Dairy-Free Macaroni and Cheese with Ham
Experience the ultimate comfort food reimagined with this Dairy-Free Macaroni and Cheese with Ham, a creamy, satisfying dish that's perfect for those avoiding dairy without compromising on flavor. This recipe swaps traditional cheese with a luscious, velvety sauce made from unsweetened almond milk, nutritional yeast, and tapioca starch, enhanced with bold seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ground mustard. Tender bites of macaroni are perfectly coated in the dairy-free sauce, while the addition of diced, savory cooked ham brings a hearty twist to this classic favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, and can even be adapted with gluten-free pasta for dietary flexibility. Garnish it with a sprinkle of extra nutritional yeast or fresh parsley for a perfect finish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni pasta (or gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option)
- 6 ounces cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegan butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Add the macaroni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the almond milk, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk the mixture over medium heat until it begins to thicken, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the coconut oil (or vegan butter) and lemon juice, continuing to whisk until the cheese sauce is creamy and smooth.
Stir in the diced ham and cooked pasta, ensuring all pasta is coated evenly with the sauce.
Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the dish is heated through.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional nutritional yeast or chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1044 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.9 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.5 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 94 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 4717 mg | 205% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 95.4 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.2 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g | ||
| Protein | 62.6 g | 125% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.4 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 893 mg | 69% | |
| Iron | 6.2 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 1122 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
