Southern Vegan Mac and Cheese
Southern Vegan Mac and Cheese is rich, ultra-creamy comfort food made with vegan cream cheese, plant-based milk, and vegan Colby jack - baked until golden and bubbly. It's an easy, family-friendly dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. No white sauce needed. Just simple, nourishing ingredients and big, cozy flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked macaroni (use gluten-free pasta if needed)
- 8 oz vegan cream cheese
- 1 cup plant-based milk (oat milk recommended)
- 10 oz vegan Colby jack shreds
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your dish. If your casserole dish is stovetop-safe, you can make the entire recipe in it. Otherwise, use a medium saucepan for the sauce and a separate baking dish for the oven.
- Make the cheese sauce. Pour plant-based milk into the casserole dish or saucepan and warm over low heat. Add vegan cream cheese and vegan Colby jack, reserving 1 cup of the Colby jack for topping. Keep the heat low and stir gently until everything melts into a smooth, silky sauce. Be patient - low and slow is key.
- Season the sauce. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Add the pasta. Fold in the cooked macaroni until fully coated in the sauce. If using a saucepan, transfer the mixture to your baking dish now.
- Top and bake. Sprinkle the reserved cup of vegan Colby jack evenly over the top. Bake at 380°F (193°C) for 20 minutes, until melted, golden, and bubbling at the edges.
- Rest before serving. Allow the mac and cheese to cool for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the sauce thicken and improves the overall texture. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely before freezing. Store in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bags for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- To reheat: Add a splash of plant-based milk before reheating to restore the creamy texture.
Recipe Notes and Variations
- Any short pasta shape works - cavatappi, shells, or penne are great alternatives to elbow macaroni.
- Any unsweetened plant-based milk can be substituted for oat milk.
- Violife vegan Colby jack melts particularly well in this recipe.
- The dish can be prepared the night before and refrigerated unbaked - just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- To double the recipe, use a large casserole dish and increase bake time slightly.