Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, but what if you could enjoy that same rich, creamy goodness without any dairy? Enter vegan mac and cheese—a delicious, plant-based alternative that will leave you questioning why you ever needed cheese in the first place. Made with a creamy cashew-based sauce and nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor, this recipe is sure to satisfy any mac and cheese lover. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
In this blog, we’ll take you through step-by-step instructions to create the perfect vegan mac and cheese, complete with optional crispy toppings to elevate your dish.
Ingredients:
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For the sauce:
- 1 ½ cups raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 1 hour)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp turmeric (optional, for color)
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tapioca starch (optional, for added creaminess)
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For the pasta:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt (for the pasta water)
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Optional toppings:
- Bread crumbs (for a crispy topping)
- Smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Soak the Cashews:
- To create a creamy, silky sauce, it’s important to soften the cashews. Soak the raw cashews in hot water for at least 1 hour. If you’re pressed for time, you can quick-soak them by boiling the cashews in water for 10 minutes.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. For classic mac and cheese, elbow macaroni works great, but feel free to use any shape you like. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set it aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
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Drain the soaked cashews and place them in a blender along with the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, turmeric (if using), and almond milk. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes depending on your blender.
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Pro Tip: Taste the sauce at this stage. If you like it tangier, add a bit more lemon juice or vinegar. If you want a richer flavor, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of nutritional yeast.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
- Pour the sauce into a medium saucepan and heat it over medium heat. If you want an even creamier consistency, whisk in the tapioca starch as the sauce heats up. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken (about 5-7 minutes). Once thickened, remove from heat.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked pasta and stir well to combine, ensuring every piece is coated in the luscious sauce.
6. Optional: Bake for Crispy Topping:
- If you like a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle bread crumbs and a pinch of smoked paprika on top, and place it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. You can pair this mac and cheese with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal, or enjoy it all on its own as the ultimate comfort food.
Why This Recipe Works
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Cashews for Creaminess: Cashews are the star of this dish, providing a smooth, creamy texture that mimics traditional cheese sauce. When blended with plant-based milk, they create a rich base that pairs perfectly with pasta.
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Nutritional Yeast for Cheesy Flavor: Nutritional yeast is a must-have in vegan cooking. It has a nutty, cheesy flavor and is packed with B vitamins, making it a healthy alternative to dairy cheese.
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Customizable Toppings: Whether you like your mac and cheese straight from the stovetop or prefer a crispy baked version, this recipe is adaptable. Try adding some sautéed veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, for extra nutrition and flavor.
This vegan mac and cheese is proof that plant-based comfort food can be just as satisfying as the original. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a cozy night in. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy a dairy-free version of your favorite comfort food in no time. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this mac and cheese will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.