If you’re looking for a fun way to sneak some extra veggies into a classic BBQ side, this Hidden Veggie Spicy Jalapeño Mac n “Cheese” is it. Roasted potatoes, carrots, onion, and jalapeño blend into a creamy sauce that adds flavor and nutrition without tasting overly veggie-forward. I partnered with Lentil Telepathy for this recipe and topped it with their Crunchy Toasted Cheddah Lentil Toppers for the perfect crunch. Being gluten- and dairy-free I love using their toppers as a “cheesy” add here.
The Inspiration
Creating a dairy, nut, and soy free mac and cheese that actually tastes good can be surprisingly challenging. Many dairy free versions rely heavily on cashews or soy-based ingredients for creaminess, which isn’t an option for everyone. I wanted to create a version that was creamy, flavorful, and made with ingredients that are easier to find while also sneaking in some extra vegetables. Roasting the potatoes, carrots, onion, and jalapeño before blending them into the sauce creates a rich texture and adds so much flavor to the finished dish.
When I partnered with Lentil Telepathy, I knew their Crunchy Toasted Cheddah Lentil Toppers would be the perfect addition. Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, they add a cheesy, savory crunch while also bringing a little extra protein and fiber to the dish. I love using simple swaps that add more than just texture, and these lentil toppers do exactly that. They make the topping a little more interesting and pair perfectly with the creamy, spicy mac and cheese underneath. If you’re looking for another “cheesy” dish with Lentil Telepathy, try our Loaded Potato Nacho Platter.
Lentils: Good for you and the Planet
Lentils are not just a nutritional powerhouse, they’re also one of the most sustainable and regenerative crops you can eat. One of their standout qualities is their ability to grow with minimal water, making them a smart choice in a world where water conservation is more important than ever. Compared to many other crops, lentils require significantly less water, making them an eco-friendly option for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Beyond their water efficiency, lentils actively improve the soil they’re grown in. As a legume, they naturally fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for future crops and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. This not only supports soil health but also promotes more sustainable farming practices. By choosing Lentil Telepathy, you’re supporting a food that gives back to the planet. With their minimal environmental impact and nutrient-packed Crunchy Toasted Lentils, Lentil Telepathy is a choice that’s good for both your family and the earth.
Ways to Use Crunchy Toasted Lentils
Besides this delicious Hidden Veggie Spicy Jalapeño Mac n “Cheese”, here are some fun and delicious ways to use Lentil Telepathy’s Crunchy Toasted Lentils, whether you’re looking for a quick snack or want to get creative in the kitchen:
- Soup Topper: Sprinkle some of these lentil toppers on top of your favorite soup for added crunch and a punch of flavor. They balance the smoothness of the soup beautifully! The cheddah flavor would go well or try their Sweet & Tangy BBQ for more of a smoky touch!
- Baked Potatoes: Today we’re making potato nachos, but they’d also be delicious on Baked Potatoes! Add a fun and crunchy twist to classic baked potato by topping them with Lentil Toppers. They’re the perfect addition for texture and flavor, making your appetizers stand out.
- Salads: Give your next salad a flavorful and protein packed crunch by scattering some Lentil Toppers on top. They’re a great alternative to croutons, adding a healthier twist and more unique flavor profile! Try our Oil-free Crispy Cheddah Lentil Harvest Salad with Lentil Telepathy!
- Extra Flavor on Hummus: For a simple snack, add these crunchy toasted lentils to a plate of hummus. They add a delicious crunch and extra burst of flavor that makes every bite more exciting. Their Peri-Peri Chili Lemon flavor would go perfectly on traditional hummus!
- Avocado Toast: These Lentil Toppers seriously take your avocado toast to the next level. For some ideas, check out our Avocado Toast Flight!
Which one are you trying first? Let me know in the comments!
Kitchenware you’ll need:
- Blender: We recently received a Vitamix for our wedding and WOW it is a game changer. If you’re looking to invest in a quality blender, this one is worth it. You’ll need a blender to puree your veggies.
- A good knife: Potatoes can be a tricky one to cut, especially when they need to be thinly sliced. I’ve definitely had an incident or two with them when my knife wasn’t sharp enough. Make sure you have a sharp knife to glide through slicing the potatoes.
- Baking Dish: You can use any baking dish around 3qts. We recently got this Le Creuset for our wedding and I am loving it. It’s the perfect size for this mac n cheese and looks so beautiful.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Gluten- and Dairy-free Hidden Veggie Spicy Jalapeño Mac n “Cheese” with Lentil Telepathy
This Hidden Veggie Spicy Jalapeño Mac n “Cheese” with Lentil Toppers comes together pretty easily, especially once the veggies are roasting and you start building everything into the sauce.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the potato, carrots, onion, and jalapeño with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread everything out on a baking sheet and roast for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the vegetables are soft and lightly caramelized.
Step 2: Once the vegetables are roasted, let them cool slightly so they’re easier to blend. Add them to a blender with about 3/4 cup unsweetened oat milk and blend until completely smooth. Measure out 1.5 cups of the puree and set aside.
Step 3: While the vegetables are roasting or cooling, cook the gluten free pasta in salted water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside so it’s ready to go into the sauce.
Step 4: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in the gluten free flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 5: Slowly whisk in the oat milk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken into a creamy base.
Step 6: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and nutmeg to build the flavor of the sauce.
Step 7: Add in the roasted veggie puree and stir until everything is fully combined and creamy.
Step 8: Melt in the dairy free cheddar and nutritional yeast, stirring until the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
Step 9: Add the cooked pasta straight into the sauce and mix until every piece is coated.
Step 10: Transfer everything to a 9×13 baking dish or similar oven-safe dish, then top with extra dairy free cheddar and a generous layer of Lentil Telepathy’s Crunchy Toasted Cheddah Lentil Toppers.
Step 11: Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 3–6 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
Step 12: Let it cool slightly so it sets up, then finish with fresh herbs and an extra sprinkle of crunchy lentils right before serving.
Once it’s out of the oven, it’s ready to serve warm and enjoy.
Print
Gluten- and Dairy-free Hidden Veggie Spicy Jalapeño Mac n “Cheese” with Lentil Telepathy
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
Description
Hidden veggie mac and cheese with roasted jalapeño, dairy-free cheese sauce, gluten-free pasta, and crunchy lentil topping.
Ingredients
Veggie Puree
1 medium russet potato, peeled and cubed
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
1/2 medium yellow onion (4 oz), quartered
1 medium jalapeño (whole for mild, halved for more heat)
1–2 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup unsweetened oat milk
Pasta & Sauce:
12 oz gluten free brown rice elbows
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp gluten-free flour
2 cups unsweetened oat milk
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1.5 tsp salt (start here, you will likely need more to taste)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1.5 cups roasted veggie + jalapeño puree
1/2 cup dairy and nut free “cheddar”
1/3 cup nutritional yeast
Topping:
1 1/3 cup Lentil Telepathy’s Crunchy Toasted Cheddah Lentil Toppers
1/4 cup dairy and nut free “cheddar” cheese, shredded
Fresh parsley, cilantro, and/or chives, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss potato, carrots, onion, and jalapeño with olive oil and salt. Roast 40 min, flipping halfway, until soft.
3. Remove seeds from jalapeño if desired, we blended whole. Blend roasted vegetables until smooth, adding 3/4 cup unsweetened oat milk. Measure out 1.5 cups puree.
4. Cook until just under al dente in salted water (2-3 minutes less than package instructions). Drain.
5. Heat olive oil in a pan. Whisk in gluten-free flour 1–2 min. Slowly whisk in oat milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Add seasonings. Stir in roasted puree. Melt in dairy free cheddar and nutritional yeast until creamy.
7. Mix pasta and sauce in an oven safe dish. We used a 3.5 qt. braising pan, but you can also use a 9×13 baking dish.
8. Top with 1/3 cup Lentil Telepathy’s Crunchy Toasted Cheddah Lentil Toppers and 1/4 cup dairy and nut free “cheddar”.
9. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 min. Bring to a broil and cook for 3-6 minutes until the top browns slightly.
10. Let cool slightly. Top with a generous serving of crunchy lentils and fresh herbs before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 85 minutes
FAQ: Gluten- and Dairy-free Hidden Veggie Spicy Jalapeño Mac n “Cheese” with Lentil Telepathy
Can I skip the baking step?
Yes. If you prefer a creamier mac and cheese, you can skip the baking step entirely. Once the pasta is mixed with the sauce, serve it immediately. Baking helps the casserole set up and creates a slightly firmer texture with a golden topping.
How spicy is this mac and cheese?
The spice level is mild to moderate, depending on the jalapeño. For a milder version, remove the seeds before blending. For more heat, leave the seeds in or use a larger jalapeño.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the roasted vegetable puree and cheese sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
What do the lentil toppers add?
The lentil toppers act like a flavorful breadcrumb topping while adding extra texture, protein, and fiber. They provide a cheesy crunch without the need for traditional breadcrumbs.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Shells, cavatappi, rotini, or other short pasta shapes work well. Just be sure to cook the pasta slightly under al dente since it will continue cooking during baking.
Can I freeze this mac and cheese?
Yes. Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Will my kids notice the vegetables?
Probably not. The roasted potato, carrots, onion, and jalapeño blend into the sauce, creating a creamy texture and rich flavor without tasting overly vegetable-forward.
Can I make this without the dairy-free cheddar?
You can, but I don’t recommend skipping it unless necessary. The dairy-free cheddar helps create the creamy, cheesy flavor that makes this dish taste like classic mac and cheese. If you omit it, increase the nutritional yeast to 1/2 cup and add a splash of extra oat milk to help keep the sauce creamy.
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Looking for more?
- Gluten- and Dairy-free Hidden Veggie Spicy Jalapeño Mac n “Cheese” with Lentil TelepathySpicy dairy-free mac and cheese made with hidden vegetables, gluten-free pasta, roasted jalapeño, and lentil crunch topping.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free Crispy Roasted Potatoes
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Questions? Comment Below!