Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese
Today's recipe uses nutritional yeast, sweet potato, butternut squash, olive oil roasted garlic, a touch of Earth Balance and more to give it a rich, creamy, buttery, cheesy, savory flavor to crave. Take it one step further and bake your pasta into pure fluffy bliss.
Today's recipe uses nutritional yeast, sweet potato, butternut squash, olive oil roasted garlic, a touch of Earth Balance and more to give it a rich, creamy, buttery, cheesy, savory flavor to crave. Take it one step further and bake your pasta into pure fluffy bliss.
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- cheeseless sauce: (note: if you like a l ot of che double this recipe)
- 1 small sweet potato (to make about 3/4 cup mashed)
- 3/4 cup canned butternut squash puree*
- *i used half butternut squash and half pumpkin
- 1/4 cup earth balance vegan buttery spread melted
- 1/3 cup nutritional yeast (or more..)
- 1-3 tbsp roasted garlic (you roast it see below)
- 1/2 cup plain soy creamer or milk (almond varieties work t
- 1-5 pinches of cayenne or red pepper flakes
- Carbohydrate 0.00540083333333333 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.000271666666666667 g
- Fiber 0.00220833333333333 g
- Protein 0.0009125 g
- Saturated Fat 8.16666666666667E-05 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (0g)
- Sodium 96.8986666666667 mg
- Sugar 0.0031925 g
- Trans Fat 1.16666666666667E-05 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Roast the garlic: Heat your oven to 400 degrees. Slice off the top of your head of garlic and place it in a large piece of tin foil. Drizzle olive oil over top garlic, close foil tightly around garlic and place in the oven to roast for about 25 minutes. When done, remove garlic carefully (hot!) and squeeze out the roasted garlic pieces. You will have leftover garlic - this can be used to make garlic rubbed toast to pair with your pasta. Or store leftover garlic wrapped in fridge to use in soups or other dishes. I love it slathered on toast.
- While your garlic is roasting, you can also be baking your sweet potato. Bake in the oven until tender. This usually takes about 35-45 minutes for a small potato. The oven can be set anywhere from 375-400.
- Make your sauce. Add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender (Vitamix) and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste test and add more nutritional yeast if you'd like. Adjust other seasonings as well as desired.
Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese: A Creamy Dream Come True
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Weeknights are often a blur of school pick-ups, homework help, and the ever-present struggle to get a nutritious dinner on the table before everyone collapses from exhaustion. But even amidst the chaos, I refuse to compromise on flavor or nutrition. That's why I've developed a go-to recipe that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple: Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese.
This recipe isn't your average mac and cheese. Forget the processed cheese powder and artificial flavors. This version is a celebration of wholesome ingredients, bursting with rich, creamy texture and a savory depth of flavor that will leave you completely satisfied. The secret lies in the combination of sweet potato, butternut squash, and nutritional yeast, which create a surprisingly cheesy flavor profile without relying on any dairy products. The roasted garlic adds a subtle sweetness and depth that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Believe me, even the most ardent cheese lovers will be pleasantly surprised.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper. Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the amount of garlic or red pepper flakes. The recipe is a blank canvas, inviting you to experiment and customize it to your own taste. I often find myself adding different herbs and spices, depending on what’s fresh and in season. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of nutmeg for a hint of warmth, other times a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
The process itself is remarkably straightforward, and you can easily adapt it to fit your busy schedule. While the garlic roasts and the sweet potato bakes (tasks which can be accomplished concurrently), you can tackle other household chores or spend some quality time with your family. Then, simply blend all the sauce ingredients together in a food processor, toss with your favorite pasta (I prefer a gluten-free option for myself), and bake until golden brown and bubbly. It’s a simple process that delivers big results.
This Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese isn't just a quick and easy weeknight meal; it's also a fantastic dish for potlucks and gatherings. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the most demanding palates, and its vibrant color and irresistible aroma will undoubtedly draw compliments. It’s a dish that easily transitions from casual weeknight fare to a more elegant dinner party dish, depending on your presentation.
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents a commitment to healthy eating without sacrificing flavor. It’s a testament to the fact that nourishing meals don't have to be boring or time-consuming. It proves that with a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can create culinary magic even amidst the whirlwind of a busy life. So, the next time you're looking for a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s quick, simple and utterly delicious, look no further. This Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese is your answer.
Ingredients you'll need:
This recipe features a delicious blend of sweet potato, butternut squash, nutritional yeast, roasted garlic and earth balance vegan butter. It's rich, creamy, and completely satisfying. This is an adaptable recipe so you can tailor it to your preferences. If you like a really intensely cheesy flavor, double the cheeseless sauce recipe.
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 small sweet potato (to make about 3/4 cup mashed)
- 3/4 cup canned butternut squash puree
- 1/4 cup earth balance vegan buttery spread melted
- 1/3 cup nutritional yeast (or more)
- 1-3 tbsp roasted garlic
- 1/2 cup plain soy creamer or milk (almond varieties work too)
- 1-5 pinches of cayenne or red pepper flakes
Remember to adjust the seasonings to your taste! This recipe is all about creating a dish that you’ll truly love. Enjoy!
