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.
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.
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!
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.
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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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!
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