08/13/2025
Creamy Mac & Cheese with Nutritional Yeast + Shredded Cheese
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
12 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta of choice)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (dairy, or use plant-based if preferred)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend — dairy)
¼ cup nutritional yeast
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: ½ cup breadcrumbs + a pad of butter for topping
Directions
1. Boil pasta al dente in salted water, drain, and set aside.
2. In the same pot or a saucepan, melt 2 tsp of butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for ~1-2 minutes to make a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (~3–5 minutes).
4. Reduce heat. Stir in shredded cheese until melted smooth.
5. Mix in nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to preference.
6. Toss in cooked pasta until well-coated.
Optional breadcrumb topping: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, and bake at 400 °F for ~10 minutes until golden.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Why This Works
Shredded cheese (like cheddar) provides melty texture and rich flavor
Nutritional yeast adds a nutty, umami “cheesy” flavor and boosts protein + B-vitamins
Using a roux + cheese melt method ensures a creamy, non-grainy sauce
Optional Add‑Ins & Variations
Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, roasted cauliflower, spinach, or butternut squash for fiber and nutrients
Protein picks: Add cooked chicken, bacon, or beans/lentils for extra protein
Heat & crunch: Top with crispy onions or breadcrumbs, or add jalapeños/smoky paprika for a kick
Bake it! Transfer to a baking dish, top with buttered breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly and golden (10–15 min at 350–400°F)
Nutrition Snapshot
A ¼ cup of nutritional yeast has ~8–9 g protein, fiber, and B‑vitamins
Combined with shredded cheese, it enhances protein and richness.
You can boost fiber and nutrients further using whole‑grain pasta or adding veggies.