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Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.2 from 24 reviews

This creamy mac and cheese recipe is a comforting vegan twist on a classic favorite, made with vegan cheddar, cream cheese, and a homemade vegan parmesan to create a luscious, dairy-free cheese sauce. Perfect for using leftover macaroni, it’s quick to prepare and rich in flavor, making a delicious meal suitable for vegans and those avoiding dairy.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups macaroni (leftover is great, use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 10 ounces vegan cheddar, finely cut
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 7 ounces vegan cream cheese
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegan Parmesan Cheese (1 batch)

  • 3 ingredients, prepared in 1 minute (typically nutritional yeast, cashews, and salt or similar)

Optional

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter and Cheddar: In a large casserole or pot, melt the vegan butter over low heat. Add the finely cut vegan cheddar pieces and stir constantly, keeping the heat low to slowly melt the cheese without burning.
  2. Add Cream Cheese: Once the butter and cheddar have combined into a smooth mixture, stir in the vegan cream cheese, continuing to mix gently to incorporate it evenly into the sauce.
  3. Incorporate Almond Milk and Parmesan: Pour in the almond milk and add the prepared vegan parmesan cheese. Stir everything together over low heat until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Mix in Macaroni and Seasonings: Add the precooked macaroni to the pot and mix well to coat all the pasta with the cheese sauce. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and the optional smoked paprika to taste.
  5. Heat Thoroughly and Serve: Allow the mac and cheese to heat for about 5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Serve hot in bowls or on plates.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free macaroni if you need a gluten-free version.
  • This recipe is ideal for using leftover pasta to avoid waste.
  • The creamy sauce is made without dairy, perfect for vegan or lactose-intolerant diets.
  • Keeping the heat low while melting the cheese prevents burning and ensures a smooth sauce.
  • You can customize the seasoning by adding smoked paprika or other spices as preferred.