Cheesy Vegan Mac Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs

Recipe Introduction: Cheesy Vegan Mac & Cheese Bliss!
Ever craved that ooey gooey comfort food? Me too! But what if you could indulge without the dairy? Well, prepare yourself! This nutritional yeast recipes masterpiece is about to blow your mind.
It’s like a hug in a bowl. Honestly, it's so good.
This dairy-free mac and cheese is pure comfort food, vegan style. This vegan mac and cheese recipe originates from countless kitchen experiments, aiming to recreate that classic cheesy taste.
Ready in under 40 minutes. This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Why This Vegan Mac & Cheese Rocks
This recipe is special for a few reasons. First, nutritional yeast benefits shine here, adding vitamins and that cheesy flavour.
Second, it's total vegan comfort food recipes that even meat eaters will love. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
Perfect for a cosy night in!
Quick Hook: The Cheesy Secret Revealed!
Craving a creamy, cheesy pasta without the cheese? This recipe uses nutritional yeast, the secret weapon for amazing vegan cheese sauce recipes . Prepare for flavour!
Brief Overview: From Our Kitchen to Yours
Mac and cheese is a staple, right? We're giving it a tofu recipes vegan twist. This is an easy vegan dinner recipes .
And this one's super simple no fancy chef skills required. Ready in about 35 minutes.
Main Benefits: Feel Good Food
This Tofu With Nutritional Yeast contains essential B vitamins. I make this when I want something comforting. It is also easy to prepare! The Vegan Coleslaw pairs perfectly with this dish! My favourite thing about this recipe is the cheesy flavour from the nutritional yeast.
Honestly, it tastes as good as the real deal!
Now, let’s gather our ingredients. Get ready for some flavour!
Alright, let's chat about what you'll need for this epic vegan mac and cheese! This cheesy, nutty flavour bomb is all about the nutritional yeast recipes , honestly, it transforms everything! We're talking ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Let's break down what you need, so you don't end up missing anything. This vegan mac and cheese recipe is easier than you think!
Main Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound (450g) . This is the foundation.
- Vegan Butter : 3 tablespoons (45g) for the sauce, and 2 tablespoons (30g) melted for the breadcrumbs. Miyoko's Kitchen is fantastic if you can find it.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) . This thickens the sauce.
- Unsweetened Plant Based Milk: 3 cups (720ml) . Almond, soy, or oat work great.
- Nutritional Yeast: 1 cup (70g) for the sauce, 1/4 cup (17g) for the topping. This is where the cheesy magic happens. The nutritional yeast benefits are pretty amazing, too!
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50g) . These make the topping super crispy.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon . Brightens up the flavor.
For the pasta, try to use a good brand, it really makes a difference to the final result.
Seasoning Notes
This part is all about flavour.
- Spice Mix: 1 teaspoon onion powder , 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder , 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika , 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for colour), 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste), and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste).
- Flavour Enhancers: Don't skip the smoked paprika. It adds a lovely depth.
- Quick Subs: No smoked paprika? A pinch of regular paprika will do!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets for easy vegan dinner recipes .
- Essential Tools: A large pot, medium saucepan, whisk, 9x13 inch baking dish or oven safe skillet, and a mixing bowl.
- Common Alternatives: No baking dish? Use any oven safe dish you have.
Let’s talk sauce. A smooth sauce is key for this dairy-free mac and cheese . I once tried making this with lumpy sauce, disaster.
Learn from my mistakes. The recipe for this sauce is even better if you make some Tofu With Nutritional Yeast , and blend that into the sauce.
Alright, let's talk vegan comfort food recipes . I remember when I first went vegan. Finding a good dairy-free mac and cheese was like finding the Holy Grail.
Honestly, most of them were...well, let's just say they left something to be desired. But then I discovered the magic of nutritional yeast benefits !
Cooking Method: Vegan Mac & "Cheese" Magic
This ain't your average mac and cheese. This is next level . We're talking creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s one of my favorite nutritional yeast recipes .
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Mayhem (in a Good Way!)
First things first. Get everything prepped. Chop, measure, and breathe. Having everything ready will make this so much easier. No one likes scrambling for ingredients mid-sauce.
Trust me, I've been there! I suggest preparing your Essential mise en place . This includes cooking the macaroni.
Essential mise en place
Cook your 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni. Don't overcook it, al dente is your goal. This also includes melting the vegan butter (2 tablespoons (30g) vegan butter).
Time saving organization tips
Measure out all of your spices before you start. This includes 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Safety reminders
Be careful when dealing with hot liquids! Don’t get burned by the heat! Use oven gloves.
step-by-step Process: Cheesy Goodness Unleashed
Ready to transform pasta into cheesy heaven?
- Cook the pasta . Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the vegan butter . In a saucepan, melt the 3 tablespoons (45g) vegan butter over medium heat.
- Make a roux . Whisk in 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour until smooth.
- Create the cheese sauce . Gradually whisk in 3 cups (720ml) plant based milk (almond, soy, or oat) until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Add the flavor . Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup (70g) nutritional yeast , onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 5- 7 minutes). You will be creating the Vegan cheese sauce recipe .
- Finish the sauce . Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine pasta and sauce . Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Bake . Bake in a preheated oven at 375° F ( 190° C) for 15- 20 minutes , or until the topping is golden brown and the mac & "cheese" is bubbly.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Mac!
Okay, so you've got the basics down. Here are some tricks for maximum flavour and deliciousness:
- Don't skimp on the nutritional yeast ! This is where all that cheesy flavour comes from.
- If you want to get extra fancy, you can add a layer of breadcrumbs on top. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted vegan butter and nutritional yeast , then sprinkle over the mac before baking.
- Avoid a grainy sauce by whisking constantly while adding the milk. Low and slow is the key here. This makes it perfect for tofu recipes vegan . Also, it is very useful to prepare a lot of tofu recipes easy .
Honestly, this vegan mac and cheese recipe is a winner. It is one of the easy vegan dinner recipes . Plus, the nutritional yeast packs a punch of B vitamins, so you can feel good about indulging.
Why not serve alongside a vibrant vegan coleslaw for a balanced meal? Trust me, you won't miss the dairy one bit.
Now go get cooking!
Alright, let's talk more about this banging vegan mac and cheese recipe . It's way more than just instructions, yeah?
Recipe Notes: Nailing that Vegan Comfort Food Recipe
These are the bits and bobs that'll take your dairy-free mac and cheese from "meh" to "OMG". Honestly, the devil's in the details, you know?
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Listen up, presentation matters. I always think a sprinkle of fresh chives makes a huge difference. You could also try a swirl of balsamic glaze if you're feeling fancy.
On the side? A simple vegan coleslaw is perfect. It cuts through the richness. Some steamed green beans would also do the trick.
For drinks, a crisp, dry white wine balances the vegan cheese sauce recipe really well.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Okay, so leftovers. This vegan mac and cheese recipe keeps great. Chuck it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's in an airtight container.
Freezing? Yeah, you can , but it's never quite the same. The sauce can get a bit grainy. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Add a splash of plant milk to loosen it up, yeah?
Variations: Making it Your Own
Wanna spice things up? Add some jalapenos. Or how about some roasted butternut squash in the autumn? That's so British Autumn, innit?
If you are looking for Tofu Recipes Vegan you may want to try Tofu With Nutritional Yeast .
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Simple as that. Seriously, Tofu Recipes Easy is another topic!
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food
Let's keep it real: this is comfort food. But nutritional yeast benefits are actually impressive. It's packed with B vitamins. This cheesy vegan comfort food recipe is a great source of protein.
A serving has roughly 450-550 calories, 15-20g of protein, and 60-70g of carbs. It is a delicious way to boost your nutrition.
This Easy vegan dinner recipes is my personal favourite. Tofu With Nutritional Yeast and Tofu Recipes Vegan go hand in hand!
So there you have it! Some tweaks and tricks. Don't be afraid to experiment. And most importantly? Enjoy your cheesy, nutritional yeast recipes masterpiece. Go on, get stuck in!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is nutritional yeast, anyway? Is it like the stuff I use to bake bread?
Not at all, mate! Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast, meaning it won't make your dough rise. It's cultivated specifically for its nutritional value and unique cheesy flavour. Think of it as a secret weapon for adding umami and a cheesy taste to vegan dishes without any dairy a proper game changer!
How can I use nutritional yeast recipes to add some flavour to my meals?
Nutritional yeast is incredibly versatile! Beyond this mac & "cheese," you can sprinkle it on popcorn for a cheesy snack, use it to make vegan "parmesan" cheese, or add it to sauces, soups, and dips for a boost of flavour. It's like a culinary Swiss Army knife always good to have in your arsenal!
Can I substitute something else for nutritional yeast in these recipes? I can't find it anywhere!
While nutritional yeast provides a unique cheesy, nutty flavour, you can try a blend of ground cashews and a pinch of onion and garlic powder as a substitute. This won't perfectly replicate the taste, but it will add richness and depth.
You could also try using a vegan parmesan alternative found in supermarkets, but check the ingredients, some aren't as 'clean' as good ol' nooch!
How long does this vegan mac & "cheese" keep, and what's the best way to store it?
This mac & "cheese" is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of plant based milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
A word of warning though - leftovers don't usually last long, it's that tasty!
I'm trying to eat healthier. Is nutritional yeast good for me?
Absolutely! Nutritional yeast is packed with B vitamins, which are essential for energy and nerve function. It's also a good source of protein and fiber. Plus, it's naturally low in fat and sodium, making it a guilt free way to add flavour to your meals. Just remember, everything in moderation, even the good stuff!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Like, prepare it the night before?
You can definitely prep parts of this ahead! Cook the pasta and make the sauce separately, then store them in the fridge overnight. Assemble and bake the mac & "cheese" just before serving.
This is a proper time saver when you're expecting guests it's like having a ready-made comfort food waiting in the wings!
Cheesy Vegan Mac Cheese With Crispy Breadcrumbs

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |