Name: Vegan Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 16 oz pasta; 1 cup unsalted cashews; ¼ cup vegan butter, divided; ⅓ cup yellow onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ½ tsp smoked paprika; 2 cups almond milk or milk of choice; ½ cup + 2 tbsp nutritional yeast; ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; 3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs, optional

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Imagine a warm bowl of Vegan Mac and Cheese, bubbling with creamy richness, as the scent of garlic and smoky paprika envelops your kitchen. Each forkful brings a velvety swirl of flavor, perfectly clinging to the tender pasta. The golden hue glistens under the light, inviting you to dive right in. This comforting dish not only satisfies your cravings but also takes you back to cozy childhood memories of family dinners. Picture yourself enjoying it on a chilly autumn evening, wrapped up in a blanket, relishing every bite. Are you ready to indulge in this delicious, plant-based twist on a classic favorite?

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Vegan Mac and Cheese
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Vegan Mac and Cheese

Gather your pots and pans because you won’t want to miss out on this delightful Vegan Mac and Cheese recipe. It’s time to whip up something magical in your kitchen, and we promise you’ll be thrilled with the results!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 25 minutes, you can have a creamy, satisfying meal on the table.
Irresistible Flavor: A cozy blend of cashews, garlic, and nutritional yeast creates a rich and savory taste experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant, golden color is as appealing as it is delicious, making it perfect for impressing guests.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a hearty main dish or a side at your next gathering; it’s perfect for any occasion!
Diet-Friendly Options: Completely vegan, dairy-free, and can be gluten-free if you use the right pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

16 oz pasta: Any shape you love works! Use gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding gluten.
1 cup unsalted cashews: Soak them for a smoother sauce. For a nut-free option, try using sunflower seeds.
¼ cup vegan butter, divided: Adds depth and creaminess. Coconut oil can be substituted if you prefer.
⅓ cup yellow onion, diced: Gives a sweeter, aromatic base for flavor. Red or white onion would work too!
3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses your cheese sauce with savory goodness. Fresh garlic is recommended for the best taste.
½ tsp smoked paprika: Adds a delightful smoky note, but feel free to use regular paprika if desired.
2 cups almond milk or milk of choice: Use unsweetened versions for the best results. Soy milk or oat milk are great alternatives.
½ cup + 2 tbsp nutritional yeast: This magical ingredient brings cheesy flavor without any dairy! You can find it in most health food stores.
½ tsp salt, plus more to taste: Balances the flavors. Adjust according to your preference.
¼ tsp red pepper flakes: For a hint of spice! Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs, optional: Adds a delightful crunch on top if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Make Vegan Mac and Cheese

Cook and Drain Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot, adding a generous pinch of salt. Once the water is bubbling, add 16 oz of your favorite pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually around 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside, but do not rinse; you want to keep that starchy coating for the sauce to cling to.

Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of vegan butter. Once it’s melted, add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they’re translucent and fragrant. Then mix in the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until it’s aromatic—be careful not to burn the garlic!

Blend Cashews: Add your soaked unsalted cashews to a blender along with the sautéed onion and garlic, 2 cups of almond milk, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, and salt. Blend on high until completely smooth—this might take a few minutes, and you should have a luscious and creamy cheesy sauce. If your blender struggles, add a bit more almond milk to help it blend.

Combine Sauce and Pasta: In the pot where you cooked your pasta, pour in the creamy cashew sauce and stir gently. Heat over low-medium, stirring constantly, until everything is well combined and warm, about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be bubbling around the edges; this is when you can adjust the seasoning to your personal taste.

Optionally Bake: If you’d like some crunchy texture, preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer your Mac and Cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs and a bit of extra nutritional yeast, and dot the top with the remaining vegan butter. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Storing & Reheating

Keep any leftover Vegan Mac and Cheese at room temperature for about 2 hours if you’ve just served it. For longer storage, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate; it will last about 4 days. You can also freeze your Mac and Cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of almond milk to help refresh the creaminess. Be aware that freezing may slightly alter the texture, but a good reheat will bring it back to life!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your cashews are well-soaked ahead of time for a silky-smooth sauce.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of almond milk slightly.
For added flavor, try incorporating some mustard or a splash of lemon juice into the cheese sauce.
Experiment with different spices like onion powder or even a hint of curry for a unique twist.
Consider using a mix of pastas for a fun texture if you have it on hand.
This recipe is easily doubled—perfect for feeding a crowd!

The beauty of Vegan Mac and Cheese lies not just in its creamy texture and cheesy flavor but also in how easily it can be adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you’re in a rush or taking your time to enjoy the cooking process, this dish is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share a bowl. So feel free to get creative, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, enjoy every comforting bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this Vegan Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute your regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. There are plenty of delicious options out there, and they work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to cook them according to their package instructions for the best results!

Can I prepare this mac and cheese in advance?

Yes! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat and you’ll have a warm and comforting meal waiting for you.

What can I use instead of cashews?

If you’re looking for a nut-free alternative, try using sunflower seeds or even silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast. This will still give you a creamy texture, although the flavor may differ slightly.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Vegan Mac and Cheese?

Feel free to add in spices like mustard powder, turmeric for color, or cayenne pepper for a kick. You can also stir in sautéed veggies such as spinach or mushrooms before serving for added nutrition and flavor!