Inspired by: @itslara
Craving that classic, comforting bowl of mac and cheese but need a delicious dairy-free alternative? Look no further! This easy and creamy homemade vegan mac and cheese recipe is your answer for a satisfying, plant-based meal that comes together quickly. Perfect for a cozy night in, a potluck, or simply when you need a hearty, nostalgic dish, this recipe leverages the fantastic melt and flavor of Violife Cheddar to deliver an incredibly cheesy experience without any dairy.
It's designed for anyone seeking simple, wholesome, and incredibly tasty vegan comfort food. Forget complicated ingredients or lengthy cooking times – this recipe focuses on ease and maximum flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or a delightful family dinner.
What You'll Need
Yields: 2-3 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes
Equipment:
- Large pot for pasta
- Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
- Whisk
- Oven-safe dish (optional, for baking)
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (pasta) of your choice (elbow macaroni recommended)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (like Violife's "Butter" or similar)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened plant milk (almond or soy work well)
- 1/4 of a 7-8 oz block of Violife Cheddar, grated (or about 2 oz)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (garlic and parsley)
- 1 tablespoon dairy-free grated cheese alternative, such as Grattì by IoVeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dry chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Roux: While the pasta cooks, melt the vegan butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Whisk in Milk: Slowly pour in the plant milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Seasonings: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated Violife Cheddar, nutritional yeast, and Dijon mustard. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Garnish: Transfer the mac and cheese to serving bowls. Top with seasoned breadcrumbs, a sprinkle of Grattì by IoVeg (if using), and dry chives. For extra flavor, consider sautéing some finely diced onion and adding it to the sauce or as a topping.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor this comforting, dairy-free delight!
Variations & Adaptations
This versatile vegan mac and cheese recipe can be easily adapted to your taste and dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux.
- Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli florets, cooked spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a pleasant warmth to the sauce.
- Baked Mac: For a crispy topping, transfer the prepared mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with extra breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Smoked Flavor: A tiny amount of liquid smoke or smoked paprika can give the sauce a deeper, smoky "cheddar" taste.
Tips & Hacks
- For Extra Creaminess: If your sauce seems too thick, add an extra splash of warm plant milk until desired consistency is reached. For a richer sauce, experiment with full-fat coconut cream or a blend of plant milks.
- Perfect Breadcrumbs: If you don't have pre-seasoned breadcrumbs, mix plain breadcrumbs with a dash of garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper before sprinkling.
- Make Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a little extra plant milk if needed to restore creaminess, then stir in freshly cooked pasta.
Related Articles
Looking for more delicious vegan and dairy-free recipes? Explore these other fantastic options from abillion:
- Vegan Mac N' Cheese Recipe - Dive deeper into the world of dairy-free cheesy pasta!
- Easy & Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese with Broccoli & Greens - Discover another take on this comforting classic.
- Quick & Creamy Vegan Cheesy Pasta - Find more speedy cheesy pasta solutions.
- The Easiest Life-Changing Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Sauce - Master a versatile dairy-free cheese sauce that goes beyond pasta.
Ready to try this cheesy masterpiece? Whip up a batch of this Easy & Creamy Homemade Vegan Mac and Cheese tonight and share your experience with abillion! We'd love to see your creations and hear your thoughts.
