Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese Recipe

Elbow macaroni: A type of pasta that is perfect for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce.

Broccoli: Adds a nutritious and crunchy element to the dish.

Vegan cheddar cheese: A dairy-free alternative that melts well and provides a cheesy flavor.

Almond milk: A plant-based milk that adds creaminess to the sauce without dairy.

Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor and is often used in vegan cooking.

Olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and add a rich flavor to the dish.

Garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory element to the sauce.

When making the cheese sauce, ensure you heat the almond milk and nutritional yeast mixture gently to avoid curdling. Stir continuously while adding the vegan cheddar cheese to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

• elbow macaroni - Substitute with gluten-free pasta: This is a great option for those who are gluten intolerant or prefer a gluten-free diet.

• broccoli - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be used to add variety to the dish while maintaining a similar nutritional profile.

• shredded vegan cheddar cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast and cashew cream: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor, and cashew cream adds creaminess, making it a great alternative to vegan cheese.

• unsweetened almond milk - Substitute with unsweetened soy milk: Soy milk has a similar consistency and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for those who prefer it over almond milk.

• nutritional yeast - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste adds a savory, umami flavor that can enhance the cheesy taste of the dish.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a slightly different flavor profile and is a good alternative for those who prefer its taste or health benefits.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, which can add a different dimension to the dish.

• Allow the Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the macaroni and broccoli mixture into an airtight container. Make sure to use a container that is appropriately sized to minimize air exposure.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

• For long-term storage, consider freezing the Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label each container with the date to keep track of freshness.

• To prevent freezer burn, ensure that the containers are sealed tightly. If using freezer bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

• When ready to enjoy the frozen mac and cheese, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of almond milk to restore creaminess if needed.

• If reheating on the stovetop, use a non-stick pan and stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. For microwave reheating, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture.

• To add a fresh touch, consider steaming some additional broccoli and mixing it in after reheating. This will enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.

• Avoid refreezing the Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese once it has been thawed, as this can affect the texture and taste.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese in a saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of unsweetened almond milk to help loosen the sauce.
  3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
  4. If the sauce appears too thick, add more almond milk a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Add a small amount of unsweetened almond milk and stir to combine.
  3. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate.
  4. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
  5. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill the bottom of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer.
  2. Place the Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese in the top part of the double boiler.
  3. Stir occasionally until the dish is heated evenly.
  4. This method helps to gently reheat without the risk of burning or drying out.

• Large pot: Used for cooking the macaroni and combining all the ingredients at the end.

• Steamer basket: Used to steam the broccoli until tender.

• Colander: Used to drain the cooked macaroni.

• Garlic press: Used to mince the garlic cloves.

• Wooden spoon: Used for stirring the garlic, almond milk, nutritional yeast, and vegan cheddar cheese.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the almond milk and nutritional yeast.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil.

• Chef's knife: Used to chop the broccoli.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the broccoli and mincing the garlic.

• Grater: Used to shred the vegan cheddar cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

Pre-cook the pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This saves time on the day you prepare the dish.

Use frozen broccoli: Opt for pre-chopped frozen broccoli. It’s already cleaned and cut, reducing prep time.

Pre-shredded cheese: Buy shredded vegan cheddar cheese to avoid the hassle of shredding it yourself.

Garlic paste: Use garlic paste instead of mincing fresh garlic. It’s a quick and easy alternative.

One-pot method: Cook the sauce in the same pot you used for the pasta to minimize cleanup.