There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of mac and cheese, and I’m excited to share with you my Ultimate Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe. This recipe will not only satisfy your cravings but also provide a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional mac and cheese. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor come together to create a dish that even non-vegans will love!
To make this scrumptious vegan mac and cheese, you’ll need a few important ingredients. Here’s what I typically use:
- Brown rice pasta or any pasta of your choice (gluten-free if needed)
- Raw cashews for the creamy base
- Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
- Garlic powder for depth of flavor
- Onion powder for sweetness
- Turmeric, for color and a health boost
- Lemon juice to brighten the dish
- Unsweetened plant milk (such as almond, soy, or oat) to thin the sauce
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
The preparation is quite simple. Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. I usually opt for about 8-10 minutes in boiling water; just make sure it’s al dente since it will continue to cook when you mix it with the sauce.
While your pasta is cooking, let’s prepare the cheese sauce. In a high-speed blender, combine the raw cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, lemon juice, and your choice of plant milk. Blend until it becomes completely smooth. You might need to add more milk based on your desired thickness, so adjust as needed.
Once your pasta has finished cooking, drain it and return it to the pot. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the hot pasta and stir well to combine. The heat will help the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully, creating that comforting feel you expect from classic mac and cheese.
For an extra touch, I love to add toppings? You can sprinkle some more nutritional yeast on top, toss in some breadcrumbs, or even caramelized onions for added texture and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas to make it a more nutritious meal.
To finish, if you prefer a baked version, I recommend preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), transferring your mac and cheese to a baking dish, adding toppings, and baking for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
And there you have it! My Ultimate Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe is ready to be enjoyed. It’s a delightful dish that I often serve for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or even as a quick weekday meal. I hope you find this recipe as satisfying and delicious as I do. Happy cooking!
The Ultimate Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for 4 hours)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Breadcrumbs for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil (if using) and the blended sauce. Stir continuously until heated through.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the pot and mix well to combine, ensuring that all pasta is coated with the sauce.
- If desired, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious vegan mac and cheese!
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