How to Make the Perfect Dairy Free Mac and Cheese
American · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
This creamy dairy free mac and cheese satisfies every kid craving without a drop of milk or butter. It is a comforting allergy friendly dinner that the whole family will request again and again.
Why this recipe works
This Dairy Free Mac and Cheese recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1.5 cups unsweetened oat milk
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 0.5 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until just al dente, then drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In the same pot over medium heat warm the olive oil, then whisk in the flour and stir constantly for one full minute until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells slightly nutty.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Slowly pour in the oat milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps, then add the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt and continue to cook and stir for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the drained pasta back into the pot with the sauce and stir well to coat every noodle evenly, taste for seasoning, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- oat milk → unsweetened rice milk or coconut milk for nut and oat free versions
- all purpose flour → gluten free flour blend for a completely gluten free meal
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding oat milk too quickly creates lumps in the sauce that are hard to remove
- Skipping the nutritional yeast removes the cheesy flavor that makes this dish taste authentic
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 12g protein, 68g carbs, 12g fat, 3g fiber.
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