Creamy Mac and Cheese

Name: Creamy Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Vegan, Vegetarian
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 4 cups Macaroni (leftover is great, use gf if needed); 2 Tbs vegan butter; 10 oz vegan cheddar, finely cut; 1 cup almond milk; 1 batch Vegan Parmesan Cheese (3 ingredients, 1 min); 7 oz vegan cream cheese; 2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; salt, pepper to taste

ByFlorian Nouh

95 Comments

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This Creamy Mac and Cheese is seriously the best you've ever tried. It is ready in under 15 minutes and made with simple ingredients that you've already have on hand. Even the pickiest kids will eat this and want a second plate in no time. A keeper that the whole family will love and no one would ever taste or guess it is entirely vegan.

You know I do not get tired of making Mac and Cheese recipes. Stunners like my Garlic Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese, the One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese, Jalapeno Mac and Cheese, or the Cauliflower Mac & Cheese.

If you are looking for more ideas use the search bar and keep your craving mile high.

Today's recipe is taking a somewhat more traditional turn: lots of vegan cheese, creamy, and so comforting.

I have tested this recipe in and out to get it absolutely right and seriously the result and the flavor were simply amazing

Go ahead and try this Creamy Mac and Cheese, because it is:

easy to prepare with step by step pictures
great for leftover pasta
super creamy
rich
flavorful

Besides that, the result is also:

filling
satisfying
comforting
kids friendly
ready in under 15 minutes

What's in this Mac and Cheese sauce

As I mentioned, this recipe is very traditional: just pasta and a cheese sauce.

Of course this means that the sauce is the most important part of the dish. To get the best combination of creaminess and flavor, you will need:

vegan cream cheese
butter (vegan)
vegan cheddar and parmesan
almond milk

What is special about these ingredients for Creamy Mac & Cheese Sauce

Vegan Cream Cheese adds creaminess and tang; often made from cashews or coconut oil.

Vegan Butter provides richness; typically made from plant oils like coconut or avocado.

Vegan Cheddar & Parmesan is key for cheesy flavor and umami. Choose brands with good meltability like Violife or Daiya.

Almond Milk for a light and creamy base; use unsweetened for best results. Alternatives: Soy, oat, or cashew milk.

Together, these ingredients create a rich, dairy-free mac and cheese.

What you need for this vegan Mac and Cheese

Apart from those ingredients, not much is left to add: pasta and some spices.

Make sure you have the following at hand:

Macaroni noodles - this works perfectly with leftover pasta
garlic powder
onion powder

Optionally you can also add some smoked paprika.

How to make stove top Mac and Cheese

Start out with a large casserole or pot and melt vegan butter on low heat. Now add the vegan cheddar and also melt it while stirring all the time. Still on low heat - this is important!

When the cheddar and butter is combined to a smooth mix, stir in the vegan cream cheese. Then add plant milk and parmesan and combine everything to a smooth sauce.

Finally, give precooked macaroni to the pot, mix well, and season with salt and pepper (and optional smoked paprika). Heat everything for 5 minutes, then serve in bowl or on plates.

My Creamy Mac and Cheese makes such a perfect option for dinner, lunch, or meal prep that you can always count on.

It is especially amazing as a make ahead meal.

You can store it in the fridge for around 5 days, when covered with a lid on top.

Can I freeze this?

Yes you absolutely can! But before freezing it, please make sure it cools down properly.

Use an airtight container with a lid of choose freezer bags. It will stay fresh in the freezer for around 2 months.

You can even make a bigger batch, If you want to.

If you try this Creamy Mac and Cheese, tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

Love seeing all your remakes.

Cheers, Florian.