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    The Butter Half / Dietary Needs / Gluten-Free Recipes / Easy Vegan Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Recipe (Made with Vegan Queso)

    Easy Vegan Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Recipe (Made with Vegan Queso)

    By Abbey Rodriguez • Published: Oct 17, 2018 • Modified: Feb 2, 2023 • Leave a Comment • This post may contain affiliate links.

    JUMP TO RECIPE PRINT

    Ladies and gentlemen of the internet, I have perfected the way to make an easy vegan gluten free mac and cheese recipe! And guess what? It's creamy, it's dreamy, and it's HEALTHY. Comfort food that is good for you? Sign me up and never let me leave!

    Easy Vegan Gluten Free Mac and Cheese | Vegan Comfort Food | Gluten Free Comfort Food | Vegan Mac and Cheese | Gluten Free Mac and Cheese | Vegan Queso | Mac and Cheese | Mac and Cheese using Vegan Queso| Healthy Comfort Food || The Butter Half #macandcheese #glutenfree #thebutterhalf

    Ingredients needed to make this easy vegan gluten free mac and cheese recipe

    It's really not as complicated or complex as it sounds! This easy dinner recipe is full of veggies, and a great way to get your kids to eat them. Here's what you need:

    • Orange bell peppers
    • Carrots
    • Onions
    • Garlic
    • Gluten free macaroni noodles (I like the mix that is made with corn and quinoa)
    • Potato chips (yes, this is important for the crunchy topping, and I LOVE the Cape Cod® Potato Chips because they use only three simple ingredients—oil, salt, and fresh, hand-selected potatoes!)
    • Brewer's yeast (this is what gives vegan queso its "cheesy" flavor—I've tried multiple brands and this one is the best taste!)

    Easy Vegan Gluten Free Mac and Cheese | Vegan Comfort Food | Gluten Free Comfort Food | Vegan Mac and Cheese | Gluten Free Mac and Cheese | Vegan Queso | Mac and Cheese | Mac and Cheese using Vegan Queso| Healthy Comfort Food || The Butter Half #macandcheese #glutenfree #thebutterhalf

    Tips for making creamy vegan queso

    Undoubtedly, the most important part of making a killer gluten free mac and cheese is getting the vegan queso juuuussst right. I've tested out many versions of this recipe, and I love this version the best! Here are some tips to make it super creamy:

    • Make sure to heat your veggies properly, whether that's roasting or boiling them!
    • Use a high speed blender to mix everything together. I've been using this Vitamix for over three years, and it's 100% worth the investment!
    • Make sure you add in a thickening agent to give it the right consistency. That's why most vegan queso is made with cashews!

    Easy Vegan Gluten Free Mac and Cheese | Vegan Comfort Food | Gluten Free Comfort Food | Vegan Mac and Cheese | Gluten Free Mac and Cheese | Vegan Queso | Mac and Cheese | Mac and Cheese using Vegan Queso| Healthy Comfort Food || The Butter Half #macandcheese #glutenfree #thebutterhalf

     

    You need to add a crunchy potato chip topping to any mac and cheese recipe

    But really, though, it adds that CRUNCH factor, which is one of my top five joys in life. Can't you just imagine the crispy chips in addition to the creamy cheese? Ahhhh, it's pure happiness.

    I'm partnering with Cape Cod® Potato Chips for the holiday season to bring you a series of healthy comfort food recipes! I've been eating their chips for years, and was thrilled when they reached out.

    Easy Vegan Gluten Free Mac and Cheese | Vegan Comfort Food | Gluten Free Comfort Food | Vegan Mac and Cheese | Gluten Free Mac and Cheese | Vegan Queso | Mac and Cheese | Mac and Cheese using Vegan Queso| Healthy Comfort Food || The Butter Half #macandcheese #glutenfree #thebutterhalf

    Cape Cod® Potato Chips has been transforming premium ingredients into delicious kettle cooked potato chips since 1980. With roots in Hyannis, Massachusetts, they are known for their quality taste, hearty crunch and distinctly remarkable flavors. 

    Next recipe in the line up to pair with these yummy chips is a vegan spinach and artichoke dip! GET READY FOR DELICIOUSNESS.

    Ready for the recipe? I thought so! Grab this easy vegan gluten free mac and cheese recipe below and ENJOY!

    Easy Vegan Gluten Free Mac and Cheese | Vegan Comfort Food | Gluten Free Comfort Food | Vegan Mac and Cheese | Gluten Free Mac and Cheese | Vegan Queso | Mac and Cheese | Mac and Cheese using Vegan Queso| Healthy Comfort Food || The Butter Half #macandcheese #glutenfree #thebutterhalf

    Easy Vegan Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Recipe (Made with Vegan Queso)

    By: Abbey Rodriguez
    PRINT PIN RECIPE
    This is a tried and true, easy vegan gluten free mac and cheese recipe. Made with vegan queso, it's a healthy and creamy alternative for family dinner.
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 214kcal

    Ingredients

    • 8 oz gluten free macaroni noodles
    • 1 orange bell pepper sliced
    • 1 cup baby carrots
    • ½ red onion sliced
    • 3 garlic cloves minced
    • ½ cup raw cashews
    • 4 oz green chiles canned
    • ¾ cup water reserved from boiling vegetables
    • 2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon brewer's yeast
    • 2 cups Cape Cod Potato Chips

    Instructions

    • Boil the gluten free macaroni noodles in a large pot until al dente. Drain and set aside in a heavy bottomed square dish.
    • Boil the bell pepper, carrots, and red onion in a pot of water for 10 minutes until soft. Remove and reserve water.
    • Add cooked veggies, garlic cloves, cashews, canned green chiles, and ¾ cup reserved water to high speed blender. Blend on high until smooth. Add in sea salt and brewer's yeast. Adjust to taste as needed.
    • Pour the vegan queso over mac and cheese. Mix well. Top with crushed potato chips. Serve while warm and enjoy!

    Notes

    To make sure the mac and cheese is warm, you can reheat it in the oven for 10 minutes on 425 degrees F

    Nutrition

    Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 879mg | Potassium: 182mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3565IU | Vitamin C: 29.3mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1.5mg

    For other vegan-friendly, dairy-free pastas, check out these recipes:

    Vegan Alfredo Sauce Recipe
    If you’re looking for a creamy vegan alfredo sauce that tastes like a traditional (or classic) alfredo sauce, this one is definitely a must try! This cashew-based, gluten-free, oil-free, dairy-free alfredo has a savory cheesy flavor; decadent, rich, and full of flavor that you’ll love even if you’re not dairy-free or vegan. It makes for a perfect meal prep option that’s versatile, high in protein and healthy fats, and very easy to make.
    Check out this recipe
    Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta
    This pumpkin Alfredo pasta is one of those meals you will keep falling back on (see what I did there?) again and again this season, because it takes only 30 minutes to make and your family and friends will be so impressed you know how to make Alfredo sauce from scratch! And pumpkin flavored Alfredo at that! Now who is winning at life? That's right—YOU ARE.
    Check out this recipe
    Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta | savory pumpkin recipes, fall dinner recipes, pumpkin dinner recipes, homemade alfredo recipes, homemade pasta recipes, pumpkin inspired recipes, fall inspired recipes || The Butter Half via @thebutterhalf

    Make your own cream cheese:

    How To Make Homemade Cream Cheese

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    Hi, I'm Abbey! Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Herbalist | I healed my body using holistic nutrition and herbs. And I believe you can, too. Here you will find nourishing recipes and wellness tips for the family, as well as my herbal cookbook, Root & Nourish. Because you can achieve your ultimate wellness goals using plants and whole foods.

    More about me →

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