Dairy-Free Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the comforting nostalgia of a classic favorite with this Dairy-Free Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese recipe, a plant-based twist on the beloved southern dish. Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, this recipe uses unsweetened almond milk, nutritional yeast, and vegan cheddar cheese to recreate the classic cheesy goodness—all without a drop of dairy. A fragrant garlic-infused roux forms the base of the velvety sauce, while a golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crispy finish. Whether you're serving it as a hearty main dish or a crowd-pleasing side, this dairy-free masterpiece is ready in just 45 minutes and is sure to delight everyone at the table. Perfect for vegan and lactose-intolerant diners alike, this recipe is a go-to for comfort food with a modern twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz Elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup Nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
• 2 cups Vegan cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the unsweetened almond milk, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 6

Add the nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 7

Continue to cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vegan cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 9

In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the macaroni evenly.

Step 10

Transfer the mac and cheese to a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 11

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1190.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2739.5

Total Fat 92.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5236.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 382.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.2g	0%
Total Sugars 16.2g
Protein 79.2g	0%

Vitamin D 175.7IU	0%
Calcium 1708.7mg	0%
Iron 21.1mg	0%
Potassium 722.0mg	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: 31.0%

Protein: 11.8%

Carbs: 57.1%