Tofu Mac & Cheese (vegan!) on the Stove

This savory vegan mac is a total worth repeating with a savory cheesy flavor! A regular here that it packs in extra protein without you anyone even knowing it:)

Not only is it incredibly flavor-packed, but it’s also speedy and unfussy to make, coming together in simply 20 minutes! Whether you’re serving it as a fireside side dish or enjoying it as a main course, it’s a guaranteed crowd-regular. You’ll love how simple it is to create this creamy, crave-worthy dish without any fuss!

Why This dish is Deeply good

• Creamy and Comforting – The tofu-based sauce is incredibly creamy, offering that dependable mac and cheese texture without the dairy.
• Versatile – Works great as a side dish, or you can enjoy it as a hearty vegan main course.
• Customizable – Add your go-to veggies or spices to make it your own.
• Nourishing and Loaded with Protein – Each serving is packed with 20 grams of plant-based protein from tofu, making it a nutritious option for everyone!

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

With simply a handful of simple ingredients, you’re on your way to a creamy, savory tofu mac and cheese! Here’s the lineup:

• Carrot. Steamed for a mild sweetness and to add a slight creaminess to the sauce.
• Pasta. Choose your go-to type. A regular here familiar elbow noodles but shells work too! or you can use your go-to gluten-free pasta (banza chickpea pasta is a great high protein option!).
• Silken tofu. soft tofu provides the creamy texture that mimics long-used cheese sauce, while being a great source of plant-based protein.
• Plant-based milk. Adds creaminess to the sauce, making it smooth and dairy-free. Other non-dairy milk options include unsweetened almond milk, oat milk or cashew milk.
• Veggie broth. Adds depth of flavor to the sauce while keeping it light and savory.
• Seasonings. A mix of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper enhance and balance the flavors. Adding in a little yellow mustard or dijon mustard would also be nice.
• Nutritional yeast. Gives the sauce a cheesy, umami flavor without any dairy.

How for this Tofu Mac and Cheese Recipe

Full recipe is down in the recipe card but here’s an overview of how to make it:

This tofu mac and cheese recipe is incredibly speedy & straightforward! With minimal prep and mostly pantry staple ingredients, you’ll have a creamy, comforting dish on the dinner table in no time.

STEP #1. Make the tofu cheese sauce – Once the carrot is steamed and cooled, in a blender or food processor, combine the steamed carrot along with the tofu, milk, broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, salt & pepper, and paprika. Blend until creamy smooth and NO chunks remain. Let the pasta cook until al dente.

STEP #2. Enjoy with noodles – Pour the vegan cheese sauce over the cooked pasta. If needed, you can cook it over medium heat for a few minutes to warm through. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper and ENJOY!

Since pasta absorbs sauce over time, adding a little extra liquid when reheating helps maintain that creamy texture.

More straightforward tofu recipes you’ll love

• Sesame Tofu Bowls
• Tofu Lunch “Meat”
• Tofu Satay
• Marry Me Tofu