Cheez-A-Roni (From the Uncheese Cookbook)

My first foray into vegan cooking was a potluck, and, terrified of bringing yet another sad salad, I decided to get adventurous. I landed on a “cheesy” casserole from a well-loved cookbook, and, let’s just say, it was a hit – devoured in minutes, with everyone clamoring for the recipe. The star? A creamy, dreamy sauce that defied all logic, made entirely without dairy. That casserole, heavily inspired by this Cheez-A-Roni, sparked a lifelong love affair with plant-based comfort food and the magic of clever substitutions. I’m excited to share my version of this classic with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes for onions, pasta package directions
• Total Time: 55-65 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 8 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

• 2 cups Gee Whiz Spread (recipe required)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2-3 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
• Salt, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 large pinch cayenne (optional)
• 12 ounces dry macaroni or other penne pasta

Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan
• Pasta pot
• Colander

Instructions

1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions.
2. Carmelize the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and golden brown. This process can take between 20 and 30 minutes, so be patient and don’t rush it. The goal is to draw out their natural sweetness. If the onions begin to stick to the pan, add a tablespoon of water or vegetable broth at a time to deglaze the pan and prevent burning.
3. Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, add the crushed garlic to the pan and cook for just 1 more minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter quickly.
4. Now, it’s time to add the cheesy goodness. Add 2 cups of the Gee Whiz Spread to the saucepan, along with the undrained can of diced tomatoes, nutritional yeast flakes, salt, pepper, and the optional pinch of cayenne, if you desire a little heat.
5. Stir everything together until the Gee Whiz Spread is melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast as needed. Simmer over low heat while the pasta cooks.
6. While the sauce is simmering, prepare the macaroni or penne pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the pasta water generously, as this will season the pasta from the inside out.
7. Once the pasta is cooked al dente (tender but firm to the bite), drain it in a colander. Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften in the sauce.
8. Pour the drained pasta into the saucepan with the Gee Whiz Spread sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Cheez-A-Roni!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer, deeper flavor, try roasting the onions instead of caramelizing them on the stovetop. Toss the chopped onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in a single layer on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until they are softened and caramelized.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the sauce with an immersion blender before adding the pasta. This will create a velvety texture that is perfect for kids (and adults!).
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of pasta. Cavatappi, shells, or rotini would all work well in this dish.
• For a baked version, transfer the sauced pasta to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs or a layer of extra Gee Whiz Spread, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
• Make the sauce ahead of time! The Gee Whiz Spread sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before adding the cooked pasta.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Cheez-A-Roni hot, straight from the saucepan. It is delicious on its own, or you can serve it as a side dish with a salad or steamed vegetables. For a more elegant presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth if needed to prevent sticking. The Cheez-A-Roni can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	225.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	19%
Total Fat	4.7 g	7%
Saturated Fat	0.7 g	3%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	9.4 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	42.6 g	14%
Dietary Fiber	7.4 g	29%
Sugars	4.2 g	16%
Protein	5.7 g	11%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta, such as brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta, to make this dish gluten-free.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in some cooked vegetables, such as broccoli florets, peas, or carrots, to add extra nutrients and flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Incorporating a teaspoon of smoked paprika into the sauce lends a delightful smoky depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Different Beans: You can substitute the Gee Whiz Spread with a blended white bean sauce for a protein-rich alternative.
• Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano could be incorporated for a more vibrant flavour.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different vegan cheese sauce instead of Gee Whiz Spread?
A: While the Gee Whiz Spread is specifically designed for this recipe, you can experiment with other vegan cheese sauces. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary.

Q: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together after draining?
A: Toss the drained pasta with a small amount of olive oil or the sauce immediately after draining to prevent it from sticking together.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving.

Q: Is it possible to bake this Cheez-A-Roni?
A: Absolutely! Transfer the prepared Cheez-A-Roni to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs or extra Gee Whiz Spread, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Q: Can I add protein to this dish?
A: Yes, adding cooked lentils, chickpeas, or tofu would be a great way to boost the protein content of this Cheez-A-Roni. Stir them in with the sauce before adding the pasta.

Final Thoughts

Cheez-A-Roni is a nostalgic comfort food classic, made even better with this plant-based twist. The creamy, cheesy sauce is surprisingly delicious, and it’s sure to please both vegans and non-vegans alike. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your variations and make this dish your own. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback! Serve it with a side of steamed broccoli for a complete and satisfying meal.