How Vegan Mac and Cheese Can Boost Health and Longevity

I have been making this vegan mac and cheese for years and it is by far my favourite. It is not only healthy but simple and filling. These vegan ingredients are delicious and nutritious and better yet it is easy to make! and how to customize the recipe to better align with your lifestyle and diet. Typically, I never measure the ingredients for this sauce and make it according to my cravings (thick and creamy or light and thin) and I recommend this for everyone. This easy, healthy vegan mac and cheese recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your taste.

What Makes This Vegan Mac & Cheese Healthy?

The Non-Dairy Milk

Almond, soy, oat, coconut, rice, hemp, there is so much non-dairy milk to choose from which will work great with this recipe. For added nutrients, it is a great option to pick fortified non-dairy milk. The unsweetened versions of your favourite non-dairy milk are ideal for mac & cheese to not interfere with the flavour. Another great option is to make your non-dairy milk to elevate this easy, healthy vegan mac and cheese recipe. I recommend using unsweetened oat milk as I feel it gives a creamier texture which I like.

The Coconut Oil

Although coconut oil has always been my go-to, many oils will work with this recipe. Some options are regular cooking oil, vegan margarine, or tahini with nut butter (if you like nutty flavours, extra protein, and creaminess). You can experiment with different oils for this easy, healthy vegan mac and cheese recipe.

The Non-Dairy Cheese Shreds

I always use the Daiya brand of cheddar cheese shreds but most brands that melt will work too. Some other brands that I have seen are Presidents Choice, Chao, Follow Your Heart, and Earth’s Island. I love adding this cheese because it gives the mac & cheese a very strong cheese flavour and texture. This easy, healthy vegan mac and cheese recipe benefits greatly from a good melting cheese. Surprisingly, there are some health benefits to non-dairy cheese! The benefits vary depending on the non-dairy cheese but typically they are lower in saturated fat, cholesterol-free, have plant-based nutrients (protein, fibre, and sometimes B12 if fortified), and it is suitable for those with allergies and intolerances to dairy.

The Turmeric

Honestly, I started adding turmeric to my sauce just so the colour was more authentic and distinctive to my childhood memories of mac & cheese (specifically cheddar kraft dinner) but there are so many other benefits to adding this than just the colour. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent and an antioxidant. It can be very important for preventing and curing many diseases, improving brain function, preventing or treating cancer, and arthritis treatment, decreasing depression, and aiding in longevity. You can read more about this by clicking here. To absorb more from this ingredient it is best to pair it with something like black pepper to better increase the absorption. It is also fat-soluble, making it a great pair with the oil and fatty compounds in this recipe.

The Nutritional Yeast

Adding this ingredient not only gives this recipe an additional cheesy taste and thicker texture, but it is also valued for its extra protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Many studies suggest that nutritional yeast helps protect against oxidative damage, lower cholesterol, and boost immunity. For many vegans, it can be difficult to get enough B12. So if your non-dairy milk does not contain your B12 vitamin this surely will. This easy, healthy vegan mac and cheese recipe benefits from the addition of nutritional yeast.

The Salt & Pepper.

As mentioned, black pepper is beneficial to pair with the turmeric ingredient for the turmeric to be absorbed and for the consumer to gain the most benefit from this meal. I enjoy using Himalayan salt for my cooking while my boyfriend prefers using kosher salt. Himalayan salt is mineral-rich and one of the purest, least refined sea salts. Although ground salt (table salt) may seem like a less desirable option, it can also contain benefits such as its iodine content. Iodine is a mineral necessary for correct thyroid function, thyroid cancer prevention, and proper mental development and maintenance. This easy, healthy vegan mac and cheese recipe can be customized with your preferred salt.

The Noodles

Noodles made from chickpeas, lentils, or cauliflower offer several health benefits compared to traditional wheat-based pasta. They are typically higher in protein and fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer, stabilize blood sugar levels, and improve digestive health. These alternatives are also gluten-free, making them suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Additionally, they often contain fewer calories and carbohydrates than traditional pasta, which can be beneficial for weight management. Veggie Craft stands out as an impressive supplier, offering innovative noodle blends featuring: cauliflour, sweet potato, zucchini, and more. However, well-known brands like Barilla and Catelli also provide a range of healthy alternatives. The variety of noodles can make this easy, healthy vegan mac and cheese recipe even more exciting. The variety of noodles can make this easy, healthy vegan mac and cheese recipe even more exciting.

Ingredients for a Healthy Vegan Mac & Cheese

1. Non-dairy milk
2. Coconut oil
3. Non-dairy cheese shreds
4. Turmeric
5. Nutritional yeast
6. Salt & pepper
7. Macaroni noodles

How to Make it

I tend to adjust measurements based on my mood, but here’s a general guideline to get you started. Feel free to experiment! This easy, healthy vegan mac and cheese recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce plant-based options to your family and friends, proving that delicious and nutritious can go hand-in-hand.

• Cook Pasta: Cook 1 cup of pasta noodles according to package directions and set aside.
• Heat Base: Heat 2 cups of non-dairy milk and 1/4 cup of coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes.
• Melt Cheese: Add 1 cup of non-dairy cheese to the heated milk mixture and stir continuously until melted and smooth.
• Add Seasonings: Stir in 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
• Simmer: Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
• Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
• Heat Through: If the pasta has cooled, heat the mixture over medium heat for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally, to ensure it’s served hot.

What did the macaroni say to the cheese after a long day? “Hey there, wanna stick together?” It was pretty cheesy.

– I hope this made you smile.

Health lover? Check out A Guide to Going Vegan For Your Health for more ways to show your love for your wellness.
Brought to you by The Vegan Experience.