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Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese

A close-up of a bowl filled with creamy vegan mac and cheese, showing the elbow macaroni coated in a rich, golden sauce.
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Enjoy a comforting bowl of dairy-free mac and cheese that’s so creamy and delicious, you won’t miss the dairy. This plant-based recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours or boiled for 15 minutes
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat

Instructions

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, drain the soaked cashews.
  3. In a high-speed blender, combine the drained cashews, nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, water, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  4. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Pour the cashew cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni. Stir well to coat all the pasta evenly.
  6. Serve immediately. For a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with vegan breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • For a nut-free version, you can try using boiled potatoes and carrots blended with nutritional yeast and seasonings.
  • Adjust the salt and seasonings to your personal preference.
  • This recipe is a great base; feel free to add cooked vegetables like broccoli or peas.
  • Consider this a healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese, similar to what you might find from some meal planning services that focus on wholesome ingredients.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/vegan-mac-and-cheese-recipe/