Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese with a Touch of Smoked Paprika
This creamy vegan mac and cheese is made with a roux of olive oil, flour, and nutritional yeast, which gives it a rich and cheesy flavor. The addition of smoked paprika adds a touch of smokiness and depth of flavor. The macaroni is baked in a 9x13 inch baking dish until bubbly and hot.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is typically made with macaroni noodles, cheese, and milk. However, this recipe is a vegan version of mac and cheese that is made with plant-based milk and nutritional yeast instead of cheese. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that has a cheesy flavor and is a good source of protein and B vitamins. This recipe is also made with smoked paprika, which adds a touch of smokiness and depth of flavor. The macaroni is baked in a 9x13 inch baking dish until bubbly and hot.
Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese with a Touch of Smoked Paprika Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese with a Touch of Smoked Paprika Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese with a Touch of Smoked Paprika Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese with a Touch of Smoked Paprika
Prep time: 20 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups unsweetened plant-based milk
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
  3. While the macaroni is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the flour, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  7. Gradually whisk in the unsweetened plant-based milk until smooth.
  8. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  9. Drain the macaroni and add it to the cheese sauce.
  10. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  11. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and hot.
  12. Serve immediately.
Why It Works
  • The roux of olive oil, flour, and nutritional yeast creates a rich and cheesy flavor.
  • The addition of smoked paprika adds a touch of smokiness and depth of flavor.
  • The macaroni is baked in a 9x13 inch baking dish until bubbly and hot, which ensures that it is cooked through and has a creamy texture.