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Make an irresistible classic vegan baked mac and cheese that’s creamy, ‘cheesy’, & comforting – topped with crispy breadcrumbs + 100% nut-free, soy-free, and dairy-free!

completed Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese in a dish
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Creamy, Comforting Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese

There’s nothing that quite epitomizes comfort food like a heaping portion of rich and creamy dairy-free mac and cheese. Over the years, we’ve tried our hand at every vegan variety we can think of; hidden veg mac and cheese, cashew mac, butternut squash mac, and even transforming boxed mix. But if you want a tried and tested ‘classic’ vegan baked mac and cheese, this is our go-to recipe.

This vegan mac and cheese casserole contains no hidden vegetables, processed vegan cheese, nuts, or soy. Instead, its ‘cheesiness’ comes from nutritional yeast, an inactive yeast with a naturally nutty, ‘cheesy’ flavor. When added to a wholesome, roux-based sauce, it makes a surprisingly creamy, ‘cheesy’ sauce with 0 dairy.

Top that with a crispy breadcrumb layer and bake until bubbling for a warm, comforting, satisfying meal, perfect as a simple weeknight meal and as a side or main for holiday entertaining.

Looking for other crowd-pleasing casseroles/bakes? Try our pumpkin pasta bake, black bean quinoa casserole, or spinach lasagna.

The Ingredients and Substitutes

ingredients for Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese on a white surface

Vegan Cheese Sauce

  • Vegan butter: Use high-quality vegan butter, like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance, for a silkier, richer vegan cheese sauce.
  • Aromatics: Make a more rounded, deep sauce flavor with both onion and garlic.
  • Flour: We used all-purpose flour to create the roux base for the sauce. A gluten-free all-purpose blend should also work well.
  • Nutritional yeast: This provides the ‘cheesy’ flavor and shouldn’t be omitted.
  • Ground turmeric: Provides the traditional ‘cheesy’ color to the sauce.
  • Sea salt & black pepper: To season the vegan cheese sauce, to taste.
  • Soy sauce: For umami-rich, salty, savory flavor.
  • Pasta water: This starchy liquid brings the sauce to its correct consistency AND helps it cling to the noodles. For more flavor, add some low-sodium bouillon powder/ veg stock powder to the liquid.

For a creamier sauce, replace some of the pasta water with dairy-free milk.

Other Ingredients

  • Pasta: For the most traditional option, use macaroni (elbow-shaped noodles). Small shell pasta, cavatappi, and ziti also work particularly well.
  • Breadcrumbs: Use regular, Italian, or panko breadcrumbs (the latter are ‘lighter’).
  • Paprika: We used regular, but smoked works if preferred.
  • Red pepper flakes: (Optional) For a little heat.

What Could I Add to Vegan Mac and Cheese?

  • Dijon mustard: (or ground mustard) Just a small amount enhances the ‘cheesy’ flavor.
  • White miso paste: Just a little to enhance the natural umami flavor without dairy.
  • Lemon: Just a splash of lemon juice brightens the flavor of this vegan pasta bake.
  • Vegan cheese: We specifically designed this recipe with no processed/hard-to-find ingredients. However, if you DO want to boost the cheesiness further, add a melty vegan cheddar cheese to the sauce and/or sprinkle it over the top.
  • Spinach: Add a few handfuls of regular/baby spinach (or kale) for nutrients.
  • Vegetables: Bulk up the baked vegan macaroni and cheese with veggies (fresh/frozen) like corn, peas, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, zucchini, cannellini beans, leek, etc.
  • Hot sauce: To drizzle over the top.

How to Make Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese

  • First, peel and finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  • Then, cook the pasta according to the package instructions (usually minus 1-2 minutes for al dente results). When ready, drain the pasta over a bowl to save the starchy pasta water, then set it aside.
  • Next, preheat the oven to 350F/175C and melt the vegan butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Once hot, add the onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
  • Then, whisk in the flour until it thickens and becomes a roux, about 3-5 minutes, before whisking in the pasta water until smooth and lump-free.
  • Add the salt, soy sauce, garlic, turmeric, nutritional yeast, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and stir until the sauce thickens.
  • Stir the cooked pasta into the vegan cheese sauce, then transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top, sprinkle it with paprika, then bake the vegan mac and cheese casserole for about 20 minutes.
  • Finally, broil the baked mac & cheese for a minute or two until the breadcrumbs are golden brown, then remove it from the oven and enjoy!

Leave it to rest for a few minutes for the sauce to slightly cool and thicken for easier serving.

Pro Recipe Tips

  • Cook pasta al dente: It will continue to cook when baked, so this ensures it doesn’t become overly mushy.
  • Save the pasta water: This makes up the base of our vegan cheese sauce.
  • Use the right pasta: Macaroni is traditional, but you can use other shapes – just make sure they’re ones that hold/cling to sauces well (i.e., with lots of ridges or curves) for the best vegan baked mac n cheese.
  • Tweak the flavors: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta, and adjust any of the seasonings (or nutritional yeast) to your liking.

FAQs

Can I make gluten-free vegan baked mac and cheese?

Technically, yes, though the texture may vary. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, gluten-free pasta (make sure to cook it al dente before baking since it becomes mushier than regular pasta), and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Prepare and assemble the unbaked vegan mac and cheese up to 2 days in advance, storing it covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. However, if doing so, cook the pasta al dente and add a little extra sauce, as the pasta soaks up the sauce and softens over time.

Remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before baking, add the breadcrumbs, and bake.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes, just combine the sauce and pasta on the stovetop, then serve. It won’t have the crispy crumb topping, but it still tastes delicious.

completed Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese in a dish

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this dairy-free mac and cheese alone or with a side of:

Storage Information

Leave the non-dairy mac and cheese to cool, then store leftovers in an airtight container (or the oven dish, covered with plastic wrap) in the fridge for 3-4 days.

You can technically freeze the leftovers, too, but pasta softens upon thawing. If you want to try, store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Then, leave it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

To reheat the pasta, use a microwave in 30-second increments for single portions or pop it back in the oven at 350F/175C, covered in foil, until warm (15-20 minutes).

More Vegan Pasta Recipes

You might also enjoy browsing this list of 20 easy vegan pasta recipes you must try!

Photos by Alfonso Revilla

Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese

5 from 68 votes
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 21 minutes
Total: 46 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8
Make an irresistible classic vegan baked mac and cheese that’s creamy, 'cheesy', & comforting – topped with crispy breadcrumbs + 100% nut-free, soy-free, and dairy-free!

Ingredients 

  • 1 (1-pound) package of macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
  • ½ cup of vegan butter
  • ½ of a medium yellow onion, diced
  • ½ cup of all-purpose flour
  • 3 ½ cups of hot pasta water
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¾ teaspoon of ground turmeric
  • 1 cup of nutritional yeast
  • ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup of bread crumbs
  • ½ teaspoon of paprika

Instructions 

  • Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain the cooked pasta over a bowl so that you save the water and set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large pot, melt vegan butter over medium heat. Add onions and saute until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the flour and mix until it thickens and becomes a roux. Whisk roux continuously for 3-5 minutes.
  • Whisk the pasta water into the roux. Add salt, soy sauce, garlic, turmeric, nutritional yeast, pepper, and chili flakes (if using), and stir until the sauce thickens.
  • Stir the cooked pasta into the vegan cheese sauce. Transfer the 'cheesy' pasta into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, add an even layer of bread crumbs, and sprinkle with paprika.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.
  • Turn the oven heat to broil, and broil for 1 minute.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente: It will continue to cook when baked, so this ensures it doesn’t become overly mushy.
  • Save the pasta water: This makes up the base of our vegan cheese sauce.
  • Use the right pasta: Macaroni is traditional, but you can use other shapes – just make sure they’re ones that hold/cling to sauces well (i.e., with lots of ridges or curves) for the best vegan baked mac n cheese.
  • Tweak the flavors: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta, and adjust any of the seasonings (or nutritional yeast) to your liking.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 76gProtein: 17gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 3gSodium: 913mgPotassium: 395mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 133IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 3mg

Disclaimer: Although plantbasedonabudget.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. Plantbasedonabudget.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.

Additional Info

Author: Lauren Bossi
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Method: Stovetop
Diet: Vegan
Tried this recipe?Please tag us at @PlantBasedOnABudget! 🙂
About

Lauren Bossi

My name is Lauren Bossi; I run Track & Field at the University of Hartford in CT. I’ve got a passion for running and plant-based eats. When I’m not wandering around the aisles of the grocery store I enjoy cooking, baking, photography, pun-writing and tag-saling.

More about Lauren Bossi

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is delicious. I added broccoli. So creamy and definitely a wonderful comfort food.
    Can it be frozen if leftovers?

  2. 5 stars
    wow these vegan mac and cheese really hits the spot. it is so satisfying and easy to make. Everyone loves them!