Ultimate Creamy Vegan Mac ‘n’ Cheese
A cashew-based sauce blended with nutritional yeast, garlic, and a touch of mustard creates the creamy, cheesy coating that makes this mac stand up to the classic comfort-food version. The sauce comes together in a blender while the pasta cooks, so the whole dish is ready in about 30 minutes. It's filling enough for a weeknight dinner and crowd-friendly for gatherings.
Equipment
- High-speed blender
- Large pot
- Saucepan
Ingredients
For the Macaroni:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni use gluten-free if desired
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked for at least 4 hours or boiled for 10 minutes
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk or other neutral plant milk
- ⅓ cup nutritional yeast adds cheesiness and umami
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp sea salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp turmeric for golden color
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika optional, adds a smoky depth
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional, for extra lusciousness
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 7–9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- If you haven’t soaked your cashews overnight, boil them for 10 minutes until softened. Drain before blending.
- In a high-speed blender, combine cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, sea salt, turmeric, smoked paprika (if using), and olive oil. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes. The sauce should be silky with no graininess.
- Transfer sauce to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until warmed and slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Do not boil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the warm cheese sauce until completely coated. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring gently.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chopped chives for garnish.
Notes
- Soaking cashews overnight gives the smoothest texture, but boiling works in a pinch.
- For baked mac ‘n’ cheese: pour mixed pasta and sauce into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli for a nutrient boost.
Nutrition
Calories: 559kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 609mgPotassium: 504mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 65IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 147mgIron: 4mg
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