Sometimes you just need a big bowl of creamy, cheesy, comforting mac and cheese. This simple, healthy version is made dairy-free with the help of a rock-star cashew cheese sauce bursting with flavor (and protein!)
I love adding a pop of color and nutrition with vibrant green broccoli (mac & cheese with trees!) Always a great pair. Hope you enjoy as well!
Easy Vegan Mac & Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, comforting VEGAN mac and cheese. This simple, healthy version is made dairy-free with a rock-star cashew cheese sauce bursting with flavor (and protein!)
Prep Time:30 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Servings:4 medium bowls
Ingredients
- 12 oz. uncooked pasta (I use brown rice shells)
For the cheese sauce:
- 1 cup raw cashews*
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast (I use this brand)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. turmeric
- 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Quick soak the cashews: in a bowl, cover the raw cashews with hot water (~160 F) until they’re submerged. Set aside and let sit for about 10-15 minutes. (This makes them easier to blend.)*
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, leaving al dente.
- Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce: drain cashews and place all cheese sauce ingredients in a blender. Blend thoroughly until smooth. Adjust seasonings if desired.
- In a large pan over med-low heat, add cheese sauce. Heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Add drained pasta and stir well. Cook for an additional 3 minutes or until sauce is desired thickness.
Notes
*If you don't have a high-speed blender, you may want to soak your cashews 8 hours or overnight to achieve a smoother sauce.
Made gluten-free with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Cheese sauce adapted from Vegan Military Wife
Nutrition Per Serving (estimate)
Calories: 530kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Potassium: 541mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 855IU | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 4mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @thegardengrazer on Instagram and hashtag it #thegardengrazer. I love seeing your recreations!
YUM!
Thanks! 🙂
This could not look more incredible! I just want to dig into my screen 🙂 Beautiful photos, as usual!
Aww thanks Liz!! 🙂
This looks magnificent! I'm not vegan, because one of the hardest things for me to give up would be cheese, but I think I could even fool my husband with this one!
Hey Skye! This isn't your typical Velveeta mac 'n cheese but it has tons of awesome flavor! 🙂 Hope you guys enjoy too!!
I have been looking for a vegan mac and cheese recipe that is easy to make and yummy for a while… and I think this recipe meets those qualifications! YUM!
YAY – enjoy! Many cheese sauces out there are pretty complicated (but still delicious!) I love this one because it's so quick and easy!! 🙂
This looks fantastic. I use a cashew based sauce as well. One tip I learned from a friend: reserve some of the water used to cook the pasta. When you transfer the sauce to the stovetop, if you want to smooth out the texture use the pasta water. It is now starchy and will serve as a thickener so you can make the sauce smooth without making it runny. Just discovered your website and am loving it. Thanks!
Excellent tip with using the pasta water – I love doing that too! Glad you're enjoying the site, thanks for the kind words 🙂