When it comes to comfort food, mac and cheese ranks at the top of the list. The best part? This version is not only delicious but also healthier and just as easy to prepare as its dairy-heavy counterpart.
In this recipe, we’ll dive into how you can create a creamy, savory sauce using ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices that mimic the rich, cheesy flavor you crave. You’ll never miss the dairy in this satisfying bowl of vegan goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Mac and Cheese
Before jumping into the recipe, let’s talk about why this dish is such a win:
- 100% plant-based: This recipe uses wholesome, vegan-friendly ingredients without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Creamy and cheesy: Thanks to ingredients like cashews and nutritional yeast, you get all the creaminess of traditional mac and cheese without any dairy.
- Healthier: With no cholesterol and fewer processed ingredients, this mac and cheese is better for your body while still offering plenty of flavor.
- Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters won’t turn their noses up at this version!
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or top with crunchy breadcrumbs for extra texture.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours or overnight
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer, gluten-free options work too)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter (optional, for added richness)
- 1 tsp salt (for pasta water)
Optional Toppings:
- Bread crumbs (lightly toasted with a bit of olive oil for crunch)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives
- Steamed veggies (broccoli, spinach, or peas work great)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Soak the Cashews
Start by soaking the raw cashews. Soaking softens them, making it easier to blend into a smooth, creamy sauce. Ideally, soak the cashews for at least 2 hours. For a quicker option, you can boil the cashews for 15 minutes to soften them if you’re pressed for time.
While the cashews are soaking, you can gather the other ingredients and start boiling water for the pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous teaspoon of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the elbow macaroni (or your pasta of choice). Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7–9 minutes.
Pro tip: Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil or vegan butter to prevent the noodles from sticking while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Once the cashews are soaked and ready, drain and rinse them. Place the cashews in a high-speed blender or food processor along with the nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This should take about 2–3 minutes, depending on your blender.
The sauce should be thick but pourable. If it seems too thick, add a little more almond milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Nutritional yeast gives the sauce its cheesy flavor, while the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar add tanginess to mimic the sharpness of cheese.
If you want a deeper, smokier flavor, you can add a touch more smoked paprika. For a bolder kick, add an extra teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
The beauty of vegan cheese sauce is how customizable it is. You can easily tweak it to suit your flavor preferences. Once you’re happy with the taste, set the sauce aside.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained pasta to the pot or transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta and stir gently until every piece of macaroni is coated. The sauce will thicken as it warms with the pasta, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that’s incredibly satisfying.
If you like, you can add sautéed veggies like spinach, roasted broccoli, or peas at this stage for extra nutrition and color.
Step 6: Optional Crunchy Topping
For a classic mac and cheese experience, add a crispy topping. Heat a small pan with 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add about 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs and toast them for a few minutes until golden brown.
Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the pasta for a crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce.
You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of freshness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop generous portions of the vegan mac and cheese into bowls. If you’re a fan of extra sauce, feel free to drizzle some on top or sprinkle more nutritional yeast for added cheesiness. For a pop of green, garnish with steamed veggies or freshly chopped herbs.
This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is still creamy and warm. However, if you’re meal prepping, it reheats beautifully — just add a splash of almond milk when reheating to restore the creaminess.
Customizing Your Vegan Mac and Cheese
One of the reasons vegan mac and cheese is so versatile is how easily it adapts to your preferences. Here are a few ways to change things up:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or swap the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko for a totally gluten-free meal.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce for a fiery twist.
- Green Mac and Cheese: Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or kale while the pasta is still warm. The greens will wilt nicely and blend into the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This creamy, indulgent vegan mac and cheese proves that you don’t need dairy to enjoy one of the ultimate comfort foods. It’s rich, full of flavor, and completely plant-based.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Plus, with its simplicity and flexibility, you’ll find yourself coming back to it whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal.
