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Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for a break from dairy, there is nothing better than the comfort of a smooth, silky, creamy bowl of “cheesy”-goodness like that of a homemade macaroni and cheese.

And before you say hold up, Coach Cristina? How can a vegan macaroni (i.e., sans dairy) be cheesy? That is the magic of combining healthful ingredients—you can create a flavor combination similar to those in your favorite foods—without compromising your dietary needs or beliefs.

BREAKING: Shed 42 lbs In 30 Days With This Simple Night-time Pill

Don’t believe me about vegan mac and cheese? Just watch!

Vegan Mac And Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

1 box macaroni (I am old school and prefer elbow)
½ cup vegan butter (I prefer Smart Balance)
4 Tbsp gluten-free flour
Three 14-oz cans coconut milk
1 cup vegetable stock
3 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 cup nutritional yeast
3 tsp onion powder
3 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Cook macaroni according to directions, drain, and set aside.
Melt butter on the stovetop over medium heat.
Add flour and whisk until incorporated.
Add coconut milk and continue to whisk until all lumps are gone.
Bring mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
Add remaining ingredients (minus the pasta), and whisk until everything is combined.
Add cooked macaroni to sauce and stir until pasta is covered.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes in an oven set at 400 degrees F.
Enjoy!

Chef Notes: If you would like to add breadcrumbs to the vegan mac and cheese recipe before baking, you can either use panko or toast bread and crumble atop. If you would like a more buttery flavor to your breadcrumbs, you may stir with 1 Tbsp of melted butter before sprinkling on top.