Black Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe Easy and Delicious

Mac and cheese is a timeless comfort food beloved by many, but traditional recipes often rely on dairy, making it off-limits for vegans or those with lactose intolerance. Enter Black Vegan Mac and Cheese — a bold, flavorful twist on the classic dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with plant-based ingredients and a striking black hue.

This recipe uses activated charcoal and a blend of nutritional yeast, cashews, and spices to deliver a rich taste and luscious texture without any animal products. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just looking for a unique take on mac and cheese, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and add a dramatic flair to your dinner table.

In this post, I’ll walk you through every step of creating this delicious dish, share tips for perfecting the sauce, and offer suggestions for serving. Plus, if you love mac and cheese, be sure to check out my Community Q Mac And Cheese Recipe for a smoky BBQ twist, or the classic Chrissy Teigen Mac N Cheese Recipe for inspiration.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Black Vegan Mac and Cheese is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of flavors and nutrition. The use of activated charcoal gives it a unique black color that’s both intriguing and Instagram-worthy, while the cashews and nutritional yeast provide a creamy, cheesy texture and umami depth.

It’s perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle, anyone avoiding dairy, or even just foodies who want to try something new and exciting. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, free from preservatives, and incredibly satisfying.

Best of all, it’s easy to make in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option. The sauce is silky smooth and clings perfectly to your pasta, delivering comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape, gluten-free if preferred)
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours or boiled for 10 minutes
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (adds cheesy flavor)
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk)
• 2 tbsp activated charcoal powder (food grade)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric (for subtle color and health benefits)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• High-speed blender or food processor
• Strainer or colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowl
• Serving dish

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, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the cashews: If you haven’t yet, soak the cashews in hot water for at least 2 hours or boil them for 10 minutes to soften. This ensures a creamy sauce.
3. Make the cheese sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, activated charcoal powder, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, turmeric, black pepper, salt, olive oil, and optional cayenne pepper.
4. Blend until smooth: Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is silky and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides occasionally. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and be pourable but thick.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Transfer the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl or back into the pot. Pour the black vegan cheese sauce over the pasta and stir well to evenly coat every piece.
6. Heat gently: Place the pot back on low heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring gently to warm the sauce through and allow it to thicken slightly. Do not boil.
7. Serve: Spoon the mac and cheese into serving bowls or a dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

“Activated charcoal can absorb toxins, but it also absorbs medications, so avoid consuming it if you’re on medication or consult your doctor first.”

• Adjust consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash more almond milk. If it’s too thin, blend in a few more cashews or cook it a little longer on low heat.
• Flavor boosters: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of soy sauce for extra umami depth.
• Cheesy variations: Swap nutritional yeast for vegan cheese shreds if preferred, though the flavor will change.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy kick: Add cayenne or smoked chipotle powder for heat.
• Add veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, roasted cauliflower, or spinach to boost nutrition.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Black Vegan Mac and Cheese pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and mains. For a hearty meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a plate of roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus.

If you want to keep things simple, enjoy it as a standalone comfort meal with some crusty bread or garlic bread. For a party or potluck, garnish with chopped herbs and sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.

For more vegan-friendly comfort food ideas, check out my Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe or the delicious Collard Green Casserole Recipes.

Conclusion

The Black Vegan Mac and Cheese recipe is a bold and beautiful take on a classic favorite that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy creamy, cheesy comfort without dairy. Its striking color and rich flavor make it a conversation starter, while its simple, wholesome ingredients make it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just craving something new, this recipe offers a deliciously unique twist that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with the spices and add-ins to make it your own.

And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more comfort food twists on my site, like the smoky Community Q Mac And Cheese Recipe, or cool down with a sweet treat like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.

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