TIME: 45 MINUTES SERVES: 4
It was a big day in the land of vegan when we all realized you could make this nostalgic pasta dish without dairy, and that the healthier, cruelty-free version could actually be great. We must have done something right with ours, because it’s a favorite among the nonvegans who frequent the restaurant, a tough crowd to convert when it comes to anything cheese-related. Sometimes, tables order it twice in one sitting-is there any better compliment?
Pasta: - 12 ounces dried elbow macaroni (or a 16 oz. box) - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (Only 1 tablespoon if using premade bread crumbs) - 4 slices white bread, stale or lightly toasted - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 recipe Cheese Sauce
- ½ cup shredded vegan parmesan +¼ cup for top
- 1 tablespoon chopped top fresh chives, for garnish
Steps:
1 Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2 Bring a large ovenproof saucepan of water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain completely and cool under cold running water. Return the noodles to the saucepan and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil; toss well so the noodles do not stick together.
3 Meanwhile, tear the bread into small pieces, put them in a food processor, and process into coarse crumbs. Spread the bread crumbs in an even layer over a large rimmed baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and dry. Remove from the oven; turn on the broiler.
4 Transfer the hot bread crumbs to a large bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, add the salt, and toss. Let cool completely. (If you won’t be using them immediately, store the bread crumbs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.)
5 Pour the cheese sauce onto the pasta and heat over medium heat until piping-hot. Add ¼ cup of the parmesan and stir until incorporated. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan over the top. Place the pan under the broiler and broil until the parmesan has melted. Remove from the broiler and garnish with the bread crumbs and chives. Serve immediately.