RECIPE: Creamy, Dreamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, creamy, and nostalgic, bringing back memories of childhood dinners and cozy nights. But what if I told you that you could enjoy all the indulgence of classic mac and cheese without any of the dairy?
This vegan mac and cheese does just that. It is rich, velvety, and packed with flavor, yet completely plant-based. Even better, it is quick and easy to make, ready in just 20 minutes for the stovetop version or baked to crispy perfection with a buttery breadcrumb topping.
If you have ever thought that vegan mac and cheese could never match the real thing, prepare to be proven wrong.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Many plant-based cheese sauces rely on processed ingredients, but this recipe keeps things simple and wholesome. Cashews, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice work together to create a sauce that is just as creamy and cheesy as its dairy-based counterpart. The addition of shredded vegan cheese takes it to another level, but even without it, the result is incredibly satisfying.
This dish can be made two ways:
Stovetop version – Ready in under 20 minutes for a quick and easy meal.
Baked version – Adds a crispy, buttery breadcrumb topping for extra texture and flavor.
Whichever way you choose, this will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You'll Need
Mac and Cheese
1 1/2 cups raw cashews – The base of the creamy sauce.
1 cup water– Increase this to 2 cups water if using optional vegan cheese.
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Adds the perfect amount of tang.
1/2 cup nutritional yeast – Gives the sauce a deep, cheesy flavor.
1/4 teaspoon turmeric – Mostly for color, but it also adds warmth.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the overall taste.
1 1/2 teaspoons salt – Essential for balancing flavors.
1 (7-ounce) bag shredded vegan cheddar cheese – The bag of vegan cheddar cheese is optional.
12 ounces elbow pasta – Classic choice, but any pasta works.
Optional Breadcrumb Topping
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs – Creates a crispy, golden crust.
4 tablespoons vegan butter, melted – Adds richness and helps bind the topping.
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika – Brings a subtle, smoky depth.
How to Make Vegan Mac and Cheese
Preheat the Oven and Prep
If you plan on making the baked version, preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Skip this step for the stovetop version.
Soak the Cashews
To soften the cashews, pour boiling water over them and let them sit for five minutes. This step ensures a silky-smooth sauce. If using a standard blender, consider soaking them for an hour or overnight for the best texture.
Cook the Pasta
Prepare the pasta according to package instructions, but do not overcook. Drain and set aside.
Blend the Cheese Sauce
Drain the cashews and discard the soaking water. In a high-powered blender, combine the cashews, fresh water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and vegan cheese (if using). Blend until completely smooth.
Two Ways to Make It
Stovetop Version
Return the drained pasta to the pot and pour in the cheese sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the noodles. Serve immediately.
Baked Version (Highly Recommended!)
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, melted vegan butter, and smoked paprika until combined.
Add the drained pasta to the prepared casserole dish and pour in the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, then broil for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Mac and Cheese
Use a high-powered blender – This makes all the difference in achieving a velvety, smooth sauce.
Adjust the sauce consistency – If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of warm water and stir until smooth.
Pair it with vegetables – Roasted cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts complement the creamy richness.
Experiment with toppings – Crumbled tempeh bacon or crispy fried onions can take this dish to another level.
Comfort Food Without Compromise
Mac and cheese is more than just a meal. It is a feeling, a reminder of home, a dish that warms both the body and the soul. But traditional mac and cheese comes at a cost—one that involves suffering and unsustainable food systems.
This vegan mac and cheese proves that comfort food can be both indulgent and ethical. It delivers everything you crave while aligning with values of compassion and sustainability.
No sacrifices. No compromises. Just pure, creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
