Best Gluten Free Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe to Try Today

Craving the comforting, creamy goodness of mac and cheese but need to stick to a gluten-free and vegan diet? You’re in luck!

This best gluten free vegan mac and cheese recipe delivers all the cheesy, rich flavor you love without any dairy or gluten. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you simply want a satisfying bowl of comfort food, this recipe uses wholesome ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, and gluten-free pasta to create a luscious sauce that’s both healthy and indulgent.

Whether you’re a longtime vegan, gluten-sensitive, or just looking to try something new and delicious, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this creamy, cheesy delight that’s kinder to your body and the planet!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game changer for anyone avoiding gluten and animal products but longing for that classic mac and cheese experience. It’s packed with flavor and uses simple, accessible ingredients that come together quickly.

The sauce is silky smooth thanks to soaked cashews and a touch of coconut milk, while nutritional yeast adds that irresistible cheesy tang. Plus, it’s highly customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also nutritious, with healthy fats, plant-based protein, and no artificial additives. If you love recipes like this, be sure to check out our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for more vegan delights or try your hand at our Magic Dough Recipe for an easy gluten-free bread option.

Ingredients

• 8 oz gluten-free elbow macaroni (or any preferred gluten-free pasta)
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or other plant milk)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons tapioca starch (for creaminess and stretch)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat

Equipment

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

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare Cashews: While pasta cooks, soak the cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes. This softens them for a smooth sauce. After soaking, drain the cashews.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, coconut milk, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
4. Heat the Sauce: Pour the blended sauce into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously as it heats. The tapioca starch will cause the sauce to thicken and become stretchy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat all pasta evenly with the sauce.
6. Serve Warm: Transfer to serving bowls and garnish as desired. Enjoy immediately for the best creamy texture.

Tips & Variations

For an even cheesier flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of miso paste to the sauce.

If you want a baked mac and cheese, transfer the sauced pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until golden on top.

To make it nut-free, try using cooked white beans or cauliflower in place of cashews, but the texture will differ slightly.

Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This rich and creamy gluten free vegan mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with fresh green salads or roasted vegetables. Try serving it alongside steamed broccoli or a crisp kale salad for a balanced meal.

For a heartier option, top with crispy baked tofu cubes or vegan sausages. It also makes a fantastic base for a casserole when layered with sautéed mushrooms and topped with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

To keep exploring delicious vegan recipes, check out our Julie Marie Eats Recipes or if you’re interested in baking, our Marzipan Challah Recipe is a wonderful gluten-free vegan bread option.

Conclusion

This best gluten free vegan mac and cheese recipe proves that you don’t have to compromise on flavor or texture when avoiding gluten and dairy. The creamy cashew-based sauce combined with gluten-free pasta creates a comforting meal that satisfies every craving for cheesy goodness.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests with dietary restrictions, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s simple to prepare, customizable, and full of nourishing ingredients.

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish as much as I do!

Don’t forget to explore more creative recipes on our site like the Lump Of Coal Recipe for a fun twist on snacks or our Meatballs And Alfredo Sauce Recipe for another comforting classic made vegan and gluten-free.

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