Name: Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Vegan American
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow pasta (or gluten-free); 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water); 1 cup raw cashews (soaked 4 hours or boiled 10 minutes); 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk; 1/4 cup nutritional yeast; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp mustard powder; 1/4 tsp turmeric (for color); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup steamed broccoli or peas (optional); 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)

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Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe is a game-changing, dairy-free take on the classic, blending cashews, nutritional yeast, and pasta for that gooey, golden comfort without the cheese. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s the ultimate family favorite or meal-prep star packed with protein and flavor. Whether you’re going plant-based or just trying meatless Mondays, you can blend up this Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe to deliver nostalgic indulgence without the animal products.

What is the Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe?

The Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe is a stovetop simmer of elbow pasta coated in a cashew-based “cheese” sauce made from blended nuts, nutritional yeast, and spices for a velvety texture that mimics the real thing. This quick-cook essential is perfect for weeknights, requiring a blender for the sauce and minimal stirring. If you’re craving cheesy comfort, follow the Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe to recreate this vegan victory at home.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe

There are countless reasons why the creamy vegan mac and cheese recipe has become a staple for plant-based eaters everywhere. From its surprising cheesiness to its effortless blend, this recipe delivers big on comfort without compromise. Here’s why you’ll cook it on repeat:

Quick and Effortless Blend
One of the best parts of the creamy vegan mac and cheese recipe is how it cooks in 25 minutes. No roux—just boil and sauce. It’s perfect for those busy evenings.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
This recipe captures mac and cheese’s soul with nutty cashews, savory nutritional yeast, and garlic depth, creating bites that are creamy yet light. It’s customizable with veggies or breadcrumbs—much like how herb-infused flavors elevate dishes in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup
True to one-pot prowess, everything boils and blends with minimal mess. It’s as straightforward as the steps below, using staples like pasta and cashews for a no-dairy marvel.
Versatile for Any Meal
Whether it’s a side for burgers or main with greens, this mac adapts seamlessly. Add broccoli or keep classic. Experiment with nuts, similar to how lemon brightens up the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Ideal for Plant-Based Comfort
The cashew creaminess is incredibly satisfying on cool days, delivering that cheesy hug without dairy. It’s an invigorating option, providing protein-packed warmth for the day.
A Family Favorite Showstopper
With its golden sauce and pasta twirls, this mac looks like comfort food pro—impressive yet simple. Bake with breadcrumbs for crunch; it’s sure to please, just like the bold layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.

The creamy vegan mac and cheese recipe offers the ideal mix of gooey, good, and guilt-free, making it a must-try for vegan lovers. If you’re after dishes that fool the taste buds, this one will quickly become your go-to!

Gooey, cashew-based creamy vegan mac and cheese recipe with nutritional yeast—perfect for dinners, sides, or anytime you crave comfort without dairy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Vegan American

Ingredients

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Pasta

8 oz elbow pasta
1 tbsp salt

Sauce

1 cup cashews
1/4 cup nutritional yeast

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Instructions

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Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 serving

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Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe Ingredients

Pasta Ingredients

8 oz elbow pasta (or gluten-free)
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

Sauce Ingredients

1 cup raw cashews (soaked 4 hours or boiled 10 minutes)
1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp mustard powder
1/4 tsp turmeric (for color)
Salt and pepper to taste

Add-Ins (Optional)

1 cup steamed broccoli or peas
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

How to Make Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

In a blender, combine soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy (1–2 minutes). Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

In the pasta pot over low heat, pour sauce over cooked pasta. Stir until heated through and coated (2–3 minutes). Add veggies if using. For baked version, transfer to dish, top with breadcrumbs, and broil 2 minutes. Serve hot.

How Long Will Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe Last?

When storing your creamy vegan mac and cheese recipe, prompt cooling keeps its gooey magic alive. These tips ensure it stays fresh for leftovers, especially for meal-prep warriors.

How Long Does Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe Last in the Fridge?

Cooked mac keeps 4–5 days in an airtight container. Sauce may thicken, but add milk when reheating.

To maintain creaminess:

Cool quickly before storing.
Stir in extra nutritional yeast when reheating.
Reheat on stovetop over low heat.

Can You Freeze Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Yes—portion and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge and reheat with added liquid. (Pro tip: Similar to storing custardy desserts in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe, freeze sauce separately for best texture.)

Signs That Your Mac Has Gone Bad

Watch for:

Slimy pasta or off cashew smells.
Discoloration.
Mold spots.

Follow these to keep the vegan victory.

Which Cashews are Best for Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe?

The cashews you choose are the heart of your creamy vegan mac and cheese recipe, influencing thickness and how well they create that “cheesy” sauce. Opt for raw for peak neutral creaminess.

Best Type of Cashews for Vegan Mac and Cheese

For smooth, nutty base, use raw cashews—at least 1 cup for 4 servings. They provide the ideal soak-and-blend texture without bitterness.

Raw Cashews: The top pick for their mild flavor and ability to puree into velvety sauce.
Avoid Roasted/Salted: They’re flavored; stick to raw for control.

Soak in hot water 10 minutes if short on time—it’ll soften quickly.

How to Prep Cashews for Vegan Mac and Cheese

Soak 4 hours or boil 10 minutes.
Drain and blend with milk.
Puree 2 minutes for smoothness; sauce coats in 3 minutes.

Stabilizing Cashews for Mac and Cheese

For longer-lasting batch:

Lemon Boost: Adds tang, much like lemon in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Yeast Balance: Builds cheesiness.

Other Cashew Options for Vegan Mac and Cheese

Sunflower Seeds: Nut-free twist for allergies, with notes that catch garlic.
Blended Tofu: Silky swap for soy lovers.
Gluten-Free Note: Works seamlessly with GF pasta.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Cashews for Your Mac

The right cashews elevate your creamy vegan mac and cheese recipe from good to gooey-great, ensuring every forkful is a creamy dream. Whether raw or alternative, you’ll blend that perfect plant-based comfort every time.

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Conclusion

Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe is a flavorful, no-fuss main that delivers cheesy comfort in a simple, blend-and-stir package. With the right ingredients and easy steps, it’s bound to become your go-to for vegan wins. From cashew picks to smart storage, these insights ensure success every pot. Blend up, share the goo, and enjoy this delightful mac with loved ones!