Busboys and Poets Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe Made Easy

Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food, and finding a vegan version that truly satisfies can be a delightful challenge. Busboys and Poets, a popular restaurant known for its inclusive and flavorful dishes, offers a vegan mac and cheese recipe that’s creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying without any dairy.

This recipe uses wholesome plant-based ingredients that come together to create a luscious sauce that coats every tender noodle perfectly. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just looking to try something new, this dish will win over your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

What’s fantastic about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare, yet how indulgent it feels. Packed with nutritional yeast, cashews, and a blend of spices, the sauce mimics the richness of traditional cheese while being completely plant-based.

Plus, you can customize it with your favorite add-ins or toppings to make it your own. Ready to dive into a bowl of creamy, dreamy vegan mac and cheese?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan mac and cheese recipe from Busboys and Poets stands out because it perfectly balances flavor, texture, and nutrition. Unlike many other vegan cheese sauces that rely heavily on processed ingredients, this recipe uses natural, wholesome components like cashews and nutritional yeast to create a rich and cheesy taste.

It’s also incredibly versatile — you can enjoy it as a classic mac and cheese or add vegetables and spices for a unique twist. The creamy sauce clings to every pasta piece, giving you that comforting mouthfeel we all crave in mac and cheese.

Plus, it’s free from dairy, gluten-free if you choose the right pasta, and suitable for those avoiding soy or nuts by swapping ingredients.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a dinner party, or meal prepping, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t compromise on taste or ethics.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape, gluten-free if desired)
• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20 minutes)
• 1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• High-speed blender or food processor
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon

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. Prepare the cashew cheese sauce: Drain the soaked cashews and place them in a high-speed blender. Add unsweetened almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Blend: Blend the mixture on high until completely smooth and creamy. This may take 1-2 minutes depending on your blender. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast for cheesiness.
4. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste without lumps.
5. Combine sauce and roux: Slowly whisk the blended cashew sauce into the roux. Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. If it gets too thick, add a splash of almond milk to loosen it.
6. Mix pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir well to coat every piece evenly. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle with smoked paprika or fresh herbs for garnish.

Tips & Variations

For an even cheesier flavor, add 1 teaspoon of miso paste to the sauce before blending.

Swap cashews for soaked peeled almonds if you want a slightly different nutty flavor.

Try adding steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies and texture.

If you don’t have a high-speed blender, soak the cashews overnight for a creamier blend.

Feel free to experiment with spices like turmeric for color or nutritional yeast blends for varied cheesy notes. For a baked mac and cheese, transfer the mixed pasta and sauce to a casserole dish, sprinkle with vegan breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with fresh green salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens like kale or spinach. For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic bread or crispy tofu bites.

You can also complement the creamy mac and cheese with a tangy side like a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a festive plate, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top.

Looking for more plant-based inspiration? Check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or dive into some hearty flavors with the Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

Conclusion

Busboys and Poets’ vegan mac and cheese recipe is a shining example of how plant-based cooking can be both delicious and comforting. It offers all the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave without any dairy, making it perfect for vegans and anyone looking to reduce their animal product intake.

The recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve guests, proving that vegan food can be both accessible and indulgent.

By using wholesome ingredients like cashews and nutritional yeast, you get a nutrient-rich dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Whether you enjoy it plain or customize it with veggies and spices, this mac and cheese is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

For more exciting recipes, don’t miss our Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe or try the refreshing Huckleberry Margarita Recipe for your next gathering.

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