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5-Ingredient Quinoa Mac and Cheese Recipe

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3.8 from 4 reviews

This 5-Ingredient Quinoa Mac and Cheese is a comforting, dairy-free twist on the classic mac and cheese. Using butternut squash, almond milk, and nutritional yeast, this recipe creates a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s both vegan and gluten-free. Combined with protein-rich quinoa and vegan cheese, it’s a hearty and healthy meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 4 cups cubed butternut squash (about 1 small)

Dairy & Alternatives

  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup shredded vegan cheese (or shredded cheese of choice)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (or parmesan)
  • 4 cups cooked quinoa

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to prepare for baking the quinoa mac and cheese.
  2. Cook Butternut Squash: Peel and seed the butternut squash, then chop it into 1-inch chunks. Place the chunks into a stock pot, cover with about 1 inch of water, and boil until fork tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain the squash and transfer it to a blender.
  3. Make Cheese Sauce: Add almond milk and nutritional yeast to the blender with the cooked butternut squash. Blend on high until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. Adjust the texture by adding more almond milk if necessary—aim for a thick but easily pourable consistency.
  4. Combine with Quinoa and Cheese: Pour the creamy sauce into a bowl and stir in the cooked quinoa and shredded vegan cheese until thoroughly combined.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the quinoa mixture into a baking dish, smooth the top, and optionally sprinkle additional cheese over the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese has melted.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven, allow it to cool slightly, then serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a nuttier flavor, toast the cooked quinoa lightly before combining with the cheese sauce.
  • You can substitute almond milk with any other plant-based milk such as oat or soy milk.
  • If you aren’t vegan, parmesan cheese can replace nutritional yeast for a richer flavor.
  • Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the cheese sauce can boost flavor.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; reheat covered with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/5-ingredient-quinoa-mac-and-cheese-recipe/