VEGAN CREAMY MAC & CHEESE

Did someone say Mac ‘n’ Cheese? Yes, that is indeed what I said. If you’re skeptical because I also said VEGAN Mac, then you need not worry because this particular mac and cheese recipe is definitely one for the books. This Mac & Cheese boasts a golden crust that hides below it creamy and exquisitely cheesy elbow macaroni that has been seasoned to perfection.

Vegan or not, and I say that because I know many folks still regard vegan foods as bland and boring, let me tell you, some of my all-time favorite foods and recipes are vegan or simply dairy-free. Now, I celebrate those recipes because there was genuinely a time when I was not certain I would be able to enjoy some of my favorite foods comfortably due to my allergy.

When I share these recipes, I always make it known that I am not vegan; however, I do have an allergy to dairy. What that led me to is the wonderful world that is vegan foods. Okay, now enough of that. Let’s get into some of this cheesy goodness and give your taste buds something to smile about
today.”

INGREDIENT DETAILS ;-

1. Elbow Macaroni (300g): This is a type of pasta that is shaped like short, curved tubes. It’s commonly used in macaroni and cheese dishes.
2. Shredded Vegan Cheese (1 ½ cups): Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese. Violife Original flavor is a popular brand of vegan cheese that melts well and has a similar texture to dairy cheese.
3. Vegan Cream Cheese (⅔ cup): Violife is a brand of vegan cream cheese that can be used in place of traditional cream cheese in recipes. It provides a creamy texture and flavor.
4. Coconut Cream (or any Dairy-free alternative) (¾ cup): Coconut cream is a thick, creamy liquid made from the flesh of coconuts. It can be used as a dairy-free alternative in recipes that call for heavy cream or cream-based sauces.
5. Vegan Butter/Margarine (¼ cup): Vegan butter or margarine is a plant-based alternative to traditional butter made from dairy. It provides a similar flavor and texture in cooking and baking.
6. Reserved Pasta Water (½ cup): This is the water that the pasta was cooked in. It can be reserved and used to adjust the consistency of the sauce in the recipe.
7. Water (½ cup): This is used to help thin out the sauce and adjust the consistency of the dish.
8. All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): This is used as a thickening agent in the sauce to help it achieve a creamy consistency.
9. Smoked Paprika (2 tsp): This spice adds a smoky flavor to the dish and enhances the overall taste.
10. Minced Garlic (1 tsp): Garlic adds flavor to the dish and is a common ingredient in many savory recipes.
11. Garlic Powder (½ tsp): This is a powdered form of garlic that adds a concentrated garlic flavor to the dish.
12. Onion Powder (½ tsp): Similar to garlic powder, onion powder adds a concentrated onion flavor to the dish.
13. Chili Flakes (¼ tsp): These add a bit of heat and spice to the dish, so adjust the amount based on your preference for spiciness.
14. Cayenne Pepper (pinch): Cayenne pepper adds heat to the dish, so adjust the amount based on your preference for spiciness.
15. Salt & Pepper: These are used to season the dish to taste.

INGREDIENTS & ALTERNATIVES

Certainly! Here are some alternative ingredients you can consider for the Vegan Mac ‘n’ Cheese recipe:

1. Elbow Macaroni: You can use other types of pasta such as penne, shells, or fusilli.
2. Vegan Cheese: Instead of Violife Original flavor, you can use other brands of vegan cheese like Daiya, Follow Your Heart, or homemade cashew cheese.
3. Vegan Cream Cheese: You can substitute vegan cream cheese with silken tofu blended with lemon juice and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture.
4. Coconut Cream: Other dairy-free alternatives for coconut cream include cashew cream, almond milk cream, or oat milk cream.
5. Vegan Butter/Margarine: Substitute with coconut oil, olive oil, or vegan spread like Earth Balance.
6. All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free flour, almond flour, or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option.
7. Smoked Paprika: You can use regular paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
8. Garlic: Fresh minced garlic can be replaced with garlic powder or garlic paste.
9. Onion Powder: Substitute with finely chopped fresh onions or onion flakes.
10. Chili Flakes: Use cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or paprika for heat.
11. Cayenne Pepper: An alternative spicy option can be chili powder or hot sauce.

VEGAN CREAMY MAC & CHEESE

 Creamy vegan mac and cheese: A plant-based twist on the classic comfort food, featuring tender pasta coated in a velvety, dairy-free cheese sauce made from ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk for a deliciously satisfying dish.

 

Courses: Main Course, Sides and Salads Recipe Keys: Corn Free Dairy Free Egg Free Nut Free Soy Free Vegan

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Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 45 mins Total Time 1 hr 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 4

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 1 - pack Elbow Macaroni, 300g

• 1 - ½ cups Shredded Vegan Cheese (I used Violife Original flavor)

• - ⅔ cup Vegan Cream Cheese (I used Violife)

• - ¾ cup Coconut Cream or any Dairy-free alternative

• - ¼ cup Vegan Butter/Margarine

• - ½ cup reserved Pasta Water

• - ½ cup water

• 2 - tbsp All-Purpose Flour

• 2 - tsp Smoked Paprika

• 1 - tsp Minced Garlic

• - ½ tsp Garlic Powder

• - ½ tsp Onion Powder

• - ¼ tsp Chili Flakes

• - Pinch of Cayenne Pepper

• - Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and set it aside before draining the noodles.
2. 2. Preheat oven to 300°F.
3. 3. In a saucepan over low heat, add butter and melt. Once melted, add flour and mix well before slowly stirring in the cream to ensure no lumps are formed. Allow the sauce to thicken, then stir in the water and pasta water.
4. 4. To the sauce, add minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili flakes, and cayenne pepper, and stir well.
5. 5. Add cream cheese and shredded cheese to the saucepan and stir well until the cheese is fully melted. Turn off the heat and season with salt and pepper.
6. 6. Place the cooked pasta in a wide mixing bowl, add ¾ of the cheese sauce, and mix well. Transfer the mixture into a baking tray or individual baking dishes.
7. 7. Top the macaroni mixture with the remaining sauce and finish off by sprinkling with paprika.
8. 8. Bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 5-7 minutes, then switch to the broil setting for an additional 5 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. 9. Remove the Vegan Mac 'n' Cheese from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
10. 10. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional seasonings, if desired.
11. 11. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy and flavorful Vegan Mac 'n' Cheese!

Note

1. **Cook Pasta Al Dente:** Cook the pasta just until it is al dente (firm to the bite) as it will continue to cook when baked in the oven. This helps prevent mushy pasta.

 

2. **Save Pasta Water:** Reserving some pasta water before draining the noodles can help adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed. The starchy water can help bind the sauce and pasta together.

 

3. **Mix Sauce and Pasta Well:** Ensure the pasta is well coated with the cheese sauce by mixing them thoroughly in a wide bowl before transferring to the baking dish This helps distribute the flavors evenly.

 

4. **Customize Seasonings:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness.

 

5. **Bake Until Golden:** Bake the Mac 'n' Cheese until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. If needed, finish under the broiler for a crispy top.

 

6. **Let it Rest:** Allow the dish to cool slightly after baking before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to handle.

 

7. **Garnish Creatively:** Garnish the dish with additional toppings like breadcrumbs, chopped herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for added texture and flavor

 

8. **Storage and Reheating:** Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, add a splash of plant-based milk to maintain creaminess and bake or microwave until heated through.

 

By following these tips, you can enhance the flavors and textures of your Vegan Mac 'n' Cheese and make the cooking process smoother. Enjoy creating this comforting and delicious dish!

Keywords: mac n cheese, dairy free, vegan, creamy mac n cheese, vegan mac & cheese,