I’m so excited to share this Creamy Dreamy Vegan Mac & Cheese with you today! There’s something magical about digging into a bowl of creamy, “cheesy” pasta that satisfies those comfort food cravings without any dairy. It’s the dish I turn to when I want something that feels indulgent but aligns with plant-based eating. The secret lies in creating that velvety sauce that clings to every pasta curve, delivering rich flavor in each bite. Want to know how to make this crowd-pleasing dish that even cheese lovers can’t resist?
Why You’ll Love this Creamy Dreamy Vegan Mac & Cheese
While traditional mac and cheese relies on dairy, this vegan version will absolutely blow your mind with its creamy, satisfying texture. The secret? Nutritional yeast brings that unmistakable cheesy flavor without a drop of dairy.
I’m obsessed with how the vegan butter and flour create a roux that, when mixed with oat milk, transforms into something magical. Can you even tell the difference? Most guests can’t.
The smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that elevates this comfort food to gourmet status. Perfect for kids, picky eaters, and cheese lovers alike.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Dreamy Vegan Mac & Cheese?
The beauty of vegan mac and cheese lies in how simple yet transformative the ingredients are. With just a handful of plant-based staples, you can create that nostalgic, comforting dish that rivals its dairy-based counterpart. The combination of vegan butter and nutritional yeast creates that savory, cheesy flavor profile we all crave, while the oat milk adds creaminess without any animal products.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz macaroni pasta
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups unsweetened oat milk
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters. Nutritional yeast is the star here—it’s those yellow flaky bits with an almost cheese-like flavor that gives this dish its signature taste. Can’t find oat milk? Other plant milks work too, but oat provides the richest texture. And don’t skimp on the spices, especially that smoked paprika. It adds depth that takes this mac and cheese from good to can’t-stop-eating-it delicious.
Make Ahead Tips for this Creamy Dreamy Vegan Mac & Cheese
Preparing this vegan mac and cheese ahead of time isn’t just convenient—it’s a strategic move for those busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the fuss.
- Make the sauce separately: The vegan cheese sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, gently reheat it on the stove, adding a splash of oat milk if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.
- Par-cook your pasta: Cook the macaroni 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply combine with your pre-made sauce and pop it in the oven.
- Assemble and refrigerate: You can fully assemble the mac and cheese in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
- Freeze for later: After assembling but before baking, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen by adding about 20-30 minutes to the cook time and keeping it covered with foil for the first half of baking.
How to Make this Creamy Dreamy Vegan Mac & Cheese
Making this vegan mac and cheese is surprisingly straightforward, even for those of us who’ve never ventured into plant-based cheese sauce territory. Start by cooking 12 ounces of macaroni according to package directions—we want it al dente, with just a hint of bite remaining.
While the pasta bubbles away, focus on creating that luscious, dairy-free cheese sauce that makes this dish so irresistible. Melt 1/2 cup of vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour to create a roux—this thick paste is the foundation of our creamy sauce. Cook it for about a minute until it smells slightly nutty, but not a second longer or it might burn.
Now comes the transformation. Gradually pour in 3 cups of unsweetened oat milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps (nobody wants a bumpy cheese sauce, right?). Once smooth, let the mixture simmer until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
This is where the magic happens—add 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast, which delivers that signature cheesy flavor without any dairy. Season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The smoked paprika isn’t just for color; it adds a subtle smokiness that mimics the depth of traditional cheese sauce. For the smoothest possible texture, consider using a premium vegan blender to thoroughly incorporate all ingredients without any graininess. Give it a taste and adjust your seasonings as needed—this is your masterpiece, after all.
Drain your cooked macaroni and return it to the pot, then pour the velvety sauce over it, folding gently until every piece is thoroughly coated. Transfer this golden mixture to a baking dish, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little extra nutritional yeast on top for a “cheesy” crust.
Bake in a preheated oven until the top turns golden and slightly crispy, usually about 20-25 minutes. The contrast between the crispy top and creamy interior creates that comforting texture we all crave in a good mac and cheese. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving—though the aroma might make this the hardest part of the recipe.
Creamy Dreamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s talk about making this vegan mac & cheese truly your own.
Pasta alternatives? Try chickpea pasta for extra protein, or gluten-free noodles if you’re avoiding wheat. Not a fan of oat milk? Almond, soy, or cashew milk work beautifully too.
For flavor variations, I love adding a tablespoon of miso paste for umami depth.
Want some heat? Stir in jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Craving texture? Top with panko breadcrumbs, or mix in sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
What to Serve with Creamy Dreamy Vegan Mac & Cheese
While this vegan mac and cheese is absolutely delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary sides elevates it from a simple comfort dish to a complete meal.
I love serving it with a crisp garden salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts make perfect veggie companions, their slightly charred edges contrasting beautifully with the creamy pasta.
Want something heartier? Try pairing with veggie-packed stuffed mushrooms or crispy chickpea cutlets.
And for drinks, nothing beats a chilled glass of kombucha or sparkling water with lemon to refresh the palate between bites.
Leftovers and Storage for this Creamy Dreamy Vegan Mac & Cheese
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this vegan mac and cheese, you’re in for a treat the next day.
The flavors actually intensify overnight, making it even tastier for round two.
Store your mac in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of oat milk to bring back that creamy texture.
Microwaving works fine, but for that fresh-baked taste, pop it in the oven at 350°F with a little extra nutritional yeast sprinkled on top.
I never freeze mine, honestly—it disappears too quickly in my house!
Final Thoughts
Speaking of delicious leftovers, this vegan mac and cheese has become my absolute favorite comfort food recipe.
There’s something magical about the creamy texture and cheesy flavor, without any dairy at all. I think the nutritional yeast is the secret weapon here, giving it that unmistakable cheesy taste that’ll satisfy even skeptical omnivores.
What I love most is how versatile it is.
Need a quick dinner? This fits the bill. Want to impress non-vegan friends? They’ll never know the difference.
Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for those moments when only comfort food will do. For another wholesome plant-based option, try pairing it with a protein-rich quinoa Buddha bowl that features crispy spiced chickpeas and a vibrant red pepper sauce.