In fact, it’s one of the reasons that I stayed vegetarian for so many years (25!) before finally making the leap to Veganism in 2011. However, this healthy vegan mac and cheese is dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free (depending on what pasta you use), paleo (if you use zoodles instead of pasta for a paleo mac and cheese), and filled with healthy fats! And all without compromising on flavor or texture.īelieve me, I know it’s hard to give up cheese.
Traditionally, this dish is served with tons of cheese, butter, and milk. Well, this starch is what gives the dairy-free mac and cheese sauce the same, stretchy, ‘ooey-gooey’ quality of a regular cheesy sauce- like magic! I know you’re probably wondering what makes this ingredient so special. Meanwhile, the combination of cashews, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice adds that hint of cheesiness to the sauce, but without any dairy.Īnd then there is the star of this vegan sauce recipe, tapioca flour. This cashew cheese sauce is creamy from the blended nuts and packed with hidden veggies that add flavor and texture to the dish. Plus, with a special combination of ingredients, this vegan mac n cheese manages to mimic the stretchy quality of a dairy cheese sauce, while providing a ‘cheesy’ flavor too. However, I think that’s okay – if anything, I like that vegan versions often manage to taste delicious but be far healthier. Obviously, if we compare a vegan and non-vegan version of a mac and cheese side by side, they won’t taste the same. This recipe remains one of my top favorites, though. In fact, I have a bit of a soft spot for saucy pasta dishes- like this Vegan Alfredo Sauce, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, or Garlic Butter Pasta. This dish is everything that I want in a creamy pasta dish – smooth, rich, moreish, and yet still surprisingly nutritious. That means that you certainly won’t stop me from eating a creamy, ‘cheesy,’ yet dairy-free mac and cheese!
#Annies gluten free mac n cheese cooked full
I am a full believer in trying to enjoy all the flavors you want, regardless of your dietary needs. The Best Vegan Mac And Cheese You’ll Have Serve alongside the pasta of your choice or even zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a hearty, comforting dish! It has an acidity below 0.3%, as opposed to the industry average of 0.8%, there by adding depth to the pasta without overpowering it.This easy vegan Mac and Cheese recipe is super simple to make, deliciously ‘cheesy,’ and filled with tons of healthy hidden veggies that add flavor and nutrition. The recipe on the back of the mac n' cheese packet did not call for olive oil, but I use Cobram Estate Australian Select extra virgin olive oil. I do recommend using whole milk as opposed to one with reduced fat content, for a richer and creamier taste. Annie's version has no legumes so there is no strong flavor from the pasta itself that interferes with the sauce.Īnd that's all not to mention that making it was a breeze.
There are other versions of gluten-free pasta made from chickpeas and lentils, but I am not a huge fan of what can be a very strong pea taste. The texture of the pasta is fabulous, not soft or soggy at all. And the verdict? I think may just like it better than the real thing. They even have a vegan and gluten-free box too.Ĭurious, I tested out the white cheddar quinoa rice pasta. More recently, they launched a gluten free line made from rice pasta, or rice and quinoa pasta. Last year, they introduced a vegan mac 'n cheese made from sweet potato and pumpkin powders.
By adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University HealthierĪnnie's mac n' cheese is among the top selling boxed mac n' cheese in the country.