๐ง Creamy Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese (Vegan-Friendly & Kid-Approved!)
This creamy dairy-free mac and cheese is rich, easy, and totally vegan! Made with non-dairy milk, nutritional yeast, and simple seasonings—perfect for a quick, healthy comfort food fix.
Introduction:
Craving mac and cheese without the dairy? This dairy-free mac and cheese recipe is rich, creamy, and comforting—without using milk, butter, or cheese. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it's perfect for anyone following a dairy-free, vegan, or lactose-free diet.
Whether you're feeding kids or meal prepping for the week, this plant-based mac and cheese hits the spot every time!
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ๐ง Cheesy and creamy—no dairy needed
- ๐ฑ 100% vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free option
- ๐งก Made with real, simple ingredients
- ๐ฝ️ Ready in just 20 minutes
- ๐ง Great for meal prep and leftovers
๐ Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (oat, soy, almond, or coconut)
- ½ cup cooked or canned pumpkin or butternut squash (for color & creaminess)
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt, more to taste
- Pinch of turmeric (for color – optional)
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins: steamed broccoli, sautรฉed mushrooms, peas, or spinach
๐ฉ๐ณ How to Make Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese
✅ Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
✅ Step 2: Sautรฉ the Base
Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add chopped onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
✅ Step 3: Make the Sauce
Add cooked onion/garlic, non-dairy milk, pumpkin, nutritional yeast, mustard, lemon juice, and seasonings to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
✅ Step 4: Heat the Sauce
Pour the blended sauce back into the pan. Simmer over low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until thickened.
✅ Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir well to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with black pepper or paprika on top.
๐ฝ️ Serving Ideas
- ๐ฅฆ Stir in steamed broccoli or peas
- ๐ฅ Add vegan bacon bits for a smoky twist
- ๐ถ️ Top with chili flakes or hot sauce
- ๐ง Sprinkle with garlic breadcrumbs for crunch
๐ง Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (store sauce and pasta separately for best texture)
- Reheat: Add a splash of non-dairy milk while reheating to restore creaminess
✅ Tips for the Best Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese
- Use unsweetened plant-based milk only
- Nutritional yeast adds cheesy flavor—don’t skip it!
- For a nut-free version, choose oat or soy milk over almond or cashew
- Add 1–2 tbsp tahini for extra creaminess (optional)
๐ FAQ – Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese
Q: What’s the best plant milk to use?
Unsweetened oat milk or soy milk works best for creaminess without sweetness.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta.
Q: Is this recipe vegan?
Yes—it contains no dairy, no eggs, and no animal products.
๐ Save & Share This Recipe
Love this creamy dairy-free mac and cheese? Save it to your comfort food Pinterest board, or share your version on Instagram with #DairyFreeMacMagic ๐ง๐ฑ✨
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