Gourmet Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese (Stove-Top, Gluten-Free)
Indulge in this creamy and dreamy Vegan Mac and Cheese that captures all the flavors of traditional comfort food while adhering to gluten-free and dairy-free diets. This delightful dish comes together in just 20 minutes on the stove, making it the perfect quick meal for any occasion. Your taste buds will dance as you savor the rich, creamy sauce infused with a hint of nutritional yeast, paprika, and mustard powder. This macaroni dish is not just for those avoiding dairy; it's a delicious meal everyone will love, especially kids who are accustomed to the classic boxed version. Serve it on busy weeknights, or enjoy it as a cozy lunch; this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Gluten-free macaroni noodles
8 ounces (Cook according to package directions)
Mimiccreme non-dairy coffee creamer
3/4 cup (None)
Almond milk (or rice milk)
3/4 cup (None)
Daiya brand gfcf cheddar cheese
1-2 cups (Shredded)
GFCF margarine (Earth Balance)
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Potato starch (or corn/tapioca starch)
3 tablespoons (None)
Nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon (None)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Mustard powder
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Cook the gluten-free macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, preferably using a corn-quinoa blend for best flavor.
2
In the same pot or a separate saucepan, melt the non-dairy margarine over medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk in the potato starch until the mixture forms a smooth paste, creating a roux.
3
Gradually stir in the mimiccreme non-dairy creamer and almond or rice milk, whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth white sauce. Bring the mixture to medium heat.
4
Once the sauce is warm, add the Daiya cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy and free of lumps. This process may take a few minutes as Daiya cheese melts slower than traditional cheese.
5
Add the black pepper, paprika, mustard powder, and nutritional yeast to the cheese sauce, mixing well to incorporate all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a splash of additional milk or creamer to reach the desired consistency, or if it's too thin, carefully whisk in a bit more starch until it's just right.
7
Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce, ensuring that every piece of pasta is well coated. Serve hot for an ultimate comfort meal.
8
For leftovers, gently reheat on the stove, adding a touch of cream or milk as needed to bring the sauce back to life.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Gourmet Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese vegan?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan and dairy-free, using plant-based ingredients like non-dairy creamer, almond milk, and Daiya cheese.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe uses gluten-free macaroni noodles and potato, corn, or tapioca starch to ensure it is gluten-free.
How long does it take to make this mac and cheese?
This recipe is very quick and can be prepared in approximately 20 minutes on the stove-top.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
A gluten-free macaroni corn-quinoa blend is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
What is the base of the creamy cheese sauce?
The sauce starts with a roux made from GFCF margarine and potato starch, combined with non-dairy creamer and almond or rice milk.
Can I substitute potato starch with something else?
Yes, you can use corn starch or tapioca starch as an alternative to potato starch.
What non-dairy milk is recommended?
The recipe suggests using almond milk or rice milk.
What brand of vegan cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Daiya brand GFCF cheddar cheese.
Does Daiya cheese melt differently than regular cheese?
Yes, Daiya cheese melts slower than traditional dairy cheese, so it requires continuous stirring for a few minutes to become creamy.
What spices are used to flavor the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with black pepper, paprika, and mustard powder.
Why is nutritional yeast added to the recipe?
Nutritional yeast is added to provide a rich, savory, and cheesy flavor to the sauce.
What should I do if the cheese sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a splash of additional milk or creamer until you reach your desired consistency.
What should I do if the cheese sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, carefully whisk in a bit more starch until the consistency is just right.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is designed to appeal to kids who are used to the classic boxed version of macaroni and cheese.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove, adding a touch of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its original creamy consistency.
Is this recipe soy-free?
According to the recipe tags, this dish is soy-free, provided you use soy-free ingredients like Earth Balance margarine.
What is Mimiccreme?
Mimiccreme is a non-dairy coffee creamer used in this recipe to add extra richness and creaminess to the sauce.
How much macaroni do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of gluten-free macaroni noodles.
Which margarine is recommended for the roux?
The recipe suggests using GFCF margarine, specifically mentioning Earth Balance.
Do I need to bake this macaroni and cheese?
No, this is a stove-top recipe that is finished by tossing the cooked pasta directly into the sauce.
What heat setting should I use to melt the margarine?
The margarine should be melted over medium-low heat to start the roux.
How should the pasta be prepared?
The gluten-free macaroni should be cooked according to the package instructions and then drained before being added to the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Absolutely, its 20-minute preparation time makes it a perfect staple for busy weeknights.
Can I use corn starch instead of potato starch?
Yes, corn starch is a valid substitute for potato starch in this recipe.
How much nutritional yeast is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast.
What is the amount of mustard powder needed?
You will need 1/8 teaspoon of mustard powder.
How much Daiya cheese should I add?
The recipe recommends between 1 to 2 cups of shredded Daiya brand GFCF cheddar cheese.
Can I use rice milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, rice milk is a suitable alternative mentioned in the ingredients.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is melting the non-dairy margarine and whisking in the starch to create a smooth roux.
How should I serve this dish?
It should be served hot immediately after tossing the pasta in the sauce for the ultimate comfort meal experience.