Alana Blanchard Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe Made Easy

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and indulgent mac and cheese but want to keep it entirely plant-based, then Alana Blanchard’s Vegan Mac and Cheese recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen.

This recipe beautifully combines wholesome ingredients to create a luscious, cheesy flavor without any dairy, making it perfect for vegans, lactose-intolerant individuals, or anyone looking to enjoy a healthier twist on a classic favorite.

Alana Blanchard, known for her love of fresh and vibrant foods, brings a simple yet delicious version of vegan mac and cheese that’s packed with plant-based goodness. It’s creamy, velvety, and filled with subtle nutty and savory notes thanks to ingredients like cashews and nutritional yeast.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to mix up your dinner routine, this recipe offers a satisfying and nourishing meal that everyone will love.

Get ready for a bowl of rich, cheesy, and comforting mac and cheese that proves plant-based recipes can be just as indulgent as the original. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful dish in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan mac and cheese recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses simple, natural ingredients that come together quickly to create a creamy sauce without any dairy or artificial additives.

The use of cashews adds a wonderful richness, while nutritional yeast gives it that unmistakable cheesy flavor.

It’s also incredibly versatile—you can customize it with your favorite veggies, spices, or pasta shapes. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese, lower in saturated fat and cholesterol-free.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is crowd-pleasing and sure to satisfy those comfort food cravings.

Lastly, it’s perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for busy weeknights or packed lunches. Once you try it, this vegan mac and cheese will become a staple in your recipe collection!

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape, gluten-free if desired)
• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20 minutes)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (for color and subtle flavor)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt (optional, for tanginess)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• High-speed blender or food processor
• Strainer or colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing 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: While the pasta cooks, soak the raw cashews in hot water for 20 minutes to soften them. This step is crucial for a creamy sauce.
3. Make the cheese sauce: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to your blender. Pour in the almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
4. Blend until smooth: Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
5. Optional tanginess: For an extra tangy kick, add the plant-based yogurt and olive oil to the blender and pulse a few times to combine evenly.
6. Combine pasta and sauce: In the pot or a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the vegan cheese sauce. Stir well to coat every piece.
7. Warm it up: If you prefer your mac and cheese warm, transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan and gently heat over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
8. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to brighten the flavors.
9. Serve immediately: Spoon into bowls and enjoy your creamy, comforting vegan mac and cheese!

Tips & Variations

“Soaking your cashews properly is key to achieving that luscious, creamy texture in the sauce.”

You can soak cashews overnight in cold water if you have more time; it makes blending even easier. If you’re short on time, soaking them in very hot water for 20 minutes works well too.

For a baked version, transfer your mac and cheese to a casserole dish, sprinkle vegan parmesan or breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Want to add some veggies? Stir in steamed broccoli, roasted cauliflower, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.

If you don’t have cashews, try using soaked almonds or even silken tofu as the base, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan mac and cheese is delicious served on its own as a hearty meal. However, pairing it with fresh, crisp salads or steamed vegetables adds balance and freshness to your plate.

Try it alongside roasted asparagus or a tangy coleslaw for contrast. You can also serve it with garlic bread or vegan sausage for a more indulgent meal.

For a lighter option, portion it as a side dish alongside your favorite protein or a bowl of soup.

Looking for more comforting vegan meals? Check out our Blackberry Juicing Recipes or explore vibrant vegetable dishes like Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe for a wholesome dinner lineup.

Conclusion

Alana Blanchard’s Vegan Mac and Cheese recipe is a testament to how simple, natural ingredients can create the most comforting and delicious plant-based dishes. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply wanting to try something new, this recipe delivers rich, creamy, cheesy goodness without any compromise on flavor.

Easy to make, versatile, and packed with nutrition, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you need a cozy bowl of comfort food. With a blend of cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices, this mac and cheese will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Be sure to try it out and share with friends and family—you might just convert a few non-vegans along the way!

For other hearty and delicious recipes to add to your culinary repertoire, don’t miss our Bread And Gravy Recipe and the indulgent Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe. Happy cooking!

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