Imagine diving into a bowl of mac and cheese so rich, so decadent, that you won't believe it's completely plant-based! Our Vegan Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese is about to revolutionize your comfort food game, proving that dairy-free doesn't mean flavor-free. Whether you're a committed vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking to explore more plant-based options, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds)!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound macaroni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Pour in vegetable broth and non-dairy milk, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Sprinkle in dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture to ensure all seasonings are well incorporated.
- Gradually add vegan cheddar cheese shreds to the liquid, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, gently folding and stirring to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated with the vegan cheese sauce.
- Allow the mac and cheese to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, which will help the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional herbs or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality non-dairy milk and vegan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't rush the cheese melting process - low and slow ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
- For extra richness, you can add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to enhance the cheesy flavor.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add a little more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- For a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated with a splash of non-dairy milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
