Get ready to indulge in this comfort food - High Protein Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese! This recipe will be a game-changer for those who crave the classic goodness without gluten and dairy.
Keep reading for useful tips, step-by-step directions, and visuals to guide you through this protein-packed, dairy-free mac and cheese adventure.
Want to dive in and head straight to this vegan mac and cheese recipe? Hit the jump the recipe button for quick access to the printable recipe card
Don’t forget to check out my accompanying video for an immersive cooking experience.
The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research. Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.
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Is boxed gluten free dairy free mac and cheese healthy?
Personally, I think that any gluten-free product can be part of a healthy gluten-free diet. However, it’s important to consider the nutritional balance.
Dairy-free mac and cheese, although convenient and delicious, tends to be high in both carbs and fats, while often lacking protein and the additional nutrients found in fresh produce. That’s where creativity steps in! You can use the tips and recipe in this post to enhance your mac and cheese with some nutritious tweaks and make it a more wholesome and balanced meal.
How to make boxed vegan mac and cheese healthier:
Boost your boxed vegan mac and cheese by adding in a touch more nutrition. There are several ways to achieve this, whether it’s by making the mac and cheese a side dish and pairing it with a plant-based protein and veggies. Or you can follow the recipe I provide below for turning vegan mac into the main course.
This will not only provide your mac and cheese with higher protein but it also effortlessly sneaks in a serving of vegetables, all in the time it would take to make a regular box of mac and cheese.
Quick tip: By making these tweaks, you’ll be getting in a solid 16g of protein and 5g of fiber. That’s not all - you’re also treating yourself to essential vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients for high protein gluten free dairy free mac and cheese using a boxed mix:
This gluten-free dairy-free mac and cheese recipe uses only 5 simple ingredients. You can find these ingredients at your local grocery store or you can find boxed mac and cheese options at GoPuff.
You may also find boxed mac and cheese online at Amazon or Thrive Market.
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To make this gluten-free dairy-free mac and cheese recipe you’ll need:
- Box gluten free dairy free mac and cheese (with the cheese powder, not sauce)
- Cannellini beans
- Dairy-free milk of choice (I used soy)
- Water to boil
- Frozen vegetable of choice (I used broccoli)
Looking for more gluten free vegan mac and cheese options? Check out this guide to the best vegan mac brands!
What are the best vegetables to add to mac and cheese?
Boost your mac and cheese with a burst of veggie goodness! While I use frozen veggies for simplicity, feel free to experiment with fresh or canned options, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Here’s a list of veggies to stir into your mac and cheese.
- Zucchini: Slice it up for a tender, mild addition.
- Cauliflower: Cut into small florets for a mild, versatile option
- Peas: Sweet and petite, peas bring a pop of color and a subtle sweetness.
- Carrots: Grated or thinly sliced, carrots bring sweetness and color
- Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with flavor, these add a juicy twist.
- Kale: For a nutrient-packed boost.
- Asparagus: Steam for a vibrant green touch
- Broccoli Florets: Tender and delicious, broccoli adds a burst of green freshness.
Experiment with these veggies to discover your perfect blend. What to add to mac and cheese? These veggies are your flavorful answer!
How to Make High Protein Gluten Free Dairy Free Mac and Cheese
Get ready for this simple and easy meal!
First, get the water boiling. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the macaroni noodles and set a timer for 4 minutes less than what the package says.
Once the timer beeps, throw in your frozen veggies and give it a good stir. Let it boil for another 4 minutes or until both the noodles and veggies are nice and tender. Then, drain everything and put it back in the saucepan.
While the noodles and veggies are cooking, blend the white beans, cheese powder, and dairy-free milk in a food processor until it's nice and smooth.
Now, mix your dairy-free cheese sauce with the noodles and veggies in the saucepan.
Heat it up, and there you have it - a delicious, dairy-free mac and cheese! Serve it up and enjoy.
What to eat with vegan mac and cheese
Pairing options for vegan mac and cheese are endless! You can keep it classic with a side salad, eat a side of some more steamed veggies, or go for some gluten-free plant-based protein like grilled tofu. It’s versatile, so you can customize it to fit your cravings.
Looking for a meat addition? Make a steak using my gluten-free steak marinade recipe here.
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Other easy gluten-free vegan recipes you’ll love:
- 17 Gluten-Free Vegan Shake & Smoothie Bowl Recipes
- Gluten-Free Vegan Lemon Orzo Soup Recipe
- Creamy Vegetable Risotto Recipe
High Protein Gluten Free Dairy Free Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- food processor
- saucepan
- measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 box gluten free dairy free mac and cheese with cheese powder, not sauce
- 1 cup cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup dairy-free milk of choice I used soy
- 8 oz frozen vegetable of choice I used broccoli
- water to boil
Instructions
- Boil water on the stove. When water comes to a boil, add the macaroni noodles and set a timer for 4 minutes less than the package directions.
- When the timer goes off, add your frozen vegetables to the water and stir. Once it comes back to a boil, continue to cook for 4 more minutes or until both the vegetables and noodles are tender. Drain and return to the saucepan.
- Meanwhile, in a food processor combine beans, cheese powder, and dairy free milk 1 tablespoon at a time until smooth.
- Add dairy free cheese sauce into the saucepan with noodles and vegetables and heat through. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- ingredient and equipment suggestions & substitutions,
- tips for modifying the recipe, and
- frequently asked questions
Jill
I'm a girl who is in love with mac and cheese, but I also need more protein in my diet. This recipe immediately spoke to me. We loved how quick and easy it was to throw together, and I absolutely loved the sauce. So good!
Sharon McCaskill
I love it too!