Vegan Broccoli Mac Recipe
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Vegan Broccoli Mac Recipe
This vegan broccoli mac is the ultimate in healthy comfort food, featuring a velvety dairy-free sauce and tender florets baked to golden perfection. It’s ready in under an hour, wonderfully adaptable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. With its clever use of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor profile, this plant-based pasta recipe satisfies even the most devoted mac and cheese lovers.
I first developed this recipe when my dear friend, who had recently embraced a plant-based lifestyle, was longing for the creamy mac and cheese of her childhood. After several joyful afternoons in my kitchen, we landed on this version, where the savory sauce clings beautifully to every noodle and the broccoli adds a delightful texture. It has since become a staple on my table, especially when I’m serving my vegan Thanksgiving pot pie, as the two dishes complement each other so well. There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of this casserole baking, a scent that promises a wholesome and deeply satisfying meal.
What Makes This Vegan Broccoli Mac Special
- Incredibly Creamy Sauce: A rich, dairy-free cheese sauce made with a smooth roux and nutritional yeast.
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Packed with fresh broccoli for a healthy boost in every bite.
- Surprisingly Easy: Simple steps from stovetop to oven for a fuss-free dinner solution.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A dish that wins over both vegan and non-vegan guests alike.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Vegan Broccoli Mac
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
For the Pasta and Broccoli
- Elbow Macaroni: Use your favorite brand; cooking it al dente prevents mushiness after baking.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Steaming them just until tender-crisp preserves their vibrant color and nutrients.
For the Cheesy Sauce
- Vegan Butter: Creates the base for a rich roux, essential for sauce thickness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Whisked with the butter to form the foundation of the creamy sauce.
- Unsweetened Plant Milk: Oat or almond milk works beautifully for a neutral, creamy base.
- Nutritional Yeast: The star ingredient that provides the deeply savory, cheesy flavor.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt create a well-rounded flavor profile.
Vegan Broccoli Mac
Try this creamy vegan broccoli mac and cheese with a nutritious twist. Perfect dairy-free comfort food ready in under 30 minutes for a healthy family dinner.
Equipment
- oven
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- mixing bowl
- medium bowl
- whisk
- electric mixer
- spatula
- wire rack
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.75 cup whole milk
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed and dried
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined, then gently fold in the blueberries to coat them in flour which helps prevent sinking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour, mixing on low speed just until combined without overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula, then bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before carefully turning it out onto the rack to cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Mac
- Add Plant-Based Protein: Stir in a can of drained white beans or chickpeas with the pasta.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
My Pro Tips for Perfect Vegan Broccoli Mac
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to soften while baking in the sauce.
- Steam, Don’t Boil the Broccoli: Steaming preserves its bright green color and prevents it from becoming waterlogged.
- Whisk Constantly for a Smooth Roux: This prevents lumps and ensures your sauce is perfectly velvety.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to set for 5-10 minutes makes for cleaner slices.
How to Store and Reheat Your Vegan Broccoli Mac
- Store: Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate; add a few minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of nutritional yeast in vegan mac and cheese?
While nutritional yeast provides the best cheesy flavor, you can substitute it with a tablespoon of white miso paste for umami depth or a store-bought vegan cheese powder. The flavor will be different, but it will still be delicious. For another creamy option, check out my creamy garlic pasta which uses a different approach.
How do you keep vegan mac and cheese from being grainy?
The key is creating a smooth roux by whisking the flour into the melted butter until it’s fully incorporated before slowly adding the milk. Whisking continuously as you add the liquid ensures a silky, lump-free sauce that forms the perfect base for your vegan cheese.
Can I make vegan broccoli mac and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
Why is my vegan mac and cheese sauce watery?
A watery sauce usually means the roux wasn’t cooked long enough to thicken properly, or the pasta was added while too hot and released starch. Make sure to cook the roux for a full minute before adding milk, and let your pasta cool slightly before combining.
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Why This Vegan Broccoli Mac Wins Every Time
With its incredibly creamy texture and satisfying, cheesy flavor, this vegan broccoli mac is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of wholesome comfort food that brings everyone to the table, proving plant-based eating can be both delicious and deeply nourishing. I hope it becomes a beloved favorite in your home, too.
