every time i've tried to make vegan mac and cheese i've been underwhelmed by the result, but i think i may have thought of the secret ingredient that ties it all together. will report back.
i followed this recipe exactly except i added a tsp of vegemite, a tsp of smoked paprika, half a bulb of roasted garlic, and peas (because i'm a duck)
honestly nailed it. the vegemite and smoked paprika give it the cheddary sharpness i've been missing. this is the first time i made vegan mac that didn't disappoint me. the one change i'd recommend making is adding like half the salt in the recipe, since vegemite is salty.
