Vegan Mac and Cheese

Vegan Mac & Cheese

Aging Out of Mac and Cheese? Think Again.

Enter the Vegan Mac and Cheese as the newest ideation in this culinary evolution. As we grow older, our taste buds evolve and our palates become more sophisticated, as do our dietary needs. Fortunately that doesn’t mean we have to abandon our love for mac and cheese. While chefs often elevate the classic childhood dish with truffle oil or vegan bacon, the fact that this comforting pasta can be enjoyed in both high and low forms speaks to its universal appeal.

Vegan Mac and Cheese: How to Make It

Traditional mac and cheese dishes rely heavily on dairy, but there are many vegan versions that use plant-based ingredients. Store-bought vegan butter and cheese shreds are simple substitutes, but making your own vegan cheese sauce can be easy and delicious. Cashews, potatoes, squash, carrots, plant milk, vegetable stock, and/or nutritional yeast can be blended together to create a creamy and velvety cheese sauce. Whether you prefer stovetop or casserole-style, elbow or rotini-shaped, there’s a recipe out there for you.

Macaroni Options: Beyond Wheat Pasta

Macaroni noodles come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of substances. In addition to common wheat pasta, there are gluten-free options, as well as pasta made from lentils, tofu, kelp, brown rice, black beans, spaghetti squash, spiralized vegetables, chickpeas, and hearts of palm. All of these varieties can be used to create the Fountain Hills Healthy Heartbeats Vegan Mac and Cheese.

Convenience and Creativity

While homemade mac and cheese is great, boxed mac and cheese can be the ultimate convenience food. With only a few ingredients and basic culinary skills, you can enjoy this humble comfort food in no time. To add some nutrition, throw in broccoli florets while the pasta is cooking or frozen veggies with the cheese sauce. For a fancier twist, top with vegan bacon, truffle oil, and your favorite garnish.