Nut-Free Vegan Mac and Cheese with Broccoli and Sunflower Seed Butter Recipe

Introduction

This nut-free vegan mac and cheese is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for anyone avoiding nuts but craving classic flavors. Made with wholesome vegetables and sunflower seed butter, it’s rich, satisfying, and gluten-free. It’s a delicious twist on a beloved favorite that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 box gluten-free macaroni noodles
• 2 crowns broccoli
• ½ cup gluten-free panko
• ½ sweet onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 3 golden potatoes
• 1 cup baby carrots
• ½ cup nut free vegan yogurt
• ⅓ cup Sunbutter organic sunflower seed butter
• 1 teaspoon miso paste
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ⅓ cup nutritional yeast
• Fresh thyme to garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel the garlic and roughly chop the sweet onion and golden potatoes. Add these, along with the baby carrots, to a steamer and steam until soft, about 25 minutes.
2. Step 2: Transfer the steamed vegetables to a blender. Add the nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, nut free vegan yogurt, salt, miso paste, and Sunbutter sunflower seed butter.
3. Step 3: Blend on high for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy with no clumps.
4. Step 4: While blending, boil the gluten-free macaroni noodles according to the package instructions.
5. Step 5: Lightly blanch the broccoli crowns by boiling them briefly until bright green, then strain and set aside.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Step 7: Combine the cooked macaroni noodles and blanched broccoli in an oven-safe dish.
8. Step 8: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the noodles and broccoli. Sprinkle gluten-free panko evenly on top.
9. Step 9: Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle to the cheese sauce.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of plant-based milk when blending the sauce.
• Swap the broccoli for cauliflower or mixed vegetables depending on what you have on hand.
• Use gluten-free pasta shapes like shells or penne if you want more surface area for the sauce to cling to.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of plant-based milk if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well for quick meals later in the week.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a blender?

Using a blender helps achieve the creamy sauce texture, but you can also mash the steamed vegetables very well by hand and whisk in the other ingredients, though the sauce may be less smooth.

Is this recipe suitable for someone with soy allergies?

Yes, this mac and cheese uses sunflower seed butter and miso paste made without soy. Just double-check the miso brand to ensure it’s soy-free, or substitute with a soy-free seasoning paste.

Nut-Free Vegan Mac and Cheese with Broccoli and Sunflower Seed Butter Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 55 reviews

This Nut-Free Vegan Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish made with gluten-free macaroni, a blend of steamed vegetables, and a rich cheese-like sauce crafted from sunflower seed butter and nutritional yeast. Perfect for those avoiding nuts and animal products, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients and a hint of smoked paprika for a flavorful, allergy-friendly meal.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Vegan American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 box gluten-free macaroni noodles

Vegetables

• 2 crowns broccoli
• ½ sweet onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 3 golden potatoes
• 1 cup baby carrots

Sauce and Toppings

• ½ cup gluten-free panko
• ½ cup nut free vegan yogurt
• ⅓ cup Sunbutter organic sunflower seed butter
• 1 teaspoon miso paste
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ⅓ cup nutritional yeast
• Fresh thyme to garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare vegetables: Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop the sweet onion and golden potatoes. Place these along with the baby carrots into a steamer and steam until all vegetables are soft, approximately 25 minutes.
2. Make cheese sauce: Transfer the steamed vegetables to a blender. Add the nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, nut-free vegan yogurt, salt, miso paste, and sunflower seed butter. Blend on high speed for about 2 full minutes until the mixture is a smooth, creamy, and lump-free sauce.
3. Cook macaroni noodles: Boil the gluten-free macaroni noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Blanch broccoli: Lightly blanch the broccoli crowns by boiling them briefly until bright green and slightly tender, then immediately strain and set aside.
5. Preheat and assemble: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In an oven-safe dish, combine the cooked macaroni noodles and blanched broccoli.
6. Add sauce and toppings: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the macaroni and broccoli mixture. Sprinkle the gluten-free panko breadcrumbs over the top to create a crunchy crust.
7. Bake: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
8. Finish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with fresh thyme, and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your nut-free vegan mac and cheese!

Notes

• Ensure all ingredients, including panko and pasta, are certified gluten-free if dietary restrictions require it.
• Sunbutter provides a creamy texture and nut-free alternative to nut butters; do not substitute with peanut or almond butter for allergy safety.
• The steaming step softens vegetables enough to create a creamy sauce when blended.
• You can adjust the smoked paprika amount to taste for milder or smokier flavors.
• Allowing the dish to cool slightly helps the sauce thicken and flavors to meld.

Keywords: vegan mac and cheese, nut-free mac and cheese, gluten-free vegan cheese sauce, sunflower seed butter recipe, dairy-free macaroni and cheese, plant-based comfort food