Vegan Broccoli Mac and Cheese is your classic creamy dreamy mac and cheese made plant-based. With some broccoli added in for a solid serving of vegetables. It's oil-free and has an easy gluten-free option. Make it in 25 minutes!
So you want mac and cheese. But healthy.
I've got you.
First, this vegan broccoli mac and cheese is made from real foods. None of that powder stuff. Or highly processed vegan butter or cheese.
Second, this mac and cheese PACKS the veggies. Not only is there broccoli, but there's secret cauliflower in the sauce. You'll be getting plenty of veg in this dish.
Third, you can easily add protein for a nutrient-balanced dish. If you're looking for an extra boost of protein in your mac and cheese, a bean-based pasta will add some quality protein and round out the meal.
Jump to:
Why I love this Vegan Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Dietary needs - this Vegan Broccoli Mac and Cheese is dairy-free, plant-based, oil-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free. It's also very high in fiber.
- Quick and easy - this dish comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinner
- Healthy comfort food - this dish is much healthier than the traditional mac & cheese recipe, but it still has that distinct comfort food feel!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Frozen Cauliflower: Cauliflower is the base of the 'cheese' - it blends into a smooth and luscious sauce. And, of course, adds another serving of vegetables
- Non-Dairy Milk: use any non-dairy milk you'd like. For maximum creaminess, I recommend oat milk.
- White Miso: Miso adds a tanginess and saltiness that creates a depth of flavor for this cheese sauce. I recommend this kind. If you don't have miso, you can use an equivalent amount of tahini.
- Roasted Garlic: if you've never roasted garlic before, you must try it! It mellows out the bite of the garlic while still adding flavor. If you don't want to use roasted garlic, you can just use two cloves of raw garlic.
- Fresh Thyme: you can also use dried thyme
- Lemon Juice: you can sub lime juice
- Salt
- Red Pepper Flakes: omit for less spice
- Pasta: use any pasta you'd like. For classic mac and cheese, use elbows/macaroni.
- Broccoli: fresh broccoli is ideal in this recipe. If you'd rather use frozen, add the broccoli into the pasta during the last minute or two of cook time, to quickly defrost the broccoli, but not cook it.
How to roast garlic
Roasting garlic is easy!
Start with a bulb of garlic. Chop the top a bit of the head off, to expose the tops of the cloves inside.
Then, wrap loosely in aluminum foil. Roast in the oven at 400°F, until the garlic is soft and fragrant.
How to make Vegan Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Step 1. Add the cauliflower, miso, garlic (peeled), thyme, lemon juice, and hot pepper flakes to a blender or food processor. Blend, slowly pouring in the hot milk, until the mixture smooth and creamy.
Step 2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Add the broccoli to the water in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 3. Transfer the pasta to a bowl and pour in the cheese sauce and remaining garlic. Stir to combine. Garnish with parsley. Enjoy!
FAQ & Expert Tips
Miso is a thick, salty paste made by fermenting soy beans. It adds a great depth of flavor to any dish, especially with it's classic tangy and salty flavors.
You can find miso at most grocery stores. It is often in the Asian section or in the vegetarian section. I highly recommend this brand as it is a very mellow miso (some misos can be very strong!)
If you can't find miso or don't want to use it, you can sub an equivalent amount of tahini.
Yes. To use frozen broccoli, simply add the broccoli to the pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking and allow the broccoli to defrost and warm up in the hot water.
To make this mac and cheese gluten-free use a brown rice or bean-based pasta. I love using a bean pasta because it adds protein to the dish.
You can find gluten-free pastas in the pasta section of your local grocery store.
Yes. Either a blender or a food processor will work in this recipe. Even an immersion blender could work.
If you don't own a blender or food processor, I highly recommend you invest in one. They are so versatile and a kitchen staple, especially with a plant-based diet.
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for this veggie-forward dish. Thank you for helping us to nourish our bodies and our souls. Amen.
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Frozen Cauliflower, thawed about 9 ounces
- 1 Cup Non-Dairy Milk microwaved until hot but not boiling
- ¼ Cup White Miso can sub tahini
- 1 Head Roasted Garlic OR 2 Cloves Raw Garlic
- 2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes + more to serve
- 1 Pound Pasta of Choice - Shells, Penne, Macaroni*
- 1 - 1 ½ Pounds Broccoli chopped into florets
Instructions
- Add the cauliflower, miso, garlic (peeled), thyme, lemon juice, and hot pepper flakes to a blender or food processor. Blend, slowly pouring in the hot milk, until the mixture smooth and creamy.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Add the broccoli to the water in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Transfer the pasta to a bowl and pour in the cheese sauce and remaining garlic. Stir to combine. Garnish with parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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