Enjoy rich, creamy dairy free mac and cheese made with simple, plant-based ingredients. This comforting recipe is perfect for cozy nights and a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love.
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Mac and cheese is one of those classic comfort foods that brings people together. It’s creamy, satisfying, and feels like a warm hug in a bowl. But what if you’re dairy-free or cooking for someone who is? That’s where this dairy free macaroni and cheese recipe comes in handy. Whether you’re serving it during the holidays or just craving something cozy on a chilly evening, it delivers all the flavor and comfort without the dairy.
I’ll be honest. When I went dairy-free due to help with my autoimmune issues, it wasn’t easy. I tried so many store-bought alternatives for cheese sauce that just didn’t cut it. That’s why I set out to create a recipe that not only tastes amazing but also has that rich, creamy texture we all love. The sauce in this mac and cheese is so good that even family members who eat dairy regularly ask for seconds.
This dish is perfect for a holiday side dish, sharing at a potluck, or as a main on Meatless Mondays. It can also be paired with braised Brussels sprouts or pan-fried pork chops for a weeknight dinner. If you've gone dairy-free, give this a try. It's sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!
Ingredients
- White beans: Adds creaminess and protein to the sauce while keeping it dairy-free.
- Yellow onion: Enhances flavor with its mild sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Provides a bold, savory flavor that complements the dish.
- Almond or oat milk: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the sauce without dairy.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps blend the sauce ingredients.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavors of the dish.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth to the flavor profile.
- Dried parsley: Brings a subtle herbaceous note to the dish.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly sharp flavor for complexity.
- Nutritional yeast: Imparts a cheesy, umami flavor perfect for dairy-free recipes.
- Gluten-free pasta: Makes the dish accessible to those with gluten sensitivities while offering a hearty base.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Heat oil in a medium pan on medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and golden.
Add the garlic and cook for 3 minutes, stirring regularly, until fragrant (do not allow to burn).
Add the parsley, pepper, ½ the salt, and drained white beans. Cook, stirring occasionally for 3 minutes.
Add the almond milk and mustard and stir well. Cook for a further 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until beans are very soft.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve some of the pasta water to thin the sauce.
Remove from heat and stir in the nutritional yeast and more salt if needed. For extra mac and cheese like flavor add an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast.
Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Add 1 to 4 tablespoons pasta water while blending until desired consistency is reached.
Toss with the pasta and serve immediately.
Top with green onions, chives, parsley, or more nutritional yeast.
Hint: Blend the sauce ingredients thoroughly for a super creamy texture. Don't forget to reserve some pasta water as it’s perfect for adjusting the sauce consistency if needed!
Variations
- Add Veggies: Mix in roasted broccoli, peas, or sautéed spinach for added texture and nutrition.
- Boost Protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas, grilled chicken, or tofu to make it a heartier meal.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Switch the Pasta: Use your favorite pasta shape, like fusilli or rigatoni, or try it with whole-grain or chickpea pasta.
- Top it Off: Finish with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for a crunchy topping.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a flavor twist.
Tips
Top tip: Don’t skip sautéing the onion and garlic! This step builds a flavorful base for the sauce, making the dish rich and aromatic.
- Cook Pasta Just Right: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will soften slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Blend for Creaminess: Use a high-speed blender to ensure the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and mustard to suit your personal preferences.
- Save Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta water to thin the sauce if it feels too thick after mixing.
- Work Quickly: Combine the sauce and pasta while both are still warm to help the flavors meld together.
Serving suggestions
This dairy free mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a hearty side. Pair it with a fresh broccoli salad or chopped Greek salad to balance the creamy flavors. For a little crunch, serve it alongside air fried Brussels sprouts or oven-baked asparagus, which add both texture and color to your plate.
To make it fit a gluten-free diet, simply ensure the pasta you’re using is certified gluten-free. Brands made from rice, cassava, or chickpeas work well and hold up nicely with the creamy sauce. If you’re catering to a crowd, you can even create a gluten-free macaroni and cheese bar with various toppings like chopped herbs, vegan cheese shreds, or sautéed mushrooms for guests to customize their bowls.
This recipe is already dairy-free and can easily be adapted to avoid animal products entirely. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and double-check all ingredients, including the pasta, to ensure they align with vegan guidelines. Serve with a side of crusty gluten-free Italian bread and a plant-based protein like lentil patties or tofu stir-fry to round out the meal.
Storage
After allowing it to cool completely, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months.
To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of almond or oat milk to restore its creamy consistency. For a quicker option, microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Always make sure it’s thoroughly warmed before serving to enjoy its rich, comforting flavors.
FAQs
Absolutely! While almond and oat milk are recommended for their creamy texture, you can also use cashew milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Just ensure it’s unsweetened and unflavored to avoid altering the taste of the dish.
If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can try a dairy-free cheese alternative for a similar cheesy flavor. Alternatively, a small amount of miso paste can add umami depth, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Yes! If you don’t need the recipe to be gluten-free, feel free to use regular pasta or whole wheat pasta. Just be sure to cook it al dente, as it will soften slightly when mixed with the warm sauce.
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Recipe
Dairy Free Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked white beans drained
- ½ medium yellow onion finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup almond milk or oat milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 10 ounces dry gluten-free penne or other short pasta
Instructions
- Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat oil in a medium pan on medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and golden.
- Add the garlic and cook for 3 minutes, stirring regularly, until fragrant (do not allow to burn).
- Add the parsley, pepper, ½ the salt, and drained white beans. Cook, stirring occasionally for 3 minutes.
- Add the almond milk and mustard and stir well. Cook for a further 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until beans are very soft.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve some of the pasta water to thin the sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the nutritional yeast and more salt if needed. For extra mac and cheese like flavor add an additional 1 -2 tbsp/5-10g nutritional yeast.
- Use an immersion blender* to puree until smooth. Add 1-4 tbsp/15-60ml pasta water while blending until desired consistency is reached.
- Toss with the pasta and serve immediately. Top with green onions, chives, parsley, or more nutritional yeast.
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