Vegan Mac & Cheese

​Ooey gooey melt-in-your-mouth-goodness sent from the heavens is the definition of a good Mac & Cheese; and this recipe is no different.
BY KE’ANNA DODDS

​Mac and cheese is one of those dishes that you need to apply with a resume, ten years of experience, 3 references and a letter of recommendation in order to be considered to bring to the holiday table. I kid I kid, maybe. But over here we take this special cheese and noodles dish seriously.
There needs to be the right amount moisture, creaminess, crispiness from the cheese baked on top, and noodle to cheese ratio, and of course that cheese pull needs to be there. I mean if I can’t take a picture or slow-mo video of this moment then why I am there.

How can a good Mac & Cheese be vegan?

​Well you’ve got to start out with a good roux, flavor as you go, and a decent melt-able vegan cheese. In this recipe I’m here to show you that once you have a bite of this it’s worth all the work that goes into it.

Notes on Ingredients

Please note that this is important information on the ingredients and instructions and the FULL recipe with amounts and details can be found DOWN BELOW (scroll to it) in the recipe card.
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For the Vegan Baked Mac & Cheese:

• Vegan butter – plant-based butter
• Flour
• Oat milk – adds extra creaminess
• Vegetable Stock
• Dijon mustard
• Nutritional yeast – helps with the cheesy flavor
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Season salt
• Creole seasoning
• Black pepper
• Vegan cheese
• Elbow macaroni

Do I have to use vegan cheese and still make the cheese sauce?

You don’t have to do both; I just prefer it. Growing up with traditionally baked mac and cheese it’s gooey on the inside and crispy on the top. Without both it is a bit harder to achieve that.

How to Make Vegan Baked Mac & Cheese

​Here’s how to make the best vegan baked mac and cheese.

​Make a roux by melting the butter in a pot on low heat and stirring in the flour consistently until it becomes a light tan color. Continue to stir and slowly add in milk and vegetable stock. Stir until it starts to thicken and bubble. Add seasonings and continue to stir until incorporated. Turn off the heat.

​Pour “cheese” sauce over cooked noodles in a baking dish.

​Stir in half of the “cheese” with the cheese sauce and noodles, then top the dish with the remaining “cheese”.

​Bake at 400F degrees for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips for Success

These tips will help you make sure your Mac & “Cheese” turns out perfect:
 

• Boil your noodles in vegetable stock for extra flavor.
• Don’t forget to season your “cheese” sauce to add flavor.
• Use oat milk for a “whole” milk like consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Mac & “Cheese” alongside:

• Any of your favorite holiday dishes

How to Store Leftovers

Mac & “Cheese” can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days in an airtight container.

Can This Recipe Be Frozen?

​Yes! You can freeze this dressing in an airtight freezer container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months.

Enjoy! If you make this Vegan Baked Mac & Cheese  recipe, please snap a photo and tag #ruekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!

Disclaimer: Although www.ruekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. www.ruekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.