Vegan Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Macaroni & Cheese is one of those dishes that I thought we would have to say goodbye to years ago when we went vegan. I had tried various recipes, but was never totally satisfied with the outcome until Daiya Cheese came into our lives. It is the most amazing cheese substitute that melts, stretches, and tastes like the real deal.

Once I had a version down that I liked, this vegan macaroni & cheese recipe quickly became a family favorite (especially for my twin sons, who will always say “YESSSSSS!” when they see it baking in the oven).

This recipe is super easy and you can whip it up in a snap, while providing a yummy, nostalgic, comfort food-type of meal for your family and friends. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 16 oz. package of elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice if you prefer something different)
• 1 ½ bags of Daiya cheese (I use a whole bag of mozzarella in the initial mix & ½ bag of cheddar on top)
• 5 tablespoons Earth Balance vegan butter
• 5 tablespoons flour
• 2 ¼ cups soy milk (I make my own, but any brand you buy at the market will work well too)
• ½  tub of vegan sour cream (I use Tofutti brand)
• 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast (I use Bragg’s Seasoned)
• salt & pepper to taste
• dash of paprika
• Panko bread crumbs - enough to cover the top layer

Directions

1) Cook pasta about 6-7 minutes until just tender (it bakes more once it’s in the oven).

2) Drain pasta well and transfer it to a lightly greased casserole dish while the pasta is still hot.

3) Empty first bag of Daiya on top of the pasta and mix it well so the cheese adheres evenly. Since the pasta is still hot, it will melt like a dream.

4) In a separate pot, melt butter and add salt, pepper and paprika to taste.

5) Whisk in flour until combined.

6) Stir in the milk and sour cream.

7) Keep stirring until it starts thickening up. Add dashes of flour for thickness if necessary (or more soy milk if it’s too thick) to make sure you have a nice even sauce - you want it to be like a thickened liquid, not a paste.

8) Pour the sauce on top of the pasta and mix everything well.

9) Top with ½ bag of Daiya and sprinkle breadcrumbs atop the cheese.

10) Bake in 375 degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is starting to look brown.

11) Enjoy!