This vegan mac & cheese is made the classic way—starting with garlic sautéed in vegan butter, followed by a smooth roux-based sauce using dairy-free milk and vegan cheddar. It’s creamy, comforting, and familiar, with optional breadcrumbs for a baked or crispy finish.

🛒 Ingredients (For 2 People)

Pasta
• 6 oz elbow macaroni (or shells)

Garlic Cheese Sauce

• 2 tbsp vegan butter
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1¼ cups dairy-free milk (unsweetened oat or soy works best)
• 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp thyme
• Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat

Optional Breadcrumb Topping
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 tbsp vegan butter, melted

🔪 Preparation

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. Shred vegan cheddar if not pre-shredded.

🔥 How to Make the Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp vegan butter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
3. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook out raw flour.
4. Slowly pour in dairy-free milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
5. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth.
6. Reduce heat to low and stir in vegan cheddar until fully melted.
7. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and optional cayenne.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning.

🍝 Assemble

1. Add cooked pasta directly to the sauce.
2. Stir until evenly coated and creamy.
3. Serve immediately or continue to the breadcrumb option below.

🔥 Optional Breadcrumb Finish

Baked Method
1. Transfer mac & cheese to a small baking dish.
2. Mix breadcrumbs with melted vegan butter and sprinkle on top.
3. Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes or broil 1–2 minutes until golden.

🧠 Tips

• If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of warm dairy-free milk.
• Oat milk gives the creamiest texture; almond milk works but is thinner.
• Use a mild vegan cheddar for best meltability.