Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese (Print Version)

Silky, cashew-based mac with nutritional yeast creates the ultimate dairy-free comfort food that's ready in just 25 minutes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 225 g elbow macaroni (use gluten-free if needed)

→ Vegan Cheese Sauce

02 - 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
03 - 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
04 - 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
05 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
06 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
07 - 1 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 tsp turmeric (for color)
11 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
02 - Drain soaked cashews and add them to a blender with almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
03 - Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
04 - Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Pour the vegan cheese sauce over the pasta and stir until heated through and well coated.
05 - Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
  • Completely plant based but satisfies that real cheese craving
  • Customizable with your favorite mix ins and toppings
  • Naturally protein rich thanks to the cashews and nutritional yeast
02 -
  • This sauce continues to thicken as it sits so serve immediately for the creamiest texture
  • The recipe is incredibly forgiving you can adjust any of the seasonings to your taste
  • Leftovers can be revived with a splash of plant milk when reheating
  • The sauce itself can be made ahead and stored separately from pasta
03 -
  • Soak your cashews overnight in the refrigerator if planning ahead this creates an even creamier sauce
  • The sauce may seem thin after blending but will thicken considerably upon heating and standing
  • For the absolute smoothest sauce use a high powered blender and give it extra time blending until completely silky