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Okay, I'll admit it sounds kinda crazy at first, right? Gingerbread...in mac and cheese? But trust me on this one! It all started last Thanksgiving. I was staring at leftover gingerbread pie, feeling kinda meh about just reheating it. Then, my eyes landed on the half-eaten mac and cheese my little cousin had abandoned. A weird idea sparked—what if I combined these two seemingly opposite dishes? A little experimenting later and BOOM! This incredibly delicious Vegan Gingerbread Pie Mac was born. Seriously, you HAVE to try it. Its the unexpected flavor combo you never knew you needed this festive season.
This recipe isn't just about shock value, though. It's genuinely comforting and packed with flavor. The savory mac and cheese base gets a holiday makeover with gingerbread spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. A touch of molasses adds a hint of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory notes. Plus, its entirely vegan, so everyone can enjoy a slice of this peculiar pie. Honestly, it’s now a staple in my house—even my super picky uncle enjoys a generous helping! What does this mean for you? Get ready to redefine comfort food!
Required Equipments
- Large Saucepan
- Whisk
- 9-inch Pie Dish
- Pastry Blender or Fork
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Colander
Vegan Gingerbread Pie Mac: A Comforting Fusion: Frequently Asked Questions
Vegan Gingerbread Pie Mac: A Comforting Fusion
Dive into a delightfully unexpected treat with this Vegan Gingerbread Pie Mac recipe. It's a fusion of creamy vegan mac and cheese and the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread pie, perfect for a cozy holiday twist!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish with vegan butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Pro tip: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it won't become mushy during baking.
- Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of vegan butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste forms. This is your roux!
- Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in 3 cups of unsweetened plain almond milk. Continue whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate Cheese Flavor: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric for color, if desired. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This should smell cheesy!
- Spice it Up: Now for the gingerbread magic! Stir in 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 2 tablespoons of molasses. Mix well to combine. Take a whiff—Christmas in a pan!
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Make sure every noodle gets some love!
- Prepare the Gingerbread Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup of vegan butter (cold and cubed), 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. It may not come together completely, and that's okay.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared pie dish. Sprinkle the gingerbread crumble topping evenly over the surface. Don’t be shy; it’s what makes it awesome!
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly. Watch it closely towards the end to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of molasses, if desired. Serve warm and prepare for the taste buds to be amazed!
📝 Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Feel free to experiment with other vegan cheese alternatives for a different flavor profile.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Fiber: 5 g
Calcium: 150 mg
