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Macaroni and cheese has long been the ultimate comfort food - rich and creamy with melted goodness. But according to food experts, there's a simple way to make this beloved dish even more "insanely cheesy and comforting" without the extra dairy.

Nutritional yeast flakes. These savoury golden flakes, affectionately known as "nooch" among vegan cooks, have been a plant-based pantry staple for decades. They're made from deactivated yeast and are naturally rich in B vitamins, but the real magic lies in their flavour - a nutty, cheesy tang that can take a mac and cheese sauce to the next level.

When stirred into the sauce, nutritional yeast delivers a depth of cheesiness that even the most decadent cheddar struggles to match. It also thickens the mixture slightly, giving the sauce that silky texture you expect from the ultimate comfort dish.

And while it's a must-have for vegans, plenty of dairy lovers are discovering its charms too - it boosts flavour without the heaviness of adding more cheese.

Vegan mac and cheese recipes, such as those from Marigold Health Foods, use nutritional yeast as the star ingredient, blending it with plant milk, dairy-free margarine and seasonings for a sauce that's every bit as indulgent as the traditional version. Meanwhile, recipe writers at Phil's Vegan Recipes point out that it's equally at home in non-vegan dishes, where it can be combined with regular cheese for a double hit of flavour.

Nutritional yeast also brings a nutritional bonus. It's often fortified with B12, making it a useful addition to plant-based diets, and it contains protein and fibre - not bad for something that tastes like pure comfort.

For best results, sprinkle a little extra over the top before baking your mac and cheese so the crust gets a golden, savoury lift.