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Vegan mac and cheese served in small ramekins with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Best Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe for Easy Comfort

Emily
Discover the ultimate vegan mac and cheese recipe that's creamy, comforting, and 100% plant-based. Learn how to make this dairy-free classic.
4 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 527 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Mac and Cheese:
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni whole grain or gluten-free
  • 1 cup raw cashews soaked for 4 hours or boiled for 15 minutes
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk almond, soy, or oat milk
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric for color
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional Toppings:
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs vegan
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast for a cheesy topping
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta:
  • Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Prepare the Sauce:
  • In a blender, combine soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Combine Sauce and Pasta:
  • In a large saucepan, mix the cooked macaroni and the creamy sauce over medium heat. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated and heated through.
  • Optional Baking Step:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast on top.
  • Bake for 15 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
Vegan mac and cheese served in small ramekins with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Best Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe for Easy Comfort

Notes

For a Nut-Free Version: Substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or silken tofu.
For Extra Creaminess: Add 2 tbsp vegan cream cheese to the sauce.
Make It Kid-Friendly: Add steamed broccoli or peas for a pop of color and extra nutrition.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 527kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 19gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 59mgPotassium: 546mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 124IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 4mg
Keyword creamy vegan cheese sauce, dairy-free mac and cheese, easy vegan comfort food, plant-based mac and cheese, vegan mac and cheese
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