Vegan Mac and Cheese
Try this Vegan Mac and Cheese recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Vegan Mac and Cheese recipe, or contribute your own.
- 3/4 cup water
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- pinch of turmeric
- 1/2 clove garlic
- paprika for garnish
- 3 t. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. mustard (dijon or yellow)
- 8 oz. of elbow or shell pasta of choice
- *optional add-ins: roasted broccoli sauteed mushrooms, spinach (i highly recommend these!!!)
- Carbohydrate 22.4804665670209 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 24.4888118755444 g
- Fiber 4.56734062812906 g
- Protein 13.2943709420328 g
- Saturated Fat 4.79370675007042 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 (112g)
- Sodium 672.81512500742 mg
- Sugar 17.9131259388919 g
- Trans Fat 1.2542150001696 g
- Calories 338 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350F. (If you are adding roasted broccoli to your dish, this would be a good time to start preparing that, so it can roast in the oven while you work on the rest!) You should also start boiling some water to prepare your pasta.
- If you have a Vita-Mix, or other high-powered blender, making this sauce is incredibly easy. Simply throw the first ten ingredients into the blender, and blend until smooth and creamy!
- If you do not have a high-powered blender, don't worry-- you can easily use a food processor or blender to process the cashews first, until they are finely ground, or ideally, a nut-butter-like consistency. Once your cashews are thoroughly processed, add the rest of the ingredients and process until thick and smooth.
- At this time, you should check your pasta. Once it's cooked to your liking, drain and rinse it, then return the pasta to the pot to be mixed with the cheese sauce.
- If you're adding any roasted or sauteed veggies, this would be the time to do it. I highly recommend adding roasted broccoli to this dish!
- Serve immediately while hot, or move on to the next step for baking.
- Once you've mixed everything together, pour the mac n' cheese into an 8 x 8 square dish and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and black pepper.
- Bake at 350F for 20 minutes.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes, then serve!
My Favorite Comfort Food: Vegan Mac and Cheese
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can be a real challenge. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of homework help, soccer practice, and trying to squeeze in a few minutes for myself before bedtime. So when I discovered this vegan mac and cheese recipe, it became an instant lifesaver. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and cleanup, but it’s also surprisingly healthy and satisfying. It's the perfect comfort food without the guilt, a creamy and cheesy delight that even my picky eaters devour.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. I often adjust it to suit my family’s preferences and what’s available in the fridge. Sometimes I add roasted broccoli, other times sauteed mushrooms or even a handful of spinach for extra nutrients. The cashew-based cheese sauce is incredibly versatile, acting as a blank canvas for culinary creativity. On particularly rushed evenings, I skip the baking step, serving it straight from the pot, a quick and satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.
What sets this recipe apart, aside from its simplicity, is the incredible flavor. The combination of nutritional yeast, cashews, and lemon juice creates a surprisingly authentic cheese sauce, rich and creamy without any dairy. The subtle hint of spice from the chili powder and cayenne pepper adds a pleasant kick, balancing the richness of the sauce. It's a dish that manages to be both decadent and wholesome, the perfect balance for my busy lifestyle.
Beyond the weeknight routine: This vegan mac and cheese isn't just a weeknight staple; it’s also perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or even a cozy night in. It travels well, reheats beautifully, and always impresses. I've taken it to countless picnics, BBQs, and family dinners, and it's consistently been a crowd-pleaser. The recipe easily scales up or down, making it adaptable for any occasion, large or small.
The versatility of this recipe is its greatest strength. You can customize it to your liking. Add different vegetables, experiment with spices, or even try different types of pasta. The possibilities are endless! One of my favorite variations is adding roasted butternut squash for a touch of sweetness and autumnal flavor. Other times, I'll add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a burst of freshness. No matter how you make it, this vegan mac and cheese is guaranteed to be a delicious and satisfying meal.
The ease of preparation also makes this recipe a favorite for impromptu gatherings. When unexpected guests arrive, I can whip up a batch in no time. The ingredients are usually on hand, and the process is so simple that even my children can help with some of the steps, making it a fun family activity. This makes it a perfect solution for those moments when you need a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal without any fuss.
More than just a recipe, this vegan mac and cheese is a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients and the joy of creating delicious meals without compromise. It’s a recipe that embodies my personal philosophy of cooking: nourishing my family with delicious, healthy food that doesn’t require hours of work in the kitchen. It’s a recipe that speaks to my heart and my family's stomachs, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, too.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Vegan Mac and Cheese:
- Soaking the cashews: Soaking the cashews for at least 30 minutes before blending will create a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Using a high-speed blender: A high-speed blender will create the smoothest sauce, but a regular blender will work fine if you process the cashews separately first.
- Adjusting the seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more chili powder for a spicier dish, or more nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor.
- Adding vegetables: Experiment with different vegetables to create unique flavor combinations. Roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, and spinach are all excellent choices.
- Baking vs. not baking: Baking the mac and cheese adds a delightful crispy top, but it’s also delicious served directly from the pot.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the fact that healthy and delicious don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It's a reminder that even the busiest of lives can accommodate time for nourishing and satisfying food, and that sometimes, the simplest recipes bring the most joy. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does!
