Best Vegan Mac N Cheese Recipe for Creamy Comfort Meals

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, creamy bowl of mac n cheese. But what if you’re looking to enjoy this classic dish without any dairy or animal products?

Enter the best vegan mac n cheese recipe that’s not only rich and cheesy but also wholesome and nutritious. This recipe uses plant-based ingredients that come together to create a velvety sauce, perfect for those who follow a vegan lifestyle or anyone wanting a delicious, healthier alternative.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this mac n cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

With simple ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices, you can whip up this creamy delight in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you crave that classic cheesy goodness without compromise.

In this post, I’ll guide you through every step and share tips to customize the dish to your liking. Ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan mac n cheese is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly creamy and cheesy, thanks to the magic of soaked cashews and nutritional yeast — the ultimate dairy-free cheese flavor booster.

No weird powders or artificial cheese substitutes here. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body while satisfying your cravings.

Another great thing? It’s very adaptable.

You can easily adjust the spice level, add veggies, or swap the pasta for gluten-free options. The sauce also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

If you’ve tried other vegan mac n cheese recipes and found them lacking, this one will change your mind.

Finally, it’s a wonderful recipe to introduce your family or friends to plant-based eating. Even non-vegans won’t believe it’s dairy-free!

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight
• 1 1/4 cups water (or unsweetened plant milk for creamier sauce)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (adds cheesy flavor)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil or vegan butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (for color)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (e.g., almond, oat, soy)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• High-speed blender
• Colander or strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Medium saucepan (optional, for warming sauce)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Soak the cashews: If you haven’t already, soak the cashews in hot water for at least 4 hours or overnight. For a quick version, soak them in boiling water for 20 minutes.
3. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, water (or plant milk), nutritional yeast, lemon juice, coconut oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Blend on high until the mixture is silky smooth, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more plant milk to reach your desired consistency.
4. Heat the sauce (optional): Pour the sauce into a medium saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. This step helps meld the flavors.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir well to coat every piece. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve immediately: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy your creamy vegan mac n cheese!

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, toast the cashews lightly before soaking.

• Add veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
• For a baked version: Transfer the mac n cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with vegan breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Try different nuts: Macadamia nuts or almonds can substitute for cashews but may alter the flavor slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan mac n cheese pairs wonderfully with fresh green salads or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp kale salad.

It’s also delicious when topped with crispy fried onions or crushed vegan crackers for added crunch.

If you’re looking for a fun twist, try this dish as a filling for vegan stuffed bell peppers or as a creamy pasta bake with your favorite plant-based protein. Want to explore more vegan recipes?

Check out the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or the Leche De Pantera Recipe for more flavorful plant-based dishes.

Conclusion

This best vegan mac n cheese recipe is proof that you don’t need dairy to create a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple process, it’s a fantastic addition to your recipe collection whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply love plant-based meals.

The creamy sauce made from cashews and nutritional yeast delivers a rich, cheesy taste that will satisfy your cravings without any guilt.

Remember, cooking vegan doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or texture. This recipe is versatile, nutritious, and sure to become a family favorite.

Don’t forget to explore more recipes like the Magic Dough Recipe or the delightful Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe to keep your meals exciting and wholesome. Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegan Mac n Cheese Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy, cheesy vegan mac and cheese made with cashews and nutritional yeast. Quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“8 oz elbow macaroni”, “1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 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 smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color)”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 tablespoon tapioca starch (optional for stretchiness)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain soaked cashews and blend with almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, turmeric, olive oil, and tapioca starch until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour sauce into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix the sauce with cooked macaroni until fully coated.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm and enjoy!”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “450 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “15 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “55 g”}}