Dairy-Free Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Dairy-Free Baked Macaroni and Cheese—a plant-based twist on a classic favorite! Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is enveloped in a velvety sauce made from unsweetened almond milk, nutritional yeast, and a medley of bold seasonings like smoked paprika and turmeric for a cheesy flavor without any dairy. Topped with golden, gluten-free bread crumbs, this baked delight offers a crispy, satisfying finish. Whether you're vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply looking to explore new flavors, this easy-to-make dish is sure to impress. It’s a wholesome, crowd-pleasing option that’s ready in under an hour and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces dried elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 0.5 cup gluten-free bread crumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Cook the dried elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the oil and create a roux.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the unsweetened almond milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the nutritional yeast, dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and ground turmeric until well combined.

Step 8

Remove the sauce from the heat and add the cooked macaroni, stirring until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.

Step 9

Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 10

Sprinkle the gluten-free bread crumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the bread crumbs are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 12

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your dairy-free baked macaroni and cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1392.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2157.8

Total Fat 37.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3874.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 382.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.7g	0%
Total Sugars 18.6g
Protein 70.3g	0%

Vitamin D 263.5IU	0%
Calcium 1471.4mg	0%
Iron 12.9mg	0%
Potassium 1778.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.5%

Protein: 13.1%

Carbs: 71.4%