Vegetarian Mac and Cheese Recipe

Here’s a delicious vegetarian mac and cheese recipe that combines creamy cheese sauce with pasta for a comforting dish. This recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite vegetables.

Easy Vegetarian Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

Pasta:
400g (about 14 oz) macaroni or your choice of pasta
Cheese Sauce:
500ml (2 cups) milk
25g (2 tablespoons) butter
25g (1 oz) plain flour
100g (1¼ cups) mature cheddar cheese, grated
50g (½ cup) vegetarian-style Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
Chopped vegetables (e.g., broccoli, spinach, or peas)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

In a saucepan, heat the milk gently with a bay leaf, half an onion, and a few black peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and strain out the solids.
In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 2 minutes until it turns golden.
Gradually add the warm milk to the roux (butter and flour mixture), whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the grated cheddar and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in a large bowl. If desired, fold in any chopped vegetables at this stage.

Serve:

You can serve it immediately as a creamy mac and cheese or transfer it to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

This vegetarian mac and cheese is not only easy to prepare but also allows for variations based on your vegetable preferences or additional spices for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal!

Here are some creative ideas and methods for making a delicious vegetarian mac and cheese, including vegetable add-ins, gluten-free options, vegan cheese substitutes, alternative pasta types, and a spicy version.

Creative Vegetable Add-Ins

Broccoli: Steamed or roasted for added crunch and nutrition.
Spinach: Fresh or sautéed, it adds color and flavor.
Cauliflower: Roasted or steamed, it blends well into the cheese sauce.
Peas: Frozen peas can be added directly for sweetness and texture.
Butternut Squash: Pureed or diced, it adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness.
Brussels Sprouts: Roasted for a nutty flavor.
Kale: Sautéed or steamed, it provides a hearty addition.

Gluten-Free Vegetarian Mac and Cheese

To make gluten-free mac and cheese:

Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta varieties such as chickpea, brown rice, or quinoa pasta.
Thickening Agent: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch when making the cheese sauce.
Recipe Example: Combine cooked gluten-free pasta with a sauce made from almond milk, nutritional yeast, vegan butter, and gluten-free flour to achieve a creamy texture.

Best Vegan Cheese Substitute

For a vegan mac and cheese that closely resembles traditional flavors:

Vegan Cheddar Shreds: Brands like Violife or Daiya are popular choices as they melt well and provide a cheesy flavor.
Cashew Cream: Soaked cashews blended with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices create a creamy base without dairy.
Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy taste and is often used in vegan recipes for its flavor profile.

Alternative Pasta Types

While elbow macaroni is traditional:

Shells: Hold sauce well and add visual appeal.
Penne: Offers a different shape while still being easy to mix with the sauce.
Spaghetti or Linguine: Can be used for a unique twist on the dish.

Spicy Vegetarian Mac and Cheese

To add heat to your mac and cheese:

Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes: Stir into the cheese sauce to taste.
Hot Sauce: Mix in your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled jalapeños can be added for both heat and flavor.

These variations will help you customize your mac and cheese to suit different tastes and dietary preferences!