Comfort food gets a wholesome makeover with this Garlic Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with garlicky Brussels sprouts, this easy vegan pasta dish delivers all the cozy flavors of classic mac and cheese while adding extra vegetables and plant-based goodness. Best of all, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re craving something hearty yet nutritious.
Made with a silky homemade vegan cheese sauce, tender gluten-free pasta, and perfectly sautéed Brussels sprouts, this easy Garlic Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese is rich, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you enjoy it straight from the stovetop or baked until golden, every bite is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in only 20 minutes.
- Creamy, cheesy, and completely vegan.
- Naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free pasta.
- Loaded with nutritious Brussels sprouts and garlic.
- Delicious as a stovetop meal or baked casserole.
Ingredients
- Gluten-free pasta – Forms the hearty base of the dish while keeping it gluten-free.
- Brussels sprouts – Add freshness, texture, and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Fresh garlic – Brings bold, aromatic flavor to every bite.
- Garlic powder (optional) – Enhances the garlic flavor even further.
- Vegan cheese sauce – Creates the rich, creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting.
- Nutritional yeast – Adds a savory, cheesy flavor while boosting the nutritional value.
- Salt – Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper – Adds gentle warmth and depth.
- Olive oil or vegetable broth – Used to sauté the vegetables, with a broth option for oil-free cooking.
How to Make Garlic Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Tip: Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Prepare the Vegan Cheese Sauce
Blend the vegan cheese sauce ingredients according to your preferred recipe.
Add the nutritional yeast to the blender.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Set aside.
Sauté the Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
For an oil-free version, use a few tablespoons of vegetable broth instead.
Add the minced garlic and optional garlic powder.
Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Cook the Brussels Sprouts
Add the chopped Brussels sprouts to the skillet.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become tender and lightly caramelized.
Avoid overcooking to preserve their vibrant color and slight bite.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
Pour in the vegan cheese sauce.
Stir everything together until evenly coated.
Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat every piece of pasta.
If needed, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water for a creamier consistency.
Serve immediately.
Optional Baked Version
Transfer the finished mac and cheese to a lightly greased baking dish.
Sprinkle extra nutritional yeast or vegan cheese on top.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until the top becomes lightly golden.
Tips for Success
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Don’t overcook the Brussels sprouts—they should stay slightly crisp.
- Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
- Blend the cheese sauce until perfectly smooth for the creamiest texture.
- Add reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Colander
- Blender
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Alternative: A food processor can be used if you don’t have a high-speed blender.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Garlic Mac and Cheese
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Replace some or all of the Brussels sprouts with broccoli florets for another vegetable-packed version.
Crispy Baked Mac and Cheese
Top with gluten-free breadcrumbs and bake until crispy and golden.
Protein-Packed Version
Add baked tofu, tempeh, or vegan chicken for extra protein.
Mushroom Garlic Mac
Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the Brussels sprouts for even more savory flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese pairs perfectly with:
- Fresh green salad.
- Garlic bread.
- Roasted asparagus.
- Tomato cucumber salad.
- Roasted carrots.
- Grilled mushrooms.
- Steamed broccoli.
- Fresh parsley garnish.
- Cracked black pepper on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with a splash of plant-based milk or vegetable broth.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use regular pasta?
Absolutely. Any pasta shape works well if you don’t need the recipe to be gluten-free.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
Add a little extra plant-based milk or reserved pasta water while reheating.
Can I make it oil-free?
Yes. Simply sauté the garlic and Brussels sprouts in vegetable broth instead of oil.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh Brussels sprouts provide the best texture, but thawed frozen Brussels sprouts can be used in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese is everything comfort food should be—rich, creamy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of tender pasta, garlicky Brussels sprouts, and silky vegan cheese sauce creates a wholesome meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prep, this easy homemade Garlic Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese proves that plant-based comfort food can be just as delicious as the classic version. Give it a try, customize it with your favorite vegetables or toppings, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
Garlic Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Garlic Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting vegan pasta dish loaded with roasted garlic flavor, tender Brussels sprouts, and a rich dairy-free cheese sauce. It’s gluten-free, easy to make in just 20 minutes, and can be served straight from the stovetop or baked until bubbly.
Ingredients
- 10 oz gluten-free pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 batch 3-Ingredient Vegan Cheese Sauce
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable broth (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the vegan cheese sauce by blending the ingredients with the nutritional yeast until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil or vegetable broth.
- Add the minced garlic and optional garlic powder. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped Brussels sprouts and cook for about 5 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
- Add the cooked pasta and prepared vegan cheese sauce to the skillet.
- Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes until everything is hot and coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately, or transfer to a baking dish and bake until lightly golden if desired.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- For extra flavor, roast the Brussels sprouts before adding them to the pasta.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat with a splash of plant-based milk to restore the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American