Creamy, cheesy, comforting Vegan Mac and Cashew Cheese! This simple, healthy version is made dairy-free with a savory cashew cheese sauce filled with flavor and protein.
Sometimes you just need a big bowl of creamy, cheesy, comforting mac and cheese.
This simple, healthy version is made dairy-free with a creamy cashew cheese sauce. It is filled with flavor and also plant-based protein.
I also enjoy adding broccoli to this dish (mac and cheese with trees!) It is a great, delicious pairing, and not to mention a nice nutrient boost.
Ingredients for Cashew Cheese
For the cashew cheese sauce you will need:
- Raw cashews
- Nutritional yeast: This provides the rich, savory, cheesy flavor.
- Vegetable broth
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Ground turmeric: This gives the sauce the nice classic yellow color.
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt to taste
You will also need a blender to prepare this cashew cheese sauce.
For more inspiration, also browse all 30 minute or less recipes.
Vegan Mac and Cheese (with Cashew Sauce)
Ingredients
- 12 oz. pasta (I use brown rice shells for gluten-free)
For the cheese sauce:
- 1 cup raw cashews*
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
- 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Quick-soak the cashews: In a bowl, cover the raw cashews with hot water (about 160°F/71°C) until they are 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 medium-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
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
If you are enjoying this cashew mac and cheese and looking for more vegan weeknight inspiration, also check out:
- BBQ Tempeh Wraps with Spinach
- Vegan Hawaiian BBQ Quesadillas
- Bean Tostadas
- Spinach Artichoke Quesadillas
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Unknown
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!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Excellent tip - thanks for sharing!
Anonymous
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!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Hope you enjoy!
Skye McLain
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!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Absolutely! Hope you enjoy if you give it a try.