Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. However, for those who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, traditional mac and cheese can be off-limits. But fear not, because with a few simple swaps, you can still enjoy a delicious and creamy bowl of mac and cheese without any dairy! This is my favorite Mac recipe- The Creamiest Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese!
Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese Recipe
It’s delicious and creamy!
It’s allergy-friendly for people who have a dairy allergy.
It’s kid-friendly!
Homemade Mac and cheese is the BEST.
Equipment Needed
All you need for this recipe is a pot and a pan.
Ingredients Needed for The Creamiest Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese Recipe
Gluten-Free Pasta: My personal favorite is the Jovial brand. I love ordering all of my gluten-free and dairy-free staples from Thrive Market because they have great prices and they deliver right to your doorstep. If you use my link, you can get 40% off your first order.
Cashews: Cashews are a great way to make this recipe super creamy! If you cannot tolerate cashews, feel free to swap for macadamia nuts (lower histamine option) or seeds (nut-free option). These should be soaked for 2-3 hours.
Carrot: This adds in some nutrients and also gives it color!
Garlic: I basically add garlic to everything and it gives the sauce delicious flavor!
Olive Oil: I always make sure that I am using a high quality and organic extra virgin olive oil.
Nutritional Yeast: If you have never used nutritional yeast, it adds a cheesy flavor to the sauce!
Spices: I used onion powder, chili powder and salt!
Dairy-Free Milk: You can use any milk you choose here!
Lemon: This gives the sauce a lighter and fresh taste!
How to Make The Creamiest Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese
Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the box. Combine remaining ingredients in a food processor or blender until creamy. Pour over pasta and enjoy! So easy!
Substitutions and Variations
To make this recipe nut-free, swap out the cashews for your favorite seed.
Storage
Store this creamy dairy-free mac and cheese in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Recipe FAQ
Can this recipe be made nut-free?
Yes, this recipe can be made nut-free if you swap the cashews out for your favorite seed.
Can this recipe be frozen?
If you are wanting to freeze this recipe, I would recommend freezing the sauce separately in blocks and heating it up when you are ready to consume.
Related Recipes
Make sure to try these gluten-free and dairy-free meals next:
Easy Chicken Mango Spring Rolls
How To Make The Creamiest Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 box gluten-free pasta
- 1 1/2 cups cashews, soaked for 2-3 hours
- 1 carrot, boiled
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Dash salt
- 1/2 cup dairy-free milk
- 1/4 lemon, juice
Instructions
- Cook gluten-free pasta according to box.
- Combine remaining ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor.
- Pour sauce over pasta.
- Enjoy!!
This was amazing!!! I added hot sauce to leftovers to change it up. My only struggle was that I couldn’t get it creamy like your picture. It was more dry. How can I fix that?