Vegan Pimento Mac and Cheese Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegan Pimento Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a plant-based twist! The creamy, cheesy sauce made from vegan cheddar, cream cheese, and nutritional yeast is rich and flavorful, while the addition of pimentos gives it a delightful pop of color and tang. The mustard and hot sauce add a zesty kick, and the seasoned salt brings everything together. Baked to perfection, this mac and cheese is indulgent, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a gathering!

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp vegan butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 ⅓ cups vegan milk (or half-and-half, or equal parts milk and vegan heavy cream—see notes)
• 4 tbsp yellow mustard (see notes)
• ½ tsp seasoned salt (I use Spike—see notes)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 12 oz vegan cheddar-style cheese (pre-shredded or shred your own)
• 3 tbsp vegan cream cheese
• 5 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
• 10 dashes of hot sauce
• 1 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (4 oz) jars diced pimentos, drained

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Pasta:

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of salt and cook the elbow macaroni for 5 minutes, or until just al dente. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so make sure it’s slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

1. Sauté the Onion: In the same pot you used for the pasta, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Cook on low and slow to prevent it from browning.
2. Add the Flour: Once the onion is cooked, add the flour and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add the Liquids and Spices: Slowly add the vegan milk (or mix of milk and cream), mustard, seasoned salt, garlic powder, Kosher salt, and pepper. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3 minutes on low heat, until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
4. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the cream cheese, shredded vegan cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, nutritional yeast, and hot sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Combine and Bake:

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The sauce should be slightly loose, but not runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more vegan milk or cream, a tablespoon at a time.
2. Add Pimentos: Gently stir in the diced pimentos for that extra burst of flavor and color.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish or leave it in the ovenproof pot you used to make the sauce.
4. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Serve:

1. Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge or freeze for later.
2. When reheating, you may need to add a little more vegan milk or cream to loosen it up.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes (including baking)
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
• Extra Veggies: Add some spinach, peas, or roasted vegetables to the mac and cheese for added nutrients and flavor.
• Spicy: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.
• Creamier Sauce: Use full-fat coconut milk or vegan heavy cream for an even richer and creamier sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave, adding a little extra vegan milk or cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving. You may need to bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

2. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, shells, or rotini would all work well in this recipe.

3. Can I use store-bought vegan cheese?

Yes, store-bought shredded vegan cheese works well in this recipe. Just make sure it melts smoothly for a creamy texture.

4. How do I make this spicier?

Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce to increase the heat.

5. Can I freeze this mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze the mac and cheese. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it as usual.

6. What can I serve this with?

This mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or sautéed kale.

7. Can I use other plant-based milks?

Yes, you can use any plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Just choose one that is unsweetened for the best flavor.

8. How do I get the top crispy?

For a crispy top, you can broil the mac and cheese for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.

9. Can I add breadcrumbs to the topping?

Yes, adding breadcrumbs on top before baking will give the mac and cheese a delicious crispy crunch.

10. Can I make this mac and cheese spicier?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Conclusion

This Vegan Pimento Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, with a creamy, flavorful sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and the delightful addition of pimentos for a pop of color and flavor. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner, holiday gathering, or as a satisfying side dish. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, this mac and cheese will surely be a hit! Enjoy!

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