving to add extra texture and flavor.
What to pair with non-dairy mac and cheese?
When it comes to pairing dishes with vegan mac and cheese, you have a wide range of options to complement and enhance the flavors. You can pair it with pickled vegetables or green salad.
