Frederic Melton
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, but what can you do if you don't have any cheese? There are actually quite a few options for creating a delicious, cheesy sauce without using any cheese at all. For a simple option, you can make a creamy cheese sauce using milk or non-dairy milk and mac-n-cheese powder. This sauce can be used as a substitute for vegan or non-dairy eaters. You can also make macaroni and cheese without a recipe by creating a béchamel sauce and adding in your choice of mix-ins, such as chopped spinach, kale, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of recipe | Vegan, non-dairy, or lectin-free |
| Ingredients | Nutritional yeast, arrowroot starch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, turmeric powder, milk, and cheese powder |
| Cooking instructions | Combine ingredients in a food processor, whisk in a saucepan over medium-low heat until sauce thickens |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Make a vegan cheese sauce with milk and nutritional yeast
Macaroni can be paired with a vegan cheese sauce that uses milk and nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast used for seasoning. It has a nutty, cheesy flavour and is yellow in colour. It is an inactive form of the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is the same strain used to leaven bread. The yeast has been pasteurized to dry it out and extract its nutritional benefits.
To make the sauce, you can use a blender to combine soaked cashews, potatoes, carrots, onions, and milk. The higher the fat content of the milk, the better the sauce will taste. You can use soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk. If you want to lower the fat content, you can substitute white beans for cashews. To make the sauce thicker, you can add tapioca starch, arrowroot powder, or cornstarch. Nutmeg, mustard powder, and turmeric can also be added for colour and flavour.
The nutritional yeast flakes can be purchased online or in the baking section of many grocery stores. Three tablespoons of the yeast will make the sauce turn out pretty yellow, while one tablespoon will result in a light yellowish colour.
Mac and Cheese for a Crowd: Portion Planning
You may want to see also
Add chopped greens, cooked meats, roasted vegetables, or seafood
If you're looking to add some extra ingredients to your macaroni, you can't go wrong with chopped greens, cooked meats, roasted vegetables, or seafood. This is a great way to make your meal more nutritious and indulgent.
For greens, you can add chopped spinach or kale to your macaroni. These leafy vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals and will give your dish a beautiful colour and flavour. You can also add some heartiness to your meal by including cooked meats such as bacon. The salty, smoky flavour of bacon pairs exceptionally well with the creaminess of the macaroni. If you're a meat lover, you could also try adding in some crispy, caramelised pieces of meat, such as cubed breaded chicken or even some shredded crab or lobster meat for a luxurious touch.
For those who enjoy their vegetables, roasted vegetables are an excellent option to include in your macaroni. Roasting vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or peppers enhances their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavour to your dish. You could also try sautéed mushrooms or caramelised onions for a vegetarian option that still packs a flavour punch.
If you're feeling adventurous, why not try adding some seafood to your macaroni? Shredded crab or lobster meat adds a touch of indulgence to your meal, while also providing a good source of protein. Alternatively, you could stick to more classic add-ins, such as broccoli, which can be easily mixed into the macaroni for a well-rounded meal.
When it comes to preparing your macaroni, you have a few options. You can either bake it in the oven, resulting in a crispy, golden dish, or you can enjoy it straight from the stovetop for a creamier, looser texture. No matter which ingredients you choose to add, your macaroni is sure to be a delicious and satisfying meal.
Macaroni and Mystery: What Cheeses Are in Kraft's Three Cheese?
You may want to see also
For a vegetarian option, add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions
If you're looking for a vegetarian option for your macaroni, you can add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for depth of flavour. You can also make a simple cheese sauce without actually using any cheese. This option is great for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant.
To make the cheese sauce, simply add one cup of milk (or nut milk) and 3 tablespoons of cheese powder to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Use a whisk to combine the ingredients, continuing to whisk occasionally as the sauce begins to thicken. The cooking time will vary depending on the heat, but the sauce is ready to use when it reaches a thick, smooth, and creamy consistency.
For a lectin-free option, you can make the cheese powder by combining nutritional yeast, arrowroot starch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and turmeric powder in a food processor and pulsing until a fine powder forms.
Now, let's focus on the vegetarian option with mushrooms or onions. Sautéed mushrooms add a savoury, earthy flavour to the macaroni, while caramelized onions bring a touch of sweetness to the dish. You can use any type of mushroom you prefer, such as button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms. Slice the mushrooms and cook them in a pan with a little butter or olive oil until they are golden brown and softened. If you choose to add onions, slice them thinly and cook them slowly in a pan with butter or olive oil until they are softened and deeply browned.
Once you have prepared your choice of mushrooms or onions, simply mix them into your cooked macaroni. You can also add other vegetables of your choice, such as roasted peppers or spinach, to create a hearty and flavourful vegetarian dish.
The Ultimate Guide to Boiling Macaroni and Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Hello! 275 Cold Pasta Salad Recipes: Best Cold Pasta Salad Cookbook Ever For Beginners [Book 1]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61fJjK39raL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
$14.99
Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbling
Baking your macaroni in the oven for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbling is a great way to cook this dish. This method is perfect for achieving a bubbly, baked macaroni dish.
To bake your macaroni, first, prepare the macaroni according to the package instructions, ensuring it is undercooked as it will continue to cook in the oven. Then, drain the water and stir the cooked macaroni into your sauce of choice—a cheese sauce is a classic option. You can also add seasonings and other ingredients like vegetables or meats to your sauce for added flavour.
Next, transfer the saucy macaroni to an oven-proof dish. If you want a crispy topping, add a layer of toppings like breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or grated Parmesan cheese. You can also sprinkle on chopped, toasted bread for a crunchy texture.
Finally, bake your macaroni in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling. This timing and temperature may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on your macaroni to ensure it doesn't overcook.
Once baked to perfection, remove your macaroni from the oven and serve it while it's still hot and bubbly. Enjoy the fruits of your labour!
The Mystery Powder in Mac and Cheese
You may want to see also
Freeze leftovers for up to six months
If you have leftover cooked macaroni, you can freeze it for up to six months. To do this, it's best to slightly undercook the pasta before freezing it, as it will only get mushier when you reheat it. You can always cook it for a little longer, but you can't undo overcooking.
To freeze your macaroni, let it cool completely, then divide it into portions and place it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze it uncovered for at least one hour or up to eight hours, then transfer the frozen pasta to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
When you're ready to eat your frozen macaroni, you can dump it into boiling water and cook it for about one minute. Be careful not to overcook it. You can also add the frozen pasta to a brothy soup or a slow-cooker dish when it's nearly done cooking.
Microwaving Mac & Cheese: Cancer Risk or Safe?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can make a cheese sauce substitute by combining milk or non-dairy milk with nutritional yeast, arrowroot starch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and turmeric powder.
You can make a simple macaroni dish without cheese by creating a béchamel sauce and adding in chopped, hearty greens, cooked meats, roasted vegetables, or seafood.
If you don't eat cheese, you can add depth to your macaroni dish by sautéing mushrooms or caramelizing onions.
To improve boxed macaroni and cheese without adding more cheese, try adding an egg to the sauce to make it smoother and richer. You can also add dry mustard for a tangy bite.
You can reheat leftover macaroni and cheese in the microwave or on the stove by adding a splash of milk or cream and stirring periodically. You can also freeze leftover macaroni and cheese for up to six months.
