Vegan Recipe: BBQ Jackfruit Mac & Cheese

If you’ve ever loved classic mac and cheese but wanted something heartier, smokier, and fully plant-based, this Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Mac & Cheese does exactly that — blending creamy “cheese” sauce with smoky barbecue jackfruit for a comfort-food dish that satisfies vegan appetites and omnivores alike. The moment you mix tender macaroni, rich vegan cheese sauce, and softly shredded jackfruit simmered in BBQ sauce, you get a texture and flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and boldly modern. According to the original recipe, pantry staples like coconut oil, spices (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne), BBQ sauce, and canned jackfruit combine for a fast, easy meal that still feels indulgent.

What makes this dish especially appealing is its versatility and inclusivity. Since the “cheez” sauce and jackfruit base are dairy-free and meat-free, it works beautifully for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone trying to reduce animal products. If you swap in a gluten-free pasta or macaroni made from chickpeas, lentils or rice, the whole dish becomes gluten-friendly too — ideal for those with wheat sensitivities. The smoky, spicy jackfruit topping gives the mac a “pulled-meat” quality, adding depth and heartiness in a way that feels substantial, not just “substitute.”

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner, feeding mixed-diet guests, or just craving a rich bowl of comfort food with a twist, this BBQ jackfruit mac and “cheez” delivers. It proves that mac and cheese doesn’t have to rely on dairy or meat to feel indulgent — it can be compassionate, creative, and deeply satisfying all at once.

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Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Mac & Cheeze

Recipe Details

Yield: 3 servings
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Vegan Mac & Cheese Ingredients

• 1 (10.6oz) box jackfruit
• 2 teaspoons coconut sugar
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• ½ cup classic BBQ sauce
• 1 (10.6-ounce) box cheddar style cheezy mac

How to Make Vegan Mac & Cheese w/ BBQ Jackfruit

1. Remove jackfruit from package and sprinkle with coconut sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne.
2. Add coconut oil to a skillet and warm over medium-high heat. Add jackfruit and sauté for a few minutes, then stir in the BBQ sauce and simmer 10 to 15 minutes, until the sauce has reduced.
3. Using two forks, shred jackfruit in the pan and keep warm.
4. Bring 8 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add macaroni and cook 7 to 8 minutes or until tender. Drain and return to saucepan.
5. Squeeze the cheesy sauce over the hot noodles; stir until blended.
6. To serve, add a scoop of mac and cheese to a bowl, then top with jackfruit.

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Vegan Jackfruit Mac & Cheese Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 3 servings). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1/3 of recipe
Calories	≈ 370 kcal
Protein	≈ 5 g
Carbs	≈ 40 g
Sugar	≈ 10 g
Fiber	≈ 3 g
Fat	≈ 20 g

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Jackfruit Mac & Cheese Variations & Tips

• Use gluten-free pasta: Swap regular macaroni with chickpea, lentil, or rice pasta to make the dish gluten-friendly while keeping the creamy texture intact.
• Mix mushrooms or legumes: For extra depth, stir in sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils with the jackfruit — they add texture and more “meaty” body.
• Adjust BBQ sauce heat: Use a milder BBQ sauce for family-friendly comfort, or a smoky, spicy sauce to kick up the flavor for adults.
• Make a nut-free “cheez” sauce: If avoiding nuts, use a store-bought dairy-free cheese alternative or a sauce based on blended cauliflower + nutritional yeast to coat the pasta.
• Stovetop-only version: Cook the jackfruit, sauce, and pasta all in one pot to reduce cleanup — ideal for quick weeknight meals.
• Boost with veggies: Add steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted bell peppers for color, nutrition, and extra texture contrast against the creamy base.
• Meal-prep friendly: Make a double batch — store mac & sauce separately from the jackfruit; reheat separately and combine just before eating for freshest taste.

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Best Jackfruit Mac & Cheese Pairings

• Simple green salad: Mixed greens with a light lemon-olive oil vinaigrette add freshness and cut through the richness of the mac and “cheez.”
• Roasted seasonal vegetables: Oven-roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts or asparagus bring caramelized, earthy contrast to the smoky, creamy pasta.
• Gluten-free garlic bread: Toasted GF baguette or bread brushed with olive oil and herbs is perfect for mopping up extra sauce and BBQ bits.
• Spicy pickles or slaw: A crunchy, tangy side of pickled jalapeños or coleslaw helps balance the richness and adds bright, zippy flavor.
• Plant-milk iced tea or sparkling water: A refreshing iced beverage with citrus or herbs helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Vegan cornbread: Serve alongside a piece of vegan cornbread — the sweet graininess pairs nicely with BBQ jackfruit mac’s smoky flavors.

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When to Make Jackfruit Mac & Cheese

• Cozy weeknight dinner: Quick and satisfying — ideal when you want comfort food at home without too much fuss or cleanup.
• Vegan or mixed-diet dinner: Great for gatherings with guests who eat different diets — it’s rich and flavorful enough that even non-vegans may ask for seconds.
• Potluck or take-along meal: Easy to scale up and transport — bake or reheat at the event, then serve in a dish with a spoon for sharing.
• Meal-prep lunches: Portion into containers for reheatable lunches during the week — warm, filling, and flavorful.
• Game-day or movie-night comfort food: Serve as a hearty, crunchy-creamy snack or meal that hits the comfort-food vibe when you just want to lounge.
• Budget-friendly feeding: Uses pantry staples, canned jackfruit and shelf-stable components — good when you want a satisfying meal on a budget.

Recipe credit: Angela Gaines