Are you craving creamy, dreamy mac and cheese but want to avoid dairy? This recipe delivers all the cheesy goodness without a single drop of milk! It's a surprisingly easy and delicious alternative perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and homemade cooking. It's one of the best recipes out there for a truly satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast (provides a cheesy flavor)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesy flavor)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheesy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the nutritional yeast, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth until smooth.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters
Stir in the lemon juice and olive oil. The lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note that complements the cheesy flavor beautifully.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key for the best texture in this recipe. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.
- Whisk constantly: When making the sauce, make sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more or less of any spice to suit your taste.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and add flavor by incorporating some steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or peas into the mac and cheese.
Variations:
- Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegan Bacon Mac and Cheese: Crumble some vegan bacon bits over the top for extra flavor and texture.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like nutritional yeast or vegan cheddar for various flavour profiles.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 7-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This dairy-free mac and cheese is a delightful and healthy meal option that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s a fantastic recipe for those looking for delicious dishes and healthy meals that are quick to prepare. Enjoy!