The cheesiest vegan macaroni and cheese and my daughter’s favorite
The cheesiest vegan macaroni and cheese and my daughter’s favorite! is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by Tabitha Brown on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 19 min | Total: 49 min
Cost: $10.28 total, $2.57 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Butternut Squash (peeled and cubed)
- 1 cup Potato (peeled and cubed (about 1 medium russet))
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Dried Herbs (thyme, rosemary, or herb blend of choice)
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 1 tsp Pink Salt (Himalayan pink salt or regular kosher salt)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
- 1 cup Plain Unsweetened Yogurt (almond or cashew based, dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast (adds cheesy flavor)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, part‑skim)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 0.5 cup Vegetable Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 pinch Paprika (for garnish)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Peel and cube the butternut squash and potato into bite‑size pieces. Toss them with minced garlic, dried herbs, and a pinch of pink salt. Set aside while you cook the pasta.
Time: PT15M
Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and a pinch of pink salt, cooking until al dente according to package directions (about 8‑10 minutes). Drain and return to the pot.
Time: PT10M
Make the Creamy Sauce
In the large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the prepared squash and potato cubes and sauté for 2‑3 minutes. Stir in the unsweetened yogurt, nutritional yeast, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes thick and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add the vegetable broth and continue stirring for another minute.
Time: PT7M
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until every noodle is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or garlic powder if needed.
Time: PT2M
Optional Bake for Golden Top
Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a light layer of paprika (or extra shredded cheese) on top. Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or until the surface is lightly browned.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 350°F
Serve
Spoon the mac and cheese onto plates, garnish with an extra pinch of paprika if desired, and enjoy while hot.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 560
- Protein
- 22g
- Carbohydrates
- 53g
- Fat
- 25g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Butternut Squash: Sweet potato
- Instead of Potato: Sweet potato
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Dried Herbs: Italian seasoning
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: corkscrew pasta, penne
- Instead of Pink Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: olive oil
- Instead of Plain Unsweetened Yogurt: Greek yogurt (if not dairy‑free)
- Instead of Nutritional Yeast: vegan parmesan
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Gruyère, sharp gouda
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Monterey Jack
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Vegetable Broth: chicken broth, water with extra salt
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Oven (optional)
- Baking Dish (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Prep Vegetables
- Cook Pasta
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
Chef Tips from the Video
- Grate your own cheddar for a smoother melt; pre‑shredded cheese often contains anti‑caking agents that affect texture.
- For extra depth, roast the squash and potato cubes in the oven at 400°F for 15 minutes before adding to the sauce.
- A pinch of smoked paprika on top adds a subtle smoky flavor without extra heat.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick.
Thin it with a little extra vegetable broth, milk, or reserved pasta water, adding a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
Sauce is watery and doesn't coat the noodles.
Increase the cheese amount or let the sauce simmer a minute longer to reduce; you can also stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry.
Noodles are overcooked and mushy.
Cook pasta al dente (1‑2 minutes less than package suggests) and rinse briefly with warm water before adding to the sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat gently and add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the vegetable mixture and sauce up to step 3; refrigerate separately and combine with cooked pasta just before serving.
- The baked version can be assembled a day ahead, covered, and baked right before dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of macaroni and cheese in American comfort food cuisine?
Macaroni and cheese has been a staple of American comfort food since the early 1900s, originally popularized by processed cheese products and later embraced as a home‑cooked classic for family gatherings and celebrations.
What are the traditional regional variations of macaroni and cheese in the United States?
Regional twists include Southern baked mac with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, New England's creamy stovetop version, and the Southern‑style addition of smoked meats or jalapeños for heat.
How is macaroni and cheese traditionally served in Southern cuisine?
In the South, mac and cheese is often baked with a golden crust of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, sometimes layered with ham or pulled pork, and served as a side dish at holiday meals and potlucks.
What occasions or celebrations is macaroni and cheese traditionally associated with in American culture?
Mac and cheese is a go‑to dish for birthdays, family reunions, school lunches, and comfort‑food cravings during cold weather, making it a popular choice for celebrations like a 19th birthday.
How does this butternut squash and potato macaroni and cheese fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
It adds a nutritious twist to the classic by incorporating roasted vegetables, while still delivering the rich, cheesy flavor that defines American comfort food, making it both hearty and slightly healthier.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic macaroni and cheese versus acceptable substitutes in this recipe?
Traditional mac and cheese uses cheddar cheese, butter, milk, and pasta. In this recipe, unsweetened almond yogurt and nutritional yeast boost creaminess while keeping the dairy flavor, and butternut squash adds natural sweetness as a substitute for some of the cheese.
What other American dishes pair well with this butternut squash and potato macaroni and cheese?
It pairs nicely with a crisp green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple garlic‑bread side, balancing the richness of the cheese with fresh or crunchy textures.
What makes this butternut squash and potato macaroni and cheese special or unique in American cuisine?
The inclusion of roasted squash and potato adds natural sweetness and extra nutrients, while the almond yogurt and nutritional yeast create a velvety sauce that feels indulgent yet lighter than a full‑cream version.
How has macaroni and cheese evolved over time in American cooking?
From early 20th‑century boxed mixes to modern gourmet versions with truffle oil, lobster, or vegetable purées, mac and cheese has continually adapted to incorporate new flavors, dietary preferences, and upscale ingredients.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this butternut squash and potato macaroni and cheese?
Common pitfalls include overcooking the pasta, letting the yogurt scorch over high heat, and adding too much broth which makes the sauce watery. Keep the heat medium, cook pasta al dente, and adjust liquid gradually.
Can I make this butternut squash and potato macaroni and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cooked pasta separately, store each in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then combine and reheat on the stovetop or bake just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Tabitha Brown specialize in?
The YouTube channel Tabitha Brown focuses on wholesome, plant‑forward comfort foods, heartfelt storytelling, and accessible cooking tutorials that blend vegan and vegetarian flavors with soulful positivity.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
