Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese – Rich, Cheesy, and 100% Plant-Based!
If you’ve been craving the ultimate comfort food without dairy, this Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese delivers all the indulgence of traditional mac and cheese — but entirely plant-based. Velvety, cheesy, and flavorful, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or as a crowd-pleasing side at gatherings.
Using cashews, nutritional yeast, and plant milk, this recipe achieves a creamy texture and rich “cheesy” flavor without any dairy or artificial ingredients. It’s quick, simple, and entirely customizable for your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Mac and Cheese
🧀 Creamy & Cheesy: A luscious cashew-based sauce coated perfectly on pasta.
🌱 100% Vegan: No dairy, no eggs — all plant-based ingredients.
⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
🍝 Comfort Food Classic: Silky, rich, and satisfying for both kids and adults.
💡 Customizable: Add veggies, spices, or vegan bacon for extra flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Vegan Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked 4 hours or boiled 10 minutes
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk)
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Toasted breadcrumbs
- Chopped parsley
- Steamed broccoli or peas
- Crumbled vegan bacon
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Drain and rinse soaked cashews. In a high-speed blender, combine cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, vegan butter, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Pour in the cashew cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
Step 4: Optional Toppings
Transfer mac and cheese to a serving dish. Top with toasted breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, or vegetables as desired.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while warm and creamy, or portion into meal prep containers for later.
Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Blend soaked cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, vegan butter, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Return pasta to the pot over low heat and pour in cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Warm gently for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens. Serve with optional toppings.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Vegan Mac and Cheese
🧄 Blend Until Ultra Smooth: High-speed blenders make the creamiest sauce without lumps.
💧 Adjust Consistency: Add more plant milk for a thinner sauce or simmer slightly for thicker.
🥦 Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted cauliflower for color and nutrition.
🌿 Boost Flavor: A sprinkle of smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, or hot sauce can elevate the taste.
🍽️ Crispy Topping: Broil mac and cheese with breadcrumbs for 2–3 minutes for a golden crust.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of plant milk to restore creaminess.
Variations
🍄 Mushroom Mac: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
🌶️ Spicy Vegan Mac: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
🥕 Veggie-Packed: Layer with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.
🥓 Vegan Bacon: Top with crispy crumbles for smoky flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
This Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese combines simple plant-based ingredients to create a rich, flavorful, and indulgent dish that satisfies cravings without dairy. Cashews provide the creamy base, nutritional yeast gives the cheesy umami, and spices round out the flavor perfectly.
It’s versatile, kid-friendly, and comforting — a must-have in your vegan recipe collection.
