🧀 Vegan Mac and Cheese – Creamy, Dairy-Free & So Delicious!
This Vegan Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and completely dairy-free! Made with wholesome ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect comfort food for vegans and non-vegans alike.
📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a plant-based twist on classic mac and cheese? This Vegan Mac and Cheese is ultra-creamy, cheesy-tasting, and made with real, simple ingredients—no weird processed stuff! Whether you're vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just curious, this cozy dish is a must-try.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the pasta:
- 250g (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni (gluten-free if needed)
For the vegan cheese sauce:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15–20 minutes)
- 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, oat, or soy)
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ tsp turmeric (for color)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter for richness
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Blend the Cheese Sauce
In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, and seasonings. Blend until smooth and creamy.
💡 Tip: Add more plant milk 1 tbsp at a time if the sauce is too thick.
Step 3: Combine and Heat
Pour the cheese sauce into a saucepan and gently heat for 2–3 minutes. Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly.
Step 4: Serve
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
🥦 Add-Ins & Variations
- Stir in steamed broccoli or peas for a veggie boost
- Add sautéed mushrooms for a savory twist
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 10 minutes for a baked version
🥗 What to Serve With Vegan Mac and Cheese
- Simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables (carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts)
- Vegan nuggets or baked tofu
❓FAQs
Can I make it nut-free?
Yes! Use cooked cauliflower or silken tofu instead of cashews, and oat milk instead of almond milk.
Can I store and reheat it?
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of plant milk to restore creaminess.
What does nutritional yeast do?
It adds a cheesy, umami-rich flavor and is a key ingredient in vegan cheese sauces.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Vegan Mac and Cheese is creamy, satisfying, and totally comforting without any dairy. It's a plant-powered version of a childhood favorite that everyone at the table will love!
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