Vegan Mac & “Cheese” Recipe
There's something so deeply comforting about a bowl of pasta. Macaroni and cheese is one of the more difficult dishes to give up when transitioning to a plant based diet for many.Fear not, because this Vegan Mac and Cheese recipe is here to satisfy those cravings. Despite being completely plant-based, it's every bit as rich, creamy, and flavorful as the traditional version. We'll be using a combination of cashews, nutritional yeast, and various spices to create a cheese-like sauce that's out-of-this-world delicious. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck with friends, or even for meal prep during the week. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this Vegan Mac and Cheese is a dish you'll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Estimated Cost$15
Helpful Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz. Dried Elbow Macaroni (make sure it is vegan - chickpea pastas can be a good option)
- 1 Cup Raw Cashews (soaked overnight and drained)
- 2 Cups Almond Milk (unsweetened)
- ¼ Cup Nutritional Yeast
- 1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
- 2 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp. Onion Powder
- ½ tsp. Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp. Sea Salt
- ½ tsp. Black Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Ensure not to overcook the pasta, as you will be heating it again later after adding the sauce.
- Drain the water from the macaroni and set aside.
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the soaked and drained cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If it's too thick, add a little more almond milk.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta in the pot, stirring well to combine.
- Heat the pot over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mac and cheese is heated through.
- Serve your vegan mac and cheese hot, with a sprinkle of extra nutritional yeast or smoked paprika on top if desired. Enjoy this creamy, comforting dish!
Nutrition
Calories: 415.8kcalCarbohydrates: 47.9gProtein: 22.7gFat: 19.4gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8.4gSodium: 468.7mgPotassium: 347.6mgFiber: 11gSugar: 7.4gVitamin A: 307.1IUVitamin C: 2.2mgCalcium: 217.7mgIron: 8.1mg
