Mac and cheese might be the epitome of comfort food. Many of us have fond memories of eating a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese for dinner (did anyone else love it when the pasta was made out of Scooby Doo shapes?). Unfortunately, with boxed mac and cheese comes a host of ingredients that aren’t so good for you. On top of the bright orange cheese powder that contains a hormone-disrupting chemical, it is also made with dairy, which has been linked to health issues ranging from inflammation to increased risk of cancer. Thankfully, getting your vegan mac and cheese fix is easier than ever before, thanks to a variety of store-bought options.

It is also easy to make dairy-free mac and cheese at home that is not only delicious but good for you. Check out the recipe below for a healthy, vegan mac and cheese:

This Oil-Free Mac and Cheese by Molly Patrick contains no dairy, no soy, and is made with healthy, whole foods ingredients.

Depending on your dietary goals, there is also a downside to vegan mac and cheese, particularly if you’re trying to avoid oil, since like classic boxed mac and cheese, these require the use of (vegan) butter. If you’re also trying to cut back on oil, then this recipe is perfect for you. Molly Patrick makes this homey favorite healthier by using gluten-free pasta and a cheesy sauce made from potatoes, carrots, nutritional yeast, and cashews. It’s delicious, wholesome, and oil-free!

For even more whole foods, plant-based recipes, check out Molly’s other recipes  on One Green Planet. If you’re interested in learning more about a whole foods, plant-based diet, check out our handy resources.

We also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 8,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to ten new recipes per day. Check it out!

Lead image source: Oil-Free Mac and Cheese